Opinion

The right to breathe clean air should take precedence over the right to smoke, simply because smoking endangers others' health.

And that's why we believe a smoking ban in all public buildings is needed.

There have been attempts in the past to ban smoking in restaurants. But why stop there?

If one has a right to eat in a smoke-free building, why shouldn't one have a right to conduct other business in a smoke-free place as well?

Nearly 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told the world of his dream for the future.

His most famous speech included these words: "... I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character ..."

Congratulations to residents of Campbellsville and Taylor County who took part in the public idea exchange forum regarding a possible school district merger Thursday night.

A hearty thank-you to the representatives of Campbellsville Independent School District, Taylor County School District, Campbellsville City Council and Taylor County Fiscal Court for their willingness to come together to listen and participate in the discussion.

None of us likes to run short on money. It means cutting back on expenses, getting a second job or even doing without. And with the state of today's economy, even our governmental agencies are running short.

As the Kentucky General Assembly goes into session this week, the state of the economy will be a major focus. Legislators will be charged with finding ways to do more with less.

And there's really only two definitive ways to do that - raise taxes or cut services.

This New Year I want to wish you a Merry Christmas!

I have this strange belief that Christmas can be celebrated every day of the year. I realize Christmas 2008 is a fading memory, but before you place it in your scrapbook of holidays, take a moment to reflect on how you can enjoy the best of Christmas every day of the year. When Christmas is in your heart, you can pull it up and savor the finest aspects of Christmas anytime. But we have to get beyond the nastiness of Christmas memories to the true meaning of the event.

Often, when one hears the words "Girl Scouts," they think of cookies.

But scouting is about much more than just cookies. Just ask a Girl Scout.

For nearly 100 years, Girl Scouting has helped to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

According to the organization's Web site, Girl Scouting is the world's leading organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, young ladies build character and skills for success in the real world.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David.)

Generations of Americans have enjoyed whiling away an afternoon or evening with friends and family at the ballpark, joining in the old sports tune, "Take me out to the ballgame." But if you're an average Joe or Jill today, you've been taken out of the ballgame by corporate owners who now cater to upscale customers, pricing the experience beyond the reach of regular folks.

Change can be a good thing. And Wanda Washington is looking for a change.

Washington is the coordinator of Greater Campbellsville United, a local organization that seeks to promote equal opportunity, equity and positive relationships. GCU also focuses on racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender and political groups in the community and throughout the region.