Posts
The 2010 Census is just around the corner, and we are going to do several posts aimed at clearing up many of the misconceptions about this required task of the United States Government.
In this post we are going to clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about the Census, being the belief that Census workers are actually out to gather information on citizens that might not being following the letter of the law.
This is absolutely FALSE
The confidentiality provision of the Census Act prohibits any officer or employee of the Department of Commerce or local government census liaison from using information collected under the Census Act for any purpose other than statistical purposes, publishing information that can be identified as pertaining to a particular individual or organization, or permitting anyone to examine individual reports or forms other than officers or employees of the Department of Commerce who are sworn to observe confidentiality or an oath of office.
There are a few, specific exceptions to this confidentiality:
(1) Providing authenticated copies of census responses to the individual or organization who provided and is the subject
of the information.
(2) Review of address lists by state and local governments.
(3) Providing information to the Census Monitoring Board.
(4) Sharing of information with the Department of Agriculture for agricultural censuses.
(5) Data collected for the census of governments that is compiled from public
records.Other departments, agencies, officers, or employees of the Federal Government are prohibited from requiring individuals or organizations to provide copies of their census responses.
Furthermore,copies of census responses kept by the respondent are immune from legal process and cannot be admitted as evidence or be used for any other purpose in a judicial or administrative proceeding without the consent of the individual or organizational respondent.
The confidentiality provision is supported by other provisions in the Census Act and other federal laws.
Section 8 of title 13 of the U.S. Code allows the Secretary of Commerce to provide copies of statistical materials which do not disclose information reported by a particular respondent to other Federal Government agencies and to state and local governments.12 This provision also permits the Secretary of Commerce to make special statistical compilations and surveys for other Federal Government agencies and state and local governments; to engage in joint statistical projects with non-profit organizations; and to provide copies of census responses to the respondent.
The information provided by the Secretary of Commerce under 13 U.S.C. §8 cannot be used to the detriment of any respondent or other persons to whom the census information relates, except for prosecutions for violations of the Census Act (such as providing false information).13 Section 214 of title 13 of the U.S. Code penalizes Department of Commerce officers and employees and census liaisons of state and local governments who disclose census information in violation of 13 U.S.C. §9.
Finally, individually identifiable census information is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Exceptions to the protections against disclosure are explicit.
Now if you are still worried about these people coming to your house/property then do the one thing that will absolutely insure no one comes around to bother you. Simply fill out the Census forms when you receive them, and return them. No one will come out because you have provided them with what they need to know. It's simple.
Here is a link to the first post concerning the 2010 Census:
http://kypoliticalwatch.blogspot.com/2009/10/importance-of-2010-census.html
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Congressman Rogers On Why He Voted Against Pelosi's Government Run Health Care Plan
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers’
statement on why he voted against Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s government-run health care bill today and why he supports the Republican health care plan:
“We can all agree that health care costs are too high and that we need to open up access for more Americans. That being said, we need to pass a bill that actually cuts costs and increases access rather than a government-run takeover of your health care,” said Rogers. “Today, I voted against Speaker Pelosi’s monstrosity of a bill because it puts a Washington bureaucrat between you and your doctor, it adds to our enormous debt in Washington, and, even more frightening, it will limit health care availability in rural regions like southern and eastern Kentucky."
“In these challenging economic times, with double digit unemployment, out of control government spending sprees, and bailout after bailout, we should not pass a bill that will kill jobs and raise taxes. Speaker Pelosi’s government-run health care bill not only imposes new penalties and taxes on small businesses, it raises taxes on already struggling individuals and families. Whether you want health insurance or not, you’ll be forced to purchase it, and the federal government will garnish your wages or send you to jail if you don’t. Even more troubling, the more vulnerable and ailing you are, the more you’ll pay, as this bill imposes new taxes on critical medical supplies, like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and prosthetic limbs. As if that wasn’t enough, the bill opens the floodgates of taxpayer money for illegal immigrants to abuse the system and obtain free government health insurance – all on the backs of law-abiding Americans. Lastly, I am scared for our seniors as this bill makes devastating cuts to the Medicare program to the tune of $500 billion dollars, and puts the popular Medicare Advantage program on life support, virtually eliminating its existence.
“I support the Republican alternative health care bill that focuses on lowering health care premiums for families and small businesses, increases access to affordable high-quality health care, and promotes healthier lifestyles without adding to Washington’s crushing debt. The plan I support guarantees access to affordable care for those with pre-existing conditions, ends junk lawsuits against our doctors, allows small businesses to band together to purchase insurance for their employees and allows individuals to shop for insurance across state lines. Simple and less costly initiatives such as these will lower insurance premiums by at least 10%, and provide health insurance to millions more Americans.
