Family Matters

Ultrasound Bill casts glimpse inside abortion debate

2011-02-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

It isn’t often that a piece of legislation comes along and exposes rhetoric so hollow that it results in the systemic collapse of an argument. Such is the case with The Ultrasound Bill recently introduced in the 2011 Kentucky General Assembly. For years, abortion supporters have circled the wagons around the idea of “choice,” aiming to convince the uninitiated that abortion is “a difficult

“Potential evangelicals” need not apply at UK

2011-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Kentuckians love to cheer on their Big Blue at this time of year so when Federal District Judge Karl Forester recently called foul (not on Coach Cal, thank God) but on the UK astronomy department for religious discrimination it gave spectators a glimpse into the intellectual climate of academia. And it ain’t like being at Rupp.Martin Gaskell, a well-published astronomer with impeccable

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Don’t Change It

2010-12-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

The U.S. military has been embroiled in two foreign wars for much of the last decade. Now it faces an internal conflict over whether to allow open homosexuality in the ranks, and it is not a fight many military leaders are looking for. The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony last week from U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey and Marine Commandant General James Amos. Both

Is marriage’s turkey cooked?

2010-11-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

A new survey by the Pew Research Center and TIME called The Decline of Marriage And Rise of New Families is certain to ruffle a few feathers—especially as families gather around Thanksgiving Day tables this Thursday. In it, researchers find that 39 percent of Americans believe that marriage is obsolete, but before social engineers declare this turkey cooked, they ought to take a second look.

Sensitivity police's war on honesty claims another victim

2010-11-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

If America’s freedom of speech is the envy of the world, then political correctness must be its bane. Some political candidates and news commentators this election season are finding that out the hard way. Just last week, the monster of political correctness raised its ugly head and resulted in the firing of Juan Williams by National Public Radio.Williams, a long-time civil rights advocate, told

Casino corruption rocks Alabama Legislature

2010-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Last year, the Kentucky House passed a casino expansion bill, but not without lofty promises and heavy political pressure. Many have questioned the tactics of the casino lobby whether they are public pie-in-the-sky promises or private behind the scenes promises that border on bribery. The latest example of the corrupting influence of the casino lobby on the legislative process comes from Alabama

"Show-Me" state puts a wrap on SOB's

2010-09-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Just days ago, a Missouri Circuit judge upheld a state law that places tough restrictions on sexually oriented businesses (SOB's). Attorney's for the SOB's challenging the law said it would provide an economic hardship in times when the economy is already in dire straits. Judge Jon Beetem said “The law will undoubtedly change the business practices of the plaintiffs, and they will likely suffer

Judge walks over voters, marriage

2010-08-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Advocates of traditional marriage were trampled earlier this month by a San Francisco judge who struck down California’s constitutional amendment which keeps marriage between one man and one woman. Judge Vaughn Walker apparently missed the memo about the seven million voters who support marriage between one man and one woman. Memos about the need for judicial restraint and the necessity for

Strip club stabbing exposes Lexington's vulnerability

2010-08-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Lexington Herald Leader reported earlier today that two men were hospitalized after being attacked outside a Lexington strip club at 3 AM today. Fayette County is one of only three counties in Kentucky without comprehensive restrictions on sexually oriented businesses which are required by law to close at an earlier time. Besides hours of operation requirements, there are other basic

Academic intolerance leads to expulsion of Christian counseling student

2010-07-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

On July 27, a federal judge upheld the decision of an Eastern Michigan University (EMU) counseling program to kick out a graduate student who declined to counsel gay clients in an affirming way. Julea Ward, an A student in her studies, was expelled from the program when she asked her superior if another person could counsel a homosexual client. Instead of accommodating Ward, who believed that

Institutional bigotry just peachy

2010-07-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to study counseling at Augusta State University in Georgia and also believe that homosexuality is wrong then you will have to make a choice. Either you acquiesce your moral convictions or you find another school that is, shall we say, more tolerant and accepting of diverse viewpoints. Augusta State graduate student Jennifer Keeton is now facing expulsion for daring to

Pornography finding a new market

2010-07-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

The Washington Times released a story yesterday about the increasing number of women using porn. This may have something to do with increased revenues. The porn industry took in $13 billion in 2006. But what are the effects on the women who are using it? To read more go to:

Jack Conway's best ally

2010-07-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

Since Jack Conway won the Democratic primary in May, it is becoming clear who is his biggest cheerleader and fan: the Associated Press. It has churned out stories about Paul's income, his medical certification and affiliation, and recent attendance at a D.C. fundraiser. The latest story focused on his new position in support of a border fence to control illegal immigration. He was previously

6th Circuit: Thou shall not post

2010-06-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for coming out today. What a great turnout. You know, the big three TV networks have disparaged and maligned this movement as fringe and disruptive, but I say that there is nothing more American than to assemble and protest government abuse and fiscal irresponsibility. And that is what the tea

Western Kentucky University funds domestic partners

2010-04-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, Western Kentucky University will become the fourth Kentucky public university to extend domestic partner benefits to its employees. Ironically, while the commonwealth's current budget proposal cuts post-secondary education spending, WKU will increase its financial obligations by increasing its insurance pool to unrelated people who live together. Can anyone guess

All inclusive child welfare

2010-03-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

When Tim Moore (R-Elizabethtown) recently attached the ultrasound bill as an amendment to child welfare legislation, a cry went up in Frankfort from legislators who say they couldn't believe Moore would do something like that. Tom Burch (D-Louisville) and David Watkins (D-Henderson) garnered the most attention in last week's Louisville Courier-Journal.“'These are two elected officials that are

Political Extortion Round II

2010-03-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

Just when you think state politics couldn't sink to s lower level another episode of political extortion raises its ugly head. Such was the case yesterday when the Paducah Sun reported that Paducah will not be considered for a much needed new middle school because State Rep. Brent Housman voted against the budget bill. It was mostly a party line vote but Greg Stumbo has singled out opponents once

Pulling the curtain on public indecency

2010-03-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Traveling has a way of opening one's horizon to happenings in other parts of the country, but when the entire family sallies forth on adventure, unsuspecting exposure sometimes make for a teachable, if not uncomfortable, moment. Such was the case recently for me and my family while traveling through Georgia and Florida where imposing billboards advertising strippers lined several of the major

Kentucky bill featured in The New York Times

2010-03-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

LEXINGTON, KY-A Kentucky bill that calls for critical thinking skills, logical analysis, and open and objective discussion concerning the advantages and disadvantages of scientific theories was featured yesterday in The New York Times. The bill, House Bill 397, was introduced by State Rep. Tim Moore (R-Elizabethtown)."The Family Foundation is in full support of an open-minded approach to issues

A Snapshot of Kentucky Education Part II

2010-02-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Last week I shared some statistics on this blog provided by the Bluegrass Institute that gave us a snapshot of Kentucky k-12 education. It was less than stellar. Now this week we learn that the University of Louisville is providing us another snapshot, this time of Kentucky higher education and folks it ain't pretty. As most of you already know, U of L is featuring naked girls in an art exhibit

James Ramsey's U of L refuses to budge on explicit photos of young girls

2010-02-22T12:49:00.001-08:00

University of Louisville president James Ramsey's chief lieutenant, Provost Shirley Willinganz, tells the Chronicle of Higher Education that U of L refuses to take down an exhibit that includes explicit photographs of young girls because the First Amendment protects their right, you know, to exploit children and all:Today at the University of Louisville, an unusual art exhibit called The Century

Snapshot of Kentucky Education

2010-02-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

So what is the state of Kentucky public education? According to the Bluegrass Institute: Only 1 of 4 8th graders are considered proficient on the NAEP test; 3 of 10 kids who begin 9th grade are not graduating; Black males who graduate have the equivalent of an 8th grade education; And 45% of Kentucky's college-bound seniors are taking remedial classes their freshman year. These stats hardly sound

Gambler in chief criticizes gambling

2010-02-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

Who said this? "When times are tough, you tighten your belts, you don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices."Answer: President Barack Obama. (speech in Nashua, N.H. on Tuesday). With Pres. Obama engineering record budget deficits in the federal government,

A General Assembly Shakeup?

