Five Smooth Stones Kentucky

THE DAVID SCHOOL, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

After more than three years, and thousands of hours of volunteer work at The David School, the Board has requested that I disassociate from the school as a result of my involvement in the representation of Amber Spradlin's estate. It is difficult to understand the Board's decision since Amber was a 2003 graduate of The David School.

PEOPLE OF FAITH MUST GUARD FREE SPEECH RIGHTS

After more than 230 years, the Supreme Court issued one of the most important First Amendment speech cases in its history. Yet, even before the ink was dry, lawmakers in Michigan passed legislation to make some forms of speech punishable as crimes.

THE FLOYD COUNTY AND EASTERN KENTUCKY BEAUTIFICATION ORDINANCE

Although County Judge Executive Robbie Williams intended this new ordinance as a means to clean up Floyd County, Kentucky, it just could be a return to the beautification of Eastern Kentucky and all of the hidden treasures of the mountains.

CLARENCE THOMAS, THE PEOPLE'S JUSTICE

Clarence Thomas, The People's Justice, written by Judge Amul Thapar, pulls back the curtain and allows the reader to see Supreme Court cases through the eyes of Justice Thomas. Regardless of your opinion of Justice Thomas, this book will allow you to understand Justice Thomas's legal philosophy and the reasons for his opinions. Since 1991, Justice Thomas has written over 700 opinions, opinions which reflect his judicial philosophy. This book is not only a true page turner, it is one of those books which is a must read for anyone concerned about the country’s future.

DANIEL CAMERON SHOULD TALK LESS ABOUT DONALD TRUMP, MORE ABOUT HIS VISION FOR KENTUCKY

Daniel Cameron should talk less about Donald Trump, and more about his vision for Kentucky.

JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED

Justice delayed and justice denied best describes the decade long journey from investigation, to indictment, to final vindication for Dr. James "Dusty" Chaney. Dusty's story evidences what happens when the government releases a runaway train and an investigation against an ordinary citizen.

KEEP JUDGE PHILLIP SHEPHERD, A FAIR AND IMPARTIAL JUDGE

The most important judicial election in the Commonwealth which pits Judge Phillip Shepherd, a fair and impartial judge against Joe Bilby, a judicial candidate with a political agenda.

FLOYD COUNTY SCHOOLS, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS, AND STUDENT SAFETY

THE FLOOD AND FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP

THE APPALACHIAN TRADITION, NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

The Appalachian tradition of neighbors helping neighbors especially in times of needs...

PAINTSVILLE MARINA, AND DEBRA V. GOLIATH

It is time for the Frankfort bureaucrats to end the politics and start making decisions that embrace the contributions of the people of the mountains.

LET THEM EAT CAKE, BUT DON'T LET THEM HAVE A GLASS OF CLEAN DRINKING WATER

After more than 20 years after the massive slurry spill in Martin County, Kentucky, the people are still waiting for a glass of clean drinking water.

Like many of you, I have spent most of my life viewing America from the sidelines. Time and time again, I found myself wanting to jump onto the field as a player, instead of merely cheering loudly for those willing to take the field, those willing to be bruised and battered fighting for the values which mean so much to me. Every time I thought about raising my voice in opposition to those things which I strongly believed were tearing apart the very fabric of the freedoms which our founding fathers had woven into the Constitution, I decided that my small voice would never be heard, or I did not have the skills or strength to be a player on the field. Yet, as I stood on the sidelines, I finally decided that enough was enough and unless I was willing to enter the fray, I had no right to complain about the direction America was heading.

So, after a lifetime of watching the best and worst of Americans, it was time to put into words all that life has taught me about the greatness of America, a nation which is the home of the free because of the brave, and especially because of the blessings of an awesome God.

Mark Wohlander – March of 2019

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

fivesmoothstonesky@gmail.com

Available to share random thoughts from the heartland image

Beginning in late July, Mark will be traveling around rural Kentucky to share other Random Thoughts from the Heartland, thoughts which will address topics as diverse as public v. charter schools, socialism v. capitalism, rural health care, taxpayer funded businesses, attacks on religion, patriotism, and finally, Mark will be share some old fashioned, common sense solutions to these and many other topics of concern for all of us.

Mark is available to speak to community groups and church groups across Kentucky. Other than a minimal charge for travel and accommodations, Mark's presentations are free to any interested group.