“Today’s vote reflects a fundamental and drastic change in our way of life, and is the largest government intrusion into the private lives of our citizens ever. I, for one, am truly frightened by the potential consequences.”
statement on why he voted against Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s government-run health care bill today and why he supports the Republican health care plan:
“We can all agree that health care costs are too high and that we need to open up access for more Americans. That being said, we need to pass a bill that actually cuts costs and increases access rather than a government-run takeover of your health care,” said Rogers. “Today, I voted against Speaker Pelosi’s monstrosity of a bill because it puts a Washington bureaucrat between you and your doctor, it adds to our enormous debt in Washington, and, even more frightening, it will limit health care availability in rural regions like southern and eastern Kentucky."
“In these challenging economic times, with double digit unemployment, out of control government spending sprees, and bailout after bailout, we should not pass a bill that will kill jobs and raise taxes. Speaker Pelosi’s government-run health care bill not only imposes new penalties and taxes on small businesses, it raises taxes on already struggling individuals and families. Whether you want health insurance or not, you’ll be forced to purchase it, and the federal government will garnish your wages or send you to jail if you don’t. Even more troubling, the more vulnerable and ailing you are, the more you’ll pay, as this bill imposes new taxes on critical medical supplies, like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and prosthetic limbs. As if that wasn’t enough, the bill opens the floodgates of taxpayer money for illegal immigrants to abuse the system and obtain free government health insurance – all on the backs of law-abiding Americans. Lastly, I am scared for our seniors as this bill makes devastating cuts to the Medicare program to the tune of $500 billion dollars, and puts the popular Medicare Advantage program on life support, virtually eliminating its existence.
“I support the Republican alternative health care bill that focuses on lowering health care premiums for families and small businesses, increases access to affordable high-quality health care, and promotes healthier lifestyles without adding to Washington’s crushing debt. The plan I support guarantees access to affordable care for those with pre-existing conditions, ends junk lawsuits against our doctors, allows small businesses to band together to purchase insurance for their employees and allows individuals to shop for insurance across state lines. Simple and less costly initiatives such as these will lower insurance premiums by at least 10%, and provide health insurance to millions more Americans.
“Today’s vote reflects a fundamental and drastic change in our way of life, and is the largest government intrusion into the private lives of our citizens ever. I, for one, am truly frightened by the potential consequences.”
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Debut Novel By Frankfort Native Mixes Politics With Murder
About Ron Rhody
Ron Rhody was born and grew up in Frankfort, a small town nestled in a bend of a river in the heart of Kentucky’s lush Bluegrass country and the state’s capitol city.
He attended Georgetown College then transferred to the University of Kentucky, intending to enter law school, but became attracted to journalism instead.
Rhody has been a reporter, a sportswriter, a broadcast newsman, and covered the Kentucky legislature before moving on to a career as a corporate public relations executive in New York and San Francisco, and later as consultant to Fortune 500 companies on communications and public relations issues.
He was Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and External Affairs for Bank of America Corporation during one of its most demanding decades as the bank skirted bankruptcy. He fended off a hostile takeover attempt, and rose again to the top ranks of international finance.
Earlier he had been Corporate Vice President, Public Relations and Advertising for Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, directing the communication strategies for the intense marketing battles and international expansions and downsizings that were endemic to the world aluminum industry.
He is a fellow of the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the Arthur W. Page Society Hall of Fame. He received the Ferguson Award of The Public Relations Society of America this past year (2009) for outstanding contributions to public relations education. He is past chairman the Public Relations Seminar and founding chairman of the San Francisco Academy.
Rhody is the author of The CEO’s Playbook: Managing the Outside Forces that Shape Success, Wordsmithing: The Art and Craft of Writing for Public Relations with Dr. Carol Ann Hackley of the University of Pacific, The Soccer Book: A Spectators Guide, and most recently, Theo’s Story. He and his wife Patsy now make their home in Pinehurst, N.C.
Interview with Ron Rhody, author of Theo’s Story
1. Are Melungeons real?
Yes, very real and very mysterious still. For years, particularly in the Appalachian South, Melungeons were considered myths and phantoms. The women were of extraordinary beauty, makers of magic and creators of healing spells. The men moved like wraiths through the forests and knew the secrets of the mountains. Actually, though they were of a unique type, Melungeons were most often a victimized minority trying only to be left alone. Much more is becoming known about them and they, themselves, are taking spirited steps both to discover more about their origins and to connect with one another. Go to Google and type in “Melungeons.” You’ll be pleased with all the information that it produces.
