Opinion

At a time when the economy isn't exactly stellar, it's nice when something gives a boost to the local economy. Three years ago, the Lebanon Tourist and Convention Commission recruited a model jet show to the Lebanon-Springfield Airport. The event has grown every year, and the 2009 Jets Over Kentucky show was the biggest one yet. More than 100 pilots (representing all 50 states and England) brought nearly 200 model planes and attracted thousands of visitors to the area during the showcase. The show itself expanded as well.

I was four years old when I was first introduced to Michael Jackson.

Only, I didn't call him that. I called him "Michael Jackins."

The letter "S" was just too difficult for me to enunciate back then. I didn't have my two front teeth for quite some time as a young child (I have many embarrassing photos to prove it) and the "S" in Michael Jackson was very difficult for me to enunciate, so I just chose not to.

Less than three months after adjourning the 2009 regular session, my colleagues and I once again find ourselves at the state capitol to address the inevitable - a compounded budgetary shortfall and dismal economic outlook. With the projected shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year surpassing 10 percent, the governor exercised his gubernatorial power to call the legislature to Frankfort for an extraordinary session.

I was listening to the news one morning last week and one of the topics was naturally the economy. The banks, the car manufacturers, mortgage companies and then the words domestic violence came into play. Working with women that are going through domestic violence is my job and naturally when I hear those words, my ears automatically perk up.

As most of us already know, one out of three women will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. That is startling enough.

As you read this article, I am back in Frankfort for the special session called by Governor Beshear. The governor called the special session after the Consensus Forecasting Group predicted a $1 billion shortfall in the 2010 budget. Under Kentucky law, the governor can make adjustments to the budget to offset up to a five percent shortfall. The forecasted shortfall for next year is over ten percent; this requires the General Assembly to convene in order to resolve the shortfall.

It was supposed to be easy.

All I had to do was get on a plane in Louisville, meet up with my son in Rhode Island, and ride back to Kentucky in his car.

Something any normal person should be able to do with ease.

Only one problem.   I've never been normal.

If I was normal, I never would have attempted to walk from my home to downtown Frankfort on the hottest day of the summer last year.

Animal neglect and abuse have always been with us. Studies have shown that neglect gets worse when unemployment increases, but that it did not worsen following the closing of the Texas and Illinois slaughter houses.

Moreover, slaughter auctions continue, unabated. Horses are simply hauled to Canada and Mexico. Over 134,000 American horses were slaughtered in 2008, the second highest number since 1995!

Euthanasia is a humane solution for older horses, when their owners wish to rid themselves of a mouth to feed. The cost is minimal.

Imagine the following scenario:

You go into the doctor's office for a routine exam. You have a list of errands to run and many other important obligations to tend to, but you decided to take time out from your busy schedule to go ahead and get the exam over with. Sure, the results in the past have always been normal, and you're confident that there is nothing to worry about, but it's better to be safe than sorry, right?

This year, Relay for Life is celebrating its 25th anniversary nationwide! As many of you know, Relay for Life is one of the most unifying events that the American Cancer Society has to offer. Communities gather each year to join efforts and raise funds to support the American Cancer Society's mission of fighting cancer through research, education, advocacy and patient services.

It is for many reasons that hundreds of volunteers participate in Relay for Life each year. For some, they walk proud of the fact that they, themselves, have conquered cancer!