FOX41.com Louisville News Kentucky Indiana News Weather SportsPoint of View Viewer Feedback

To Our Viewers: 

As of August 12, 2010, feedback relating to any Point of View editorial must be submitted directly by clicking on the appropriate button appearing immediately above the video version at Fox41.com, or via the "comments" text box that appears at the end of the text version. 

In order to keep the exchange of ideas civil and constructive, all comments will be moderated to block any obscene language, slanderous statements or unnecessarily nasty personal attacks. But beyond that, everything will be posted exactly as written. As always, you may remain as anonymous as you wish. 

While we still welcome your emails regarding any questions or suggestions you may have regarding Point of View, comments and feedback on specific editorials received via email will no longer be posted separately.

 

From: Shirley – Louisville (8/12/10) 

I think JCPS needs to think about what they are asking of the people who pick up their children. They may have younger children in the car, or grandparents could be picking up the child. I think of all the ways we could reduce air pollution, this would be a drop in the bucket. 

Let's put our kids first JCPS, and stop sending our children around the world to get an education and let them go to a school in their own neighborhood. 

 

From: SM – Louisville (8/11/10) 

I can identify with many parents' concerns about busing their children to the four corners of the county in the name of equality.  Surely there is a safer, less expensive way to address this problem to the satisfaction of the Supreme Court.  Why not just put the best teachers and the best facilities where it is deemed the need is the greatest? I can't imagine that the parents of a black child are anymore thrilled about busing their child across town either -- not to mention that it is hard on any small child to be on the road two hours to school and back home again. 

We may have improved education for some, but at what price?  Would it not be better just to stand up an solve the problem in a way that kids can go to the school closest to their home and still get a good education?  It seems to me as if the cure is worse than the problem.

I am not advocating segregation. I am suggesting that the current method of integration (while it may be decreasing segregation) is not really improving the education of the children within the system. If Metro Louisville plowed as much money into education itself as it does maintaining all the extra buses, buying fuel and paying personnel, there might actually be hope for improving all students' prospects for a good education in Metro Louisville.

  

From: Cathy – Bardstown, Kentucky (8/11/10) 

I, too, am appalled that the Jefferson County School System had the nerve to suggest that parents should not idle their cars while waiting for their kids when they are unnecessarily busing kids thousands of miles out of the way every week. Also, I don't know how they can preach "global warming" and "carbon footprints" with a straight face when they are making an untold impact on the environment by their forced busing.

 

I once tried to make these points with a couple of local reporters, but they both took issue with my use of the word "forced."  What else can you call it when you don't have a choice? 

 

From: Janet – Louisville (8/11/10) 

I think JCPS has no right to tell parents they have to burn in the heat or freeze in the cold, just to reduce air pollution a little bit.  Busing kids miles from their home schools and keeping them on un-air conditioned buses is child abuse.

  

From: Tonya – Brooks, Kentucky (8/11/10) 

I think Bill Lamb's comment about cars idling while in line to pick up kids was right on. If JCPS is so concerned about the ozone layer, why don't they spend some of their money on hybrid buses for the kids to ride in? Why not send kids to schools closer to home so they are not putting so many exhaust fumes in the air from the nasty-smelling diesel engines? 

Maybe the people that live in area's near JCPS are bus compounds where they warm the buses up every morning need to sue JCPS for polluting the air near their homes.

  

From: MJ – Louisville (8/11/10) 

Mr. Lamb, you could not be more right. Thank you for your comments and for saying in public what a lot of us are also saying. Think of the emissions that would be cut back and the exercise kids could get by being allowed to attend their neighborhood schools and possibly walking to school. 

 

From: Clint – Louisville (8/11/10) 

I have two children who attend JCPS, kindergarten and first grade. I drop off and pick up my kids every day so they can avoid a ridiculously long bus ride. 

The car pool line can be a very long wait if you don't get there about 15 minutes before school lets out. I have a one year-old who is with me every day and I cannot and will not sit in a hot car with no air conditioning waiting for my kids. When it was too hot or too cold last year, I kept my car running, and I will do the same this year. 

When the weather is OK, I always turn my car off to avoid wasting gas and causing pollution, but I will not turn the car off and put my one year-old at risk. 

By the way -- my kids' "home school" is only three minutes from our house, while the school they have been assigned is 25 minutes away.

  

From: Sheri – Louisville (8/11/10) 

I couldn't agree more with Bill Lamb on this one. When JCPS quits wasting thousands of gallons of gas a school year taking children hundreds of miles away from their neighborhood schools, I'll be glad to turn off my idling car. 

 

From: Martin - Louisville (8/10/10) 

I was taken aback by the "apples and oranges" misleading comparison between the JCPS no-idling request and the school system's efforts toward providing diversity.  Like many, I believe that cross-town busing of small children is unhealthy and unsafe.  However, lengthy idling is also unhealthy and unsafe.  

The "five-minutes/30 kids" statement is factually incorrect.  The news reports demonstrate that many parents show up as much as 45 minutes early to be "first."  Additionally, as a parent who has picked up my children countless times from elementary school over the past five years, I can vouch for the fact that there are far more cars than you suggest, at least at Dunn Elementary.  My children frequently asked why I was among the last parents in the carpool line, and my response was that it made no sense to sit there for a half-hour or more and not get away significantly earlier. 

 

From: Kathleen – Louisville (8/10/10) 

I  recently  contacted  my  child's  school  to  address this  no  idle-zone issue, and the  office  had  no  clue  about  this  going  into  effect.  At  my  place of employment  it  is  currently  120  degrees   inside,  and  I  refuse  to  turn  my  car  off  in  the  pick  up  line  while  waiting  40  minutes.  If  they  are  so  worried  about  air  quality,  the  city  should  bring  back  VET  testing. 

 

From: Bill – Louisville (8/10/10) 

Mr. Lamb, you must have never picked up a child at a JCPS school, at least not near the 'normal' end of day.  Many of the schools have dozens of cars sitting idling for 20 minutes to an hour just to be first in line to leave.  This has been true at Wilder, Chancey, Norton, Noe, and Dunn in my personal experience.  And the resulting pollutants are concentrated near the schools.

If you are opposed to busing for integration or "diversity", say so.   It is beneath your usual level of expression to make up arguments instead of addressing an issue directly.  I believe that there is a more effective solution than hauling kids all over the county, but the problems are expense, impact on family schedules, and educational achievement. 

As far as comparing the amounts of pollution, I would have to get technical details, but I am sure of one thing: If parents let their children use the buses and did not pick them up, the total pollution would be less.  No car pollutes that is sitting in the garage.
 

 

From: Rob – Louisville (8/10/10) 

I'm trying to follow Bill Lamb's logic here. Because he disagrees with the JCPS school assignment plan, he thinks it's idiotic to ask parents not to leave vehicles idling in carpool lanes?  While the benefits of the school assignment plan are open for debate, I don't think anyone thinks that trying to improve the air quality around schools is a bad idea -- except, of course, Bill Lamb.  

 

From: Penny – Louisville (8/10/10) 

Bill Lamb is ‘right on' regarding the new edict on cars idling while waiting for students.  I don't have a dog in this fight as I don't have a child to pick up at school. However, if children would attend schools in their neighborhoods, there would be several advantages in addition to reducing pollution: 

-Less time for a child to be on a bus taking a cross-city tour every day;

-Closer to home in the event of an illness;

-Less gas/maintenance for buses traveling across the city:

-Children could spend more time doing homework than riding around town;

-Children would get home a lot earlier and be less tired;

-And there would be less chance of a child being left on a bus. (He/she could walk to school - remember those days?)

 

From: Tom – Louisville (8/5/10) 

Usually, I agree with Bill's Point of View, but the remarks made about the people of Pakistan not deserving aid for the flood victims is way off base. Why not show the people of Pakistan that we're better than the Taliban? Maybe I'm naive but maybe the people of Pakistan will finally realize that we're not the enemy. 

 

From: Jerry – Louisville (8/5/10)

Such a shame that the Karen Sypher trial jury didn't deliver their verdict during the next ratings period.  Sex, lies and videotape would have fit perfectly into your fall programming lineup. 

 

From: Deana – Louisville (8/5/10)

I'm so sick of hearing about Pitino and Sypher.  How can this information be useful to anybody?  Who could possibly care beyond those involved?  I'd rather hear about the weather myself, and have started station-flipping. 

 

From: Shelley – Irvington, Kentucky (8/4/10) 

I'm really disgusted at all the coverage you have given to this NON-news event called the Sypher-Pitino trial.  I don't have young children, but if I did I would have to turn off your coverage due to its pornographic nature.  I am shocked that you do not have some kind of warning before the reports are aired. 

Many of my friends could care less about this whole mess.  Give us the real news and leave the junk to someone else!

  

From: Bob – Titusville, Florida (8/4/10) 

I want to be clear from the beginning. I think Obama is an intelligent man and not inferior intellectually to anyone. The main objection I have to Obama is that he is a Democrat. It has nothing to do with his race. I am a Christian first. For many years I supported Democratic candidates and thought I was doing the right thing. After becoming a Christian and reading the Democratic Party platform, it was clear I couldn't continue to support the Democratic Party. 

In my opinion, comparing what they stand for with God's Word, it is impossible for me to see how a Democrat will ever enter the gates of Heaven. I know that our Lord will make that decision. Everyone has an opinion. Mine is just as good as the next person's. 

Obama is just as much white as he is African. We don't hear much about that. Tiger Woods is just as much Asian as he is African and we hear nothing about that. There is nothing wrong with having an African or mixed-race President. I wish a qualified African or a mixed-race person would run for the office on the Republican ticket and be a president for all the people and not just for those of the same race or gender.

With that out of the way, I will try to make my point. Since Obama began his campaign, he has been treated like a mentally challenged child. Everything he does is good. The liberal press, in its zeal to stay politically correct, has not been as critical of him as they should have been. If he had been a white Republican, he wouldn't have gotten past the primaries. The liberal news media kept comparing Palin's qualifications to Obama's. They should have been comparing her qualifications to Biden's. They had to try and make her look bad because Obama wasn't qualified for the job. 

Palin is more qualified than Obama, Biden and McCain together. Being a governor is a good beginning for a person seeking the presidency. Obama and his advisors have no business skills and little common sense. Africans voted for Obama in large numbers and they usually support Democratic candidates. They don't seem to understand that Abe Lincoln was a Republican. The Republicans were trying to help the Africans long before the Democrats saw it was helpful to their party. 

Senator Byrd joined with some to try and filibuster the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Some Africans say a white person who criticizes Obama is a racist. Using that logic, an African who criticizes Bush is a racist also. I pray that in the future Hispanics, Africans and women will look at the candidate's qualifications and not the race or gender of the candidate when casting their vote.

  

From: Ted – Louisville (8/4/10) 

I wanted to thank you for expressing you views on the illegal immigration debate. I agree that concerns over racial profiling are overshadowing the real problem that the laws are trying to correct. Kentucky will likely have to enact similar laws if the border is not secured.

  

From: Al – Louisville (8/3/10) 

I feel what is good for the goose is good for the gander.  We should require all immigrants in this country detained by legal authorities to produce "papers" validating their presence in this country. 

While on the subject, I believe that in order to become a citizen of the United States of America, you should not be able to hold dual citizenship; you must renounce loyalty to any other country to become a citizen and enjoy the benefits of the United States of America.

 

From: Karen – Louisville (8/1/10) 

What's wrong with Kentucky's public schools?  The worship of high school athletics. 

We all know that India is way ahead of the United States in educating and preparing their children for high paying technological careers.  Do you ever hear of India winning an Olympic Medal or a World Cup? No, because they seem to admire and value intelligence and hard work in the classroom over physical prowess.  

I am not suggesting that we do away with high school athletics.  I believe athletics add fun and exercise to an American students' day. I do, however, feel as though parents are being undermined by the academic/athletic eligibility rules in Kentucky.

Currently, a Kentucky student is considered athletically eligible with 4 Ds and 2 Fs.  I find that standard ridiculous beyond words. Getting to play high schools sports should be a privilege, and if coaches and parents demand more, students will work harder. I realize that there are a lot of talented student athletes that may have learning disabilities. In those documented cases, IEP's can guide eligibility requirements.

Raise the Bar - Raise the Grades, Kentucky!

 

From: Carol – Shepherdsville, Kentucky (8/3/10) 

I watch the news each morning and night and I am ashamed of all the news channels. Shame on all of you for putting all that information out there on the shameful Pitino and Sypher affair – especially the pictures. My daughter is 10 and I now have to make her leave the room or I have to mute the TV just to get through the trash and be able to get the news. If this was a movie, it would be rated R. 

The news?  This isn't the news.  This is more like Gossip Hour.  Who cares who she sleeps with who cares how long it lasted?  I care about our community and the people who need help and families that are hurting.  I even care about the weather more than them.  

There's a new church that is being built in Portland, but we'll get to that after we hear about how Karen's lawyers were paid and see still MORE pictures.  What is important here?  But mine is only one family and I have the right to turn it off and I will use that right. 

Sad, isn't it? 

 

From: Don – Louisville (8/2/10) 

About the Pitino/Sypher scandal: 

Does the University of Louisville have a code of conduct for its employees?  Has Mr. Pitino violated any standards set by U of L in his personal behavior?

  

From: John – Jeffersonville, Indiana (7/31/10)

I walked into my living room on Friday night to hear giggles from my 14 year-old son and his friend. They were watching the local news. The local news is to be informative and support the community. The giggles were over the trial of Karen Sypher.

There was nothing that the community had to know in the news abut this trial that day. My son and his friend did not need to be informed about photos and lewd and lascivious behavior of prominent community members. However, the press coverage is nothing buy licentious. They act like rabid dogs as they report on the filthy behavior of these people. 

Rick Pitino says he is "embarrassed." As a member of this community, I am embarrassed and ashamed that this is how low we have gotten. Someone must stand up and say enough! 

A young lady was missing that day and her mother was crying for someone to find her. People died that day. Our country was at war that day. Instead my kids and I learned of zippers and photos of people behaving badly and it was only 6:00 pm.

  

Bill Lamb Responds: 

John: 

While I understand your concern about the coverage the Karen Sypher trial is getting, and I agree that the behavior of almost everyone associated with this trial is despicable, I want to address some of your assertions.   

First, we -- like the other stations and the newspaper -- did not report on the trial at the expense of the other stories you mentioned (and many you didn't).  We reported on a dozen or more of the stories of the day, plus weather, plus sports.

Second, while WDRB supports the community in many ways as a broadcasting company, the purpose of a news department is not necessarily to "support the community."  It is to neither to support nor tear down, to agree or disagree, but simply to report.  Sometimes you will like our story choices and sometimes you won't but our job is to report that which we feel has a direct bearing on our community.   

Rick Pitino is paid millions of dollars a year to recruit young men to our university, to guide them and help them become men, to represent our university and city on a national stage, and to do so with integrity.  When the coach we, the fans in this community built up to a celebrity level behaves so badly it does have a bearing on this community.   

Finally, the media, both local and national, seem to agree with me on this last point.  This trial is receiving national coverage because journalists all over the country believe this is important.  In many cases the coverage is "lascivious," but that is because of the nature of this particular trial.  When facts were placed into evidence in the David Camm trial(s), we (the media) reported those facts, but they were just about killing, so nobody complained.  When the facts concerning lewd conduct are placed into evidence and then reported in the same manner, some folks get uncomfortable. But the standards that apply to a murder trial are the same ones being utilized here.   

Here at Fox 41, we had knowledge of almost all these facts before any other station or media outlet.  In fact, it was our video of the interview with Karen Sypher that the prosecution introduced as evidence in the trial, but we sat on what we knew until it became a matter of public record.  It was only then that we reported what we knew.  Had our goal been to be titillating and lascivious, we would have put all the facts out there before they became public record. 

Thank you for sharing your concerns.  As a parent, I share many of them. 

 

From: Shannon – Louisville (7/31/10)

Recently, there has been a growing movement in Louisville to increase the respect for and safety of bicyclists, including the development of special bike lanes on many major roads.  While I think this is an excellent step forward, I feel it's important to remember that bicyclists are not the only people who risk injury at the hands of careless drivers. 

As a frequent pedestrian, I have noticed that in spite of the money that has been spent on these new bike lanes, there are still many areas of our city that do not have sidewalks -- including along busy streets.  Furthermore, many drivers seem to be in too big a hurry to give pedestrians the respect that they deserve. 

I walk about a mile nearly every day to and from work, and I must cross Taylorsville Road at a fairly busy intersection.  I always take care to cross with the light and I try to move quickly through the crosswalk in order to cause as little inconvenience to drivers as possible.  However, I have had half a dozen near-misses in just the past year, usually involving people turning onto Taylorsville.  Even those drivers that allow me to cross before barreling through the intersection often begin their turn while I am still in the crosswalk -- some even keep pace with me, making me feel as though if I trip or slow down I will be hit.  

These drivers seem to think that I am insignificant because I am slower and smaller than they are in their cars, when in reality they should be treating pedestrians with extra care simply because we do not have heavy metal and airbags to protect us in a collision.

In these hard times, more and more people are likely to resort to walking and riding bicycles to save money, and those who still drive cars must remember that a pedestrian, especially one crossing legally with the light, always has the right of way.  Neither the pedestrian nor the driver should ever have to swerve or stop short in order to avoid an accident.

  

From: Chad - Louisville (7/30/10) 

I am writing in response to the school system's new district wide "No Idle" initiative.  I think it is the most outrageous thing that JCPS has ever asked of parents.  I take my youngest daughter with me every day to sit in the car rider line (for about 45 minutes to an hour). I'm not about to make her suffer in extreme heat or cold weather.  If I was to leave her in my car for the same amount of time in the same weather while I went shopping (which I would never do) I would have Child Protective Services involved and charges filed against me. But they are pretty much saying that it's okay to do this as long as I suffer with her.  

I see EMS drivers every day that leave their vehicles running while they go inside a restaurant and enjoy their lunch. That's allowed? But me leaving my car running to provide heat and air conditioning for my child is not? This is the most absurd thing I've ever heard.  I also don't think that the senior citizens were considered in this decision. 

I'm all for "going green," but there are some things that are the way they are for other safety reasons. I will be in the car rider line this year and I will have my car running for the heat and air as long as it is needed.  I will not take the chance of putting my child or my children's grandparents in danger of heat exhaustion or worse.  Of course air pollution is higher during the school year -- children have to get to and from school.

 

From: Bill - Louisville (7/27/10)

Regarding the mayoral debates: 

Yes, any legal candidate should be included.  Even if -- in your opinion -- a candidate has no chance of winning, I believe that they can force the major party candidates to address a wider variety of issues, challenge their half-truths and evasions, and generally open the debate to a more representative one.  If that candidate was able to garner enough support to qualify, then that part of the community should be heard.

Plus, the partisanship that has totally replaced dialog and discussion disgusts me.  Debate now falls to the level of Pee-Wee Herman sneering "I know you are but what am I?" infinitely repeated.  Adding a third or even fourth voice might actually move us back to discussing issues instead of insults.

Besides, a fair hearing might actually result in a huge upset.  Give every candidate a level platform, and let the voters decide who has no chance.

 

From: Monica – Breckenridge County (7/23/10) 

I watched your Point of View this morning about texting and I couldn't agree with you more. It makes me so angry that they aren't taking this more seriously.

Just last month, I lost a very close friend of mine -- but he was more like my family. He was my neighbor and his name was Sid. He was 61 years old and loved by everyone. The driver of every car that passed his home waved at him and honked their horn. Just to give you an idea of the kind of person he was, he would go to the store near us every morning before they opened to make sure the girls that worked there got in there safely. 

He and his wife of over 40 years were on the way home from the store and a teenager who was texting crossed over into their lane, sideswiping them and sending them off an embankment and flipping their truck. This resulted in my friend's death and his wife being seriously injured. He had a colostomy bag so he was unable to wear his seatbelt, but his wife was wearing her seatbelt. 

We had just learned a few months ago that Sid had cancer, but he was fighting it with full force and was doing fairly well. And knowing the man that Sid was, he would have beaten it. But due to a teenager's very stupid actions, I guess we'll never know. 

His wife has had a really hard time, as expected. But it really upsets her that there are no charges being filed against the boy -- not even reckless driving. I think it's largely the parents' fault because teenagers can't drive well as it is, and to introduce a phone into the mix is asking for trouble. 

I just wanted to share this story with you and let you know how this whole texting mess has affected my life. Rest in peace, Sid. We love and miss you. 

 

From: Joe – Louisville (7/23/10) 

The law says that drivers are supposed to treat motorcyclists and bikers as automobiles. This morning on my way home from work, I had an officer behind me and a motorcyclist in front of me. The motorcyclist decided he didn't want to wait, so he went around traffic to turn the corner. Then, with the same officer behind me, a guy on a bike ran the stop sign in front of me. The officer did nothing either time. 

