Opinion

In our annual pause to celebrate love and giving, we believe it is important that everyone remember the story that changed mankind.

Luke 2

1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 All went to their own towns to be registered.

On behalf of Lifebridge for Animals, I would like to offer you a bittersweet “farewell.”

The goal of Lifebridge for Animals has been unique in that we always have been focused on the future. We have worked diligently to move toward a day when there will be no need for animal shelters.

Through curriculum-based humane education and spay/neuter assistance, that day can come. Sheltering is important, but it is not a solution to the problem of pet overpopulation, cruelty and neglect.

Should we care about the physical fitness of our law enforcement officers?

You have reacted strongly both in print and on the Web about why that question should or should not receive public scrutiny.

You have been vocal about whether the mere suggestion that the physical capabilities of the two Shelbyville Police officers who entered into the deadly confrontation with a teenager last month might have been a factor in the way that confrontation unfolded and unfortunately ended.

For years, when asked what I wanted for a Christmas gift, I offered the same canned but heartfelt item:
Peace on earth and good will toward men.

Could there be a better present than wanting the world to reach its serene and sincere summit? I mean, what could compare? A new Countess Mara (look it up) or a sleeve of Titleists or one of those hot cars so many folks in commercials seem to receive?

No, I thought nothing under the tree could be greater – until now.

There is a scene in the movie Fred Clausin which Fred (played by Vince Vaughn) is responsible for determining which child makes the Nice List or which child makes the Naughty List. The older brother of Santa Claus tires of the situation and the choice process, so he stamps each and every child as Nice, meaning each and every child receives what he or she wants.

I must be Fred Claus.

In an era in which the true meaning of Christmas takes more punches to the jaw than Muhammad Ali landed on Joe Frazier in their third fight, I offer you the biggest, most powerful haymaker ever to be thrown:

Black Friday.

Is there anything that says less about the spirit of Christmas than Black Friday?

Even the coined name is repugnantly ruinous to that spirit: Black Friday.

It was another banner season of fall high school sports in Shelby County, and our congratulatory notes have to be delivered first to the person who finished first.

Last year we praised the accomplishment of Caterina Karas to bring the first state title to Collins High School, and now we have to offer the same plaudits for the performance that brought the schools’ second: her sister, Gabbie, who beat Caterina to win the Kentucky Class AA Girls Cross-Country Meet earlier this month in Lexington.

The continued consideration by the Shelby County School Board of expanding to all elementary- and middle-school students a pilot program for learning Spanish appears to us to be a waste of time.

Because there should be no pause in implementing this expansion.

Shelby County’s increasing diversity, the role of Spanish in the world’s culture and the opportunity for students to be immersed in its intricacies at an early age make this a simple decision.

What will you say on Thursday? What will cross your heart and your lips and spill out from your soul onto the dinner table like so much runaway gravy?

Thanksgiving is the day when more of us express their truest, innermost feelings more openly and freely than at any other time of the year.

We may express surprise and elation at Christmas, love on Valentine’s Day, reverence on Easter and respect on a parental day, but Thanksgiving…well, isn’t it built on our best emotions?