2. Do you really know this much about Kentucky or are you faking it?
At the start of my career, I had, for a while, the best job in the world. I was in my senior year at the University of Kentucky working part time at the local newspaper and radio station to pay my way through school when I was hired by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to write for its magazine and do a weekly radio and television show on Kentucky hunting and fishing. I traveled all over the state, to some of the most remote and some of the most beautiful places imaginable, hunting and fishing with the best outdoorsman and some of the finest people I’ve ever met. East to West, North to South, I covered and saw almost the entire Commonwealth. It was wonderful. But then my young wife (I’d recently married) got tired of eating quail and bass and insisted I get a job that paid a little better. That’s a long answer to the question, but yes, I know a lot about Kentucky.
3. Why set the book in Kentucky? Not high on the list of likely literary settings.
Two reasons. First and foremost, Kentucky is where the story happens. As important as that is the fact that no place else in the country can be as interesting, exciting, exotic, and commanding of the grand and glorious Commonwealth. I can’t imagine any better place to set this particular story.
4. Is any of this based on real life events?
Sort of. All fiction to a degree is based on real life events. In this instance, the political part of the story – Michael’s campaign and tactics – is patterned on a real gubernatorial race in Kentucky in which a rich, corporate executive comes in as a dark horse candidate to run for Governor and walks away with the prize. The story of Benjamin Dannan’s death in the snow was suggested by a real-life incident involving a friend of mine.
5. Is it autobiographical?
Is it about me? No. But it is informed by experiences I had growing up and in my newspaper and corporate career, and by people I know and have known. Every good novelist takes bits and pieces of real life and real characters and weaves them into a story.
6. What happened to Allie?
Interesting you should ask. Allie is the only principal character left in limbo at the end of the story. The last picture we have of her is as she walks away after kissing Theo there on the corner of Main and St. Clair. Both Michael and Theo contended for Allie. Theo stepped aside and left the field to Michael back then, but did his feelings for Allie melt away? Or has he, all these years, harbored, perhaps unconsciously, his longing for his first love? Theo is with Marne Young when the story ends, but is that going to last? You decide.
7. In your mind is this a political thriller, a tale of justice and revenge, a story about the wages of unbridled ambition, a morality tale, or a love story?
All of the above. Not to be flip, but I’m afraid I can’t categorize it. I didn’t set out to write any particular “type” of story. I simply wanted to tell the story that came to my mind.
8. Why did you write it?
Several reasons, I suppose. Primarily, I wanted to see if I could write a piece of fiction. I’ve been writing most of my life in almost all forms - reportage, features for magazines and newspapers, speeches, brochures, ad copy, radio scripts; film scripts, non-fiction books, almost the whole gamut of non-fiction products. But I didn’t know if I could do fiction. Hopefully, Theo’s Story suggests I can. Also, and maybe just as important, I wanted to write about Kentucky and newspapering, and home.
9. Are you going to try another?
Yes. I have a new novel currently underway. It’s a “prequel” to Theo’s Story also set in that wonderful locale for fiction, the grand and glorious Commonwealth of Kentucky. The time frame is 1955-56. I don’t have a title yet. I hope to have it finished by the middle of next year (2010). At the same time, I’m working on a new and revised edition of Wordsmithing: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations, which I coauthored with Dr. Carol Ann Hackley of the University of the Pacific. “Wordsmithing” is targeted to young public relations professionals and to college classes in public relations as a textbook. We’re updating it because of the major changes occurring in communications as a result of Social Networking and advances in the web and Internet tools. The fundamentals don’t change, but the new tools require new thinking and approaches. I’m also finishing a new and revised edition of “The Spectator’s Guide To Soccer” to be ready in advance of next year’s World Cup. It’s angled to all those of us who find ourselves at soccer games (particularly youth soccer games) not fully understanding (and appreciating) what’s going on. This is a “how to watch soccer and enjoy it” book. I wrote it in self-defense.
10. What do you do for kicks?
When I left corporate life, I wanted to concentrate on writing, fishing, and painting. These are among the main reasons Patsy and I moved to Pinehurst, NC. The writing’s going along okay, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to manage a fly-rod for most of this year (2009.) I broke my wrist in January and had complications in June that have me in a cast through October. So I will have been in a cast most of the year. I can peck things out one-handed on a computer keyboard, but can’t handle a retrieve. Which has been a real frustration. North Carolina has excellent trout fishing up in the mountains and some of the finest in-shore salt-water fly-fishing on either coast. I can’t wait to get back at both. And I’ve missed my annual trip to the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork with my son, Chris, who is an attorney in Denver. As for the painting, I want to learn. I did a bit in my New York days and found it one of the most captivating things I’d ever tried. That’s on the agenda for this winter.
Rhody has written three other books- The CEO's Playbook, The Soccer Book, and Wordsmithing. Theo's Story is his first novel of fiction.
