Recent editorials from Kentucky newspapers:
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May 25
The State Journal on recent actions by a group of Kentucky protesters that were widely condemned:
What started with the singing of the complete lyrics of “The Star Spangled Banner” at May 24’s Patriots Day/Second Amendment Rally on the back Capitol lawn escalated when several attendees suspended Gov. Andy Beshear in effigy holding a sign reading “Sic Semper Tyrannis” - translated as “Thus always to tyrants” - from a nearby tree.
Rightly so, the group’s actions drew sharp criticism on social media from both Democratic and Republican elected leaders.
“This is sickening, and I condemn it. We have to learn to disagree without threats of violence,” said Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
In a statement the House Democratic leadership, including Rep. Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, said hanging the effigy just a short walk from where the governor and his family live is “an act that reeks of hate and intimidation.”
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, echoed those sentiments, adding, “This awfulness has no place in civil society.”
We couldn’t agree more. While we wholeheartedly believe in the right to protest, it must be done in a peaceful and respectful manner. Neither of which was on display when protesters marched right up to the front door of the Governor’s Mansion.
Video shows rally-goers, some of whom were armed with guns, sidestepping a chain roping off access to the mansion as they made their way to the front porch of the home Beshear shares with his wife and two young children and chanted “Come out, Andy” and “Resign, Andy.”
Protesting at the Capitol - a public place - is one thing. But this group kicked it up a notch and made it personal by taking the rally to the governor’s residence, which is almost as troubling as the effigy.
Obviously the shin-high chain and sign of no admittance aren’t doing an effective job of keeping away unwanted Governor’s Mansion visitors. Regardless of whether Beshear and his family were at home on Sunday, protesters should never have been allowed to get that close - armed or not. Everyone, including elected leaders, has a right to feel safe in their homes.
Online: https://www.state-journal.com
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May 20
The Bowling Green Daily News on practicing patience as restaurants reopen:
Since mid-March, we have seen schools, libraries, parks, gyms, retail stores, dental and medical offices, barber shops, restaurants and many other places people like to go shuttered because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
It has been very hard on us all, as we’ve been forced to adapt to a lifestyle most of us aren’t used to. Before the pandemic hit, we were accustomed to going to any such places without any hesitation.
There are many people who have stayed primarily at home during this pandemic to avoid catching the coronavirus. We can’t blame them one bit for doing so, as it is very important to look after their own health and the health of others.
For more than two months, this is the lifestyle that we have been forced to live. As we’ve stated several times, we believe Gov. Andy Beshear has done a fine job helping Kentuckians get through this pandemic by urging caution and making daily briefings to update Kentuckians about the steps being taken to curtail the virus’ spread and to announce phases to reopening businesses.
Last week, Beshear announced that restaurants in our state would open back up to the public on May 22 with some restrictions – such as a maximum of 33 percent indoor seating capacity, no person may be within 6 feet of a person seated at another table or booth, employees must wear masks and no bare-hand contact with food.
Beshear also seemed to be looking to help restaurants by allowing them to extend the outdoor seating that some restaurants already have on their properties. Similarly, the Bowling Green City Commission voted May 19 on a municipal order that will allow restaurants to petition the city to use public property to maximize outdoor seating and broadly suspend regulations regarding use of outdoor spaces for dining. We are really glad to see the city approve this order as more seating will certainly be needed than the 33 percent indoor occupancy.
While some of Beshear’s requirements – versions of which apply to all businesses, not just restaurants – might seem strict to some people, we believe they are necessary requirements to help prevent more people from catching this disease.
There will probably be some who disagree with these restrictions and choose to express their displeasure about them to the staff and managers at restaurants and other business. To those people, we would simply say this is the wrong approach to take. People who take issue with these requirements need to remember that employees have weathered this storm for the same amount of time as the customers. In addition, the employees might not like some of these requirements any more than the rest of us – especially wearing masks as it starts to get hotter outside – but they want to stay safe while also working to support themselves and their families.
With many businesses and restaurants gradually reopening, it is a new day in the coronavirus saga, and another step that will require adaptation. Some won’t like the 33 percent occupancy rule and might have to wait a little longer to get a table. Our advice to them is to practice patience, be nice to the staff and just be appreciative that you once again have the opportunity to eat in a restaurant or shop in a store. When told to do something by an employee or manager, listen to their instructions and do as they say. The staff at these restaurants and businesses is simply trying to look out for their co-workers and other customers, as well as trying to adhere to the state’s requirements in order to remain open for business.
We believe that if more and more people approach the reopening process in this manner, it will make everyone’s experiences more satisfying and less chaotic – and it might just help Kentucky move even faster toward a full return to normalcy.
Online: https://www.bgdailynews.com
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May 20
The Daily Independent on safely supporting local businesses as they reopen
Several local businesses reopened on May 20. Did you visit them? Do you plan to? Why?
Shopping local is more important now than it’s been in a long time.
Supporting your hometown specialty shops is an essential part of pushing through this pandemic.
The act of helping out a local place supplying items or services of interest is more than a “feel-good” move. It bolsters the economy. It revitalizes an area quickly.
Simply put, when you buy local, more money remains in the community.
There’s nothing wrong with stopping in at a major-chain store - after all, as many have noticed, they’ve faced their own share of troubles - but don’t neglect the “little guy.”
Everyone loves a good underdog story. Several of these local places of businesses are reopening against all odds.
You don’t want to live in a ghost town, so play a role in reviving it. Pump some spirit into Ashland - or Grayson, Greenup, Catlettsburg or wherever you may dwell. Toss on your mask and visit the hard-working business owners who themselves labor behind the counter. Give them a thumbs-up (since we can’t shake hands) as you walk away a satisfied customer. It’ll give both the patron and store worker a mutual boost of energy.
Forget about the extra buck or two you might fork over for a product that you can buy online at a cheaper price. That doesn’t help your local economy - and what’s wrong with a little human interaction?
New Economics Foundation research David Boyle once said “money is like blood; it needs to keep moving around to keep the economy going.”
Want to keep the pulse of your community pounding strong? Shop local.
Online: https://www.dailyindependent.com
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