2010-01-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

According to Secretary of State Trey Grayson, more than 230 Kentuckians have filed to run for the 119 contested seats in the state legislature. This could be a record. The Kentucky House, dominated by 64 Democrats, will face 42 GOP challengers. The Kentucky Senate, held by Republicans with a 20-17 majority,

When pro-choicers oppose choice

2010-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 37th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion on demand and ushered in the era of "choice." Since then, Roe's allies assert that abortion should be a last resort. Unfortunately, they have done little to make that happen. Pro-choicers have done even less to further assist women in crisis pregnancies with all the information they need

Beshear is no Amarillo Slim

2010-01-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

A group opposed to slot machines at Kentucky horse tracks criticized Gov. Steve Beshear's announcement that he was basing the state budget on gambling revenue that legislative leaders have already said is not likely to happen. "The Governor is rolling the dice with taxpayer money," said Martin Cothran, spokesman for Say No To Casinos.Cothran said that not only is slot revenue not likely to

Governor's budget "passes the buck" on fiscal responsibility

2010-01-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

For immediate releaseJanuary 19, 2010Contact: Martin CothranPhone: (859) 329-1919LEXINGTON, KY--A spokesman for an anti-expanded gambling group charged that Gov. Steve Beshear was avoiding making responsible fiscal decisions to the legislature in his new budget by premising it on slots revenue. "The Governor is passing the buck," said Martin Cothran, spokesman for Say No To Casinos, "and passing

Ten Commandments returned to Grayson County

2010-01-19T07:00:00.001-08:00

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court ruling saying that a Ten Commandments display at the Grayson County Courthouse had to be removed. The Ten Commandments are now back in Leitchfield: LEITCHFIELD — Amid anthems, hymns, and plenty of "amens," a copy of the Ten Commandments was placed back on the wall at the Grayson County courthouse Monday, almost a decade after it was

How the gambling industry lost the 14th district State Senate seat

2010-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Louisville Courier-Journal's Joe Gerth tells the story of how, despite the gambling industry's expenditure of $890,000 to buy a seat the State Senate in Kentucky's 14th Senate district, it lost by double digits:They had a good candidate in former state Rep. Jodie Haydon: A successful businessman. Well-liked. A member of the famed Kentucky National Guard group called “Sons of Bardstown,” which

Same sex marriage advocates on why they should be worried about their case against California's Proposition 8

2010-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Opponents of California's Proposition 8 are worried that their case against the measure--which overturned the attempt to impose same-sex marriage on Californians--could lead to legal disaster for their movement:Attorney Charles Cooper, a Reagan-era veteran who is well known to the justices, filed an emergency appeal last weekend urging them to block all video coverage of the trial — even if it

Should we raise the compulsory school age?

2010-01-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

Every session, it seems, state lawmakers entertain a bill proposing to increase the compulsory school age from 16 to 18. And every year the bill is largely ignored. That could be different this year, with the issue already getting unprecedented attention. Two bills have been introduced to do this: House Bills 94 and 140.In today's Lexington Herald-Leader, a story presents the case for the change.

Charter schools die in committee, but the issue could still rise from the dead

2010-01-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 14, 2010LEXINGTON--"We will be back," said Martin Cothran, communications director for The Family Foundation of Kentucky, after an amendment providing for charter schools failed in a tie vote in a State Senate committee. "This was the end for this amendment, but it wasn't the end of charter schools in this state.""We were disappointed in the vote," said Cothran. "We

Casino Crowd Finds Elections Not for Sale

2010-01-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Joe Gerth of the Louisville Courier-Journal reported something we already knew about the casino lobby: they're willing to spend money on elections. Of specific interest, however, is just how much they're willing to pour into a campaign. In the special election to fill former State Sen. Dan Kelly's seat, Democratic candidate Jodie Haydon outspent his opponent by nearly a 3 to 1 margin.

$1.5 Million embezzlement linked to gambling addict

2009-12-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today's edition of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reported that an Owensboro woman embezzled nearly $1.5 million from elderly customers of the bank where she was employed. Authorities reported that the 40 year old lady used the money to fuel her casino gambling addiction. Earlier this year, we reported a similar situation regarding a Hopkinsville woman involved in embezzlement to fuel her

Politicizing Christmas has deep roots

2009-12-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

The governor's recent debacle calling for a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree underscores how politically charged Christmas has become in recent years and how the negative current from an unhappy electorate can shock the starch out of one's political socks. Of course, Gov. Beshear backpedaled in his decision faster than Ebeneezer Scrooge after being visited by the Ghost of Christmas

From around Kentucky

2009-11-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Christmastreeaphobics still angry over Beshear reversal: Over at Barefoot and Progressive, they are under the impression that I have "worked myself up into a phony lather" about Gov. Grinch's replacement of the state Christmas tree with a "Holiday tree." We must have done a pretty good job of hiding our amusement. Why would it make us mad to see Beshear politically shoot himself in the foot?