Theo's Story
Authors Website:http://www.ronrhody.com
Ron Rhody was born and grew up in Frankfort, a small town nestled in a bend of a river in the heart of Kentucky’s lush Bluegrass country and the state’s capitol city.He attended Georgetown College then transferred to the University of Kentucky, intending to enter law school, but became attracted to journalism instead.
Rhody has been a reporter, a sportswriter, a broadcast newsman, and covered the Kentucky legislature before moving on to a career as a corporate public relations executive in New York and San Francisco, and later as consultant to Fortune 500 companies on communications and public relations issues.
He was Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and External Affairs for Bank of America Corporation during one of its most demanding decades as the bank skirted bankruptcy. He fended off a hostile takeover attempt, and rose again to the top ranks of international finance.
Earlier he had been Corporate Vice President, Public Relations and Advertising for Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, directing the communication strategies for the intense marketing battles and international expansions and downsizings that were endemic to the world aluminum industry.
He is a fellow of the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the Arthur W. Page Society Hall of Fame. He received the Ferguson Award of The Public Relations Society of America this past year (2009) for outstanding contributions to public relations education. He is past chairman the Public Relations Seminar and founding chairman of the San Francisco Academy.
Rhody is the author of The CEO’s Playbook: Managing the Outside Forces that Shape Success, Wordsmithing: The Art and Craft of Writing for Public Relations with Dr. Carol Ann Hackley of the University of Pacific, The Soccer Book: A Spectators Guide, and most recently, Theo’s Story. He and his wife Patsy now make their home in Pinehurst, N.C.
Interview with Ron Rhody, author of Theo’s Story
1. Are Melungeons real?
Yes, very real and very mysterious still. For years, particularly in the Appalachian South, Melungeons were considered myths and phantoms. The women were of extraordinary beauty, makers of magic and creators of healing spells. The men moved like wraiths through the forests and knew the secrets of the mountains. Actually, though they were of a unique type, Melungeons were most often a victimized minority trying only to be left alone. Much more is becoming known about them and they, themselves, are taking spirited steps both to discover more about their origins and to connect with one another. Go to Google and type in “Melungeons.” You’ll be pleased with all the information that it produces.
2. Do you really know this much about Kentucky or are you faking it?
At the start of my career, I had, for a while, the best job in the world. I was in my senior year at the University of Kentucky working part time at the local newspaper and radio station to pay my way through school when I was hired by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to write for its magazine and do a weekly radio and television show on Kentucky hunting and fishing. I traveled all over the state, to some of the most remote and some of the most beautiful places imaginable, hunting and fishing with the best outdoorsman and some of the finest people I’ve ever met. East to West, North to South, I covered and saw almost the entire Commonwealth. It was wonderful. But then my young wife (I’d recently married) got tired of eating quail and bass and insisted I get a job that paid a little better. That’s a long answer to the question, but yes, I know a lot about Kentucky.
3. Why set the book in Kentucky? Not high on the list of likely literary settings.
Two reasons. First and foremost, Kentucky is where the story happens. As important as that is the fact that no place else in the country can be as interesting, exciting, exotic, and commanding of the grand and glorious Commonwealth. I can’t imagine any better place to set this particular story.
4. Is any of this based on real life events?
Sort of. All fiction to a degree is based on real life events. In this instance, the political part of the story – Michael’s campaign and tactics – is patterned on a real gubernatorial race in Kentucky in which a rich, corporate executive comes in as a dark horse candidate to run for Governor and walks away with the prize. The story of Benjamin Dannan’s death in the snow was suggested by a real-life incident involving a friend of mine.
5. Is it autobiographical?
Is it about me? No. But it is informed by experiences I had growing up and in my newspaper and corporate career, and by people I know and have known. Every good novelist takes bits and pieces of real life and real characters and weaves them into a story.
6. What happened to Allie?
Interesting you should ask. Allie is the only principal character left in limbo at the end of the story. The last picture we have of her is as she walks away after kissing Theo there on the corner of Main and St. Clair. Both Michael and Theo contended for Allie. Theo stepped aside and left the field to Michael back then, but did his feelings for Allie melt away? Or has he, all these years, harbored, perhaps unconsciously, his longing for his first love? Theo is with Marne Young when the story ends, but is that going to last? You decide.
7. In your mind is this a political thriller, a tale of justice and revenge, a story about the wages of unbridled ambition, a morality tale, or a love story?
All of the above. Not to be flip, but I’m afraid I can’t categorize it. I didn’t set out to write any particular “type” of story. I simply wanted to tell the story that came to my mind.