Had I hit either one of them, I would have gotten pulled over. So my question is, "If they are to be treated the same as drivers, why are they not being treated like drivers?"

  

From: Rich – Louisville (7/21/10) 

LG&E recently announced that they gave U of L, UK and another fund six million dollars – two million dollars to each. 

This is our money they are giving away. If LG&E has that kind of money to give away, then they are charging us way too much for gas and electricity.  This company is a utility which should, with all due respect to the public, be a not-for-profit company. This is public service. They should not rip off the public so they can give our money away.

Six million dollars could go a long way toward helping indigent people.

 

From: Buck – Louisville (7/21/10)

The near-nothing fine for use of cell phones or texting while driving is a big waste of time and funds. I concur with you concerning a recommended fine that will inflict some pain for first offense and suspension of driving privileges for a period of time for a second offence.  Then, if a driver is caught driving without a license, their car should be hauled to a storage area until their license is restored.

 

From: Kelly – Louisville (7/21/10) 

I am personally upset that they extended unemployment benefits. While I am sympathetic to those who have lost their jobs, I think the unemployment system is as flawed as the welfare system. 

These programs were designed as short-term help, but have become a lifestyle that people will take advantage of.  I have been employed as long as I could push a lawn mower and deliver newspapers. I am 44 years old now, and the one time I collected unemployment was during the ice storm a few years back, and my employer (as well as I) didn't have power for a week. 

I am neither Democrat nor Republican on this issue, but my views come from a societal point of view (or at least how I see society).  I see "help wanted" signs all over Louisville, including the business I work for.  These jobs may not pay what these unemployed workers were making, but I, for one, remember working two jobs to make ends meet. 

I am also upset about illegal immigrants -- not because they want to work, but because they are illegal and don't want to learn the language.  I have a hard enough time trying to repair cars without a language barrier.  As it stands, I may have to learn Spanish just so I can fix a vehicle correctly. 

At this point, I feel totally disgusted with the way things are and I don't see any change coming soon.  The had the hardest talk I've ever had with my 15 year-old son tonight when I told him "I guess you and your future kids will have a heck of a bill to pay." 

Oh yes -- and I set up a retirement account for him because Social Security insurance will be no longer available when he retires.

  

From: Robert – Louisville (7/21/10)

I believe professional sports enhance a city's quality of life.  Look what professional sports have done to boost the economy of surrounding cities like Indianapolis (NFL Colts, NBA Pacers), St. Louis (NFL Rams, NHL Blues, MLB Cardinals), and Nashville (NFL Titans, NHL Predators).

Not long ago, these cities were comparable to Louisville in size.

I personally would like to see the Louisville Fire Arena Football team return.

 

From: Vicki – Louisville (7/19/10) 

Extending unemployment necessitates cuts elsewhere, so why aren't our politicians taking pay cuts? Why is money always going to aid the foreign countries? Charity begins at home, and that is something that the U.S. government needs to start applying to their decision making.

  

From: Cecelia – Clarksville, Indiana (7/15/10) 

I feel since they have passed a law against texting while driving, the auto insurance companies should warn drivers that if they are caught it will put points on their driving record. That would make their insurance rates go up and would really get the texting drivers' attention.

 

From: Jerry – Louisville (7/15/10) 

I am one of the many unemployed in the Louisville area that have been humiliated into relying on unemployment benefits. I find it hard to understand how Bill Lamb can use normal logic to address abnormal circumstances. 

His backing of purse-tightening Republicans only implies his distance from our plight. He obviously has no foreclosure notice or brown bill on his empty refrigerator. The logic that it is appropriate to force formerly hard working people to give up -- while the Republicans use this as the place to take a stand -- is just more proof that "we the people" doesn't mean what it used to. Bill Lamb and his Tea Party mindset are in line with their cries to get "OUR" America back. The same people that can't find a job and pay taxes are now unable to spend to stimulate the GNP.

If Yarmuth is so flawed in his thinking, he is in good company. Someone needs to tell Bill Lamb about Goldman Sachs' reaction to the stalemate the Republics are perpetrating in the name of "business as usual." 

PS: We are not lazy – just not privileged like Mr. Lamb.   

 

From: Bill – Louisville (7/15/10) 

With reference to the 7/15/10 Point of View, where was your righteous indignation when W and the Republicans took a $236 billion budget surplus to more than a $300 billion deficit and left the economy in shambles?  Where was the outrage that the Republicans could not/would not cut spending?  

The issue is the same and no one has the stomach to cut spending and risk losing the next election.  

 

From: Johnnie – Louisville (7/15/10) 

You mentioned Pelosi economics -- you would try Boehner's "Nuclear Ant" theories.  

Why don't you consult some reputable economists rather than Fox, The Heritage Foundation, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Times?  The unemployed certainly appreciate your concern and compassion.

 

From: Elizabeth – Louisville (7/14/10) 

I live in Portland and the city has been fixing the sidewalks -- I assume to make Portland better. 

Well, a few days ago the water main broke near Save-a-lot. It made a big hole in the street and was bad. After the city came to fix it the next day, the city workers left the street a mess. There are bits and pieces missing in the street where their equipment tore it up.

Why fix something and leave it a mess when you're done? It's like a contractor remodeling your house and not cleaning up after himself when he's done.

  

From: Yvonna – Louisville (7/14/10) 

Regarding the unspoken Social Contract: 

I was taught manners.
  
A little consideration for the next person causes less commotion and makes you feel better too.

Just like a smile is contagious, so are manners. I prove this point everyday with my co-workers. As long as I make an effort to use my manners, everyone else does too, and we work more efficiently with less stress because of it. 

 

From: William – Louisville (7/13/10) 

Neither I nor my family has need of the TARC bus service, but I have noted several things about TARC. 

Several months ago, TARC approximately doubled its fare. And then just a few weeks ago, they increased it again -- while also eliminating and/or revising routes -- all in the name of reducing cost. 

This was all done despite a government "stimulus" grant of several million dollars. 

Just this past week, TARC displayed about nine new state-of-art buses to again reduce costs.  I do not think "stimulus" funds were granted to help reduce costs by purchasing new equipment while raising prices and reducing service. 

None of these actions seem appropriate, in that "stimulus" funds are no doubt paying the bill. 

These are not the times to be raising prices and reducing services at the expense of the general taxpaying public.  Even Wal-Mart recognized the error of their ways and instituted their "Rollback" program. 

 

From: Anne – LaGrange, Kentucky (7/13/10) 

My social contract says you should be responsible for yourself.

Where there are no sidewalks and you must walk in the street, walk on the left facing the oncoming traffic. That way you can see if a vehicle is coming and if necessary, move over to get out of its way.

 

From: William – Louisville (7/6/10)

I watched the mayoral debate sponsored by your station and enjoyed it, even though they evaded any kind of blunt answers about how they were going to get the things done they wanted.  I emailed both candidates' web pages and asked both parties what they were going to do about people who only have a high school education (or less) needing jobs, since we seem to be focusing only on higher paying jobs which are filled by higher educated people. 

I also asked about programs for people who have had drug or legal problems -- how we could find some solutions to get jobs for the ones who want to work and get their lives together. 

I have yet to receive any response to these questions. 

 

From: Don – Louisville (7/5/10)

Why is the Cincinnati area not being used as the model for the Louisville area bridges and road plan? They have, I believe, seven bridges crossing the Ohio River.  None have tolls on them. 

Indiana and Kentucky are both connected with Ohio by all of these bridges.  Why can the two states work with Ohio to connect roads together without needing to rebuild every road and toll every bridge in the area?  Is there one city that has used the model of rebuilding every road and toll every bridge? How is this supposed to encourage people to travel to the businesses in the area? 

One of the guys at the "pro-toll rally" last week said that with tolls on all of our bridges we could be like Chicago.  Why do we not try to follow a closer model like the one the Cincinnati area has? 

And what about the property we're planning to spend $280 million to avoid? What historical event happened on this property to make it so important to save? 

 

From: Jim – Corydon, Indiana (7/2/10) 

A cautionary note about drinking and driving on the holiday: 

He who goes forth

With a fifth

On the 4th

May not come forth

On the 5^th.

  

From: Chase – Louisville (7/2/10) 

I agree that illegal immigrants should go through the correct process entering our country.  They should play a role in supporting the country which is offering them a chance at a better life. However, I do not agree totally with the concept that we should perform a witch hunt looking for employers that hire illegal immigrants.  

My mother works at a large food processing plant in southern Kentucky.  In an area that is reporting over 10% unemployment, this plant has tons of jobs available.  The problem that she reports is that many of the U.S. citizens who live in the area are not willing to work there.  Why?  Well, I'm not sure.  

The company pays well, offers free health insurance, vacation, and job security.  When illegal immigrants worked there, they had low turnover rates and fewer accidents.  Currently, of 135 legal company employees, almost 40 of them have FMLA.  FMLA is a great thing for people who need it.  But her employees obviously abuse it.  She has stated that, on average, her employees on FMLA miss two nights a week.  They actually hire extra people because they know such a high percentage will be absent every night.  

Hiring illegal immigrants is wrong. However, when you can't fill your workforce due to the laziness and apathy toward work from people in the community, you should be cut some slack.  A business should not be punished because people are just too lazy to work.  

Think it doesn't happen?  I know two people in Louisville who stayed on unemployment as long as possible just because they didn't want to work.  They didn't look for jobs, and they didn't care. 

 

From Michael - Louisville (7/2/10) 

This issue over the bridges is a personal sore spot with me.  Louisville tries to project the persona of a "World Class" city. However, if you travel the "World Class" cities as I do, you quickly realize that there's at least one major discrepancy in that "World Class" claim -- public transit.  

Chicago's Red & Blue Line Rail System; Atlanta's Marta Rail System; New York City's Subway; and St Louis's Metrolink are all staples of true "World Class" Cities. 

The truth is, Louisville is at least 40 years behind every major city in America when it comes to transportation.  We have one of the largest numbers of private commuters utilizing the least amount of public transportation of any comparable city.  We need city leaders with real vision for future growth. 

Now we find ourselves face with the real possibility of even more transportation nightmares with tolls on an already inefficient highway system.  

How embarrassing it is to have the cultural arts, Riverfront facility, and the arena with such limited access to "World Class" transportation.

It's time to wake up and realize we need the east end bridge. The network to support it is already in place on both sides of the river.  

Let's eliminate the traffic problems and reduce vehicle emissions with a high speed rail system connecting Louisville to Southern Indiana, Lexington, Paducah and Elizabethtown.  It just makes sense and it's time for a positive change. 

Until such time as we transform our transportation system into the 21^st century, we're to the "World Class" cities as the king was leading the parade wearing his "new clothes."

  

From: Mamie – Louisville (7/1/10) 

Mr. Lamb, I agree with you about employers giving illegal aliens jobs.  Don't you think that our Government is to blame also by providing the illegal aliens with free health care and food stamps, as well as rent assistance?  What I don't understand is, if our Government is trying to keep the illegal aliens out, why are they making it so easy for them to stay here?

  

From: Chuck – Louisville (7/1/10) 

I would like to know why we are spending money on a new arena and looking to build a new bridge when the city and state can not keep the grass cut on the expressways.

  

From: Roy – Louisville (6/30/10) 

Mr. Lamb, for the most part I usually agree with you.  However, this morning you said something that caused me to wonder where you must be coming from, for apparently you are not seeing the whole picture.  You said Elena Kagan should not get the position of Supreme Court Justice because she has never served as a judge.  Well, I assume then that you feel no one could possibly move up in the world since most take on new jobs when they do.  

I would guess that you probably never held the position you are in before. Does that mean you are doing a poor job?  And Presidents -- the most important position in the world -- are never Presidents until put in office.  And for the most part, most must do a pretty good job as judged by the majority of the people, or they would not be re-elected for another four year term. 

I know Presidents are elected and judges are appointed, but neither have had that experience.  And how about first-term elected lawmakers? Are they not qualified? Look at Rand Paul. He's never been in politics, yet he will probably be Kentucky's next senator.  

With all this in mind, I feel your comments were political, because I feel no nominee would have fit your criteria as long as they were appointed by a Democratic President.

 

From: George – Louisville (6/30/10) 

Are you serious? Lloyd Hammond gets off with a prison sentence without the possibility of parole for killing three people? That is outrageous.  He deserves the death penalty. 

I know a jury decided this, but give me a break. Three people dead, and now we, the taxpayers, are going to pay for him to sit in prison and be fed and housed for the rest of his life? This is just not right. Where is justice being served? 

I just moved to Seymour Indiana from Los Angeles last November, and it's very disturbing that someone could do something as violent as killing three people and getting off with life in prison. 

 

From: R.W. – Louisville (6/30/10)

Experience as a judge has nothing to do with interpreting the Constitution, as evidenced by all the 5-4 decisions, which shows that even they can't agree on how a law is to be interpreted. Anybody could do this job -- even you or I -- because the confirmation hearings are nothing more than an attempt to determine which way a prospective Supreme Court judge may lean on such issues as Roe vs. Wade or the Second Amendment. 

 

From: Phillip – Louisville (6/30/10) 

When I turn on a news, weather and sports report, I expect to hear just that -- and in an impartial and unbiased manner.  I've listened to Bill Lamb's comments in the past and, like most viewers, I sometimes agree with his comments and sometimes disagree, but usually I'm entertained by his Point of View segment and see it as interesting and stimulating. But not this time.  

I feel that Mr. Lamb crossed the line when espousing his views concerning the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.  If he continues to use his position to further a particular political agenda he needs to get his own talk show on either radio or TV, or do so within the confines of the Forum section of the Courier-Journal, and not on the nightly news, because his personal political views are neither news, weather, nor sports.  

If his aim is to single-handedly change the format of the nightly news to further the personal political views of one person who just happens to work for the station itself, then he's doing exactly what he accused the present administration of doing.

  

From: Shannon – Clarksville, Indiana (6/29/10) 

I was watching a story about gas prices on the news today. The anchor said that, according to a AAA spokesman, since the economy was getting better we could expect gas prices to go higher. 

What? I think this needs a little more explanation. We have been being told for years gas prices were so high due to the bad economy, and now that the economy is getting better they are going to go up? How it that possible?   

They might try to say prices are going to rise due to the oil spill ion the Gulf. My answer to this is: If we have to pay the price for the oil spill they caused, all people in this country who purchase gas or any other product inflated due to their accident should be able to present BP will a bill. It should not cost us one cent. 

Or does the whole thing come down to the fact that no matter what happens, gas prices are going to go up, and there is no real cause -- it's just because they can?

  

From: Jerry – Taylorsville, Kentucky (6/28/10) 

I watched the Point of View by Michael Dunn on 6/28/2010 and experienced many emotions while listening to his words. Pride, sadness, hope and sorrow, because the words he spoke were profound and very true. It is so hard to believe that in a place such as the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with all its rich Native American history, our people are still not even recognized. 

The bills that have been introduced each year have passed the House with overwhelming numbers, yet when they reach the Senate they are never heard from again. They are never brought up; therefore they can not be voted upon. Our crafts people cannot label their crafts as "Native-American-made" but must label them "Native-American-inspired," as anyone from China, Australia or anywhere else in the world can do. 

Please contact your Senators and Representatives and help to get Native Americans recognized here in Kentucky. Sadly to say, there is much truth to the saying that "Kentucky treats its first...last."

  

From: Doug – Louisville (6/28/10) 

As the fifth generation President and owner of Louisville's oldest company, The Stiglitz Corp., Inc., I find it confusing that the Vice-President can come to Louisville to talk up the stimulus and how great GE is doing for the local economy, while they have caused my business to shut down. They are moving my company's stamping business to Georgia, putting me and 56 dedicated long-term employees out of work. 

I am sure the company in Georgia taking my business feels stimulated, but at what cost? We have been a dedicated and loyal vendor to GE for over 40 years, but now we are watching our business loaded onto trucks and sent south, while the city gives GE tax breaks. 

My company has provided employment for untold thousands over our 192 years in this city, and not once have we asked the city to give us anything but a chance to run our business without interference. Never have we received a penny from taxpayers, and now we watch as GE is celebrated while taking tax money and putting Louisville small businesses out of business. 

Maybe GE will use some of their stimulus money and come to the auction of my assets and help me. It is they have who access to the money -- not small businesses in real need.

  

From: Tobby – Louisville (6/25/10) 

Thanks for broadcasting the mayoral debate last night between Hal Heiner and Greg Fischer.  What struck me most as I listened and watched was the difference in the candidates' demeanor: contentious versus conciliatory.  Hal Heiner seemed contentious (Webster definition: always ready to argue; quarrelsome).  Greg Fischer seemed conciliatory (Webster definition: to bring together; win over; sooth the anger; make friendly).  

Which style is best suited to lead Louisville into the future we all desire seems pretty obvious.  Greg Fischer has my vote, and I hope the votes of the majority of Louisvillians.

 

From: Carolyn – Louisville (6/24/10) 

Don't we have enough to concern ourselves with? Who cares about who or what Karen Sypher does? Whatever she says or does has no impact on my life or anyone I know. This isn't newsworthy. Can we talk about the homeless living under the viaducts or the children who go to bed every night hungry? These are serious concerns. Seems to me the money put into researching, publishing and broadcasting her personal life could go to a much better cause.

From: Karen – Louisville (6/23/10)

If I ruled the world, I would elect Bill Lamb for Mayor of Louisville -- then President of the United States. 

 

From: Raymond – Louisville (6/22/10)

I agree with your Point of View on illegal aliens, but the problem is: One illegal family probably produces more children than you and all your siblings have altogether.  So, who will eventually rule?

 

From: Fred – Louisville (6/11/10)

 

The Point of View segment aired on June 10 was perhaps one of the most powerful things I have seen on television in quite some time. In the universe of entertainment, filled to overflowing with the violence and inanity of crime scene investigations and "reality television," it was refreshing to hear Bill Lamb harvest wisdom from what others have seen as a sporting catastrophe.

American society, in general, leaves little room in its definition of "hero" and "success" for the gentle, compassionate qualities exhibited by all participants in this chapter of baseball infamy. Those of us who claim to have faith in a religion would do well to seek the treasure found in the imperfections of ourselves and others - it is what makes us need each other more, and motivates us toward understanding the solidarity we share with all the members of our one human family.

Thanks to Bill Lamb, my weekly homily was delivered via an editorial which explored a play in baseball. You never know just what you might learn about peacemaking if you turn on the television.

 

From: Mark – Louisville (6/11/10)

 

I couldn't agree more with your Point of View on 8 June 2010.  I wish you would blast Metro government every chance you get. They don't practice what they preach. 

There is a park on Castlewood Avenue with a fence that has been in disrepair for over a year.  If this were your fence, you would be treated by IPL code enforcement officers as if the world was coming to an end and it's all your fault. These code enforcement officers are very two-faced. They say one thing to your face and then behind your back send you a list of things that are either in disrepair or not in compliance. 

 

 

From: Ted – Emery, South Dakota (6/9/10) 

I feel that if the city ok'd the permits and land survey for the Paalz's home, they should eat it. Or if the city is so concerned about the land, they should buy it from the current owners -- not make the owners re-buy it again. The title company should clear up this mess also. 

But then again, it's just another greedy ploy by a governmental entity to put the screws to taxpayers. If the city is looking for money, try cutting back on salaries. Like the mayor, for example -- $105,746 a year just to make some speeches, and shake a few hands? 

I have lived on less than $50,000 a year for the last 37 years. So Mayor Jerry and other elected officials can do the same.

  

From: Dee – Louisville (6/9/10)

Why would the city try to take a couple's home away from them? GREED. Why else would the city do this to the Paalzes?

If this situation was from one home owner to another it would not have gone this far. "Abuse of Power" is in play here. Who is the surveying company? Were they hired by the city? How many other mistakes have been made by this surveying company that has gone undetected?

It is time to dig up the dirt. The Government snoozed on this one. You snooze you lose. Too much time has passed. How much money has the city spent to take it this far? It would be interesting to see. Should we all plan for a situation like this? The Paalzes have spent hard-earned taxed money for a city screw-up.

Q, uoting Mr. Paalz: "I ho,, pe, somebody comes to their senses and says, 'Look this is wrong. How can a government do this to their people?"

 

From: Paul – Fern Creek, Kentucky (6/8/10)

In regard to the Paalz's home, I think this issue is about a certain mentality on the part of Metro Government.  Instead of "How can we help our citizens?" it's "How can we take from our citizens?" 

We own the government.  However, Metro Government thinks they own us and can take what they want.  They should be saying, "We messed up and let's fix a wrong."  Instead, someone says, "I see where we can make some money off of this issue."

