Opinion

“Root canals get a bad rap.”

During the last few years, I have wished more and more that I had written down all the stories my mom and dad told me when I was growing up.

No matter how hard I try to remember, some of those details have slipped away. But every now and then, something will jolt a memory – like the jolt you get when the rickety bus you’re riding in hits a pothole.

Two weeks ago, I had a chance to re-visit the story of how my parents met 60 years ago – on a bus bound for Fort Knox.

I am Matt Hanson’s aunt from Michigan and I am sad to hear that this community is arguing over whether a park should be named after my nephew.

(Editor’s note: Lance Cpl. Matthias Hanson died of combat-related injury in Afghanistan in February.)

Until Matt’s death, I didn’t understand what all military service men, women and their families signify until now. I took my freedom for granted and I am sorry for the lack of respect I showed. All military deserve to be called “heroes” for the commitments they make to protect our country.

In a recent phone conversation with one of our pastors, he noted that at morning Mass that day the church had been full, including the whole student body present. When he looked around, it struck him that he was the oldest person there.

If one lives long enough, this type of thing can be a frequent experience occurring in many settings. It is a bit breathtaking at times.     

I want to thank Coach Derek Bell for his extraordinary dedication with our youth soccer players and association.

We are truly fortunate that you are willing to share your time and knowledge with our children. You are such an inspirational mentor to all.

And for those who ask, who is Coach Bell?

He is a British soccer enthusiast with a great love and knowledge of soccer.

He is a devoted coach that gives all of himself from the kindness of his heart to all who will listen.

A couple of weeks ago, a pair of Canadian geese took up residence in a pond in the field behind our house.

They appeared to be happy, squawking and swimming and trying to avoid the four longhorns who were there first.

The longhorns do not like company – save for a few birds and my husband Bud when he feeds them. We once had a problem with stray dogs and coyotes prowling the field. Those cows – with their frightfully long horns and attitude to match – have taken care of the situation.

Dr. Richard Gilbert of Hodgenville was recently found guilty of tax evasion in a Louisville court. I can’t think of a family more moral and upstanding than the Gilberts. They’re the modern equivalent of The Waltons meets Little House On The Prairie. How could someone so moral and honest to a fault be convicted of tax evasion? His fault and folly was standing on principle and speaking truth to power. The questions he asked the IRS and later posed in court can be distilled to form one simple question. Could you please show me the law that requires me to pay these taxes?

I appreciate all the support, prayers, and encouragement that many of you have expressed over the past year since my IRS issue became public. I would like to give a summary of my findings over the past decade on the issue of income taxes. My purpose is to protect the future of our brothers, sisters, wives, children and houses (Nehemiah 4:14).

There are four important components of federal taxation: Constitution; courts; Internal Revenue Code; and Internal Revenue Service.

We are nearing the time where many young people will celebrate a lifetime of accomplishments as they graduate from high school and move toward their life goals. Family and friends will gather together for a festive occasion to commemorate this awesome milestone.

Traditionally, this is also a time when alcohol enters into the mix and brings tragic results for all involved. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among American youth and it kills 5,000 teens every year.