8. Why did you write it?
Several reasons, I suppose. Primarily, I wanted to see if I could write a piece of fiction. I’ve been writing most of my life in almost all forms - reportage, features for magazines and newspapers, speeches, brochures, ad copy, radio scripts; film scripts, non-fiction books, almost the whole gamut of non-fiction products. But I didn’t know if I could do fiction. Hopefully, Theo’s Story suggests I can. Also, and maybe just as important, I wanted to write about Kentucky and newspapering, and home.
9. Are you going to try another?
Yes. I have a new novel currently underway. It’s a “prequel” to Theo’s Story also set in that wonderful locale for fiction, the grand and glorious Commonwealth of Kentucky. The time frame is 1955-56. I don’t have a title yet. I hope to have it finished by the middle of next year (2010). At the same time, I’m working on a new and revised edition of Wordsmithing: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations, which I coauthored with Dr. Carol Ann Hackley of the University of the Pacific. “Wordsmithing” is targeted to young public relations professionals and to college classes in public relations as a textbook. We’re updating it because of the major changes occurring in communications as a result of Social Networking and advances in the web and Internet tools. The fundamentals don’t change, but the new tools require new thinking and approaches. I’m also finishing a new and revised edition of “The Spectator’s Guide To Soccer” to be ready in advance of next year’s World Cup. It’s angled to all those of us who find ourselves at soccer games (particularly youth soccer games) not fully understanding (and appreciating) what’s going on. This is a “how to watch soccer and enjoy it” book. I wrote it in self-defense.
10. What do you do for kicks?
When I left corporate life, I wanted to concentrate on writing, fishing, and painting. These are among the main reasons Patsy and I moved to Pinehurst, NC. The writing’s going along okay, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to manage a fly-rod for most of this year (2009.) I broke my wrist in January and had complications in June that have me in a cast through October. So I will have been in a cast most of the year. I can peck things out one-handed on a computer keyboard, but can’t handle a retrieve. Which has been a real frustration. North Carolina has excellent trout fishing up in the mountains and some of the finest in-shore salt-water fly-fishing on either coast. I can’t wait to get back at both. And I’ve missed my annual trip to the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork with my son, Chris, who is an attorney in Denver. As for the painting, I want to learn. I did a bit in my New York days and found it one of the most captivating things I’d ever tried. That’s on the agenda for this winter.
Rhody has written three other books- The CEO's Playbook, The Soccer Book, and Wordsmithing. Theo's Story is his first novel of fiction.
Theo's Story
Authors Website:http://www.ronrhody.com
Monday, November 2, 2009
A Lump Of Coal For Christmas
A LUMP OF COAL FOR CHRISTMAS
Randy Walters
Instead of taking our money to Lexington to shop for Christmas gifts, why not take a lump of coal and leave it at Hamburg Place. It would need a note with it saying, “Here’s your Christmas gift from the mountains, don’t worry about us, we’re shopping at home.”
The thought of the mountain people not shopping in Lexington is scary to the business community there. Statements this writer made on WTUK 105.1 in Harlan that we should not shop in Lexington brought the CEO of Commerce Lexington to the station in an attempt to distance the Lexington business community from the attacks on the coal industry by the Herald Leader.
It was a diplomatic show in which the CEO told our listeners how much the business community appreciated the value of our coal and our business. The truth of the matter is that we have seen nothing in actions to back up the words.
The mining industry in our area is under attack by the federal government. They are threatening to change the permitting process on the Nationwide Permit 21 which will bring the industry to its knees. We have attended meetings, posted our opinions, and are now awaiting a decision from the Army Corps of Engineers as to the future of the industry.
Should they decide to go with the change we will have no future. Stick a fork in us, we’re done. This will kill mining, trucking, all the service jobs, local government, and local businesses. We got a taste of the effect of not being able to get permits under the Beshear/ Mongiardo administration when they let the permit process die at the beginning of their fiasco.
The federal threat is much more dangerous. All the rallies we have in the mountains might serve as a “Feel good fix,” but it’s no more than preaching to the choir. If our state of being is so important to the state why have we not seen massive rallies on our behalf in Lexington?
Considering how our money is so integrated with their economy should merit filling Rupp Arena with Lexington and surrounding counties’ Citizens in a fury of emotion for coal. We have seen no such actions. In fact, it would be interesting to see how many of the 15,000 comments sent to the corps about the permitting process called NWP 21 came from Lexington.
The media in Lexington is part of the problem. They are more interested in drug busts, perverts, car wrecks, and robberies than they are about their own survival. Do they not realize that without the coal money their sponsors will have to cut the advertising money on which funds their operations?
Our Governor, Steve Beshear, has said nothing about the NWP 21 problem. The state’s largest industry is facing death and he’s just not concerned. The history of his administration indicates he might be on board with those who oppose coal due to the permit botch that continues to plague the industry on a statewide level.