Why is the taxpayer and citizen always wrong in the Metro?  , This city has been run like a business since Mayor Jerry took office.  We are not a business.  We are a government owned by the people.

 

From: Shannon – Louisville (6/8/10)

Where are all the "Save the Gulf" concerts? Where are the TV benefits with celebrities and musicians giving heartfelt speeches on the poor fisherman, wildlife, beaches, loss of income and sabotaged gulf economy? These people (including our own government) are so quick to help Haiti and other countries. But where are they now?

 

From: Patty – Louisville (6/2/10)

I want you to know that my husband and I both enjoy the Point of View segments that Fox 41 does.  My husband yells in from the den, "Bill's on."  I stop and listen.  We love the fact that he is always on point with our same opinion on whatever the subject is for the day. 

 

From: Ann – Louisville (6/2/10)

I look forward to the Point of View segment.  I appreciate Bill Lamb's practical and logical outlook on the variety of topics that are covered and enjoy the follow-up comments from those who respond.  In our busy lives we can forget to give enough thought to the very topics that affect our lives.  I believe Point of View makes us pause and devote the time.

 

From: Nancy – Jeffersonville, Indiana (6/2/10)

The problem I have with the editorials is the same one I have with newspaper editorials.  The editor/manager is usually the head of the organization.  When you hear their opinions over and over, you start to believe their news reporting is not unbiased - especially when the opinions are expressed during the news program.  For this reason, I rarely read the Courier - their news reflects the same liberal slant that their editorials do and I do not trust their reporting.

That being said, I do usually agree with you.  However, sometimes I feel you are grasping at straws to come up with an interesting topic.  Always, I feel like a captive audience.  I tune in for unbiased news reporting, not your opinion. 

 

From: Wayne – Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky (6/1/10)

My wife and I are not huge news watchers, but do catch it when we can.  And I have to say that my favorite part of the news is not the sports or the weather, but Point Of View.  I love it!  It reminds me of the news from older days.  It gets me thinking about real things and not just the top story of every news station.  I like to hear Bill's commentary and agree with him most of the time.  And I love to hear the responses that are played back.  We stop what we're doing and listen, and it gets us talking afterwards.  So I would say it is a great success and that Fox41 should keep it going as long as they can.

 

From: DJ – Charlestown, Indiana (6/1/10)

I figure I better not remain one of the "Silent Majority."  You do a good job! I agree with most comments. You seem fair about giving people a chance to speak their opinions.   Keep it up.

 

From: Walker and Jane – Louisville (6/1/10)

We enjoy and appreciate Bill Lamb's "Point Of View." Tell him to keep up the good job!  It's important to all citizens of the city to have someone like him voicing their opinions about current events and giving anyone the opportunity to reply.

 

From: Melanie – Louisville (6/1/10)

My dad and I are always interested in what Mr. Lamb has to say.  It's intelligent and is a different slant from the Courier-journal.  I believe it does foster discussion, and hopefully gives people a different way of looking at issues. 

 

From: Greg – Louisville (6/1/10)

Point of View is the best part of the 10 PM newscast.  It is the #1 reason why I watch Fox 41 News, and ignore the other local news channels.  Keep it up!

 

From: Steve – Louisville (6/1/10)

Thanks for doing the Point of View!

I enjoy hearing another side of the argument on local issues.

 

From: Thomas – Louisville (6/1/10)

Frankly, whenever I see Bill Lamb on my TV, I change the channel.

To say that the purpose of these segments is to encourage discussion is ridiculous and disingenuous. The purpose of these segments is to provide Mr. Lamb a medium to regurgitate conservative talking points.

If I wanted to know how to run a TV station, I would be interested in Mr. Lamb's opinion. Otherwise, I do not care what he thinks, and he is not welcome in my home. 

 

From: David – Louisville (5/27/10)

I applaud Bill Lamb's editorial on improving low performing schools in Jefferson County. He is right that parents must value education and be involved in their children's education. I know few JCPS administrators have the courage to say this, but it is the truth.

 

From: Scott – Valley Station, Kentucky (5/26/10)

Bill is correct in saying that SOME parents do not value education as much as they should. As the parent of a child attending Frost Middle School in the mid ‘90s, while in a parent-teacher conference I asked what could be done to help my child improve her D grade. The teacher's response was "What's wrong with that? It's passing."

What's wrong with that?! Any teacher who cares no more for student performance than that needs to pay back her wages and return her teaching degree. And that is being very polite about it.

I have two more children that are beginning elementary school. Without some seriously drastic major personnel changes in the next five years, they will not go to Frost. My kindergartner is being sent to attend second grade reading classes.

We are involved parents. Frost is a bad school. Frost is Jefferson County's equivalent to the Siberian front for German soldiers of WWII. Did he really say that no one in the southwestern portion of the county is involved in their child's education? Five of the six are in the same general region of the county.

If the teachers won't teach, we need to stop paying them. If I don't perform at my job, I get fired. If the teachers won't teach, all the children need to be home-schooled. Where will that leave the second-worst educational performing state?

 

From: Scott – Brownstown, Indiana (5/21/10)

News stories appeared last night saying that newly elected Republican senatorial candidate Rand Paul's comments on a recent Rachael Maddox Show "created a media firestorm."

First of all, let's get it straight: Who really created "the firestorm?" "The media" created it. And a vast majority of those in "the media" created or fed the firestorm because their agenda leans heavily against conservatives and Republicans. It's no surprise Louisville's Courier-Journal editors believes they have a "gotcha!" moment or that, as "the media" said, Democrat senatorial candidate Jack Conway is "all too happy" to take advantage of it.

Second, what's clear from reaction to this interview and other recent developments around the nation (the Arizona illegal immigration bill, for example) is that the liberal Democrat agenda for the upcoming elections is to portray conservatives, Republicans, Libertarians, and those involved in the Tea Party movement as racists and bigots. And leading the charge is our "post-racial" President, Barack Obama.

In the past, Republican Party leadership has given in to even the slightest pressure when liberals cry, "Racist!" Oddly enough with this current controversy over whether or not Rand Paul would have supported past Civil Rights legislation, current Senate Democrats support – as President Pro Tem, no less – a Senator who in fact, not in theory, not only voted against the Civil Rights Acts of 1960 and ‘64, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but was one of the key figures in opposing those pieces of legislation, along with Senators Al Gore Sr. and William J. Fulbright, hero to many current sitting Democrats and party leaders. To gain his Senate seat in the first place, Senator Byrd had to defeat a Republican incumbent and civil rights advocate, Sen. Chapman Revercomb. Prior to his time in the Senate, Byrd served two terms in the House of Representatives (1953-59) where he opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Prior to that, Byrd served a Kleagle (recruiter) and Exalted Cyclops (chapter leader) with the Ku Klux Klan.

While one would hope for clearer articulation on the issue from Rand Paul, one also has to marvel not only at the tangled web Democrats have weaved for themselves, but how they've been able to elicit "the media's" help spinning it.

 

From: Vincent – Louisville (5/21/10)

You mentioned in your opinion section how you felt about our legislature not doing a budget. Really -- if they are going to call a special session to do what they knew they had to do during a normal session, then why should we pay them for the special session? If they are so concerned about the budget and the fitness of our economy, then they should take a page from JFK and work for a buck instead of the usual high salaries they get now. At least it would show some real feeling of concern and might sway some voters from booting them out of office. 

 

From: Gail – Louisville (5/21/10)

I know everyone uses cells phones, but when you hear the police talk about drivers using their cell phones it really ticks me off, because when you see or pass a police officer on the road while driving, nine out of ten are on their cell phones.

And then you have truck drivers on their cell phones. How can you drive a huge truck like that and talk on a cell phone?

I think this should be a law that truck drivers need to pull off the road to talk on their cell phones.

Also, the state wants other drivers to give truckers more room. Well, they need to give other drivers room. I see them up on the bumpers of cars and trucks cutting people off. Like they say, they can't stop on a dime, so they should get off everyone's rear ends. I would love to pull them over and give them a piece of my mind.

 

 

From: Travis – Jeffersonville, Indiana (5/21/10)

I'm sure you are familiar with the young Hispanic girl who admitted to First Lady Michelle Obama that her mother was an illegal alien.

As an American citizen, I am aggravated that the authorities have decided not to take action against the girl's mother.  We have laws in some parts of the country that are being enacted that would allow potential racial profiling in order to fight illegal entry into our country, yet when faced with evidence that a person is not legal we turn a blind eye to it.  This is neither right nor fair, and a better decision would be to give this person an ultimatum: either complete the process to become a legal resident or be deported. 

As a human being I feel for the lady and do not wish her any ill will, but there are consequences to every action. 

 

From: Whitney – New Albany, Indiana (5/20/10)

Are you kidding me?

I wish I had taken Spanish instead of French in high school so that I could address Mr. Calderon in his own language to tell him just what I think of his antics in the United States Congress. 

And to Mr. Obama: You are welcome to invite whomever you choose into your own house, but while you are in our house, please have enough respect for the American people to ask your guests to address us with the respect we deserve.

 

From: Richard – Louisville (5/20/10)

I recently saw the Point of View you aired on WDRB regarding media coverage of the flooding in Nashville, and I'd like to respond.

In your piece, you took a not-so-subtle swipe at the people of New Orleans regarding their behavior during and after the disaster and talked about the inequality in news coverage. As a former New Orleans resident who lost everything I owned in Katrina, I'd like to point out some facts you seemed to have overlooked.

Although both of these disasters involved flooding, they are in no way comparable. Not to downplay the severity of the Nashville flooding, but news reports I've seen talk about 29 people dead and about 12,000 homes damaged, with costs estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. In Katrina, however, there were more than 1,800 deaths and probably half a million homes destroyed, with costs estimated to top $80 billion. To imply these disasters should have gotten similar amounts of news coverage is simply ludicrous.

Once people were rescued in Nashville, it was a simple matter to find food, water and shelter. In New Orleans, on the other hand, people were trapped for as long as five days in 100-degree heat with no food or water. Those who tried to escape the city on food by walking across the Crescent City Connection Bridge were turned back at gunpoint. I doubt if any Nashville residents were prevented from escaping their flooded homes in that manner. I myself was trapped just outside the city for nearly a week due to blocked roads and the lack of fuel.

And while the floodwaters in Nashville diminished in a few days, my house was completely under water for more than a week, and it was more than a month before I could re-enter the area to salvage the few possessions that remained. Although the house was demolished, five years after Katrina I still make monthly payments on the mortgage, despite the fact that I had flood insurance. The lot where my house once stood has little if any value and probably never will.

And lastly, while the damage in Nashville came from natural, if unusual, causes, the flooding in New Orleans was caused almost entirely by the effects of projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers.

  

From: Craig – Louisville (5/18/10)

You hit the nail on the head tonight!  The same goes for the Mississippi gulf coast after Katrina -- it was all about New Orleans.  To paraphrase Mississippi's Governor Haley Barbour, when asked why they were not getting the same attention as New Orleans "It is hard to interview a***s and elbows!" 

 

From: Dana – Louisville (5/12/10)

I think something should be said about the special session that's just been called by Governor Beshear.  As a tax paying citizen in the commonwealth, I can't believe that we have to pay the General Assembly additional dollars because they refused to do the job they were paid to do in the amount of time they were given.  We go, through this all too often.  How many jobs exist that will allow you to continue working -- plus pay overtime -- without providing a product, a service or -- in this case -- a budget?  I'd like to know how much money it's going to cost Kentucky citizens for the General Assembly to return to Frankfort in the hopes of finding some common ground to settle the budget issue.  

There is a major flaw in the system that allows this type of behavior to continue year after year after year.  It's sad that the political system has become so inept at conducting one of the primary purposes of their existence. 

 

From: Linda – Louisville (5/12/10) 

John Calipari recruits athletes. There's nothing wrong with that.  But he does not recruit students.  

UK fans seem to think that winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.   How do the fans embrace these players, whose only loyalty is to their coach and not your school?

Let's face it, his background is questionable, so I expect he'll crash and burn and take the "Big Blue Nation" down with him. And they'll only have themselves to blame.

 

From: Skip - Louisville (5/12/10) 

I would like to make my voice heard about all the bike traffic along River Road, Highway 42, and Rose Island Road.
 
I understand many people enjoy riding, there are several bike clubs and even the Mayor encourages people to ride, and that's all well and good. But why is no one enforcing the bike riders' traffic violations? 
 
Pick any weekend or nice morning and start out on River Road, take it to Highway 42, then to Rose Island Road, and watch the bike traffic.  I bet you'll see double, triple and even four-wide riders on these roads.  You will see major swerving in front of cars trying to pass, and traffic lights and stop signs being disregarded.  You may even get lucky enough to get "the finger" when you try to pass on Rose Island Road. 
 
I personally have viewed two bikes run the stop sign at Rose Island Road and hit a motorcycle coming down Highway 1743. The motorcycle rider was injured. 
 
I live in Cardinal Harbour, at the end of Rose Island Road, which seems to be a great subdivision to ride through.  It's a great place to turn around for the Rose Island Road trip. 
 
While walking through Cardinal Harbour, I have asked several bikers why they don't use the stop signs in the subdivision. I have been told bikes don't have to follow regular road rules.  I have also been cursed out for asking.
 
Everyone gives a lot of advice to motorists to look out for bikes, but not much is said about bikes looking out for cars and obeying traffic laws.

 

From: John and Kathy (5/11/10) 

Once again, Indiana is faced with footing the bill for a trial for David Camm.  To me, it no longer matters whether or not Camm is guilty because the fact is, everyone in the community has been on a witch hunt eager to persecute him for whatever evidence the prosecution is willing to dish out – or, for that matter, to withhold.  Life as he once knew it, guilty or not, is over, and friends and family alike have condemned him. 

I cannot, will not and do not understand why Charles Boney is treated with any respect whatsoever.  The only thing the prosecution proved to me during the last trial is that he is a deranged, sexual deviate.  He would not know the truth if it slapped him in the face. And he is their star witness. What does that say for their credibility?  

After seeing Stan Faith on the news today stating that "wherever Camm moves his trial, the evidence remains the same," my question is: If the case is so cut and dried, why can two different prosecutors fail to prove, without a shadow of a doubt to the Supreme Court, that the evidence is fair and true?  Why can they not prove a man guilty with a fair trial, one conducted by the rules of the court?  Or is it possible Camm is not guilty? 

After all, they are tried and true elected officials. Their expertise got them where they are today. 

I asked myself these questions:

Is it possible that David Camm isn't guilty? 

Is it possible that neither Stan Faith nor Steve Henderson is competent to hold a fair trial in court?

Is it possible there is more evidence that a faulty investigation failed to disclose, or that a "set of fresh eyes" chose to overlook?

I answer yes to all three of these questions. 

I no longer care about Camm's guilt or innocence. Our so-called justice system has broken him of ever being the man he once was.  

What I put on the table many may laugh at.  It may be unheard of, or deemed impossible. But I would like the prosecution to be held accountable for the truth, fairness and accuracy they present.  I would like to see them present their case with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  So help them God!  

At the end of the day, I would like everyone to feel that justice has been served. Not for a politician to hear another ballot drop in the box in their favor, but for them to do the right things for the right reasons.

Is that too much to ask?

 

From: Niloufar – Louisville (5/11/10)

As Kentuckians, we often put more emphasis on ensuring our basketball teams are in the top 20 rather than ensuring our educational institutions are top 20. And although Kentucky, as a state, as progressed immensely over the last two decades, the fact that athleticism at UK overshadows the primary educational purpose of the university is a disturbing sign. 

Where exactly do the priorities of UK lie?

  

From: David – Louisville (5/11/10)

I whole heartedly agree with Mr. Lamb's point about the UK basketball program.  

There was something that came up during the NCAA Basketball tournament. I can't remember all the particulars, but it had to do with not letting programs with less than a certain graduation rate play in the post-season. With that, I also agree. 

Universities are for learning. They are not minor league basketball, or any other sports programs.

If a person doesn't want a college education, they shouldn't go to college. They should just wait until they are the minimum age requirement and then go to the tryouts for the professional sport they want to play. 

If a coach isn't interested in the education of the student-athlete and their earning of a degree, they should not be coaching at a learning institution.

There should be training facilities for people who want to play professional sports, but don't care to earn a college degree.

  

From: Cynthia – Louisville (5/5/10)

So Kentuckians have a problem with Arizona's New Immigration Law, huh? Spoken like people who have never lived anywhere near the Mexican border. 

Not only do they have a problem with those who climb walls and fences to enter this country illegally, but then there is the ongoing problem of illegal drugs that come into this country the same way.

I lived near the Nogales, Mexico border for nearly ten years.  Would you like to know how many times drug tunnels were discovered?  

The Coyotes who move these illegals into the country are also moving drugs and guns into this country at the same time.  

And, then there are the horror stories of the illegals who die trying to cross.  Illegals who lose their lives in the desert or who are loaded into cargo trucks and left locked in them to die by the men they paid to get them to the U.S.  

I applaud this measure. Not because I am un-American, but because I am pro-human.

When my ancestors came to this country, they moved through Ellis Island, had the family name mangled to the point that it neither looks like nor is it pronounced the same way as it was in our native country, we learned the language and most importantly we pay taxes to receive what is due us as legal immigrants to this country.  

What makes the Mexican illegal immigrants so special?  Proximity?  Sorry, but that's just a steaming pile right there.

  

From: Tammy – Bullitt County (5/5/10) 

On the Issue of Arizona: Bravo, Bill Lamb! Your whole speech was priceless, especially as it pertains to how our state just sits on one hand and points a finger with the other. We, the America people, are the victims.

  

From: Richard – Louisville (5/4/10) 

Hooray for Bill Lamb. I've finally heard someone say it the correct way. We're not opposed to immigration legally -- just illegally. 

See if you can get on a national show some way and tell others. Keep spreading the alarm.

 

From: Fabianna – Louisville (5/4/10) 

I totally agree with Arizona's decision. I'm a legal alien immigrant. When I applied 20 years ago for my green card, I had to get blood work and chest x- rays, provide my family history and do many other things.  It cost me more then 2,000 dollars. 

I work, have never been in trouble and pay taxes. It's not right that illegals can just come in freely. I think everybody needs to go through the same process as I did.

  

From: Linda – Louisville (5/4/10) 

Mr. Lamb is right on regarding his opinion on Arizona taking a stand.  Having moved here from L.A. after having been away for many years, I have seen first-hand how illegal immigration can bankrupt a county.  State taxes are 10% and the sales tax is now 9%.  It only worsens every year.,   My daughter just graduated with a degree in Business with a minor in Spanish from Cal State U. This was clearly a necessity in order for her to continue living in California. Unless one is bilingual, there is no job market.  

While getting a pedicure this afternoon, I couldn't help but wonder why every person employed there (all Vietnamese immigrants, as in most nail salons throughout the U.S.), manage to speak English fluently, pay taxes and are simply not a threat to us like Mexicans are.  The woman who worked on me was easily understood, kind, and has been here for only five years!    

I think what irritates me most is that most Mexican immigrants simply (and stubbornly) refuse to learn English; they speak their native tongue with honor and laugh at us when we do not understand them, which happened recently at Kroger when paying with their food stamps! I don't see an end in sight unless we, as a nation, get behind Arizona and stop supporting illegals with free health benefits, free ed, ucation and free SSI benefits.    

When will it end? 

 

From: Junior – New Albany, Indiana (5/4/10) 

I fully agree with your opinion on Arizona's immigrant law. I have been saying the same thing for years, but no one listens to me -- I guess because I am just common working man. 

 

From: Al – Ekron, Kentucky (5/4/10)

I believe that Arizona and all other states could go far in eliminating the problem of illegal aliens by increasing the penalties for hiring undocumented workers. Make it expensive - very expensive - by punishing those who are creating an incentive to come to this country illegally, and holding employers responsible in a way that affects their bottom line. 

The new message should be: If you hire an illegal, get out your wallet, because you're going to be expected to shoulder the burden you helped create.

 

From: Charles – Louisville (5/4/10) 

You said that the illegal immigrants were "thieves" and we were the "victims."   Rather, it seems to me that we receive the benefit of their presence here.  Our food, for instance, is much cheaper because of migrant farm laborers, who are primarily illegal immigrants.  We experience much lower costs because they are here.  We are not victims.  The fact that Congress has not fully funded the INS in the past 30 years is the result of the fact that it has been in our best interest not to send these poor people home.   

Many illegal immigrants have been here so long that they have had children here. Those children are citizens. Would you leave them orphans? Or worse, have them suffer the injustice of being deported?   

The reason illegal immigrants don't contribute much to the tax base is that they are illegal.  If we granted some amnesty and gave green cards, then they would be fully paying into the tax system.   