The Governor Who Stole Christmas: Beshear Administration to put up "Holiday Tree"

2009-10-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Judging from a politically correct announcement today from the Beshear administration, its heart is about two sizes too small.The Kentucky Finance Cabinet tells people in an announcement that it wants Kentuckians, in the words of Charlie Brown's sister Sally, to "just send money" for the state's "Holiday Tree.""The Commonwealth of Kentucky," says the release, "is looking for a property owner who

Beshear "handing legislature over to wealthy gambling interests" says anti-slots group

2009-10-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Gov. Steve Beshear is trying to "hand control of the legislature over to wealthy gambling interests," says an anti-slots group. The Governor announced the appointment of State Sen. Dan Kelly to a judgeship today. The move, widely viewed as part of a strategy of changing the makeup of the State Senate to favor the gambling industry, was criticized by an anti-slots group for distorting the

Anti-casino group calls on state Democrats to change their name

2009-10-21T07:28:00.001-07:00

LEXINGTON, KY--An anti-casino group today responded to the Governor and race track interests who have said it's "too late" for the people to be involved in the decision over expanded gambling. "Now that Gov. Beshear has taken the position against voter ratification of any change in the Constitutional restriction on casino gambling, it seems sort of silly for him to call himself a 'Democrat',"

Casino addiction behind Western Kentucky million dollar swindle

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Gambling advocates often tell us about all the good casino gambling will do for the economy. It's all sunshine and lollipops until we read a story like the one that broke yesterday in the Kentucky New Era. Eighteen Christian county residents lost a million dollars to a woman who gambled nearly $770,000 away at casino Aztar in Indiana, making clear what casino gambling can do for a local economy.

UK "Sex Week" sponsor promotes violence against women, group calls on UK to disassociate itself

2009-10-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

LEXINGTON, KY—The sponsor of University of Kentucky's "Sex Week" sells "Bondage Fantasy" sets and handcuffs on its website, a fact that has prompted a state family advocacy group to ask how this works into one of the week's themes: protesting violence against women. "We wonder how organizers of an event that's supposed to discourage violence against women justify promoting a group that considers

Bellydancing Toward Gomorrah

2009-10-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

There are many things parents make sure their daughters pack when they're getting ready for college: clothes, toiletries, towels, and laundry soap. But parents sending their daughters to the University of of Kentucky might think about adding one more item to the list: a chastity belt. This week is "Sex Week" at the university. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the main aim of

When Judges play God

2009-09-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

In 2008, American Atheists filed a lawsuit against the state claiming they suffered sleeping disorders and "mental pain and anguish" because the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security recognized "the safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God." Well, they can finally get some rest. Last Wednesday, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate struck

Another report from one of our higher reeducation camps (a. k. a. our colleges and universities)

2009-08-26T10:40:00.001-07:00

Mary Grabar describes her experience as an adjunct English professor trying to teach, like, English--which is now apparently declasse in our higher re-education camps:I’m an adjunct English professor. When the subject of adjunct faculty comes up, the predictable calls for unionization and “social justice” are often voiced by my tenured colleagues enjoying light teaching loads and by

University of Kentucky scores a "C" on its core curriculum in national report

2009-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

For Immediate ReleaseAugust 24, 2009The University of Kentucky received a grade of "C" from a national organization that monitors what colleges and universities teach. In its report, "What Will They Learn?" the American Council of Trustees and Alumni gave it a mediocre rating on its general education requirements, and specifically criticized its natural science requirement because it could be

UK drops for 3rd straight year in national rankings

2009-08-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

For Immediate ReleaseAugust 21, 2009Contact: Martin CothranPhone: 859-329-1919The University of Kentucky dropped in the U. S. News and World Report ranking for the third time in three years according to the magazine's newly released national rankings. "The three-year slide is bad enough," said Martin Cothran, senior policy analyst for the Family Foundation of Kentucky. "This report points out

Debunking the Myths perpetrated by the Gambling Lobby

2009-07-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

Myth #1 - There are 100,000 horse racing jobs in Kentucky:Myth #2 - Kentucky's Horse Industry is dying due to lower purses:Myth #3 - The Gambling Industry just wants to help Kentucky:Myth #4 - Gambling is just entertainment:Myth #5 - "Slots for Tots" - Gambling is great for children and their education. (Gambling opponents in another state posted this video and the similarities to Kentucky are

The Gambling "Revolution" in today's C-J

2009-07-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Family Foundation's Policy Analyst David Edmunds in today's Courier-Journal:Third World Gambling RevolutionAt a recent expanded gambling rally, a former governor referred to Senate President David Williams as a third world dictator and incited the crowd to “revolution.”But even though the first shots heard in this revolution were heard in Lexington, they bear little resemblance to the first shots

Slots for Tots can add Pot

2009-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

If Kentuckians follow the "Slots for Tots" idea to its logical conclusion, the road will lead them to California with the push to legalize marijuana to help education. After all, if people are already doing it anyway, just legalize it and tax it.This will teach the children!