What he does not oppose is coal money for his campaigns. He and Mongiardo did well in the coalfields in their last run. It appears now that they are out of favor with the coal people, especially the miners.
Beshear gave coal miners no more than lip service when the permit tie up was discussed at a meeting in Hazard. Mongiardo berated the people of south and eastern Kentucky by saying anyone who did not support Obama was either unfamiliar with his policies, or ignorant and racist. The article was in the Herald Leader.
The working people of the coalfields are now real familiar with Obama’s policies, perhaps more familiar than most people throughout the country. Still, Mongiardo attends coal rallies and professes his love of coal in an attempt to gain support throughout the region.
Will Obama tell the press we are ignorant and racist if we don’t support Mongiardo? It’s just the same old song and dance we get from so many of our politicians in Kentucky. It’s why we are where we are today, on the brink of disaster.
The only way we are going to be able to shape our own future is if we take action. Perhaps a better way to say it is to take, “Inaction,” and use the only real tool we have that will make a difference, money.
By holding our money out of Lexington this shopping season we can force the entire state to come to our way of thinking. Money is stronger than a politician’s words, and if Lexington business starts to have problems they will join us to solve our problems.
Much of their city budget comes from payroll taxes, and they are already predicting major budget shortfalls. If we don’t shop there they won’t need as many employees working in the stores. This will bring about a loss in sales and tax revenue.
Lexington will then be asking us, “What can we do to help the coal industry?”
This will take a unified effort on the part of our people. We’re at a point in time where this type of attitude is all we have. You don’t help us, we don’t help you. Bob Quick, the Commerce Lexington CEO said, “We’re all Kentuckians.”
When we start seeing huge protest rallies in Lexington on behalf of coal, then we can believe it. Until then we should avoid Lexington and look closer to home for our shopping needs. Our local businesses create local paychecks, and they support coal without having to be asked.
If we want to see action coming out of the Bluegrass to help coal, all we have to do is stay home. Be assured they will notice that we are not there. Their cash registers will be crying out our names, and then they will join us to put the pressure on Frankfort and Washington. Our choice of where we spend our money is the only power we have.
Shop at home! Give Lexington a lump of coal for Christmas.
Randy Walters
Instead of taking our money to Lexington to shop for Christmas gifts, why not take a lump of coal and leave it at Hamburg Place. It would need a note with it saying, “Here’s your Christmas gift from the mountains, don’t worry about us, we’re shopping at home.”
The thought of the mountain people not shopping in Lexington is scary to the business community there. Statements this writer made on WTUK 105.1 in Harlan that we should not shop in Lexington brought the CEO of Commerce Lexington to the station in an attempt to distance the Lexington business community from the attacks on the coal industry by the Herald Leader.
It was a diplomatic show in which the CEO told our listeners how much the business community appreciated the value of our coal and our business. The truth of the matter is that we have seen nothing in actions to back up the words.
The mining industry in our area is under attack by the federal government. They are threatening to change the permitting process on the Nationwide Permit 21 which will bring the industry to its knees. We have attended meetings, posted our opinions, and are now awaiting a decision from the Army Corps of Engineers as to the future of the industry.
Should they decide to go with the change we will have no future. Stick a fork in us, we’re done. This will kill mining, trucking, all the service jobs, local government, and local businesses. We got a taste of the effect of not being able to get permits under the Beshear/ Mongiardo administration when they let the permit process die at the beginning of their fiasco.
The federal threat is much more dangerous. All the rallies we have in the mountains might serve as a “Feel good fix,” but it’s no more than preaching to the choir. If our state of being is so important to the state why have we not seen massive rallies on our behalf in Lexington?
Considering how our money is so integrated with their economy should merit filling Rupp Arena with Lexington and surrounding counties’ Citizens in a fury of emotion for coal. We have seen no such actions. In fact, it would be interesting to see how many of the 15,000 comments sent to the corps about the permitting process called NWP 21 came from Lexington.
The media in Lexington is part of the problem. They are more interested in drug busts, perverts, car wrecks, and robberies than they are about their own survival. Do they not realize that without the coal money their sponsors will have to cut the advertising money on which funds their operations?
Our Governor, Steve Beshear, has said nothing about the NWP 21 problem. The state’s largest industry is facing death and he’s just not concerned. The history of his administration indicates he might be on board with those who oppose coal due to the permit botch that continues to plague the industry on a statewide level.
What he does not oppose is coal money for his campaigns. He and Mongiardo did well in the coalfields in their last run. It appears now that they are out of favor with the coal people, especially the miners.