Last, are they thieves and we the victims?  No, my experience is that these immigrants are very hard workers who deserve more than the meager pay they earn. With every new wave of immigration, people have historically opposed the immigrants because they were different, had different customs, supposedly took our jobs and spoke a different language.  But the immigrants' children fit right in here.  

This problem is a temporary problem limited to our generation. It is both their problem for coming across against the law and our problem for generally ignoring the problem because cheap labor meant cheaper products.

We both have blame.  So there is no need to point fingers and get self-righteous. But no one has been the victim, except perhaps the Mexicans who have often been exploited in my experience and are about to be treated unfairly and unkindly in Arizona. 

 

From: Bob – New Albany, Indiana (5/4/10) 

I have no problem with stopping more illegal immigrants at our borders, but it is totally wrong to profile and/or make a manhunt out of the situation.  There's no way we can return the 15-20 million that are already here.  For them, we should offer some type of process to become citizens, thus working legally and paying taxes into the system. 

They fill a large void in our lazy workforce.  Besides, I personally know of several who cross the border, time and time again, to visit family left in Mexico, only to easily return to the States by simply paying our government border guards $2,000 to $3,000 to cross.  

So, the real question is this: Who is illegal? The immigrants crossing the border to make a better life for their family, or our border patrol for illegally filling their pockets, time and time and time again?

  

From: Joe – Elizabethtown, Kentucky (5/4/10) 

I would just like to say I agree with Mr. Lamb's view on Arizona's new immigration law. My wife is from Poland and came here the legal way. She is working, going to college and paying taxes. 

If these people really want to be here they need to do it through the system just like my wife is doing. I think Arizona did the right thing by passing their own law since no one was helping them.

  

From: Mona – Louisville (5/3/10)

There is talk all over the TV about the oil spill. President Obama said just yesterday that BP is responsible and will be paying the bills. What about we, the American people? We, too, are paying for the cost of the oil spill. 

Gas has risen at an astronomical rate. I think that BP should be responsible for the cost that we, as Americans, are paying for this increase due to the oil spill. We as Americans should file a suit against BP for the extra cost we pay at the pump.

We, as Kentuckians, should petition our Governor to freeze the price of gas. If the governor wants to be re-elected, the price of gas -- and how he has allowed the price to rise in the time of need for the Kentucky people -- should be one of our considerations. If he wants to be Governor again, then he should freeze the price of gas for the summer.

  

From: Jennifer – Louisville (5/2/10) 

Greg Stumbo (or Greg Dumbo, as I refer to him) is only in office to stroke his ego and be in the limelight. If he was truly in for public service and helping this state, he would help pass a lot of the laws we care about that he has so heartlessly blocked.

I refuse to support him in any way (and I'm Democrat).  He is an embarrassment to this state and needs to be voted out of office.  All he cares about is himself and looking good. But honestly, as se, lfish and self-righteous as he's being, he's looking pretty sleazy. 

To keep the public from voting on an issue (such as casino gambling) proves he doesn't give a rat's *** about what the people think.

I have started a Facebook group against his supposed "run for governor": 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113835435315886&ref=ts

Please let everyone who is against the idea of him running for Governor know about it.

 

From: Paul – Elizabethtown, Kentucky (4/29/10)        

Has anyone noticed that when Kentucky's legislature met every two years our budget was in much better shape?  How can we get this back?  Don't let these guys meet every year and spend, spend, spend, passing laws just to fill time.  

Also, if you hired a contractor to complete a job for a bid price and it took them more time, you wouldn't expect to pay more for their failure to complete the project.  So why do we pay overtime for our 'public servants' to complete their job? 

Stop the abuse of our employees and save our money and freedom.

 

From: Dawn – Pendleton, Kentucky (4/28/10)

I am a Nationally Board Certified Teacher who has taught in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for 26 years.  As a kindergarten teacher, I do an excellent job of beginning my students on a lifelong love of learning. 

It has always been my understanding that teachers in the Commonwealth are not allowed to join unions.  KEA and local affiliates can represent the views of educators to the government, but that is by no means a union.  They have no power except for member ideas and are considered an association.  Please check this and see if I am correct.

The teachers in my district are evaluated yearly using an observation instrument which covers ten standards of education.  If a standard is not met, that teacher is supposed to be put on an improvement plan.  If the improvement plan is not met, then that teacher may be terminated with or without tenure.  My principal also does regular unannounced walkthroughs of the building classrooms while in session.  The children love the fact that "the boss" could come through and see what they are learning about and accomplishing. 

If a teacher were not doing his or her job, I truly feel that my principal would be on top of the situation.  The superintendent and other board of education employees also do walkthrough observations of each school in my district throughout the year, during which they observe each teacher.  They have an observation tool which is used to provide feedback to the teachers observed. There is a true and ongoing effort to do everything possible for the children of Kentucky, as well as to ensure that the teachers in place need to be in the classroom.  

It is easy to say that teachers should not have a union.  My question is: What makes teachers , different from other employees who are allowed to have unions?  Do they not have the same rights as other Americans?  I attended college, paying my own way, to receive a Bachelors and Masters degree, and also completed my National Board Certification.  Teachers are required to attend unpaid professional development to continue to grow in their knowledge of the teaching of children. What is that old saying -- walk a mile in my shoes?   

I think that all unions should be outlawed.  Is there a union for television workers?  If there is, then why do they deserve that and not Kentucky/American teachers?

Thanks for your editorials and Points of View.  I do truly enjoy them and they do give me pause to reflect.  I do believe that other states allow unions but I do not believe that Kentucky allows it for teachers.  Maybe you should have referred to "American teachers, except for those in Kentucky."

 

From: Janee – Louisville (4/28/10)

Something should be said about these guys wearing their pants (the waistband) down below their behinds.  This is so disgusting and disrespectful and just plain ugly to see.  Do they not realize how they are demeaning themselves? 

I've also heard this was a style started in prison to let others know when one was "available."  Is this the message they want to convey? 

I just want to run up behind these people and yell "boo" and see just how far they get when trying to run. 

 

From: Jackie – Louisville (4/27/10) 

Thank you for your comments regarding unqualified teachers. I work in a school and I see this everyday. I very much agree with you.

 

From: Andrea – Louisville (4/14/10) 

I couldn't agree more with Bill Lamb's Point of View editorial regarding Genny's Diner and the Louisville Metro Landmarks Commission. Please know that I do understand and actually support historic preservation, having formerly worked with an architect who specialized in rehabbing historic properties. The Commission is doing the community a huge disservice by "sparing" this property from demolition. There is absolutely nothing significant about this house, other than it just happens to be located in a neighborhood which has been designated an historic district.

Obviously, our community feels the house has little significance or worth, as no one has come forward to take on the free ownership of this dilapidated property. On the other hand, Genny's Diner is a Louisville landmark, which the members of the Commission are now putting in je, opardy.

Businesses that do not grow eventually die, and it would be a shame to lose a true Louisville icon like Genny's. Let's look at the big picture and decide what is more important – a revenue generating business that is well-known beyond the boundaries of our beautiful city or a run down old house that nobody wants, even for free.

 

From: Charles – Clarksville, Indiana (4/3/10) 

I have a plan to deal with immigration. Since Congress is disconnected from the American people and do not understand our urgency with illegal immigrants, let's order trucks and go down to the Mexican border and pick up illegals. Find every Democrat's address and drop them off in front of their house -- especially Nancy Pelosi's house -- and find out how much they love them. 

I live beside them, and trust me when I tell you -- they live for noise and alcohol. If they're crossing this border illegally, then we are not getting the top of the class individuals.

We should shift our military bases to the south, so while soldiers are training they can assist the border patrol in protecting U.S. soil. There is a reason we have borders in the world. The Mexican government has a responsibility to keep their trash on their side of the border. 

None of this is politically correct, but guess what? We are running our country into the ground because of political correctness. What our forefathers stood and fought for is being destroyed by people trying to be politically correct.

 

From: Cecelia – Louisville (4/2/10) 

If I ruled the world, I would take care of all the folks on organ waiting lists at the same time I emptied the prisons. I would also take care of the pedophiles with one swift swoosh of the knife by , a urologist. 

How long can this country coddle criminals and mental defects? We just can't afford it. Think of what we could do with the money wasted (in my opinion) on prisons and pedophiles. Millions of innocent animals could sure use that money just to live one more day.

One last thing: If I ruled the world, all the colleges would make coaches honor their contracts. It seems like coaches flit from job to job and make money while breaking contracts. I won't go into morals clauses - what's the point? They sure mean nothing.

 

From: Tom – Louisville (4/2/10)

As bad as things are today and the people at Jeffboat want to go on strike? Fire them all. Unions today are ruining everything. They make enough money to purchase their own insurance.  There are a lot of people who would love to be in their positions. I'm 56 and lost my job last June, and believe me, it's hard. Those workers at Jeffboat need to wake up and be thankful for what they do have. Geez.  

  

From: Ann – Louisville (3/31/10) 

If I ruled the world, people would understand that animals are our partners in the world, not just possessions or to be killed for sport. All pets would be loved and cherished, not neglected or abused. People would understand that animals feel some of the same emotions that we do and treat them accordingly.

  

From: Debbie – Louisville (3/31/10)

I agree with your wish that we learn and/or take back language skills. 

A term that is grossly overused (more on local TV stations than national) is "right now."  It is most frequently used during news, weather, and traffic reporting.  It is rare that a news reporter will convey the time of day without saying "right now."  I would hope that if someone is telling me the time of day that they are referring to the current time rather than what time it was sometime in the past or what time it will be in the future.  I realize news reporting is meant to be dramatic, but there is nothing dramatic about the time.  It is also frequently used during weather and traffic reports – which can be dramatic at times but not daily.  I also hear during weather reports, "it is currently _____ degrees right now".  I think currently and right now mean the same.

On a station that will remain unnamed, the term "right now" was used 27 times before the first commercial break.  One reporter was talking about an upcoming trial and the statement was, "And jury selection starts 30 days from right now".  The report was at 5:15AM and I don't think courts are open that early in the morning, even predicting 30 days in advance. 

 

From: Dave – Phoenix, Arizona (3/30/10) 

I am visiting from Phoenix and had the opportunity to hear your Point of View segment.  I share your views on proper language usage.  However, I took issue with your statement that "I would never be liberal enough to feel that those that work hard would be obligated to take care of those that wouldn't".  (I know you did state earlier in your commentary that you were referring to an able-bodied person.)  From your statement, I sensed that you may be a Christian.  If I am wrong, I certainly apologize.  My question for you is this: Would Jesus agree with that statement, and is that what He taught in the Parable of the Good Samaritan? 

My suggestion to you is to be a little slower to judge.  There is no need to feel guilty for those who are struggling, but they may warrant your compassion if you first seek to understand their struggles.  As a Christian, I have sensed that our religion is viewed and acts as a judgmental entity rather than a compassionate neighbor.

I do have one last question: Would Jesus be considered "too liberal" based on your definition?

 

From: Margaret – Louisville (3/16/10)

I have a Toyota Avalon, for which I recently received a recall letter. When the car was new, I noticed that the floor mat was up on the column of the gas pedal and that it made it a little less responsive (sticky?). So, using my obviously incredible intelligence, I reached under the seat and pulled the mat a couple of inches further back. No more problem, and, I have almost 90,000 miles on the car. 

There is nothing wrong with my car that I can see and I will undoubtedly replace it with another Toyota when it reaches somewhere around 200,000 miles -- which it, given my experience, undoubtedly will and will still have at least 100,000 miles left for someone else. (My husband's 4-runner has 350,000 miles on it and still runs extremely well and has had minimal repairs required. Toyota makes a great car!)

When did otherwise average adults become brain dead so that the only solution to a problem is a lawsuit instead of using common sense?

 

From: Cil – Louisville (3/25/10)

Does anyone find Mr. King and his daughter, Judge King, believable?  His comment that he didn't know he was breaking the law giving her so much money for her campaign is absurd in my unsolicited opinion.  He knew it, she knew it and since there are no consequences of their bad deed, who cares? The minimal monetary fines paid are a joke.  She won the election with the help of that money, but had she even tried a case before donning judges robes?  And the idiots he allegedly asked about the donation should lose their jobs if they are so ignorant of their profession to give that bad advice. 

Now with Mr. Lame Duck Abramson bailing (after he's gutted the city), all kinds of folks are coming out of the woodwork to be mayor. What a shame. My opinion of politicians is that they are professional liars.  I just don't trust any of them. They are all already rich and this is their way of staying that way. 

Louisville was a great city back when.  If I were younger, I'd be leaving.

From: Shawn – Louisville (3/25/10)

Just saw the item on Fox in the Morning about the guy who put a flamethrower on his moped. As a motorcyclist, I can tell you that should be standard equipment on all two-wheeled motorized vehicles. The vast majority of car and truck drivers do not respect our space, and it would be wonderful to have something like that to wake them up!

From: Laurie (3/24/10)

I can't believe you're so naïve to think that school superintendents won't use their power to manipulate the situation. KERA was passed in order to stop this good ol' boy hiring.  As it is now, the superintendent picks the principal candidates and the site-based council chooses from that pool. If they are unhappy with the choices, they can ask for new ones. 

Due to superintendents abusing their power, there have been stand-offs, and schools have settled for an interim principal until an agreement could be reached.  What they are proposing now gives all the power to the superintendent. Speaking as a teacher from a small town district, superintendents WILL give two poor, unqualified choices plus the one he wants.  Teachers know what their students and schools need, not superintendents.   This legislation will take us right back to where we were before KERA, when teachers were powerless in protecting their students from corrupt central office bureaucracy.

 From: Lynn – Louisville (3/23/10)

I have a great idea to save money: Stop sending junk mail Census 2010 advertisements that tell me I'm going to get the Census and then another one telling me I got the Census.  How much money was wasted printing, labeling and mailing these notices that followed the numerous TV ads and billboards reminding me to complete my Census?  I filled my form out and returned it right away, and it had nothing to do with the mailers that are now in a dump site somewhere.  

What a waste! 

From: Michael – Salem, Indiana (3/22/10)

The recent comment by Baron Hill that he would vote for the health care reform bill even if it cost him re-election may prove to be prophetic. I certainly will vote against him and do all that I can to see that he is retired from his position as Congressman. He does not represent his Congressional district's views at all.

From: Jean – Louisville (3/19/10) 

I once was surprised when Reverend Coleman attended a court hearing in support of an African-American man who was accused of a crime against a Caucasian youth.  After it was clear that the true victim was the child, he left.  

If he had changed seats that day and showed support to the real victim, I may agree that Reverend Coleman may be worthy of having a street named after him.  But since he didn't, I just can't agree.

  

From: Laurie -Louisville (3/18/10) 

Bill Lamb, your take on Coleman was so right on!

Bravo!

 

From: Michael – Louisville (3/18/10)

I thought Bill Lamb was "spot on" when he stated that the Toyota Motor Corporation is "a victim of bad publicity—not bad manufacturing." In fact, I think it is high time for the United States Government and the U.S. media to stop attacking Toyota. The car manufacturer has admitted its mistakes and is making an honest effort to correct them.

Toyota has a long history of manufacturing and quality excellence in Japan and in the United States. We, as Americans, should be grateful that Toyota has come to the U.S. to build high quality products and provide good jobs for the American people.

 

From: Kimberly – Louisville (3/16/10) 

I am in need of a miracle on 34th Street. The Metro Council is trying to rename 34th to honor Louis Coleman. I do not want my street changed or renamed after anyone, period. I want it left as 34th Street. Most of the residents on the North side of 34th feel the same way I do but we need help in the fight to prevent this from being forced upon us.

Please email or call the Metro Council and tell them not to change 34th's name.

 

From: Gary – Louisville (3/12/10)

I have despised Greg Stumbo ever since his witch-hunting days with our past governor Ernie Fletcher. I would love for the tax paying public to realize how much money this idiot wasted on political witch-hunts while Mr. Fletcher was in office. It was refreshing to see you call him out on the latest deal and really made my day as you have an incredible way of getting to the point.

  

From: Don – Louisville (3/12/10)

I watched the editorial on Greg Stumbo last night and I agree -- the abuse of power and "good ole boy" politics needs to be extricated from Frankfort. These crooks have been screwing up Kentucky for years, forcing entitlements and nepotism as they line their own pockets with Kentucky's wealth.

We would not have budget problems if these criminals were ousted. It is sad that the good people of Kentucky can't seem to pull out of the Dark Ages and break into the real world of finance with some real progress towards the 21^st century in industry and health care across the state.

All the fat cats in Frankfort worry about what's in it for them and leave the scraps for the rest of us.

 

From: Theodore – Louisville (3/11/10)

In view of the shortage of funds for our schools, has anyone given a thought to eliminating busing and providing top notch teachers to areas where children are being bused from? It's an added expense that could be used to keep children in school. 

 

From: Cynthia - Madison Indiana (3/9/10)

I cannot believe our government is so stupid that they spent our tax dollars to send out a letter from the Census Bureau telling us we are going to get a letter from the Census Bureau. I think the cost of that stupid move should come out of Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves' own pocket.

 

From: Ashley – New Albany, Indiana (3/7/10) 

I think the government should shut down and start over. They should stop raising taxes that only cause problems for the working people and start drug testing anybody that asks for government assistance. Everyone probably knows someone that doesn't deserve government assistance. 

People in jail get better health care then the people who work. Only in America you can go to jail for stealing cable TV and then watch cable TV in jail. 

Also, any person under the age of 25 that is in jail for a non-violent crime should be given a choice between jail and the army. 

 

From: Dan – Louisville (3/5/10) 

Instead of placing tolls on our bridges and causing a lot of congestion a, nd expense, why not add a "Bridge Fund" to all vehicle registrations in Kentucky and Indiana? Not a ridiculous amount -- just $5.00 to $10.00 for motorized vehicles and maybe $2.00 to $5.00 for utility trailers and something in between for campers and such. 

When the new bridges are built, the money can then be used to repair and maintain all bridges across the state, some of which are in bad shape. A stipulation must be put in that the money is not to be used for anything but bridges so it won't be misused for some other project. 

Also, tack on 50 cents to the cost of every lottery ticket and we should have , the money in no time. 

 

From: Samantha – Louisville (3/4/10) 

I think it is pretty sad that the Senate denied the $250 Social Security bonus for the elderly, the veterans and the disabled, but has no problem paying great amounts monthly for irresponsible women to have 10 kids and live off the government. If they would drug test these parents, they would find out where all the money is going (not to their children). But, of course, they can't give anything to our elderly or veterans.

My grandmother worked her whole life well into her 80s and she won't get $250, but I guess that's the system for you.

 

From: Rich – Louisville (3/3/10) 

Two nights ago you had a feature story on Frank Faris and the building he owns next to his Genny's Diner. Who are these people who deemed that rat trap a historical building? Is there a personal vendetta against Mr. Faris? What prosecutor would even think about putting a man in jail because he doesn't have the estimated $200,000 necessary to fix it up? 

Maybe Mr. Faris knew it was a historical home -- I don't know. Why not follow up on this so we can have all the facts? If indeed Mr. Faris bought that rat trap before it was deemed a historical home, would that not raise red flags about this historical preservation group having too much power? 

 

From: Tonia – Shepherdsville, Kentucky (3/3/10) 

I believe there is a much bigger issue than whether kids should stay in school until they are 18. If we want to address a serious dysfunction in the education system, let's look at home schooling.

Parents do not have to even have a GED or high school diploma to ho, me school their kids. Now that is a serious dysfunction. 

Some kids withdraw from school at 16, get a GED and pursue college immediately. Please don't lump all kids that drop out as unsuccessful. I've been working with kids a very long time, and have seen some very successful kids that dropped out and pursued life vigorously. Look at some of your CEOs in major organizations that received their GED and are now very successful. 

Make a rule that if they drop out they have to pursue an alternative education. Standard classrooms are not always appropriate for everyone. Some kids need to help ill or unemployed parents or are homeless and on their own. Folks need to think outside the box.

 

From: Patricia – Clarksville, Indiana (3/3/10),

Kids dropping out of school at age 16? Well, it's America and We the People have allowed this kind of behavior. In this troubled day and time, where Child Protective Services is called on a parent who spanks their rebellious child, now we have these same children telling their parents that they are having sex and should be allowed to do what they want to do. Is it right? No! But unfortunately, society has failed in its responsibilities of child-raising. 

Parents nowadays live in fear of what their children might do to them. And that's parent abuse! 

 

From: Bshon – Louisville (3/2/10) 

Mr. Lamb, give yourself a rai, se. A friend and I w, , ere , in a heated debate about letting kids drop out of school at 16. I was against it for every reason you listed. It is economic suicide for the kid and the country. 