Suicide claims Gambling-Addicted Louisville Doctor

2009-06-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today's C-J ran a tragic story of a prominent Louisville doctor and horseman that took his own life and left a trail of misery because of gambling addiction. Please pray for his family and pray that lawmakers and citizens alike will wake up to the true destructive nature of expanded gambling. Lives are at stake. Read the article here.

VICTORY

2009-06-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Gambling Opponents victorious watch coverage here:

Forbes covers Slot machine battle in Ky

2009-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Forbes magazine quotes David Edmunds, policy analyst for The Family Foundation. Read story here.

"We should be saddling horses, not taxpayers," says anti-slots group

2009-06-19T13:50:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 19, 2009Contact: Martin Cothran(859) 329-1919"We should be saddling horses, not taxpayers," said Martin Cothran, spokesman for Say No To Casinos. Cothran charged that taxpayers were being saddled with over a billion in debt to bail out wealthy horse racing tracks."At a time when many Kentucky taxpayers are struggling to pay their mortgages, state lawmakers in the House

State representative says he won't sell his vote for slots

2009-06-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

In today's Glasgow Times:Johnny Bell wants badly to help the Glasgow Independent School District replace its 44-year-old high school. So badly he was at least thinking about whether he could best serve his community by voting against expanded gambling or voting for a new Glasgow High School.But then, he said, House Democratic leadership made it plain in a two-hour plus caucus meeting Tuesday –

Unconstitutional slots proposal heats up

2009-06-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Channel WLKY32 in Louisville covered Gov. Steve Beshear's unconstitutional plan to bring slot machines to the state's horse tracks as well as Senate President David Williams' alternative plan. Martin Cothran with Say No To Casinos weighs in:Also, David Edmunds was interviewed by WHAS11 and WAVE3, both in Louisville:

Alms for the Rich

2009-06-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

At a time when many Kentuckians are losing their jobs, being put on furlough by their employers, and can't pay their mortgages, it is hard to envision why some people would want to pass legislation that would fatten the bank accounts of the wealthy horse racing tracks and horse farms, many of which are not even owned by Kentuckians.It's even harder to envision how they think they can do it

Americans still strongly oppose same-sex "marriage"

2009-05-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here is Robert Schlesinger in U. S. News on Gallup's latest poll:According to the poll, a strong majority of Americans (57 percent) continue to oppose gay marriage (with 40 percent favoring it). The good news is that in digging deeper one can find some reasons for optimism. First the bad news: Gallup notes that support for gay marriage has come a long way since it first asked the

Another gambling promise broken

2009-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Steve Beshear announced today he has selected his deputy chief of staff Vince Gabbert to head up his office's campaign to convince Kentuckians they approved video slot machines in 1988 without knowing it.But wait! What's this? Didn't Beshear promise in his campaign he was going to make sure this issue made the ballot? "It is time to put this question on the ballot and let the people of Kentucky

Down and Out? Rest assured Churchill Downs may get a bailout

2009-05-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press quotes Martin Cothran in its story on slots at tracks on Sunday. It was picked up by Phillyburbs.com:"We have Kentuckians who are losing their jobs, who are being put on furlough by their employers, and who can't pay their mortgages," Cothran said. "The solution to that is not fattening the bank account of Churchill Downs. This is a millionaires' bailout."

