I Think We Knew This --- But It Is Nice To See It In Print

This is all about power.

Here are a couple of letters-to-the-editor from the Lexington Herald Leader…

LET’S BE CLEAR

Let’s be clear about SB 150. It is certainly not about protecting children, and it is mostly not about fear and loathing of the LGBTQ+ community, though some members of the Republican Party seem motivated by those unfortunate, uninformed feelings. SB 150 is best understood as a marker laid down by the far-right members of the Republican Party. That marker draws a line and dares their more moderate fellow Republicans to cross it, regardless of their true beliefs and regardless of their serious reservations about the bill. This vote was about discipline. This vote was about loyalty. This vote was about careerism. I could not be more disappointed in the good people of the Republican Party who voted for SB 150. Not only will the passage of SB 150 cause great harm, but it signals exactly what the far-right wants: capitulation to an extreme agenda that threatens the well-being of all of us. I call on the good and reasonable legislators in the Republican Party to search their consciences and support Gov. Andy Beshear’s likely veto. At this moment in history, only you have the power to stop this shameful and damaging abuse of power and authority. 

Steve Kay, Lexington

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LEGISLATIVE HARMS

SB 150, the Anti-Trans Bill, goes too far and was pushed through in an unfair manner. Did the people who voted “yes” even have time to read all of what’s included? Here’s what concerns me most in SB 150: 1) Doctors would be required to “de-transition” patients in their care who have already begun the transition process. 2) Schools would not be allowed to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity with students of any age. If SB 150 becomes law, I believe many trans students will become suicidal; many doctors and educators will choose not to practice in Kentucky in the future; and other kids will be harmed by all of this. Nearly every young person I know has already faced severe mental health challenges during the pandemic years. They certainly do not need another blow to their sense of security and stability, another threat to their future and their freedom, or another impediment to their education. This bill delivers all of that. I trust that Gov. Andy Beshear will do the right thing and veto it. Legislators need to let the veto stand. Voters—please urge Gov. Beshear to veto SB 150 and legislators to not override the veto.

Rachel Dorroh, Berea

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GOP OVERREACH

Fear and hatred in the name of Jesus have infested the Republican Party. Anger and a deep sadness are ready to consume me if I should allow. But I believe what surprises me most is the government overreach, the antithesis of the Republican Party as I knew it. Their legislation is inside our wombs and our homes, usurping the rights of parents to provide needed care for their LGBTQ children as well as care for women who are carrying morbidly defective or dead fetuses. There are so many real problems facing Kentuckians such as killer guns, affordable housing, food insecurity, underpaid and under-appreciated teachers, to name a few, but Republicans ignore these issues and instead pander to their hate-filled base. The Bible-thumpers need to actually read the words of the Prince of Peace, lover of all God’s children and who are made in His image. Saundra Toussaint, Lexington

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PARTY OF HATE

The GOP has become the party of “I hate everyone that is not in my mirror and doesn’t look like me or the few submissives I tolerate and keep only for procreation” party. And the “Anyone that doesn’t look like me in my mirror or doesn’t submit to my dominance, needs to not exist” Party. Even their God is that image in the mirror (that really frankly, no matter how self-admired... Hate incarnate is about as ugly as anything gets). Hate is diabolic, not divine no matter what Holy Books they attempt to pummel people with. The GOP is the Party of Narcissism. The GOP looks like Putin and acts like Trump. As Madeline Albright said, “Fascism is narcissism writ large”.

Robert Moreland, Lexington

The governor did veto the bill! But…

Kentucky legislature overrides veto of anti-trans bill despite LGBTQ+ youths' pleas

Louisville Courier Journal

By Olivia Krauth

March 30, 2023

Heavy fog blanketed Kentucky’s state Capitol Wednesday morning, at points so dense it rendered the Capitol building invisible. 

But the fuzzy outlines of people standing in throngs outside the Capitol and gathering in clumps in the parking garage could not be erased. 

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ youths and their allies, young and old, protested as a last-ditch attempt at convincing Kentucky’s Republican-dominated legislature to let a veto of one of the nation's most extreme anti-trans bills stand.

Their efforts were to no avail.

Shortly after gaveling in Wednesday afternoon, the Kentucky Senate voted to override Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of Senate Bill 150. Around an hour later, the House also voted to override the veto - making SB 150 law.

Kentucky SB 150 is now expected to face legal challenges to block its implementation.

The people know this is legislation is wrong but the Republicans are blinded by their power.

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The Republicans in a feeding frenzy go after the commissioner of Kentucky Department of Education who had the audacity to be inclusive of us.

GOP Ky. state lawmakers urge ouster of education commissioner over inclusive LGBTQ stance
Lexington Herald Leader via Yahoo News
By Valarie Honeycutt Spears, Tessa Duvall
March 29, 2023

Three Republican state lawmakers said Wednesday they were filing resolutions urging the ouster of Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass, who has been criticized for inclusive LGBTQ policies.

Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, speaking at a rally hosted by the conservative Family Foundation in the Capitol rotunda, said he was going to file a resolution “for the Kentucky Board of Education to send him packing.”

Calloway’s resolution, filed along with Rep. Bill Wesley, R-Ravenna, urges the Kentucky Board of Education to dismiss Glass but is not binding in any way.

“My children don’t belong to the government. They don’t belong to the school,” Calloway said. “And they also do not belong to Commissioner Jason Glass. ... We are not going to stand idly by and let these things happen.”

Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, filed a similar resolution urging the state board to dismiss Glass.

Glass has a four year contract with the Kentucky Board of Education, expiring in September of 2024, said Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson Toni Konz Tatman.

For the Republicans it their way or the highway.