Billions are spent on teaching and training kids and young adults, only to let them decide, they don't want to do this anymore. I live in an economically oppressed neighborhood, and I see idle young men all day sitting on the porch, being rowdy and trying to prove to anybody and everybody that the have relevance. (Not.) It's pathetic. And did I mention the propensity for crime? 

I just wanted to applaud you for sounding the alarm! I'd sure like to know when the vote to stop this madness is going to occur. 

 

From: George – Floyds Knobs, Indiana (3/2/10) 

Yesterday and today I have seen news stories about the conflict between Frank Faris (Genny's Diner) and the city over the old house he bought to make way for a parking lot. I don't believe that either broadcast I saw made any mention of the real problem -- some preservationists who are attempting to force him to reclaim the house.

I think the public needs to be made aware that this could happen to them. If my information is correct, this guy bought a dilapidated house in a very commercial neighborhood with a railroad very close behind it to create a parking lot for his business. Parking is badly needed in this neighborhood. After investing $100,000 to purchase this house, he is now forbidden to tear it down by some preservation group. Yet that group won't buy it, or even accept it as a gift. 

From what I see, someone with in that preservation group is abusing their power. That old house is in shambles. And who would want to go to the expense of returning it to pristine condition in this neighborhood of businesses, restaurants, bars, a railroad and extreme traffic?

Please let the whole story be known. It does not make sense when we see the judge insist that he put up a sign to give it away. There has to be more to the story, and I think there is.

  

From: Trena – Borden, Indiana (2/25/10)

In response to Bill Lamb's Point of View of 2/25/10: It is so refreshing that he can – and will -- say out loud what many of us believe about the ordeal between the government and Toyota. A lot of us Americans are thinking the same.

Thanks for being a voice.

  

From: Mitch – Campbellsville, Kentucky (2/25/10) 

Mr. Lamb, to accuse the American government of harassing Toyota because there is a Toyota plant in Kentucky is ridiculous. So is claiming that because the American government bailed out GM and Chrysler it is somehow to blame for Toyota's defective cars. 

I own a Tundra. What do you drive, sir? 

Think what you want, but Toyota needed to be taken to task in order to protect the American people. That's something that obvious Republicans like you don't want to consider. 

Toyota is an aggressive, purposeful company that routinely ignores complaints from customers, and I happen to be one. I don't think you have taken the time to check Toyota out, or you would know there are a lot of dissatisfied -- and in a few cases, even DEAD -- Toyota customers. 

Let the law take its course, and just butt out.

 

From: Don – Louisville (2/24/10) 

I want to applaud Mr. Lamb for his stand on the education cuts that are being proposed. There is a critical shortage of funding and the education system seems to be in the Dark Ages in this state. Too many students are being passed forward instead of being made to learn and participate in the learning process. It seems all the, emphasis on education is about team sports and nothing about GPA.

Maybe we should test the educators in place and see if they can be smarter than a fifth-grader.

 

From: Edward – Louisville (2/24/10) 

Thanks for speaking out against the negative attitudes about education and educated people in this state. I have an education -- a degree in English communication with a minor degree in Psychology -- and I'm the only person in my family with a four-year degree. I'm also the only person in my family without a job. 

I've been unemployed for two years now, and every time I go on an interview the interviewer looks for a reason not to hire me. I'm either over-qualified or under-qualified. My education is absolutely no help in finding a job.

As a matter of fact, my education has been used against me in the interview process. I know for a fact that a high school dropout with a drug problem can get a job faster in this city then a person with no drug problem and a college degree. I applied to a local hospital for a position delivering meals to the rooms of patients. I was told that because of my education that this was not a good fit. But now I find out that a high school dropout with a drug problem got hired in the housekeeping department. 

This is just ridiculous. What's the sense in going to school to get a job only to find after you get out that you're thousands of dollars in debt and still unable to find a job because you decided to go school? 

Thanks for speaking out. 

 

From: Tasha – Louisville (2/23/10)

Kentucky's school systems should look at their reg, ulations regarding early childhood enrollment. In order for students to start Pre-K at three years of age, they must either have a special need or be financially eligible. 

The problem is these classes are full of financially eligible students who take up spots – and attention -- from the few special needs students in these rooms who would benefit the most from early education. 

Kentucky needs to take a look at this. How much money would that save? These cuts would not only save money but actually benefit our community's special needs children. 

 

From: Leanne – Shelbyville, Kentucky (2/23/10) 

I'm upset that we're cutting TARC buses, closing businesses and cutting jobs from Humana, but we still think we need a bridge and an arena, I am sorry, but as hard as I try I cant get it into my head why this makes any sense. We don't need a bridge if people cannot afford to drive or don't have a job to drive to.

 

From: Bernie – Louisville (2/22/10)

I have to speak up because people out there do not know the truth. They want to jump on the bandwagon and bad mouth the United Auto Workers of America.

I understand the wealthy wanting to cut out the middle-class people that are making $55,000 a year. I just can't understand some Americans agreeing with the wealthy.

I hope people are listening and learning about the Union wages in the auto industry. First of all, Henry Ford knew that given the intense stamina that workers would have to possess to work every minute of every hour on his assembly line, he would have to make the pay twice as much than regular wages across America. So he paid $5.00 a day when others were paying $2.50 or less a day. Henry Ford set the stage for the Auto Worker pay scale. The Union keeps that scale intact.

I remember back when I hired in with 50 other employees, within two weeks about 25 of the 50 had quit. I'm sure some of those 25 went back to college to get a degree so they would not have to do hard labor. To be honest, I think athletes from high school and college are the best assembly line workers. They have the team concept and the stamina to keep going. But there's no doubt, such work cripples ever, yon, e who does it one way or the other. 

Unless you have jumped on that assembly line and grabbed that bull by the horns, don't sit there and judge the Auto Workers of America's pay scale. Henry Ford himself and his white collar workers did not want those jobs, and there was a reason.

 

From: Kimberly – Mount Washington, Kentucky (2/21/10) 

I was really upset when a spokesperson from LG&E was on TV stating how the company would work with their customers if they're in danger of service interruption. He also said programs are out there to help the customer with paying the bill.

Well, that may be true if you have no income or fall way under poverty level. But what about the working class?  What about those who are having a difficult time and need some help or a payment arrangement to keep from being disconnected? 

I am a single mother of four and have an 18 month old grandbaby. My youngest daughter is sick and her medications are very expensive. I work five days a week, 13 to 14 hours a day, and do not receive any type of government assistance. I was told I made too much money to get any type of assistance, and because I live in Bullitt County, I was not eligible for other programs because you had to live in Jefferson County. 

I tried and tried to make payment arrangements with LG&E and was totally denied. My electricity was shut off and the temperature dropped to 21 degrees that very night. I had a friend who finally pulled through for me and LG&E restored my services that night, but it was seven to eight hours later. 

I do not know what I would have done or where I would have gone with five kids.  I was told by LG&E to go to a shelter or hotel room. If I had money for a hotel room, I could have paid my bill.

My point is, LG&E does not work with its customers, and to stand there on TV and claim otherwise is just sickening. What about the working class?  What about people like me who are trying to work and make their own way and still can't get a break? 

 

From: Don – Louisville (2/20/10)

Bill, now that you have been enlightened about the good ole boy, Jerry Abramson, you can go and dig out the rest of what a lot of us have been going through with the office of the mayor and why so many people are fed up with the politics he stuffs down our throats on a daily basis. With him and his huge discretionary fund and unlimited supply of yes men, we have a monopoly of money power and executive power few cities in this nation have ever known. 

 

From: Dana – Louisville (2/20/10)

Regarding the segment on overdue cuts in city hall:

In some of the other Metro agencies that have endured layoffs and unfilled vacancies, some of the unscheduled overtime can be explained by remaining staff trying to maintain the same level of service despite being short these positions. 

Not all of the vacant positions are a waste of money. 

 

From: Todd – LaGrange, Kentucky (2/18/10) 

I wanted to comment about the Metro Council's proposed ban on trans fats. We vote for these people to make the right choices for us, not to tell us what we can and can't do. We, as adults, fight for our freedom every day. Shouldn't what we eat be our choice?

I try to eat healthy and I try to feed my children healthy food. But I think making people more aware of what they are putting in their bodies is a good idea -- not telling us what we can or can't eat. I don't even think Soviet Russia told their people what they could or could not eat. So why is our government trying to do so?

 

From: Terry – Louisville 2/17/10)

In July, 2008, my ex-girlfriend and I were charged with some pretty serious crimes, and we are now awaiting trial. I got laid off In December 2009 and have been trying to find a job, but everywhere I turn I am being rejected for employment due to the pending charges. 

Whatever happened to "innocent until proven guilty?" How is it legal to put something you have not been found guilty of on your record? I am not asking for a hand out -- I am trying to make my own way. I just don't think it is right to be judged by an employer before I am judged by the court. That tells me that it is "guilty till proven innocent."

 

From: Mona – Louisville (2/16/10)

In recent days we all have experienced bad weather. We are grateful to the city, county and private contractors for their efforts in clearing the roads. However, I think it is a waste of taxpayers' money for the snow plows to be sitting on the side of the roads with no snow on the roads.

The city, county and state are always saying how they are looking for ways to save money. The overtime they are paying these workers is something that needs to be investigated. Use the workers and staff only as needed. It is a waste of money to leave them sitting on the roads and working when there is nothing to be done. Waiting on snow that's miles away is a waste of time.

 

From: Layne – Louisville (2/16/10)

I agree with Bill Lamb on voting new people into office and voting all the ones out who don't represent us. First, we have to get to the point where they receive retirement benefits like most of the people they are supposed to repres, ent. Let them have a normal retirement account and put them on Social Security when the reach the proper age.

 

From: Robert – Payneville, Kentucky (2/16/10)

Is the Southwest the stepchild of metro Louisville? Back when I went to work in the morning, it would be a relief to get Jefferson County on Dixie. The state always had it cleared of snow and ice. Now in the morning, Dixie Highway in Metro Louisville isn't even touched.

It seems the Dixie Highway area (outside I-264) is low priority.

 

From: Cynthia – Madison, Indiana (2/11/10) 

I'm sick of the police using deadly force when absolutely not needed. They make Tasers and beanbag guns and many other options so they don't have to kill and ask questions later.

If they are such bad shots that they cannot shoot a hammer out of an assailant's hand with a beanbag gun, then what are they doing carrying a deadly weapon?

 

From: Frank – Louisville (2/11/10)

At the risk of second-guessing the police officers' actions, I wonder if another option was available. Mr. Miles' weapon required proximity – victims would have to be within a one or two-yard striking distance (I guess he could have flung the hammer à la Thor). Tasers and pepper spray also require close proximities to be most effective. 

The pepper spray did not deploy properly, and the Taser was ineffective. Were the only choices to be in harm's way or to shoot from a safe distance? Must one conclude that the only viable choice was four shots to Mr. Miles' body? Were there no other non-lethal or less-lethal means of subduing Mr. Miles? Rubber bullets, stinger rounds, and beanbags have been used for decades to subdue individuals. They have risks, but they are generally less final than bullets. Were any of these options at the officers' disposal? If not, why not? Were any of the four officers on the scene equipped with a firearm capable of delivering less-lethal projectiles? If not, why not? Must the only choice have been between an ineffective T, aser and all-too-effective bullets?

One would hope that a world-class city like Louisville would have a police force with the sophistication to avail itself of technologies that have been around since the Nixon era. Does Louisville adequately prepare and equip its police with the training and technology to truly protect and serve all of its citizens, even those who "misbehave?" 

 

, From: Sherry – Louisville (2/10/10)

When we have snow like this, why do the side streets get ignored when it comes to clearing? The city has no problem in making neighborhoods move their cars to clean the streets so why can't they have a plan to get city side streets plowed when it snows? If the city wants people to live in the metro area they need, to ensure we can get off of our streets when there is snow.

I understand the main arteries have priority, but the city of Louisville then forgets about the neighborhood streets. It is so frustrating to slip and slide on a side street only to find main and secondary roads are almost dry.

 

From: Karen – Louisville (2/10/10) 

The shooting of Donnie Miles may have been justified, but what about the ones that are not justified and the county attorney gets them off? Our police are, in some cases, just as bad as the criminals they arrest. 

Sometimes there is abuse of power because they do have authority. What do think when they come into businesses and expect free food? Or they drive and talk on cell phones? Or they cut you off without a light or siren? 

We can talk about justifications all day, but when it comes down to it, two wrongs have never made a right.

 

From: Susan – Fisherville, Kentucky 92/9/10) 

Mr. Lamb, if only you would run for Mayor! I'm sure you receive tons of complaints and negative and hateful remarks. Rest assured that when you receive negative comments in response to your Point of View, you are on the right track. Because you tell it like it should be and not like it is, you are bound to make people angry. 

I don't know for sure if you are a man of God. My gut tells me you are from your words. But if you are, always remember you are doing good work for God when you share your Point of View.

Your reward will come in time. Keep up the good work and God Bless You!

  

From: Ishmael – Louisville (2/9/10) 

My comment is about Mr. Lamb's Point of View regarding the police shooting. The police are humans and sometimes get called into defuse hostile situations. They are expected to make spontaneous decisions according to their duties to serve and protect. 

I do understand this, but I think that a leg shot would have stopped this man. They did not have to shoot him so many times and in the parts of the body that they shot him. I just think this again was overkill by the Louisville Metro Police Department that is going to be found justified because the victim had a record.

  

From: Tessa – Louisville (2/9/10)

Thank you Mr. Lamb for your comments today about the LMPD and their bravery. I thank you for your brave and intelligent comments. You are so right! Taking a human life is the last thing a police officer wants to do. If our media outlets would show the entire story, then just maybe citizens would change the way they view the police and react to them as well. Thank you.

  

From: Pete – Shepherdsville, Kentucky (2/9/10) 

Thank you for your comments regarding the justified shooting at Iroquois Homes. Your Point of View is almost always on target and you always make sense. I thank you for your support of the police, 99% of whom always try to do the right thing. 

 

From: David – Louisville (2/8/10)

Over the weekend, Louisville police had to use deadly force on a "mentally ill" individual. This was very unfortunate. My thoughts go out to his family. 

That being said, from what I've seen on the news they only shot him after he continued to behave threateningly after they had exhausted all other non-lethal means. These cops did everything they could, but had to shoot.

I think they did the right thing. On the news there are people saying that the police could have "winged" him instead. People saying that disturb me. It's almost impossible to just shoot a target in the leg or arm. The people saying that have being watching too many movies and TV. 

My thoughts are also with the cops who had to make a very difficult decision -- the right one, unfortunately, for all involved. This guy was obviously a threat to those officers. There are always people who want to get on the news and second guess the cops every time they have to do their job. Thank God there are men and women brave enough to pin that badge on and go out every shift knowing that the cr*p can hit the fan like it did this weekend. 

Thank you, guys and gals.

 

From: Brian – Louisville (1/20/10)

I wanted to voice my concern about Churchill Downs' plan for night racing. I live approximately 10 houses from the track. My concern is that they have night racing scheduled for the night of October 31. 

Our neighborhood has a large turnout for trick or treating, and with all the traffic and poor lighting, combined with a very small law enforcement presence, who is going to protect our children? Especially with alcohol being served at Churchill Downs?

Last year on night racing dates, we experienced large numbers of people being lost and very loud, wandering through our streets after dark. Now, this will happen while the kids are out having a good time trick or treating.

We have voiced our concerns to Churchill Downs and have pretty much been told "We (Churchill Downs) are here to make money."  I have lived here for approximately 8 1/2 years and love the neighborhood and Churchill Downs. We tolerate a lot and accept it for the most part, but we feel that this is a very poor night that Churchill Downs has chosen. That night is about the children and the safety that we as parents try to teach our children, and I see nothing safe about that night. 

 

From: James - Louisville (1/20/10)

Speaking of bridges between Indiana and Kentucky: We have several downtown and one in Brandenburg. Why not one at the end of Greenwood Road across to Indiana? 

I think it was talked about before and I think it's a great idea. When traveling from Lanesville or Corydon, the shortest route to Valley Station is about 40 miles. A bridge in that location would cut that to between 10 and 15 miles and also cut down on traffic, making it easier for some Kentucky people to get across to the casino boat to wager if they like. 

It also seems like there would also be less spent on the construction of a bridge from Highway 111 in Indiana to the Lower River Road/Greenbelt area.

 

From: J.S. - Louisville (1/15/10)

Recently, I watched an editorial on Fox 41.  Bill Lamb was talking about how the 30% dropout rate in Jefferson County was not the fault of the school system, but the fault of uninvolved parents instead. 

I believe that Bill is almost always perfectly correct with his opinions. 

My concern is this: I believe about 50% of the 30% that drop out have parents just like me. 

My son is a JCPS student; his grades are very poor. His mother is dead, and I work two jobs to see that we can have basic needs and food.  He is a challenge for his teachers and is not always as studious as he needs to be.  I love him and try to do all I can to help him with the time I have.  I am gone before he goes to school, so he does have quite a bit of responsibility to get up and get to high school. He helps out with the cooking, cleaning and yard work because I am so busy. 

With that said, I would like to give you a short story from a busy, concerned parent that would like to be heard. 

I am lucky to have a job. I work in heating and air, and have worked in Jefferson County my entire life.  On many occasions, I have gone to an older person's residence to repair their furnace or air.  Many times on a very cold night, the home owners or occupants do not have enough money to make the necessary repairs to be warm or cool. 

I find myself in a unique situation -- do I leave the people in the cold or do I try to absorb the expense or free labor to help them?  I am proud to say I have never left a person out in the cold.  Many times, my son was home waiting for me, and many times the people I have helped were parents or grandparents of JCPS faculty or staff members. 

I just wish everyone would use their gifts and talents to the best of their ability.

 

From: Dale - Louisville (1/16/10) 

Why am I -- and other people without children -- charged all these school taxes? I don't have kids and never will, so why do I pay all these school taxes for someone else's kids to , go to school?

 

From: Vickie – Caneyville, Kentucky (1/15/10) 

I am an 8th grade teacher, and I felt that Mr. Lamb was right on target this morning. It doesn't matter what I expect from my students -- if the parents do not expect the very best from them, they are doomed. We (teachers) are constantly being bombarded with more assessments, new teaching strategies, targeted lists of students, etc., all of which are intended to meet the needs of our failing students. Rarely do we spend as much energy on the students that know they had better do their best because that is what their parents expect. 

 

From: Robert – Mount Washington, Kentucky (1/14/10) 

Concerning all the coverage of the earthquake in Haiti: I am concerned about what happened to the millions of dollars sent to that dictatorial nation. Where did all of the money go that was sent to help all of those poor people living under a dictator? I believe it went into the dictator's personal bank account. 

By the way - just where is the dictator of Haiti? How is his family coping after the loss of their large, mostly U.S. taxpayer-funded, mansion? How is his Swiss banking account doing now after that disaster in his country? Where is the leader of that third world nation? Has anyone seen him lately? 

Do I feel sorry for all of those dumb people who live under a dictatorship? Yes, I certainly do. Am I ready to give more money to support a dictatorship? No way in hell. How about the dictator spending some of his money to rebuild his country? 

Every time there is a, devastation problem in the world, the world calls "911" and they get the USA. Not China, not Europe, not Africa. We, the USA, the demons of the world, are expected to support and defend all of the third world. I, as an American, am damn sick and tired of being spit upon daily by the leftists/Communists and mostly Arab-Muslim members of the United Nations of the world while I am expected to bail out their lazy Communist/Muslim butts every time they have a problem! 

What say you? The public never sees any reporting about where the leader of that country is. Don't you think he should be leading the restoration of his country? Do you care?

  

From: Robert – Orleans, Indiana (1/14/10)

It's time to let others lead. With Senate elections coming up, this goes for all elected officials. It is time for new leadership clear across the board. It's time to wipe the board clean. There are many senators who have been in there too long. They have had their time to pass their bi, lls and laws to make things better for the people of America, and yet they would rather argue and fight each other, wasting time and wasting the American tax dollar, than give up their own personal self-centered prideful arrogant way of thinking in order to do what is best for the American people.

Just because they are elected officials does not give them the right to push their personal ideals or agendas first. They were elected to help improve the quality of American life and economy and not make it worse. I wonder how many of them have ever lost a job and struggled to find a new one. I wonder how many of them really sit back and ask themselves if what they are doing is really improving the life for the average American. 

Many people are frustrated with our elected officials, and yet they just sit around and complain. It's time to take that frustration and turn it into a vote. It is time to encourage your neighbors, friends and family to vote. Over the years we have seen that fewer and fewer people vote. Most just give up and say "what's the use?" 