The Family Foundation tells reporters: Slots plan is unconstitutional

2009-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2009 - WHAS 11 (ABC affiliate) in Louisville interviewed David EdmundsMay 20, 2009 - WAVE 3 (NBC affiliate) in Louisville interviewed David EdmundsMay 20, 2009 - WTVQ 36 (ABC affiliate) in Lexington interviewed David EdmundsMay 20, 2009 - WKYT 27 (CBS affiliate) in Lexington interviewed David Edmunds. Click here to link to that story.May 19, 2009 - WTVQ 36 (ABC affiliate) in Lexington

Voters, not lawyers, have the final say on Constitutional amendments says anti-casino group

2009-05-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

For Immediate ReleaseMay 19, 2009Contact: Martin CothranPhone: 859-329-1919An anti-casino group opposing a bill to place video slot machines at race tracks said today that it doesn't think another attorney general's opinion on the issue is necessary to tell people what they already know. "We certainly have confidence in Jack Conway," said Martin Cothran, spokesman for Say No To Casinos, "but it

Kentucky could legalize pot-slots

2009-05-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

California's Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger is looking for money to plug the holes in his state's budget, and according to his recent press appearances, he is lobbying for studying the way other countries profit from the legalization and taxation of marijuana and other illicit drugs. Medical marijuana is already legal in the Golden State and marijuana vending machines are taking root in Los

Expanded Gambling advocates in State House pushing for video slots

2009-05-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the Courier-Journal's report:House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona, told WHAS-11 that he wants the House to vote on video lottery terminals at race tracks and put the onus on the Senate to decide whether "to kill a $4 billion industry in the Commonwealth."Clark said he and Speaker Greg Stumbo are meeting with Gov. Steve Beshear on Thursday to discuss the issue.Clark mentioned June

Is Churchill Downs throwing the horse industry under the bus?

2009-05-07T20:21:00.001-07:00

Churchill Downs is having its commitment to live racing questioned by some investors and analysts. Here is the Courier-Journal's report on a conference call where CEO Bob Evans tried to argue that the company isn't abandoning racing.Only problem is horsemen are mad at them for the company's penchant for trying to squeeze horse owners and trainers.And this is one of the companies that gives

The poor promise of gambling profits

2009-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Advocates of video slots at tracks not only have to contend with the fact that their proposal is unconstitutional but with the fact that their claims that millions of dollars would be produced for the state and the horse industry simply don't comport with the real world.Here is Celeste Hadrick at Newsday on the fall in gambling revenues:"Just as people cut back their spending during the current

"Tolerance" replaces civic history class in Jefferson County

2009-04-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

A Courier-Journal article today announced that 9th graders in Jefferson County schools will be required to learn "tolerance" in the place of regular history and civics curriculum. While on its face the coverage of the holocaust in the course is important, questions remain about who gets to define what "tolerance" is for the students."The course -- Exploring Civics: Facing History and Ourselves --

FDA handing out "Morning After Pill" like candy

2009-04-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

In response to a Federal ruling yesterday, the FDA has announced that they will adjust policy and allow Plan B, "The Morning After" pill to not only be distributed without a prescription, but now allow 17 year olds to purchase it over the counter.Now let's see here: The "Morning After "pill is an extremely high dosage of the birth control pill. The regular dosage of the birth control pill

Craigslist KILLER's motive-casino gambling debt?

2009-04-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

ABC News is reporting that muder suspect Philip Markoff, dubbed the "Craigslist Killer," gambled all night at the Foxwoods Casino two days after allegedly murdering a young woman. Markoff allegedy bound, gagged, and robbed one woman and brutally murdered another. Police are investigating a possible third incident."A police source close to the investigation told ABC News this week that police

U of L spends money lobbying for gay agenda AND raises tuition again

2009-04-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

The C-J reported today that U of L just announced that they intend to raise tuition next year by the maximum allowed by the state - 5%. This annual increase comes on the heels of 9% increases every year for the past several years and leaves parents wondering what costs so much.In a case of terrible timing by the university's newspaper, The Louisville Cardinal printed a story this week

Kentucky Lottery celebrates 20-year history of addicting citizens

2009-04-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Courier-Journal ran stories this week celebrating the Lottery's 20th anniversary. These promotional announcements from the Lottery Commission are just poory veiled attempts at boosting predatory gambling's image in the quest to bring slot machine barns to Kentucky.What caught my attention in the article and should arrest the attention of policy makers and citizens alike was the poster child

David Edmunds on "Hot Button" editorial

2009-03-24T11:10:00.001-07:00

The NBC affiliate in Louisville (Wave 3) featured David Edmunds discussing this week's Ultrasound opportunity in the General Assembly on their "Hot Button" editorial, which aired March 23 & 24.

