Published: April 22, 2008 07:13 am      

Some news items are worth a second look

Others need to be ignored

I was just thinking the other day about news items that have been prominent recently that I feel the need to learn more about, etc.

There are some local issues such as Save Camp Catalpa, that I need to look at a bit more carefully. It seems to me that both sides of this issue have a valid argument. The question is, which plan will actually save Catalpa?

From what I understand, the area is in dire need of cleanup, etc. Perhaps a well-designed and well-operated RV park, using a small amount of the area, would save it more than leaving it in a state of disarray.

On the other hand, a valid argument to keep it totally natural has some merit. It depends on which side your opinion supports. It seems to me this is a question that is a win/win situation.

The 911 controversy is one that many of us have difficulty understanding. What is there that keeps this from being a great idea and good for everyone?

The budget shortfall in Kentucky is causing a great deal of pain for students at the state’s universities. Education at that level will be the main ingredient in keeping our young people at home and raising the level of economic security for everyone in the state we call home. Everyone should be extremely concerned when a raise in tuition seems to be the only solution to a critical problem.

One other local issue that we all can be involved in is the Relay for Life. This annual event, sponsored by The American Cancer Society, will be conducted June 20. This is an all-night event designed to raise money for research that will finally bring a cure for this dreaded disease. Several local groups and organizations already are sponsoring events designed to raise funds.

I urge everyone to find a way to support this worthy effort. Join us at The Church on the Rock on US 25 between Richmond and Berea. In spite of the fact that the reason for the relay is serious, it is a time of joy and happiness for those of us who are involved.

A most newsworthy happening for the entire country is the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. I, like many of you, watched his arrival by chartered jet and then the celebration that took place on the White House lawn. This was designed to honor the Pope, and was a bit more meaningful that it might have been because it was the Pope’s birthday.

Kathleen Battle, that absolutely fabulous singer, sang the familiar setting of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Albert Hay Malotte. For me at least, the musical highlight was done by the U.S. Army Chorus. They sang the Wilhousky arrangement of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” I was literally moved to tears. I wish every American could have heard that. The entire celebration was well done and so appropriate.

This story emerged when the College of Cardinals met to select a new Pope. Pope Benedict XVI was chosen, but there was a close runner-up. An Italian cardinal named Sicola received a great deal of support. The American cardinals were the ones who finally caused his elimination from consideration. They insisted there should not be a Pope Sicola. (Wow! That is really bad isn’t it?)

Trivia answer

The largest private sector employer in Africa is Coca-Cola.

Trivia question

What are the plastic or metal tips on shoelaces called?

Thought for the day

“Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.”   — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.