Don't play into the elected officials' hands. They have had their chance to make the country better and yet it is getting worse. We are a country that was built on democracy, and yet we are becoming a country that is moving into socialism and Communism. 

I had a relative tell me there's nothing we can do about it. Yes there is something we can do about it - turn your frustrations into a vote. Vote every one out and new people in, and if they don't work for the people of America, then vote them out when the time comes. Send a message to the elected officials. The power of America is in the people of America, not our elected officials. 

Stand up before it is too late and you lose your freedom and your chance to vote and the ability to voice your opinion. Your vote still counts. Please vote.

 

From: Connie – Floyds Knobs, Indiana (1/13/10)

I was told last night by a Jefferson County Public School teacher that JCPS does not teach cursive writing in grade K-5. What are they thinking? They are dumbing down the kids and rendering them unemployable for anything other than a job sweeping floors or working at a burger joint or cash register.

As an employer, if I were taking job applications and I had someone filling out an application in print (which is slow to begin with), I would have to come to the conclusion that this person did not know how to write, nor would he/she likely be able to read cursive writing. I could not hire him for any position in the office, nor in the plant, where reading an order or instructions is required.

We keep giving the schools more money for better education. They have computers, but don't teach the basic 3 R's? That's like asking a horse to show in dressage or reining without teaching him to switch leads or trot, canter, or stop on command. Or asking a dog to run an agility course without basic obedience training.

What kinds of idiots are setting the curriculum for the schools, and why aren't the parents up in arms demanding a correction on this matter? Are the kids of the future even going to be able to read the Declaration of Independence?

 

From: Robert – Mount Washington, Kentucky (1/11/10)

I would like to see someone ask Congressman Yarmuth just how really concerned he is about his "education" programs. How about some "economic education" for everyone? 

I refer to how much downtown traffic congestion could be relieved -- not to mention all of the auto fuel that could be saved -- if an "east end bridge" were to be constructed that would extend the "Snyder Freeway" to and from southern Indiana. Also, how much pollution would be reduced in downtown Louisville with that bridge? 

Kentucky Democrat Party policy is: "Not in the back yard of the Democrat faithful ‘rich and famous' elite residential areas -- no sir, no way! 

I also find it confusing that Louisville Metro government is so concerned about the homeless -- especially this time of year -- being cared for and wanting them to be safe, while the city's elite do not want Wayside Christian Mission to provide the homeless a "home" in downtown Louisville in the old Holiday Inn building. The Democrat Party wants everything, but not in their back yard. The homeless can't live in the elite, Democrat Party-supporting "white folks" area, and they can't be forced into the West End African-American area either. Where will they be forced to go?

Political correctness - ain't it just wonderful?

 

From: William – Shelbyville, Kentucky (1/10/10)

To me, the current president appears incompetent. He is unwilling to delegate responsibility for anything. His actions have made it clear that no one shares his agenda for conversion of our economy to socialism. I strongly disagree with the president's agenda. I don't think converting this economy to socialism will help anything or anyone.

Barack Obama has done nothing to help this country. He has been trying to convert the U.S. economy to socialism, but his efforts appear to have failed miserably. Government ownership of U.S. businesses has not resolved any problems. 

Also -- I think the solution to the problems in Frankfort is for the voters to replace the elected officials who are not getting the job done. I am a conservative (Republican), but I think it is time for the state government to start solving problems or be replaced. The current elected officials have been unable to deal with the recent financial problems, so let's consider replacing them with another system. I've lived here for a little less than ten years, but the state government has not worked for at least that long. 

I'd like to propose a government composed of an elected king and a house of advisors. I'll leave it to your imagination how it would work, but I doubt it could work less effectively than our current state government.

 

From: Margie – Louisville (1/9/10)

In Memphis, Tennessee, they turned on the power for 500 homes thi, s week. The utility did it with the support of the local government. In Louisville, you have to stand in a long line and beg for assistance.

During cold weather everyone in Louisville should have fuel to heat their home. Lives would be saved. We can throw a great Derby Party but cannot take care of our elderly and poor. You can bet that the west end has the greatest number of cut-off utilities. That has become an oasis of blight that our community has just written off. Even the homeless shelters don't go there. Residents in the west end are the first to fail when times are tough. 

Now, TARC has cut off access to weekend jobs for city dwellers going to the suburbs where the work is. House fires are up this year due to people using substitute heating. Council members need to form "search parties" to check on each home in their district to assure that all residents are warm and safe this winter. They can walk the streets hustling votes, now they need to take some responsibility for the voters. Many poor and elderly people will not reach out for help when they need it most. 

When we see how poorly the city is functioning, we understand why so many people are moving to other surrounding counties. This is a sad state of affairs and nothing to be proud of.

 

From: Larry – Louisville (1/9/10)

Regarding the situatio, n involving Hotel Louisville: 

The city does not want to admit that they do not want a homeless shelter in their little project. The task force that has been set up will ultimately be able to take the property from the Wayside Christian Mission.

The term "eminent domain" means "we are going to take it whether you like it or not." If you stop and think about it, the city can do this to the average person any time they want, so this task force could affect more than just Hotel Louisville.

People, these are hard times, and if you think about those of us living paycheck to paycheck, we could need refuge there one day. The city is siding with another entity on this issue – that's why the task force was formed. It's a shame that in times like these, when people are not looking for a handout but a hand up to get back on their feet, we as a community might turn our backs. I know right now it is about nine degrees outside. Where would these families be right now if they weren't in Hotel Louisville?

I know where the hotel sits, and there are not any homes adjacent to it. So why can't this issue be put to rest so these people can get on with their lives? Personally, I think it's a great location – right across the street from a college where a mother might go back to school to get her family back on its feet.

 

From: Brandon – Louisville (1/8/10) 

I just wanted to take the time to voice my opinion about the Jefferson County Public School system not closing schools on Thursday when everyone around them did. When you look at the footage today of buses sliding around, I just feel it is ridiculous and unsafe for the children.

Even though the main roads are pretty well cleared, you have to take into consideration the back and side, roads that buses have to travel to pick up the children I feel that JCPS had the children go half a day today so that they would get paid for the day and would not have to make up a snow day, and did not give two thoughts about the kids' safety.

I have two young boys that are not old enough to go to school yet. But when they do, if JCPS pulls a stunt like they did today, my children will be having a daddy snow day.

 

From: Melissa – Louisville (1/7/10)

I am so irritated with JCPS right now. No, this was not a huge snow event. Yes, the main roads were fine. I understand their decision to have school because it did not look bad this morning, but it put people in danger. I had to go pick up my boys this afternoon at Newburg Middle School. I made it all the way to Newburg and some idiot came around a corner too fast and slid in front of me.

This could have been avoided if JCPS would have thought this through. I know they are leery of calling off school after the mess we had last year, but think, JCPS!

 

From: Michelle – Louisville (1/6/09)     

UK player John Wall is the best player in the country. We all know that this. And the freshman will be snapped up by a pro basketball team as soon as the season ends.

These rich pro basketball teams throw money around, so who would blame players for wanting to grab the golden ring that is dangled in front of them? College athletes should stay in school and get their degree. The money will still be there after they graduate.

Since this is probably not advice that a college athlete will take, I think professional sports teams should have to pay one million dollars per year that the athlete will lose in his/her education. If John Wall, for example, goes pro at the end of , his freshman year, the professional team that drafts him should have to pay the University of Kentucky three million dollars that must be used to lower student tuition.

 

From: K.P. – Louisville (1/4/09)             

I agree with Bill Lamb in celebrating the people that help the community -- like dedicated teachers and various business professionals who aim to satisfy their customers and keep a safe and enjoyable environment for all their employees. But many employers over the past years have been using their employees as disposable tools which they terminate in order to display their power and authority, using Kentucky's hire-at-will and fire-at-will policies as shields to cover up their mistreatment of their staff.

This behavior is becoming a trend that burdens our state with a steady increase of unemployment and&n, bsp;slows down the process of getting out of this recession.

 

From: Barbara – Louisville (12/31/09)

Mr. Lamb, you were incensed when senators got special concessions for their states in the Senate version of health care bill, but where is your outrage when Republican senators who voted "no" to health care re, ceive millions in campaign money from insurance companies? This also sounds like bribery to me. 

At least ordinary citizens receive benefits from health care reform.

 

From: Matt – Madison, Indiana (12/31/09)

What can the American people do to stop the health bill -- regarding how it was passed and who should get it?  I have a job that provides insurance and I'm not going to get paid more.  I'm actually losing pay over it and at some point I'm going to have to pay taxes to cover it -- more money out of my pocket.  I might as well get a job at Lowe's or Wal-Mart and enjoy my time off, rather than work so hard, as I'm in the top tax bracket.

 

From: Ken – Louisville (12/30/09)

Mr. Lamb, you hit the nail on the head when you said that our senators and representatives from both parties are corrupt. I agree with you 100%. Also, I was repulsed to learn that they voted themselves a raise when our seniors won't even get a cost of living increase for two years and we have so many people out of work.

They are living in luxury while the citizens who voted them into office are suffering. I believe we need to vote against every one of them as their terms end, and also vote to limit the years in office to only eight for senators and the house.

Also, the voters must have a say in matters like health , reform and their raises. Who else can give themselves a raise whenever they want? We the people need to have more control over matters that can change our lives -- not a bunch of greedy grab-what-you-can gumps who laugh in our face.

By the way, have you looked at the criminal records of some of these guys? And while I'm at it, let's look at our state government, too.

 

From: Charles – Louisville (12/30/09)

Congressman Yarmuth begins his defense with a totally misleading statement that 81% of the people want Hea, lth Care Reform -- which may be true, but what he does not tell you is that 61% of the people are against the Health Care Reform bills proposed by the House and the Senate. Yarmuth is the typical liberal, spreading the liberal lies that lead only to a power grab that these bills represent.

These bills have nothing to do with health care. They have everything to do with increasing the power of the central government. Where is the logic when the collection of taxes precedes by four years the starting date of these so-called reforms? It would then appear that relieving the burdens of poor health care is secondary to getting control of a large portion of the economy and getting re-elected. It is one more giant usurpation of public power that began with Franklin Roosevelt in the New Deal. It is time to get angry. It is time to get good and angry.

  

From: Troy – Louisville (12/30/09)

I agree with Bill Lamb that the health care reform effort has been corrupted, but I disagree about who is to blame. Bill Lamb seems to believe that Democrats are to blame, yet Republicans have tried to obstruct and corrupt the process from the start. Lamb is wrong to see this as a partisan problem, i.e. Democrats vs. Republicans or left vs. right. It is not. Rather, the problem is that there are far too many Democrats that are beholden to the same entrenched interests that have kept the Republicans from engaging seriously in this debate.

This is not a fight between left and right but between health insurance companies and the American people. The health insurance companies have bought and paid for all of the Republicans and several Democrats in Congress who are fighting for their interests, whereas the American people have only a handful of Democrats in Congress fighting for their interests. All of this goes to illustrate that Congress is broken; it is not a body that is capable of meeting the needs of the American people. It has been hopelessly corrupted by special interests.

 

From: Sean – Louisville (12/30/09)

Bill Lamb's lampoon of the pork-barrel politics in Frankfort is news. And his concerns are beyond commendable, they are correct. Too many in our electorate haven't read "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt," "Team of Rivals," Theodore Rex" or "Mayflower, 1776" -- my point being: Wake up leaders -- fix things without screwing us to do it. 

Compromises are great until somebody gets screwed. Guess who? The American people. With that in mind, I salute all efforts that are sincerely aimed at helping others -- without all the diseased pork. 

Want to make money? Earn it.

 

From: Thad – Louisville (12/30/09)

The Metro Property Valuation Administrator seems to be asleep at the job. For several years, my property values have increased along with the taxes I pay. Now that my property values have diminished, there has been no related property devaluation and tax reduction.

I wonder why?

 

From: Ivan – Bardstown (12/24/09)

I am a service-connected disabled veteran. I am also on Social Security due to a disability. I am having a hard time understanding how the government can bail out companies, and yet not approve a cost of living allowance for the disabled and senior citizens. The cost of Medicare co-pays and other medical services are increasing.

 

, From: John – Louisville (12/22/09)

After hearing John Yarmuth's comments about health care, I cannot sit here without rebutting him. How can he say with a straight face many of those things? For example, where did he get that 81% of Kentuckians want his health care reforms? 

 

From: Michael – Louisville (12/22, /09)

John Yarmuth is a limousine liberal socialist who is so arrogant that he just doesn't believe that he is right; he knows he is right. He is suckling at the Pelosi and Reid power teat and has drunk the Obama Kool-Aid. Everything that he and his ilk are for is bad for America and our way of life. Most of their "Changes That You Can Believe In" are probably prohibited by the United States Constitution. He and the other communists that make up this democratic controlled United States Congress must be removed from office in next year's General Election Cycle. It is time to put God back in our country's values as they, are the foundation of the United States Constitution. John Yarmuth does not speak for me.

Thomas Jefferson said, "I have sworn upon the Altar of God Eternal, hostility against every form of tyranny of the mind of man."

America is being overrun by tyrants. It is time that America speaks up for our true American values and protects all of the freedoms that we are guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The United States Constitution is the Law of the Land.

 

From: Susan – Louisville (12/22/09) 

I was just wondering if Mr. Lamb had anything to say about the announcement that Ford Motor Company was giving raises and benefits back to salaried workers because the company was doing better. This, right after they came to hourly workers for more concessions after they had already given up thousands in concessions.

Mr. Lamb had harsh words for the hourly workers for voting down these concessions. How does he feel now? Obviously the company was just being more greedy and the media, as usual, blamed the workers.

  

From: William – Shelbyville, Kentucky (12/22/09)

I'm sure your policy requires you to accept all Point of View comments, but I have strong objections to the John Yarmuth response you aired recently. I object to him being given free air time to voice his support for seriously flawed "health care reform" legislation. I believe his comments were more fiction than fact and I don't believe that you had any responsibility to provide him more free airtime for an opinion that already received free airtime as a news issue.

It appears to me that Barack Obama and the Democrats in congress are determined to change our capitalist economy to a socialist economy. If they succeed, it will have serious and, I believe, detrimental effects on our existing economy. From what they have said, there is little doubt they will raise taxes on everyone who pays taxes, since they appear to be intent on providing for the poor without taxing them. I'd guess someone has to pay for all those free votes on the last election. I do not think that the President and Congress should be able to convert the economic system of this country by covert action. The changes that the President is attempting to make should require a Constitutional amendment, not just the whim of the President. I have a serious problem with the President and Congress trying to modify th, e economic system in this country without meeting the requirements for a Constitutional amendment.

 

From: James – Louisville (12/21/09)

Mr. Yarmuth says Mitch McConnell is anti-health care reform. Mr. Yarmuth says Kentuckians want reform and he is there to fight for it. Mr. Yarmuth is on record saying he is for universal health care. Government control and expansion is what he is for. Mitch is for reform through the private insurance companies in a free market and legislation that would make insurance more competitive without expanding government or government control. I believe this is the kind of reform Kentuckians want -- not what Yarmuth stands for.

Mr. Yarmuth is on record saying that even if his constituents do not want him to vote for issues like health care reform, he will vote for what he thinks is best for us. Here is a representative of the people who will not represent his people but what he thinks is best for us. Mitc, h represents his constituents and he knows what reform they want. Unlike Mr. Yarmuth, Mitch fights for a bill that makes sense, rather than voting for any bill even if it's a bad one. Mr. Yarmuth will vote however the party directs him to vote, After all, he is an advisor to Ms. Pelosi. 

Mr. Yarmuth showed his colors in the immigration debate, wanting to pass that bill giving illegal immigrants a path to amnesty. He has shown his colors in the health care debate by voting for a bill that would give government control of health care and our lives instead of real solutions that would spur competition and lower prices without adding to the debt and government intrusion into the private sector.

Is this about health care or a power grab? I might add that Mr. Yarmuth does not respond to e-mails if you disagree with him on an issue and avoids any questio, ns on issues. I myself have been ignored by him in person when addressing an issue with him. He turned away from me and walked away.

This man does not represent us, he represents a party. That's my opinion and personal experience with Mr. Yarmuth. Mitch writes me back on every issue or vote that I write him about, regardless of whether I agree with him or not.

 

From: Dave and Cindy – Louisville (12/21/09)

For what it's worth, I found John Yarmuth's Point of View appalling and dishonest, to say the least. He failed to mention the countless earmarks in this atrocity of a bill and the fact that real reform is non-existent in the bill. This bill is a shameless attempt at government control of the populace. It contains massive tax increases for those who have worked hard and succeeded and rewards the constituents of senators who "held out their vote." It is un-American and unconstitutional.

John Yarmuth needs to go the way of Pelosi, Reid and all the other hypocrites. If the bill is so great, why did these elected officials exempt themselves? I believe we all know the answer to that.

 

From: Carl – Taylorsville, Kentucky (12/21/09)

As to John Yarmuth's Point of View, I am not in his district but he ignores the fact that the majority does not want the version of the bill that has passed. Yes, they want change, but not change with the cost it will bring. There is a good reason why the Democrats have chosen to delay the implementation of the bill until after the elections but have started the taxation first. The health bill will not go into effect until 2014, but taxing for it will start immediately. When everyone finds out what it costs and the real limitations, they will be very upset with the Democrats but it will be too late to vote them out of office.

The only hope is that reason and common sense, although rare, will prevail. We can't afford to keep borrowing from the Chinese to float our economy and government. At some point they will require payment or ownership of the USA.

 

From: Bryan – Taylorsville, Kentucky (12/18/09)

Mr., Lamb, I agree with your editorial on the Healthcare Reform package now in front of the Senate. Like you, I don't like to cut you without being able to provide a band-aid. However, nothing short of a tourniquet will cure this one.

You asked where the money will come from. It will come from the higher premiums that people like my wife and I will be paying so the insurance companies can afford to meet their part of the unfunded federal mandate being place on them. And at some point, we will wind up in the insurance pool being proposed.

When the paying suckers run out, where will the money come from? It has been my experience that whenever the government gets involved in private industry, things go to hell in the proverbial hand basket. As far as the public option goes, my wife was a nurse in the British National Health System when we met and married, and she is one of the most vocal opponents of a public option being proposed in this country. The Federal government can't even properly take care of our wounded heroes. And we want to add hundreds of thousands of folks to that?

I do agree that this issue needs to be tabled and revisited at a more convenient time -- after we take care of a war zone and get, the stimulus money paid back. And I think a more thoughtful approach needs to be taken instead of the patchwork attitude being used right now.

Yes, President Obama promised it would be dealt with speedily. However, sometimes speed kills. And I think this is one of those instances, where speed will kill reform of ANY kind. 

Let's get our troops home and the economy back on an even keel before we start adding any more items to an already full plate.

 

From: William – Shelbyville, Kentucky (12/16/09)

There are many problems with the exemptions the state elected officials have provided for themselves, but I was not aware of heir unconscionable pension plan. Kentucky lawmakers apparently believe they are above the law. There is a retirement plan for Kentucky state employees. There should be no, special consideration for elected officials. 

Considering the job they do, I question weather elected officials should be eligible for the state retirement plan, but I certainly don't believe they should be eligible for any other Kentucky sponsored pension plan. If the Kentucky State employee pension plan is fair for other state employees, it is also fair for elected officials. There should be only one Kentucky State retirement plan, and anyone who collects Kentucky retirement benefits should collect them under that plan.

 

From: Jennifer - Sellersburg, Indiana (12/15/09

I was reading about tipping this holiday season. I am a server and have found that the closer Christmas gets people are tipping less. I really wish people would understand that servers only make $2.13 an hour and when customers don't tip, that's all we make. I would like to ask my customers if they would work for only $2.13 an hour.

We have bills and kids just like everyone else and when you get friendly service, you should tip.

 

From: Aron – Louisville (12/15/09)

Mitch McConnell doesn't get it.

I sell health insurance to individuals, and just a week ago I quoted a young lady for health insurance through Anthem and Humana. She was d, enied coverage because she uses an inhaler a couple of times a year for asthma. She has no other medical conditions, is 20 years old, weighs about 100 pounds and is being forced to leave her parents' coverage because of her age and not being in school.

I could go on about more cases that have been declined due to health issues or people that can not afford individual coverage. Everyone is not fortunate enough to be insured on a group plan where they are not allowed to look at individual cases on a case by case basis or have an employer paying most or part of their premiums.

While I am not a fan of the Democrats' plan, the GOP has done nothing to come up with one of their own. Something needs to be done to correct this situation. Instead of him standing up telling us why the Democrats' plan is not the right one, McConnell and the GOP have had the opportunity to come up with one of there own and have not. If they had, this would be a legitimate reason to have a discussion or debate about the issue and then have the right one in place instead of complaining and whining about the Dems' plan and doing nothing else to correct the situation.

