RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM THE HEARTLAND

As the election draws near, it is time for all of us to go to the polls and cast our votes. Regardless of party affiliation, without citizen participation in the election, Americans are left without a voice for the future of America, our state, our counties, and our local communities.

As with most recent elections, many politicians have resorted to name-calling which does nothing to contribute to what these politicians are doing for the next generation!

It is time to end the lack of civility or mob rule, it is time to chart a new course, a course which will return the angry bull to the barn, and end the destruction which looms on the horizon.

There is an outcry from the public demanding that the prosecution of Amber Spradlin's murderer move forward. Unfortunately, as a result of the underfunding and understaffing of the Kentucky State Police crime lab, the family and public still do not have answers.

The investigation and prosecution of corrupt public officials should be the highest priority for Attorney General Russell Coleman. When corruption is allowed to exist, honest government rots from the inside out and Kentuckians lose the faith they once had that public officials had their best interests at heart.

After more than three years, and thousands of hours of volunteer work at The David School, the Board has requested that I disassociate from the school as a result of my involvement in the representation of Amber Spradlin's estate. It is difficult to understand the Board's decision since Amber was a 2003 graduate of The David School.

After more than 230 years, the Supreme Court issued one of the most important First Amendment speech cases in its history. Yet, even before the ink was dry, lawmakers in Michigan passed legislation to make some forms of speech punishable as crimes.

Although County Judge Executive Robbie Williams intended this new ordinance as a means to clean up Floyd County, Kentucky, it just could be a return to the beautification of Eastern Kentucky and all of the hidden treasures of the mountains.

Clarence Thomas, The People's Justice, written by Judge Amul Thapar, pulls back the curtain and allows the reader to see Supreme Court cases through the eyes of Justice Thomas. Regardless of your opinion of Justice Thomas, this book will allow you to understand Justice Thomas's legal philosophy and the reasons for his opinions. Since 1991, Justice Thomas has written over 700 opinions, opinions which reflect his judicial philosophy. This book is not only a true page turner, it is one of those books which is a must read for anyone concerned about the country’s future.

Daniel Cameron should talk less about Donald Trump, and more about his vision for Kentucky.

Justice delayed and justice denied best describes the decade long journey from investigation, to indictment, to final vindication for Dr. James "Dusty" Chaney. Dusty's story evidences what happens when the government releases a runaway train and an investigation against an ordinary citizen.

The most important judicial election in the Commonwealth which pits Judge Phillip Shepherd, a fair and impartial judge against Joe Bilby, a judicial candidate with a political agenda.