Beshear gave coal miners no more than lip service when the permit tie up was discussed at a meeting in Hazard. Mongiardo berated the people of south and eastern Kentucky by saying anyone who did not support Obama was either unfamiliar with his policies, or ignorant and racist. The article was in the Herald Leader.
The working people of the coalfields are now real familiar with Obama’s policies, perhaps more familiar than most people throughout the country. Still, Mongiardo attends coal rallies and professes his love of coal in an attempt to gain support throughout the region.
Will Obama tell the press we are ignorant and racist if we don’t support Mongiardo? It’s just the same old song and dance we get from so many of our politicians in Kentucky. It’s why we are where we are today, on the brink of disaster.
The only way we are going to be able to shape our own future is if we take action. Perhaps a better way to say it is to take, “Inaction,” and use the only real tool we have that will make a difference, money.
By holding our money out of Lexington this shopping season we can force the entire state to come to our way of thinking. Money is stronger than a politician’s words, and if Lexington business starts to have problems they will join us to solve our problems.
Much of their city budget comes from payroll taxes, and they are already predicting major budget shortfalls. If we don’t shop there they won’t need as many employees working in the stores. This will bring about a loss in sales and tax revenue.
Lexington will then be asking us, “What can we do to help the coal industry?”
This will take a unified effort on the part of our people. We’re at a point in time where this type of attitude is all we have. You don’t help us, we don’t help you. Bob Quick, the Commerce Lexington CEO said, “We’re all Kentuckians.”
When we start seeing huge protest rallies in Lexington on behalf of coal, then we can believe it. Until then we should avoid Lexington and look closer to home for our shopping needs. Our local businesses create local paychecks, and they support coal without having to be asked.
If we want to see action coming out of the Bluegrass to help coal, all we have to do is stay home. Be assured they will notice that we are not there. Their cash registers will be crying out our names, and then they will join us to put the pressure on Frankfort and Washington. Our choice of where we spend our money is the only power we have.
Shop at home! Give Lexington a lump of coal for Christmas.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Rogers Announces More Funding For Projects Across Southeat Kentucky......
WASHINGTON DC.—U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that Congress has approved federal funding to research alternative energy sources in southern and eastern Kentucky. Through Rogers’ efforts, the FY 2010 Energy & Water Appropriations bill includes $250,000 for Morehead State University (MSU) to conduct a study on the availability of bioenergy resources throughout the region. Both the House and Senate passed this legislation and today the President signed the bill into law.
“Reducing our dependence on foreign oil and producing energy right here in Kentucky is an important and achievable goal,” said Rogers. “From clean coal technology to bioenergy, Kentucky has the resources necessary to produce affordable alternative energy. Investing in our natural resources is vital for improving our environment and for lessening our reliance on countries like Venezuela and Iran. I applaud MSU for their efforts to make a difference right here in southern and eastern Kentucky.”
The FY 2010 Department of Energy funding bill provides $250,000 for Morehead State University to analyze the availability of bioenergy in Appalachia. Bioenergy resources include eastern Kentucky’s vast abundance of wood residues (from forests and mills), underutilized land, corn, switchgrass, wheat straw and animal wastes. Domestic bioenergy development could allow the United States to become less dependent on energy from fossil fuels, create a more energy efficient and environmentally-sound fuel stock, and decrease our dependence on foreign energy resources.
Rogers works to obtain federal funding for projects across southern and eastern Kentucky in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.
WASHINGTON DC.— Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04) today announced that a $2 million grant will be awarded to the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research (UK-CAER) for the development of coal-to-liquids technology that would reduce dependence on foreign oil and open new markets for Kentucky’s coal mining economy.
The funding comes from Congressional appropriations that Reps. Rogers and Davis secured in the FY10 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by the President today.
“Rising energy costs create a huge burden on Kentucky’s hard-working families that are already struggling with economic uncertainty and job losses in these challenging times. We need to make a more concerted effort to wean ourselves from the stronghold of unfriendly foreign countries and utilize the abundant resources here on American soil,” said Rogers. “Coal is the single most abundant resource at our disposal in the United States, and the basic technology to convert coal into liquid fuel has been around for decades. Now is the time to make targeted investments that engage our best and brightest in the quest to make clean, coal-based transportation fuel commercially available and lower the price at the pump for American consumers and the U.S. military. I am confident that the ground-breaking research performed by scientists at UK-CAER will prove vital on both the national and local levels, particularly in the creation of high-paying jobs here in Kentucky.”
Congressman Davis stated, “Energy prices are a major factor in determining the cost of living and the cost of doing business in a particular location. In this time of economic hardship, investing in new energy technology is one of the smartest things we can do to spur our recovery. By encouraging the development of new technology like coal to liquids that will produce cleaner energy, we can attain greater energy independence, reinvigorate our economy and create thousands of new jobs, right here at home. I am very pleased that the University of Kentucky will receive these funds.”
