on “Legislation to watch: LGBT+ rights and reproductive freedom at stake”
The current Kentucky law restricting women’s reproductive rights doesn’t pass Kentucky constitutional muster. Kentucky’s Bill of Rights Section 2 reads: Absolute and arbitrary power denied. Absolute and arbitrary power over the lives, liberty and property of freemen exists nowhere in a republic, not even in the largest majority. Section 5, Right of Religious Freedom reads in part: the civil rights, privileges or capacities of no person shall be taken away, or in anywise diminished or enlarged, on account of his belief or disbelief of any religious tenet, dogma or teaching. No human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience. The Religious Freedom provision of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees a woman’s religious freedom of conscience and choice. The Kentucky constitution prohibits any member or institution of government having any authority whatsoever that interferes with a woman’s right of conscience and choice concerning her reproductive rights. Section 26 of Kentucky’s constitution, entitled General powers subordinate to Bill of Rights — Laws contrary thereto are void. […] Why isn’t the legislature doing its job right? —David Dunn, Jan. 27
on “New Roots Fresh Stop Markets grow community-driven food justice”
It should also be noted that there are many people on disability who rely on Dare to Care and food banks. Their disabilities mandate that they must eat a specific medical diet. Yet the food that is donated to Dare to Care is often highly processed, cheap, and carbohydrate loaded. A diabetic who has to rely on dare to care will receive a lot of rice, pasta, instant mashed potatoes as staples. All of the above have a very high glycemic load … and break down ounce for ounce as sugar. Often the box has “treats” such as little debbie snack cakes and other unhealthy goods. Other than peanut butter it’s lacking in protein a food box may have a can of salmon or chicken or beef stew. Sadly Dare to Care does not have the ability to store and distribute large quantities of fresh vegetables. They do pretty good with canned goods, but that will not be the bulk of what is given in an average food box. Furthermore, there are other people on disabilities who can not eat wheat gluten or have other dietary needs can not be satisifed. The fresh stop is enough food for one person to have a fresh veggie or two every day of the week. I make no bones about it, I am a diabetic and I am disabled with high medical costs. The Fresh Stop Market System helped me more than any other program… and the thing I like about it is that it was a hand up not a hand out. I was able to repay the program by helping them with my area fresh stop. This progam is also run by somoene who cares deeply about its success. Another thing that was brought into my life was Karyn Moskowitz who is a force of nature in a tiny package … and Amber Nicole who has the biggest spirit of joy. This is truly a healing program … and I hope more will take advantage next year. The more people who buy shares the bigger and better the program becomes. This is truly a community coopeative economic program … by volunteers doing the labor, and farmers giving us a break your food dollar is multiplied you easily get $3 of food for every $1 you spend.
—Allen Prunty, Jan. 27
Dear Editor,
I was shocked to learn that some colleges in Kentucky teach French to their hapless students. As my sainted grandpappy often said, “If English was good enough for Jesus, then it’s good enough for my kids.” No doubt our Governor would agree.
—John Gamel, Feb. 1