Family group releases video regarding possible State House ultrasound vote

2009-03-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 23, 2009Contact: David EdmundsPhone: 502-457-5744LEXINGTON, KY--The Family Foundation released a video today revealing Senate President David Williams challenging House Speaker Greg Stumbo to pass ultrasound legislation on the last two days of this legislative session.* Legislative coverage courtesy of KET. "There is still time...and there will be other bills that pass,

The Prichard Committee in Wonderland: When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead

2009-03-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

In response to my recent post "The Death of KERA," Susan Weston at the Prichard Committee Blog characterizes me as "spinning wondrous tales" over the years about a KERA dragon that ravages the land eating educators caught teaching spelling and setting fire to villages caught administering multiple choice tests. The real story of KERA, she says, "has been dull by comparison."I've heard KERA

Dictionaries changing the definition of marriage

2009-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

In gathering together their definitions of words , several major dictionaries are joining together politics and language in holy matrimony. Several dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and Webster's New World College Dictionary, have changed the definition of marriage to include same-sex marriage.If anyone feels these two should not be united in Holy Matrimony speak now or forever hold your

The Death of KERA

2009-03-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 is now officially dead. The program was made up of many components, some of which have effectively been abandoned (like the nongraded primary), and others that live on (the family resource and youth services centers), but the heart of the program was always the testing system.And when the heart goes, so does the body.You could call this a transplant, of

Ultrasound legislation is still alive

2009-03-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 13, 2009Contact: David EdmundsPhone: (502) 457-5744 LEXINGTON, KY—“The Senate has proven once again that it is whole-heartedly committed to the sanctity of life,” said David Edmunds of The Family Foundation in response to the Senate’s action today to amend House Bill 241 to include language from SB 79, The Ultrasound Bill.The Ultrasound Bill would require abortionists

Family group responds to defeat of The Ultrasound Bill

2009-03-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release March 10, 2009Contact: David EdmundsPhone: (502) 457-5744LEXINGTON, KY—“The ‘Grim Reaper’ of Kentucky’s General Assembly strikes again,” said David Edmunds of The Family Foundation in response to today’s action. “Tom Burch upheld the promise he recently made in The Courier-Journal to kill the bill; he did it by actively lobbying to bring the bill to his committee where he

At rally for family legislation, Senate President calls on Kathy Stein to apologize to the state’s foster parents

2009-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 3, 2009Contact: Martin CothranPhone: (859) 329-1919LEXINGTON, KY—At a rally for “The General Assembly’s Covenant with Kentucky Families,” Senate President David Williams said State. Sen. Kathy Stein “owes a public apology to the state’s foster parents” for saying that the 7,000 children in state foster care are “unwanted.” In her arguments against SB 79 during yesterday

Is the Adulterers' Rights Act of 2009 dead?

2009-02-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

House Bill 28, which would overturn the Rhoades v. Ricketts decision by the Kentucky Supreme Court appears to be stalled.The bill died for lack of a majority in the House Judiciary Committee before one of the committee members changed his vote later in the meeting and voted for it, although he said he would vote against it on the House Floor, but the bill has now stalled in the Rules Committee.

State family group expresses surprise at lawmaker’s public declaration to kill pro-life bill

2009-02-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release February 20, 2009Contact: Martin CothranPhone: (859) 329-1919LEXINGTON, KY—A state family advocacy group says the fate of an important pro-life bill is now in the hands of House leadership. “This will be the first major indication of how this new House leadership team will treat family legislation,” said Martin Cothran, senior policy analyst with The Family Foundation.The

Adulterers' Rights Act approved by legislative committee

2009-02-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 18, 2009Contact: Martin CothranPhone: 859-329-1919LEXINGTON, KY—A bill that some are calling the "Adulterers' Rights Act" was approved by a State House committee yesterday after being rejected by the same committee earlier in the day. "There was obviously some kind of political pressure applied to legislators to pass a bill with which most of them were clearly

State family group says child safety, not politics, should be put first in adoption

2009-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release February 17, 2009 Contact: David EdmundsPhone: 502-457-5744LEXINGTON, KY— A state family advocacy group has endorsed SB 68, which would prevent the state from placing children in foster or adoptive homes where there is an unmarried sexual partner staying in the home. “It is the sacred duty of the Commonwealth to find the best home possible for children in their care,”

HPV vaccine mandate being pushed despite warnings

2009-02-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

For the third year in a row, Kentucky State Rep. David Watkins (D-Owensboro) is pushing a bill that would force 9- to 11-year-old girls to receive the HPV vaccine in order to attend school. The general consensus of the medical community including the CDC, the American College of Pediatricians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians is to oppose a mandate, but apparently Rep. Watkins thinks

