on “Running against Rand”
Kentucky’s Democratic leaders have eroded progressive inroads that will take a while to rebuild. It is better to lose as a real Democrat and highlight what we really stand for, than to play up to the ignorance, bigotry and hate of the Repugs. —Ed Marksberry, Nov. 28
on “Running against Rand”
Kentucky is a conservative state and unless we get with the program, we will continue to get smoked like a turkey! Let’s run a pro-life, pro-family Democrat and we have a chance.
—Peter Hayes, Nov. 28
on “An Environmental Injustice Tour of West Louisville”
I live in Shively, and I go out of town often. When I’m on the way back home, driving on the Shawnee, the air has a horrible odor. It is discouraging, especially if I have someone in the car with me. Also, we get a dusting of dirt, coal(?), in our yards. I wash down the rails on my deck, and a few days later they are filthy again. I am embarrassed to live in such a stinky, polluted city.
—Nancy Graham, Nov. 26
on “An Environmental Injustice Tour of West Louisville”
Thank you for the article and the issues it raises, especially in how it calls all of us to pay attention to what’s going on. It would have been stronger, however, if critical aspects of history were not left out and activists of color had been consulted and quoted. There is not a mention of the role played by the late Rev. Louis Coleman, the Justice Resource Center under his leadership, and REACT, the acronym of the spin-off organization from the JRC called Rubbertown Emergency Action. Tim Darst is a knowledgeable and committed activist, but the leadership in these struggles historically has come primarily from people of color (like Eboni Neal Cochran with REACT) who live in those neighborhoods and are directly impacted by toxic industries. What is going on is not simply environmental injustice but a problem rooted in environmental racism. While these environmental problems impact all of us around the community either directly or indirectly, it is racism, the idea that black and brown lives matter less, that has allowed the powers-that-be to ignore them for so long. —David J. Lott, Nov. 25
On the building of methane Plants in West Louisville
Over the holiday, our family went on a tour at the Woodford Distillery. It was informative and enjoyable. What was so stunning were the buildings and environment of the facility itself, respectful of the beautiful horse country surrounding it.
Sunday I attended a meeting of the Coalition for a Sustainable West Louisville, which is opposing the proposed methane facilities for Heaven Hill in the California neighborhood. After the meeting, I drove around the neighborhood, particularly the area immediately surrounding the Heaven Hill plant and 17th and Maple.
What a shame for the City of Louisville, Heaven Hill and STAR BioEnergy to even consider an even more bleak addition to the environment for its workers and its neighbors. Build green spaces, beautify the streets and construct playgounds instead.
Place the methane facilities near existing industrial areas away from residential areas. We all should be working to create a world for our children and grandchildren that looks the same in West Louisville as it does in the Highlands and East End.
—David Horvath, Nov. 30