So Mitch, if you don't like what they are doing, get , your people together and FIX IT.

 

From: Larry – Seymour, Indiana (12/14/09)

Just a couple comments on the economy:

1)     If the politicians wonder why unemployment stays so high, it's easy.

Unemployment pays more than any job my son, niece, or other people I've talked to have been offered to start. Why take a job for $8.50-$9.50 an hour when your unemployment check is $10.00-$12.00 based on 40 hours?

2) Save State and Federal dollars and take corrupt politicians out of the picture by making Congress' pay whatever the average income is for their district. If they want more money they should help their constituents prosper. Simple and fair.

 

From: , Glenn – Louisville (12/10/09)

I'm tired of hearing about issues of race regarding the new U of L Head Football Coach. He was recruited and hired because of his talent, not the color of his skin. If he doesn't turn the program around, the issue of race will become a problem, especially with everyone touting his race instead of his abilities.

America elected the first African-American president by an overwhelming majority, so why can't we focus on talent instead of skin color?

  

From: Karen – Louisville (12/8/09)

JCC needs to back off the old Hotel Louisville property and stop harassing Wayside, Christian. Many, , women a, nd children in this community are experiencing difficult times and Wayside is doing a great job helping them. That property is the best location for a shelter that most people would fight to keep out of "their" backyard. The size and proximity to work and higher education only add to the overall value to Louisville.

JCC needs to find another spot to expand and leave suffering women and children alone!

 

From: Doris – Louisville (12/6/09)

If I ruled the world, I would put God back in the schools, and court rooms and the world.

 

From: Brenda – Louisville (12/4/09)

Great point of view last night and this morning on Coach Kragtho, rpe being a quality person. Although the football season since the Orange Bowl victory hasn't been the greatest, Coach Kraghthorpe and the football department helped our family with a Habitat for Humanity project last summer.  My uncle was killed in the crash of Comair 5191 and had devoted the last 20 years of his life to Habitat for Humanity, and we wanted to continue his legacy here in Louisville by doing a build every year in my uncle's honor. 

We did our first building in 2007 and in 2008. My dad contacted the football department about their involvement in a Habitat build here in Louisville.  My dad and I met with Coach Kragthorpe last year about working with us on a Habitat build and two weeks later the Coach, the team and members of the football department worked side by side with us and other volunteers through the end of August (when the players went back to school) to build that house. 

This is something that I'm sure Coach Petrino would have never done.   

We held a benefit last year to help raise money and Coach (and his wife) took the time to stop by the event to show their support (they had been to a wedding and were on their way to the reception).  Many of the football players, coaches & staff stopped by as well.  Patrick Henry Hughes and his family were our emcees that night.

So with all the negativity about Coach, it was good to hear good things being said about him.  Thanks again.

 

 From: Robert – Brandenburg, Kentucky (12/3/09)

Bill Lamb, it was wrong for you to give mixed messages about former Coach Kragthorpe on Thursday. First, you said he was upstanding in his behavior, but then you diluted that message (which should have been left to that) by turning around and mentioning how he was leaving with his contract with $4.5 million. Also, you made a false comparison between Louisville paying him and another school paying out $18 million to some other fired coach. Comparing us to a different school's coach and his payout is mixing apples and oranges, trying to make Louisville's payout to Kragthorpe not look as bad.

 

From: Cathy – Georgetown, Indiana (12/3/09)

If I ruled the world, "news" reporters would not be allowed or required to report on "Celebrity" news. They would have told us about Tiger Woods' accident -- that he was okay -- and that would be it. No more of this reporting on whether or not he has had an affair.

Who cares? There are more important things going on in the world. I could care less what the celebrities in the world are doing. You would think with the millions of dollars these people make they would be, doing more worthwhile things. Sadly, this rarely happens.

 

From: Keith – Shepherdsville, Kentucky (12/2/09)

It troubles me that the state of Kentucky would put our identities at risk by allowing auto dealers to take our social security numbers to obtain a car. At 56 years of age, I have known too many untrustworthy salesmen. And the way they like to shuffle, paperwork around, this creates too much risk of exposing our financial well-being.

I could maybe accept just a financial officer getting this information, but not every salesman at a dealership -- as I just encountered at a local dealer. This was the first time this has ever happened with me purchasing a car. And I was told that this was a new state law that went into effect in February.

I don't agree with this practice whatsoever! This is privileged information that can be obtained by the state through voter registration, if absolutely needed.

 

From: Joshua – Louisville (12/2/09)

If I ruled the world, people would actually work for what they get and be more dependent on themselves instead of relying on the government to pay their bills and feed them. More people are lazy and have no life and they wonder why.

 

From: Leann – Louisville (12/1/09)

I would make it so no one could move here from another country until they learned our language -- English. I would seal the borders up tight until a background check was done on every single person trying to cross our borders that's not an American. And if something showed up on them, they would not enter for any reason because we have enough thieves, killers, rapists and those kinds of people already.

And also I would never allow any Muslims in this country ever! Freedom of religion -- except for Muslims! They aren't practicing a religion. It's a cult of killers!

I would make it so every American -- including the president -- had to pay Social Security and Medicare tax and use it for their retirement. Then there would be no more of this kind of treatment we receive when we are disabled or retired, and people would no longer look down on us because they wo, uld be kept informed of all of the laws and rules that run it. And anyone that clears over five million dollars in income will have to feed the hungry and build homes for the homeless -- and set up medical plans for those people. Anyone living on $25,000 or less will be entitled to some of those benefits, plus free heat and air and phone.

We should take care of our own country and people and stop sending our money everywhere else. No one helps America, but we send it to everyone and let our own do without! No more trade unless it's even trade. We can make anything we need here in our country. Stop all the companies from going overseas so we have the work and not other countries that will soon completely own us -- if they don't already.

America has helped everyone until we have gone under. 

Return all the freedoms that have been taken from us, and let us make our own decisions in our private life. The public should vote on all laws, not just a few people that sit up high and mighty and dictate our lives.

The only law we need is to prohibit violence of any kind and theft. And a very few others.

No seat belts, smoking, and none of those stupid ignorant laws. Smoking should be allowed outside anywhere because -- come on, people – it's outside and it wont bother anyone else.

Drinking is the one thing that needs more laws on -- not smoking. Smoking doesn't kill other people.

 Also, I would stop all the unnecessary money going to these colleges and hospitals for them to use on publicity. It's stupid. We know they are there. It's money wasted for nothing.

No toll roads. All roads to be fixed would come from one tax on every American. I'd do away with all these add-on taxes. Every time you move a dollar to another hand it's ridiculous, because we end up with nothing.

And if they are going to keep alcohol legal, then marijuana should be too, because it doesn't kill people either. And it has never made anyone violent like alcohol does.

 

From: William – Shelbyville (11/30/09)

Recent media coverage indicates that David Camm will be able to escape any further punishment for his "alleged" crimes. Is there no one else that recognizes that he is still considered a part of the criminal justice system, and as such is entitled to a pass if he makes a mistake? The evidence agai, nst Davi, d Camm should have convicted him, but the prosecutor's office has seen fit to include additional evidence that has allowed the verdict to be overturned. I would consider one mistake just that, a mistake, but I consider two mistakes of the same type, by the prosecution, to be criminal if they both provide circumstances that will release the same defendant from custody, or provide the defendant an excuse for retrial.

If David Camm is released, there should be criminal charges brought against the prosecution individuals who have facilitated his release. I am quite sure that many, if not all, law enforcement jurisdictions in Kentucky, are prejudiced in favor of the local law enforcement "officials." The courts and law enforcement accept statement by the law enforcement employees without question.

 

From: Charity – Louisville (11/30/09)

My comment is about the two people that crashed the party at the White House. If they got in so easily, they just showed a terrorist or thief how to get in with ease. If President Bush was still in office and black people had gotten in so easily, he would have had them hung or killed. So why is it we have a black president in office and its just the talk of the town? Nothing is being done about it.

They need to be jailed or hung. Some kind of disciplinary action needs to be happening to them beside publicity.

 

From: Ella – Louisville (11/28/09)

How can I electronically clap for someone who has a great idea?

For instance, Adona asks "Why do I have to take a drug test for employment and people signing up for welfare and free food do not?" Right on! I've worked hard all my life and resent this no end.

 

From: Ed – New Albany, Indiana (11/25/09)

Let's do some math. If we are assuming a cost of $900 billion over ten years, that is $90 billion per year for health care. Next, if we can assume there are 330 million people in this country, that $90 billion annual health care cost translates into a cost of $272 per person per year. Assuming 365 days per year, that translates into a cost of $0.75 /person per day for health care. I believe members of Congress need to get over the politics they are having on this subject and get on with providing health care for their constituents. 

There is a greater moral issue that must also be addressed: Is it our moral responsibility as a country to provide access to affordable healthcare for all people in this country? I think it is.

 

From: William – Shelbyville, Kentucky (11/24/09 

I agree with what you said about the potential for abuse by having public officials doing business with relatives, but I think you fell short of proposing an effective preventive measure. I believe politicians need to have consequences for their misconduct included in criminal law with well-defined consequences. I think the minimum consequence for violation of the public trust should be the, loss of the right to hold public office.

And on another topic:

In case anyone hasn't been paying attention, the Kentucky legislature has not been acting in the best interest of this state for many years. The weak change in the tobacco tax is only a minor issue. Failure to allow a referendum on casino gambling is an issue of more importance. The legislature is sure it can make better decisions for Kentucky residents than they are able to make for themselves. I do not need or want them making decisions for me.

 

From: Adona – Louisville (11/23/09)

I want to know why I have to take a drug test when I try to obtain employment but the folks who are on welfare do not have to take a drug screening to obtain their benefits.

 

From: Steve – Floyds Knobs, Indiana (11/20/09)

Kudos to Bill Lamb for his Point of View on the JBS-Swift plant in Butchertown.

As Mr. Lamb mentioned, "They don't like the smell." Certain people want the historic FEEL of the neighborhood but not the historic sounds and smells that built it.

The ugly truth is that at least half of those "illegal" modifications were to reduce the smells coming from the Hog Barn. The other half were to improve the antiquated boiler building that is painfully in need of modernization.

The oversight of not securing a permit (a paperwork faux pas, more common than most would admit) was simply a loophole for the neighborhood association to get a foothold in trying to shut JBS down 

The Neighborhood doesn't just want the smell to go away. They want the big old factory in the middle of their beautiful neighborhood to disappear -- at the cost of the livelihood of 1,300 Kentuckiana residents, many of whom would be hard pressed to find anything comparable in the area. 

If Butchertown wants JBS to move, fine! I believe the neighborhood's taxes should be adjusted accordingly to cover the 400 million dollars it would take to cover the building of a new plant, the loss of revenue form Louisville Metro's third largest employer (if they choose to build that plant outside the area) AND the unemployment payments to those that would be displaced by such a move.

 

Thank you for your Point of View on the JBS-Swift company. My father, who is 90, and all my uncles worked at Armour, Fischer's and other such companies until their retirement. Many people raised their families fr, om the employment at these companies.

I remember as a kid going to work with my dad and yes -- it does stink.  But now, some uppity people who think it's cool to live downtown or in Butchertown thinking they can just make a company up and move is ridiculous. If anything in that neighborhood is to be moved, it should be all the junked car lots and run down lots on Ohio Street. From Story Avenue to River Road there's nothing but old scrap yards and used car parts. I don't hear anyone complaining about all the contaminated ground caused by antifreeze and oil that has seeped into the ground over there. Or any junk yard, for that matter.

 

 

Closing slaughter houses like JBS-Swift would be a good step towards a healthier society. And I also find it hard to feel sympathy for the Swift employees who kill for a living. 

 

 

 

Barack Obama was elected president, but he has not shown that he is qualified for the job. I admit that he is an eloquent speaker, but that is not a validation of his election. It is only one of the reasons he was elected. I am quite sure that the major factor in his election is that the blacks in America wanted a black president regardless of his political views. That is an objective observation, not a racial prejudice.

The president's positions in state politics in Illinois were socialist, and he appears to be intent on bringing health care and much of American business under government control. If that isn't a socialist agenda, I doubt that the betrayal of the capitalist system has been given a name yet.

I personally believe that president obama (the lower case is intentional) will be judged by history to be the worst U.S. president to date. Worse presidents may be elected in the future, but I am concerned that this country may not be recognizable if this president's agenda is enacted.

 

 

 

Why punish just the tobacco users? If you really want to cut the deficit, place a tax on something that everyone uses. Here's one: paper products. A tax on such a product could be small enough that it will not affect people's pocketbooks, and at the same time would, create new revenue. 

If the government officials really wanted to put a dent in the deficit, they would take a pay cut! Don't get me wrong -- they should be compensated for their time, but not at this price. Why should they be paid such an amount for doing something for the greater good of their county, city and state.

 

 

I am a long time smoker.  I did not create Kentucky's budget shortfalls, and I still do not understand why I have to pay for it while others do not.  We already are not allowed to smoke indoors at, any establishment, our cigarettes have been turned into fire safety cigarettes, and now we are expected to pay for Kentucky's budget shortfalls.  Why not increase the sales tax across the board instead of only taxing smokers?  It's awfully funny that when you put that idea in front of non-smokers, they don't support that.  Every citizen of Kentucky should have to pay for the budget, not just the smokers.

 

 

I do not smoke.  I do feel it's unfair to make up budget shortfalls on many who are least able to pay. This is one of the few pleasures a lot of our citizens have, since they cannot afford to go to country club and get stoned or snort a little snow.
Sure it is a health hazard, but so are many other activities. 

 

 

I think something should be done about the trend of "saggin'" in our neighborhoods.  This is a tacky look and shows no respect.  I feel that all who are seen doing this should be fined for indecent exposure.  This would also help offset the revenue shortfall. 

This really has to end.  You can't even go get a burger now without seeing someone's underwear.

 

 

As citizens of Louisville we constantly hear about budget shortfalls within the city. But it seems to me that if the city really wanted to make up shortfalls in the budget, they would take a harder look at all the people who feel they do not need to pay for the vehicle taxes they owe.

Everyday, and I mean everyday, I see at least 15 to 20 expired tags, most by more than six months. Sometimes when I'm in traffic I see a police car behind such an individual and ignoring such facts.  If the police paid more attention to these facts it would lead to more tickets, which would lead to more city dollars.

We moved here ten years ago and are now considering moving out. Louisville has to get better control of its police and how they deal with such problems. I would be willing to bet we have more fatal accidents than most large cities. Most people in this city believe speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights and turn signals are just a suggestion. I also am willing to bet 90% of those who have expired tags are also without insurance.

 

 

 

Well, congratulations on passing the casino bill, Ohio. At least you people are living in this century, unlike the idiots here in Kentucky. If the right-wing Bible pushers and the idiots in Frankfort don't wake up, in two years horseracing will be non-existent. And to think, this is the horseracing Capital of the World! 

All I hear is people whine and complain about the crime, drugs and prostitution casinos would bring with them. They obviously haven't driven down Broadway in Louisville on a Saturday night. I wonder if the people against slots or casinos in this state even realize we have moved up in the world. We now have running water, inside toilets, and even electricity.

Someone needs to get a clue -- quick.

 

 

 

 

We live in Trimble County near the LG&E plant. I believe the waste that comes from LG&E is causing large number of cancers, lung problems and other health problems with our citizens.

Just about every family that lives here has a member that has been affected by the air that we breathe. Trees are dying in the orchards that dot our county. And Lord only knows what else.

Yes, we do have the landfill here. That could be cau, sing problems too. But, LG&E is not helping. The county judge tells us the money we get from both of the companies provides funding for our county to operate. I think we have made a deal with the devil and now he has come to collect.

LG&E always hides the facts until it is too late. Our drinking water comes from the ground that flows under the LG&E plant. What do you think is going to happen to that drinking water? Some families still have underground wells they use everyday.

 

 

The last time Ford opened the contract they told the employees that if they agreed to the new cuts no one at the Louisville plant would be laid off.

Guess what? They lied! But the public doesn't know that do they? 

The employees of Ford are tired of being lied to.

 

 

Why does Bill Lamb think that employees of a company are the ones that should be paid less?  Why not the CEO? Why not the multiple levels of needless and useless management? Why not the shareholders? Why do people think it is the employees' meager pay that will solve a company's inability to manage their money so that one bad year won't put them into collapse?  

This doesn't surprise me coming from a CEO type like Mr. Lamb who, I'm sure, never thinks of dropping his pay, or his minion of managers that really don't contribute much to the success of the company.

Oh, by the way - Ford made ONE BILLION DOLLARS last quarter. That's with a "B." Companies want to use the recession as an excuse to screw their workers. We have to remember Ford, or GM, or GE are companies. They are not humans; they don't care about humans or their employees. All they care about is money, greed, and more money. So excuse us humans for, sticking up for ourselves.

It's unfortunate there isn't many leaders such as yourself that stick up for humans. Maybe Ford will come to your aid when you're in need. Hopefully, humans won't.

And to bring up Flint, Michigan is also a mistake. Companies SHOULD have financed/funded the retirement of their employees during the Golden Years. And they did. But then they stole, took, lent, and -- through acquisitions -- raided people's retirements. Don't complain now that we have to pay those people who built our company what they were PROMISED.

Where did you and other leaders learn your ethics? Gordon Gecko?

 

In response to your Ford Employee Point of View:

The points you seem to have overlooked during your biased opinion is the fact that the union workers have indeed given many concessions to Ford in order for this company to survive. In doing so, they have been able to remain in total operation without taxpayer dollars given by the Government in the form of a bailout.

These workers should be applauded for their efforts instead of condemned by the media. You have also insulted thousands of men and women -- not to mention their families -- by implying that they have little or no education. Do you have stats to back this statement up or are you following the rest of the media and stereotyping these workers? Many of these men and women do have college degrees, but chose this type of work in order to support their families.

Please feel free to walk one day in the life of one of these workers and fill in for one of them on the line. When you're done, let us know how you feel about the contract and the "low education" issue again.

 

,  

I just received my 2009 Property Tax notice, and here is my opinion:

Two-thirds of my tax bill is the School Real Estate tax. First off, I have no children of school age. Not that I don't support education, but I am paying for you, r kids.

Then on top of it, I am sure my property value is hi, gher than some of the families attending the school right down the street from me. Yet I see kids on my street getting home from school at 5:30. The entire system should go back to neighborhood schools where the people who live in that neighborhood pay for that school.

Even though I have no school age kids, I would feel better if I knew my money was at least supporting my neighborhood.

 

  

 

I have to applaud Mr. Lamb for his Point of View tonight. My husband is a Ford retiree and we both felt the employees were voting themselves out of a job through several contracts when they made such big demands. We've seen it come to pass and they're still doing it.   

We agree that less pay is better than no job at all. We also agree that Ford people should drive Ford cars. As the song goes, "Don't bite the hand that's feeding you."

 

 

Yes, I chose to work instead of going into substantial debt to obtain a college degree. I do have some college, but I have no student loan debt, mortgage or credit card debt. 

Maybe we all should do manual labor to appreciate how this economy really works.  After we have everything paid off, we can give our poor, mismanaged (college de-GREED) employers part of our paychecks for hiring us in the first place.

 

 

 

 

I am glad someone in this community is watching Jim King.  I think it says a lot about someone's character that he was accused by his wife of physically, emotionally and verbally abusing her.  Has his ex-wife now said this was a lie? 

Mr. Lamb, in your two Point of View pieces on Mr. King, these accusations have not been specifically addressed.  I hope that the Courier-Journal continues to look into all of Mr. King's actions, especially those that give us insight into his past and present actions, especially Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway's investigation.

 

 

 

After reports of domestic violence and abuse (in addition to improper funding) I was wondering if "Point of View" is still sailing on the "KING FOR MAYOR" boat. This is the problem with Ameri, ca; we do not hold community leaders responsible for their personal lives when it is who they are as a whole person that counts.

I wonder why the two U of L basketball players were not held accountable for fighting police, hmmmm? 

 

 

 

 

I have a lot of problems with making all downtown streets two-way, especially when I need to go to hospitals. I am from the Louisville area but have no Idea how to get around downtown. Two-way streets at least would let me turn around and not get lost, plus It Is very dangerous and scary when I have to stop and ask for directions. It is unsafe.

 

 

 

 

I just learned Kentucky is #1 in child abuse. I'm embarrassed and appalled. It makes me so angry to watch the politicians and businesses of our town put all of that money into campaigns and building bigger buildings when that money could be going to Child Protective Services to hire more social workers to help them concentrate and really investigate their cases instead of being so overwhelmed that they can't take the time to really work the cases like they should.