This funding will enable UK-CAER to expand upon its ongoing coal-to-liquids research by constructing a small-scale refinery to develop more efficient and environmentally-friendly methods for coal liquefaction. This important research into the manufacturing process of coal-to-liquids technology is widely seen as a critical next step to engage private investors in larger-scale commercial projects. To date, Reps. Rogers and Davis have worked to secure $4.425 million for this applied research project.
In addition to pushing for more federal dollars dedicated to alternative energy research, Reps. Rogers and Davis have joined like-minded colleagues in supporting comprehensive legislation to combat soaring energy and gas prices and create a stable, long-term domestic source of affordable energy for working families, seniors and veterans in Kentucky. The American Energy Act (H.R. 2846) takes an “all-of-the-above” approach to reducing and stabilizing energy prices by increasing the supply of American-made energy, improving conservation and efficiency, and promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies. Passage of H.R. 2846 would authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into price guarantee agreements with up to six coal-to-liquids projects that produce innovative transportation fuel – creating a level of certainty for private investment in domestic coal-to-liquids production.
“Reducing our dependence on foreign oil and producing energy right here in Kentucky is an important and achievable goal,” said Rogers. “From clean coal technology to bioenergy, Kentucky has the resources necessary to produce affordable alternative energy. Investing in our natural resources is vital for improving our environment and for lessening our reliance on countries like Venezuela and Iran. I applaud MSU for their efforts to make a difference right here in southern and eastern Kentucky.”
The FY 2010 Department of Energy funding bill provides $250,000 for Morehead State University to analyze the availability of bioenergy in Appalachia. Bioenergy resources include eastern Kentucky’s vast abundance of wood residues (from forests and mills), underutilized land, corn, switchgrass, wheat straw and animal wastes. Domestic bioenergy development could allow the United States to become less dependent on energy from fossil fuels, create a more energy efficient and environmentally-sound fuel stock, and decrease our dependence on foreign energy resources.
Rogers works to obtain federal funding for projects across southern and eastern Kentucky in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.
WASHINGTON DC.— Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) and Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04) today announced that a $2 million grant will be awarded to the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research (UK-CAER) for the development of coal-to-liquids technology that would reduce dependence on foreign oil and open new markets for Kentucky’s coal mining economy.
The funding comes from Congressional appropriations that Reps. Rogers and Davis secured in the FY10 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by the President today.
“Rising energy costs create a huge burden on Kentucky’s hard-working families that are already struggling with economic uncertainty and job losses in these challenging times. We need to make a more concerted effort to wean ourselves from the stronghold of unfriendly foreign countries and utilize the abundant resources here on American soil,” said Rogers. “Coal is the single most abundant resource at our disposal in the United States, and the basic technology to convert coal into liquid fuel has been around for decades. Now is the time to make targeted investments that engage our best and brightest in the quest to make clean, coal-based transportation fuel commercially available and lower the price at the pump for American consumers and the U.S. military. I am confident that the ground-breaking research performed by scientists at UK-CAER will prove vital on both the national and local levels, particularly in the creation of high-paying jobs here in Kentucky.”
Congressman Davis stated, “Energy prices are a major factor in determining the cost of living and the cost of doing business in a particular location. In this time of economic hardship, investing in new energy technology is one of the smartest things we can do to spur our recovery. By encouraging the development of new technology like coal to liquids that will produce cleaner energy, we can attain greater energy independence, reinvigorate our economy and create thousands of new jobs, right here at home. I am very pleased that the University of Kentucky will receive these funds.”
This funding will enable UK-CAER to expand upon its ongoing coal-to-liquids research by constructing a small-scale refinery to develop more efficient and environmentally-friendly methods for coal liquefaction. This important research into the manufacturing process of coal-to-liquids technology is widely seen as a critical next step to engage private investors in larger-scale commercial projects. To date, Reps. Rogers and Davis have worked to secure $4.425 million for this applied research project.
In addition to pushing for more federal dollars dedicated to alternative energy research, Reps. Rogers and Davis have joined like-minded colleagues in supporting comprehensive legislation to combat soaring energy and gas prices and create a stable, long-term domestic source of affordable energy for working families, seniors and veterans in Kentucky. The American Energy Act (H.R. 2846) takes an “all-of-the-above” approach to reducing and stabilizing energy prices by increasing the supply of American-made energy, improving conservation and efficiency, and promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies. Passage of H.R. 2846 would authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into price guarantee agreements with up to six coal-to-liquids projects that produce innovative transportation fuel – creating a level of certainty for private investment in domestic coal-to-liquids production.
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