Biology does not trump marriage

2009-02-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 11, 2009Contact: Martin CothranPhone: 859-329-1919LEXINGTON--A state family group is opposing a proposed state law that it says would weaken the legal status of marriage. The bill, House Bill 28, would allow the father of child born from an adulterous relationship with a married woman to claim parental rights to the child even after the woman had reconciled with her

NBC rejects pro-life Super Bowl Ad

2009-02-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

NBC had to fill many of their ad spots on last night's Super Bowl with promotions for their own shows due to the economic downturn. The network rejected an ad from CatholicVote.com because of its pro-life nature. The network claimed that it would not run "advocacy" ads but were willing to run a PETA ad if that organization changed just a few of the sexually explicit images in the ad. Apparently

Sanctity of Life Sunday vs. Emily's List

2009-01-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

Today has been a study in contrasts for me. This Sunday started with a focus on the sanctity of Life in churches all across Kentucky and America, including my own church. Church members everywhere are mourning the extermination of 50 million unborn lives since Roe v. Wade.Returning from church, I turned on CSPAN to find an Emily's List celebration of their aggresive political action to elect

The "Millionaires' Bailout" on Channel 27

2009-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

My appearance on WKYT's evening news on the Millionaire's Bailout.

No one knows how much CATS costs, committee finds

2009-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Oh dear. While some of us were thinking that the problem with CATS was that it costs too much, all of a sudden we find out that that's not the problem. The problem is we don't know how much it costs. Turns out that our wonderful education bureaucrats have no idea how much the monstrous state education testing system is setting us back because of poor accounting.All state auditors could determine

Turfway Park already counting its bailout money

2009-01-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

The gambling moguls in northern Kentucky are already counting their part of The Millionaires' Bailout, according to Pat Crowley at the Cincinnati Enquirer. Turfway, a horse track in northern Kentucky is rubbing its hands together on account of Greg Stumbo's HB-158, which would bring mechanized slots to the Kentucky horse tracks.Turfway Park would build a $150 million free-standing casino if

The millionaires' bailout

2009-01-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

LEXINGTON, KY—A state anti-casino group announced its plans today to oppose House Bill 158, which would place computerized slot machines at the state's horse tracks. The proposed law is both good news and bad news, according to Martin Cothran. "The bad news is, if it works, it would give money to wealthy people by taking it from not-so-wealthy people," said Cothran. "The good news is it won't

New House Speaker Greg Stumbo files gambling legislation

2009-01-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

Greg Stumbo has filed his gambling bill, according to press reports. It is House Bill 158. He is claiming he can raise $700 million dollars for, among other things, education. It will be interesting to hear how he thinks he can raise that much money from through gambling at a time when the gambling industry has been hit harder than most other businesses as a result of the financial crisis.

Losing speech rights gets personal

2009-01-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

When President-elect Barack Obama invited Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation, it created a firestorm of criticism by the gay community which is now calling for Obama to retract the invitation. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), wrote Obama and said, "By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual

David Williams takes on CATS

2009-01-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I still haven't seen it yet, but on KET's "Kentucky Tonight," State Senate President David Williams apparently called for dumping CATS and changing math education. Williams voted for the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 (KERA), so he can't exactly be labeled a fire-breathing anti-KERAite. Good credentials for the person who takes on some of the excesses that still plague Kentucky schools

Have we lost the ability to speak of the common good?

2008-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Anthony Esolen, one of our ten modern wise men, expounds on the etiolated condition of our modern political discourse:It seems as if we have flattened our discussion of liberty to two dimensions, namely, what I feel like doing, because I am what is called an "individual," and what large government machines want me to do, in order to secure some ideal like equality or the End of Poverty or Peace

Trusting our safety to the government bureaucrats rather than God

2008-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

A group of atheists is suing the state of Kentucky to overturn a law that requires Kentucky's Homeland Security Office to mention that God is the ultimate guarantor of our safety. The group American Atheists claims that references to God in the law have caused them to suffer sleep disorders and "mental pain and anguish," proving once again that atheists are just not as sturdy as they used to

Indiana Abortionists deserve coal for Christmas

2008-12-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus is coming to town and it looks like he will be putting coal in some Indiana stockings. The shocking revelation that Planned Parenthood of Indiana is selling Christmas gift certificates for services including abortion came as unwelcome tidings to those that believe Christmas is the celebration of a successful birth.A video just released by LiveActionFilms.org also shows how the Indiana