Why is it that with today's technology we can put a man on the moon, but can't or won't stop the disgusting child porn that just fuels these sick individuals that sexually and violently abuse these poor kids?  It breaks my heart because every day there is a story about a child being beaten, violated and/or murdered in the paper and on the news. 

What is wrong with our country? Can someone please tell me how this can be happening?  Won't anyone stand up for these children and say enough is enough? Hopefully, I'm not the only one that feels this way.

 

 

 

I agree that people should not smoke around the hospital entrances. But how can a company dictate what you do on your own time or when you're at home? How dare they? I think they're fitting right in with Obama's socialism and the transition of our society to communism. Last I heard this is still a free country. I agree smoke does stink, and as a smoker I do everything I can to accommodate non-smokers wherever I'm at, be it at home, work or out in public. It feels as though this is becoming reverse discrimination against the smoker.

Since Norton's has taken this stand, they need to ban perfumes, colognes, scented room sprays and everything else with this type of odor. I suffer from allergies and asthma; I'm around people throughout my work day and I can't tell you how badly some of these smells affect me. So if one is stopped they should stop them all.

Then let's not even begin talking about all the horrible odors you smell when you go into a hospital -- what about them?

 

 

 

Looks like Norton finally fell into the "Socialism" ranks with all the others. I smoke and if my smoke offends anyone I gladly smoke elsewhere. But don't tell me I can't smoke in my car or outside. Are they going to make visitors take a shower or bath before they visit a sick relative? I would much rather smell cigarette smoke than some of the heavy perfumes, after shave, and hair sprays many people use.

 

 

 

In response to the no smoking rule at Norton Hospital: I agree the staff should not smoke while on duty to prevent health issues with the patients.  But is it fair to tell them they can't smell of smoke at work or get fired?  What if Norton fired a very vital person in saving someone's life just because he or she smelled of smoke?  Let's face it, if you smoke at home or in your car, the smoke smell does linger from day to day and is hard to get rid of, even if your partner smokes.  So does Norton offer a quitters program for their associates?  Emotional support?

True, nobody should smoke at all. It is a nasty habit, but there are a lot of talented and knowledgeable people in the medical field.  To ban them from even smelling of smoke is going a little overboard.  If somebody was doing something to save my life, I think it wouldn't matter if they smelled like smoke or something else.  Some people's colognes offend me but that's just me.

 

 

 

This smoke break policy is completely ridiculous. Yes they have control of what can go on on their property, but if the employee can get off the property and back to their post by the end of their break, then what they do on their break (as long as it isn't illegal) is none of Norton's business. I would like to know exactly what Norton's definition of "smoke break" is. The labor laws clearly state what amount of break time is required per hours of work. So is Norton taking away extra breaks that had been previously given, or are they taking away breaks that are required by law?

 

 

 

I have also been offended by the smell of the cigarette smoke in health care facilities when I have been there with both of my husbands. And also the cigarettes have contributed to their health problems and death of the first one, and now my present husband has lung cancer and heart failure. The manufacturers of cigarettes did not make them smoke but the addictions were the main reason for their failure to quit. My present, husband has quit now but he smoked for 50 years before he realized just how much danger he was in. My sister also smoked for years and has lung cancer too. So you see why I am such an advocate about the smoking in these public places and people smelling so bad. 

They talk about rights. Well, we have a right also about not wanting to smell or be around that foul odor. 

Thank you for letting me sound off on this subject. My heart is broken over all the people who have fallen victim to this horrible addiction.

 

 

 

I agree with Bill Lamb's comments related to Norton Hospital's new employee non-smoking policy. Having been a healthcare consultant for many years, this is a policy that is long overdue and has been initiated by many hospitals in all states. I wish that non-smoking enforcement would be farther reaching in the public places throughout our communities - namely, both inside and outside restaurants, entertainment venues and public meeting and shopping locations.

We recently moved to the area from a location in Florida where smoking was prohibited in all indoor and outdoor public places -- it was great not being expo, sed to second hand smoke and its associated smell in the air and on clothing. Keep up this type of advo, cacy.

 

 

 

 

It's truly a sad state of affairs when the President of United States, through no fault of his own, wins a Nobel Prize and says he's donating the money to charity, and you feel the need to bash him. I don't know why I'm surprised. I guess I thought your obvious political views didn't always cloud your judgment. And isn't it convenient that your support of big business excuses you from doing the right thing when it comes to health care?

I'm curious. What percentage of Fox 41's annual income is health-care related? I guess you would rather not say. There is something inherently wrong with a country that makes billions of dollars off of the sick. It's quite Christian, don't you think?

Has anyone ever compared you to Rush Limbaugh? You're not that bad. Yet.

 

 

 

I know that you must bow to your FOX masters, but I finally see that you are an irredeemable right-wing mouthpiece. Please keep your ignorance off the airwaves and just let Barry and Candyce repor, t the news or let someone with a different perspective pontificate bi-weekly to balance you.

I don't see any other station manager spouting off "Glenn Beckisms" constantly. Why do your viewers have to suffer your opinions? When all the foolishness about the President addressing school children made the rounds, you had nothing at all to say.  Your criticisms of the Nobel Prize being given to a man who has entirely changed the dialogue, between nations and reached out to people around the world that we disagree with, made me sick this morning. President Obama has reached out to people with a handshake instead of the baseball bat used by your hero, George W. Bush. We finally have a President we can be proud of and right-wing reactionary, angry white men like you seem unable to deal with it.  

Bush was an absolute disgrace, probably a war criminal, and at last we have a man up to the job who does not embarrass us every time he opens his mouth. My only solace is that people like you (and me) will be quickly forgotten while President Obama will long be honored and remembered.

 

 

 

 

Recently, Mr. Lamb stated that he believed that the government was getting too big and controlling too much. I agree with him completely, but I think that there's one thing we must realize:

The government gives us the biggest decision of all every Election Day -- to pick who our leaders will be -- but how many people actually vote? Voters have every right to complain, but perhaps our government would be more apt to listen to us if we all did our duties.

 

 

 

Bill Lamb's SECOND attack on River Fields. Bill, do your homework, or get someone to do it for you. Your viewers deserve an informed opinion. You and your viewers should know that River F, ields has been instrumental in preservation efforts throughout Metro Louisville in the Ohio River Corridor, including saving the Marine Hospital in PORTLAND, and Kosmosdale Greenway in the SOUTH end. Those are just two examples.,

 

 

 

What do you think about the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission sending out bills for occupational license taxes for 2007 and charging penalties and interest? After contacting them, it seems as though the employers are liable for notifying their employees about the occupational taxes. Unfortunately, this isn't always done and the next thing you know....bingo...you have a bill in the mail.

This would be OK if you knew about it and made more than $12-14,000 per year.

 

&, nbsp;

 

 

It's not like they want to build a bridge where there wasn't one before. The state is responsible for maintaining the bridge, which they obviously haven't.  Now people are losing income and wasting fuel on a long detour. The state should be held financially re, sponsible for every day the bridge is closed.

Come on, where are all those slick lawyers when you need them?

 

 

 

Bill, before you blast someone you ought to get your facts straight. Metro Louisville closed the Harrods Creek Bridge. Metro Louisville could have made simple repairs to the guard rail a year ago, and kept the bridge open all this time. Metro Louisville could make simple repairs right now and open the bridge if it wanted to.

Again, get your facts straight: Metro closed the bridge; Metro kept it closed; and Metro is keeping it closed...not River Fields.

 

 

 

 

I work in the medical field with patients and insurance companies daily.  It's a shame it's taken this long for someone to step in and put a stop to the bullying -- not only by Humana, but any insurance company. 

Many of these patients have little knowledge of what kind of plan they are signing up for; they only know that it's cheaper.  Well, there are reasons it's cheaper. But finding out what those reasons are will unfortunately cost them in the long run when their claims leave them owing money to the doctors, hospitals and such -- money they didn't put into thei, r already squeezed tight budget.  I wonder if that's part of the sales pitch.

I could have been a victim of the insurance game.  When searching for my husband's insurance, a company attempted the scare tactic on me.  I waited until the end of our conversation to inform him of my occupation.  At that time, he cursed and hung up on me.  I reported the company to the insurance commissioner the next day.

You stated that you didn't care if all of Humana's claims were true. You may change you mind when you or someone you know is in need of insurance.  For your sake, I hope you don't ge, t a true salesman.  

 

 

 

  

 

Why is it that seat belts are required by law, but there isn't a law making people on motorcycles wear helmets?  It's sad - every day you hear about a motorcyclist dying because they didn't have a helmet on.  I believe in seatbelts just as much as I believe in wearing a helmet. We need to at least pass a law requiring children on the back of a motorcycle to wear a helmet.

 

 

 

 

I could not agree with you more on your comments about freedom of speech as related to the government involvement in the Humana newsletter. I have no great love for Humana, but such attempts by our current government to interfere with free communication in our country is extremely alarming. It appears that the only "free" speech that is permitted is from the administration, and it doesn't matter whether it is true or accurate.

 

 

 

Bill Lamb was spot on about Humana and the Obama administration. Big Brother is now watching us. Freedom of speech is a thing of the past. If anyone disagrees with the government you are wrong.  

Sad, sad, sad -- our forefathers fought and died for this right.

 

 

 

 

Bill, you are wrong about free speech and Humana.

Humana is free to take a public position, even one that is wrong. Humana is not free to privately pressure its customers on a political question -- especially one that directly affects their relationship.

Apply your thinking to any business situation from employer-employee to financial services; those who hold our health and wealth in their hands may not threaten us to achieve their own political ends. Intimidating political innuendo toward a client is not free speech, and that was a fact long before our current administration took office.

 

 

 

 

I want to address the situation at Fourth Street Live. Why is it only for the white people? They have nothing for the blacks down there. Is it that they don't want the blacks down there? They've made it clear that they don't want our style there (not allowing t-shirts or jerseys and having no music events for blacks).

I say protest them and get them shut down.

 

 

 

 

Would you please tell me why domestic violence is not a big issue? Why are there not judges who take this matter seriously? All these men seen to walk away with a slap on the hand and are just put on another two=year no contact order.

Our laws have to be changed. There is nothing done to these men until someone is killed, no matter how many EPOs or DVOs are taken out.

 

 

 

 

Recently, Mr. Lamb talked about other news channels and their lack of any real good news. Well, all of this may seem true, but what of the channels based here in Louisville? What about the fact that news is being ignored here in our own city? Why is it that he preaches about these channels when his own channel is ignoring a major news story -- one that , would send ripples throughout the community?

I am referring to the case/story of a Louisville Metro Police Officer, Jackie Hollingsworth. Back in July, WHAS-11 (the only one to report this) ran a report about the allegations that she stole nearly $15,000 from the Louisville Black Police Officers Union. The story included bits about how both LMPS and the FBI did investigations. They generated over 500 pieces of paper with mountains of evidence that showed she stole this money. In a taped interview, she even admitted to stealing this money. A police officer, one who was entrusted to enforce the law, admitted to breaking it.

How is it that no other station in Louisv, ille picked up on this? Why? Is it because she is black and the stations feared a reprisal of sorts? I would like to challenge WDRB and Mr. Lamb. Conduct your own investigation of this and air a story about this. Interview the key players and look at the evidence. Let the public become aware of the fact that one of "Louisville's Finest" just might be a common thief.

 

 

 

 

I found your comments about news nonsense fascinating. I think your criticism of the 24-hour news channels just being talking heads is hypocrisy.

I have been watching Fox in the Morning for years and I really like the news and weather people. However when Barry Bernson and Candyce Clifft cruise the Internet looking for bizarre and weird stuff just to take up air time, I think they also become talking heads and Fox in the Morning becomes news nonsense.

 

 

 

I see the mayor is going to spend about $30 million on a park in the southwest part of the county. That's great, if the streets and basements didn't flood every time it rains.

Why not put that money into the city infrastructure instead of my sewer bill going up every year?

 

 

 

Why are we not hearing more about the last time the mysterious Swine Flu appeared and we had vaccine ready, instantly, to inoculate everyone? The politics were bungled and the program was stopped (1978) until now. But now, we are combining the normal type "A" -- also known as H1N1 -- with "Swine Flu" to get the numbers and the panic up. Hmmmm...

And what about the second laboratory bacteria, cloned from two original devastating outbreaks, that have leaked unto the American public in the last two months? Hmmmm...still no prolonged investigation by the media.

Why are we also hearing that some nurses and doctors are not taking the new inoculations because of new "additives" that are being placed into formally normal inoculations? 

There is a lot of suspicion going on about our government. When will this be addressed and investigated at a higher news level?

 

 

 

 

My question is, when will the president of KHSAA be prosecuted?  The Max Gilpin incident is a very tragic accident in athletics. 

Mr. Stinson was the poster child of what football coaches should not do.  As an athlete, you should know your strengths and weakness because we train our bodies according to the situation presented to us. When will Louisville, Kentucky fire its prosecutor because he clearly does not know the difference between an accident and someone who clearly did not care about human life? 

I call on the prosecutors to resign.  Apparently, they were after nationwide news coverage.  If you want to protect these kids, start football in October or November both in Kentucky and Indiana.  My dad said it would interfere with basketball, but football is only played once a week. Designate Friday nights for football and play , basketball on Tuesday and Saturdays until January. 

This is another abuse. An elected official uses a situation to promote his own agenda or make a change that should have happened years ago.

 

 

 

Mr. Lamb, the only thing I have to argue with you today is the filth that comes from the broadcasting of Fox 41 when it comes to the adult animated sitcoms such as "Family Guy" and "The Simpsons."  When the prosecutor of Mr. Stinson was asked if he would like Mr. Stinson coaching his children, he paused and said "No -- no I wouldn't." 

Along the same lines, I have to ask you: Would you let your small children watch "The Simpsons," in which the s, on tells his father, "Eat my Shorts?"  I don't know what other garbage comes from the mouths of these cartoon characters, because I do not watch the foul-mouthed show.  Has it gone so far that we/I/you cannot stop the filth that's trying to be comical?  Do sex and foul language have to be present in every show to make ratings? 

As far as your views, I think they are all right and really hit the nail on the head.  But I have to ask you, are you a hypocrite? If you want to improve your city with your views, shouldn't you start with your station?

 

 

 

 

My point of view on the situation involving Kanye West and Taylor Swift at the Video Music Awards is if Beyonce did win and a white artist went and interrupted her speech and said basically that Taylor Swift should have won, I'd wonder if that would have been considered racist. But that hasn't even been brought up in this situation and I think it was a racial act because Kanye thought another African-American should have won when Taylor Swift definitely deserved to win.

 

 

 

I viewed the Editorial Comments of Mr. Lamb concerning the statements of Baron Hill during "his" town-hall meeting, and I must say that if I were a resident of Indiana, I would be vocally calling for an IMMEDIATE impeachment of Mr. Hill! His "power" has obviously gone to his head and he has lost his mind - - not unlike Pelosi, Frank, Schumar and Reid!

 

 

 

 

In regards to Baron Hill's town hall meeting -- I have given up calling his office on any issues. He does not listen to the people his is representing. Sad to say I do not have a voice.

 

 

 

 

I see and hear many people debating health care.  What I do not hear is the President or his posse debating anything.  They are dictating what and how it will be done and by when.

When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a man to the moon and back, neither he, nor Congress, did the math, engineering, design or testing.  They got experts to do it. Why not allow experts, none of whom are elected, define the problems with healthcare and design a better application for all?  The President and Congress should then champion a well thought out, designed and run plan that has to be better than the 1800-page undefined mess they are shoving at us today.

You don't want a lawyer, teacher, senator, representative, or president to operate on you, so why let them direct something this important?

Also, on another subject -

If I ruled the world, police would have to follow the same traffic laws they enforce on everyone else.  Watch any major intersection in town and you will see marked and unmarked cars running red lights.  If it was not yellow when I do it, it is red when they do it!

Also, to those who smoke: Tired of being picked on? H, ow about cleaning up after yourselves? Stop lights are not signals to empty your ash trays onto the pavement.  You have the right to smoke, so how about showing you understand the responsibilities that go along with it?

Remember, those other people do see you!

 

 

 

I want to comment on the story you ran about the Breckinridge County football players going to the church service. First of all, these players all voluntarily went with the coach to the service and were aware where they were going. It's not any different than if he took them bowling or to any other event that took place outside of school.

I just want to say that I'm proud to be in a county where our teachers and coach, es are trying to promote "good" activities in our youth.  I'm sure you heard of our county's recent tragic car accident where two youths were killed after attending a party where alcohol was being used. I bet if you asked their parents today, they would have been very grateful if their children had been in attendance at a church service getting baptized instead of out "drinking and dying!"

Maybe someone should remind Ms. Ammons and the other "irate" parents that if these children have parents that don't want them to better themselves, then no wonder they are out looking for mentors to be a, more positive example for them!

 

 

I think if the Breckinridge County football players went to a church willingly to hear a motivational speaker and then the felt Jesus in their hearts and got baptized, that's great. A lot of people never feel that feeling and with all the young people this town has lost in tragic accidents in the last six months, I think it's great!

 

 

 

 

On the controversial baptism of the Breckinrid, ge County football players:

This was not a mandatory field trip. The parents had to know that their kids were going. As far as the baptism, students made that choice themselves.  The coach or administration would not be able to stop a student because that is a decision between them and God. That is not even a decision that we, as parents, can make for our kids. That is something they ha, ve to decide for themselves. 

The parents that are complaining and wanting to sue are just looking at dollar signs. The only thing the mother who spoke on Fox news has done is embarrassed her son. Everyone wants to find easy money. The mother may want to rethink that decision.

What is more important? Money or your son? 

 

 

 

Residents of Breckinridge County just buried two students that attended Breckinridge County High School -- one of which played football last year. If those parents could have , made a choice between their children attending a party that took their lives or a church service, I think they would have chosen the church service.

I commend our football players and the coach, and feel sorry for the parents for stirring all of this trouble.

 

 

 

If I ruled the world, I would impose a hefty tax on all sweeteners, i.e. sugar, corn sweeteners, etc.   To be fair, I'd also tax all artificial sweeteners.  This would be a huge source of revenue and really help solve the obesity problem which is so prevalent. 

Science will tell you a human can live a healthy long life without ever ingesting any sugar exc, ept what occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables.  Let's do this for the children.

 

 

 

What is outrageous is the outrage over the decisions the football players made who decided to get baptized. That was their decision to make, not their parents' and certainly not yours or mine. I'm proud of them and it is ridiculous that some of the parents are considering "legal action."

This country was founded with freedom FOR religion, not freedom FROM religion.

 

 

 

 

It is outrageous that the football players in Breckinridge County were baptized without their parents' permission. Could you imagine if a Jewish coach took players to a temple for a special motivational speech? You people in Kentucky would be having a meltdown. 

Religion doesn't belong in school sports. Period!

 

 

 

If I ruled the world, people would have to apply to have children, meeting guidelines such as having a job, being married, being able to provide health insurance and passing a background check.  It seems too easy for people to ha, ve children when they have no means of providing for them or they let someone else take care of their kids.

You know who you are -- the holiday parents of the world that take credit during Christmas and anytime that is convenient for them.  These are the people that are a true drain on society.  Why should working class Americans pay tax money that goes to help you when you won't help yourself?  Go to a job fair or something...please.

 

 

 

If I ruled the world, I would require WDRB to put a trailer at the bottom of any show for one week's time when it will air in a different time slot the next week.  I tape certain weekday afternoon shows and watch them on the weekend.  But I frequently find out I have taped a show in which I have no interest.  I would require WDRB to match the courtesy given to viewers by the three other network affiliates.

If I ruled the world, I would require WDRB to have a morning show on weekends and holidays like the three other network affiliates.  Mark is, by far, the best meteorologist in town, and to not have him available in an emergency weather situation is shameful.

If WDRB wants to run with the three big boys, they should program like the big boys.

 

 

 

If I ruled the world:

1. English would be the national language. Everyone would be required to at least learn English as their second language.

2. We would close our borders. Anyone caught twice illegally crossing the border would be shot.

3. We would bring our troops back and have them run the borders.

4. We would do away with income tax and start the Fair Tax plan.

5. Any prisoner convicted of crimes against children would be put to death after one year.

6. All vending machines would be required to take pennies.

We would do away with child support. Custody should be 50/50. Only the cost of schooling and insurance should be split.

8. A driving test would be required every four years.

9. Guns would be allowed to be carried openly - everywhere -- by those who pass a background check.

10. The highest paid jobs would be the military, police, and firefighters -- not sports stars.

11. There would be term limits for anyone elected in government -- ten years max.

12. Credit cards would become illegal and the credit card companies shut down.  

 

 

 

If I ruled the world: