Today's Opinions

For too long, Kentuckians have been held back because of partisan bickering and political games when the legislature is in session. Hopefully, with new leadership, that will change.

We don’t believe there was much love lost between House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, and former Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, and that applied to Williams and Gov. Steve Beshear as well. All were guilty of playing partisan games that, at the end of the day, only hurt Kentuckians.

“You don’t seem like a preacher, at least not a typical one. You’re ‘the real deal.’”

The comment, coming from an inmate in jail, I took as a compliment, although I frequently ask myself if I’m really real.

His comment was followed by a question: “How did you ever get to be a preacher in the first place?

I was tempted to ask, “Do you think I should have been something else?”

In light of the recent untimely deaths, criminal activity in our community and the tragedy in the Connecticut elementary school, my 2013 New Year’s resolution is to take the lead in making our community a safer and more secure place to live. I want to begin by promoting character development in our children.

At some point, parents think about the kind of person their child will grow up to be. This is different from what they may do for a living. This involves issues of integrity, honesty and caring for others.