Bar Owners Protest Smoking Ban
Bar Owners Protest Smoking Ban Save Email Print
Posted: 11:57 AM Aug 4, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:06 PM Aug 4, 2008
 Reporter: Anna Baxter
Email Address: anna.baxter@wsaz.com
103 comments
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A group of bar owners spent Monday afternoon protesting Kanawha County's smoking ban.

The group walked from the Fifth Quarter Steakhouse to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department on Lee Street.

The county's new smoking ban went into effect July 1. The ban prohibits smoking in most public places including bars and gambling parlors.

Since the ban went into effect, bar owners have complained it has devastated their businesses. In fact, some bar owners say their profits are down by nearly 50 percent.

Under the new ban, if people are caught smoking inside the bars, the bar owners face fines.

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Posted by: Jake on Dec 10, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Well Im a bar owner and recently became a distributor for this company called Crown7. Crown7 has invented a product to beat the bans. So now I can let my customers smoke these in the bar and not get in trouble. This company has saved my business and I couldn't be more thankful. www.Crown7.com
Posted by: cheryl on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:11 AM
I can understand no smoking in a family based business, but a bar is an adult choice, this is one more example of our choices being controlled. The most simple answere to this is, to post warnings out side the door like "microwae in use" post "smoking establishment" let the adults make there decision on to go in or not. If there are that many non smokers that like to go to bars, here's an idea for non smoking bar owners. let them build there own non smoking bar. give people a choice, not demand control. It's not a life necessity to go to a bar, it's there choice.
Posted by: Elna on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Who really cares if people smoke in bars? I don't smoke or drink or go in bars; Poeple that go in bars can drink but they can't smoke? Many people work in gambling places that are allergic to smoke..you can gamble without smoking..so I do understand some places for no smoking...Let the people in bars finish the job faster, smoke away!!!
Posted by: joe on Sep 2, 2008 at 09:13 PM
I work at the local pub and yes I smoke but the thing that get's annoying is that the non smokers even come under the smoking area and makes less room for the smokers but it dosen't just end there when i quit smoking when the ban came in i found it very unsociable that i was left inside with no one to talk with I think this is a shame because people are staying in and drinking CHEEP booze from supermarkets and staying home. so people who do go to the pub who don't smoke that do go to the pub you will soon be on your own this winter because everyone will be at home drinking cheep boze and smoking in there front room. so i think it should be up to the customers who decide and the landloards that decide!!!! so if you agree i think that we should all start smoking in pubs again even to what they say!!! so lets start smoking again.!!!!!!!
Posted by: Terry on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM
WV people is just another example of stupid people. No wonder we are made fun of. If you feel they can do what they want in their business then that means drugs are Ok. How logical is that? Got to come up with a better argument for allowing smoking.
Posted by: Mike on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Municipal buildings, schools and other PUBLICLY funded places are public buildings. Privately owned establishments are just that- private investments and the owner decides what business he or she wants. Outright bans are plain wrong. If you want to smoke, it may not be a God given right but as long as it's legal it's a legal choice. Those who choose not to smoke, go top non-smoking establishments. These anti's crack me up. Some are obese. But I don't take away their choice to eat fatty foods. Many people drive cars. But I don't take away their choice to drive SUV's that pollute. Fact: 100% of all health nuts die.
Posted by: Jim on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I own and operate a saloon in Toledo and the Ohio smoking ban is killing small taverns. We're doing OK, but the smaller guys that are following the law are dying. I pay $6,000 in rent a month for the place, why does some anti-smoking panty-waste in Columbus get to decide if my paying customers smoke or not. Voters should never have been allowed the option of taking away my rights by voting their preferences.
Posted by: Angela on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Well if people don't like the smoke they can leave the bar...Theres always other places, if people want to smoke so what, if nobody could get along they should try other methods such as Crown7 smokeless cigarettes or just quit, im sure there are tons of quit smoking things out there.
Posted by: greatjobhealthdept on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM
To those who say that smoking kills the lungs, alcohol kills the liver. There is one problem with this, if you drink alcohol you only kill yourself. When you smoke we all suffer.
Posted by: LP on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:37 AM
This is from the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/radon/healthrisks.html Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon. Visit www.cheec.uiowa.edu/misc/radon.html for more on a study by Dr. William Field on radon-related lung cancer in women.
Posted by: GetEducated on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:28 PM
We had a guest speaker at WV State University a couple of semesters ago who shared her story about getting lung cancer from exposure to second-hand smoke while doing stand-up comedy in bars. She was an athlete and although in great physical condition, she had to cut her athletic career short. My hat is off to the Board of Health for protecting those service workers (as well as patrons)that were exposed to the deadly effects of secondhand smoke. THANKS!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:54 PM
I don't understand why places could be smoking only bars and others be none smoking. Employees would know this and it would be posted at the entrance. This would be fair to both parties and offend no one.
Posted by: Older Than Dirt on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Sign in window - "Non-Smoking Establishment" and/or "Smoking Allowed". Is this too simple for folks to understand? You would enter or not enter, it would be YOUR choice.
Posted by: let them on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:20 PM
let them smoke in the bars,whats the difference. Alcohol kills the liver, smoke kills the lungs. If they all want to abuse their bodies then let them!
Posted by: mojo on Aug 6, 2008 at 05:37 PM
as a former smoker i think that smoking should be allowed in bars it just generally goes hand in hand. If smoking offends someone then they should go outside for a quick breath of air.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 05:06 PM
# Does exposure to secondhand smoke cause cancer? Yes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), the U.S. Surgeon General, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) (1, 3, 5). Inhaling secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in nonsmoking adults (4). Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke (2). The Surgeon General estimates that living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker’s chances of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent (4). Some research suggests that secondhand smoke may increase the risk of breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer in adults, and leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors in children (4).
Posted by: cee on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:44 PM
if the government could make more money, say from smoking permits, I bet it would be ok,, anything is ok as long as they make money.
Posted by: Dan on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Smoking is not a "Right". Breathing clean air is a right. The person below said it best..if you really are concerned about the welfare of the bars, you'd keep visiting them regardless and adjust your behaviours as necessary.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:26 PM
I find it very amusing that all of these people are complaining about how this will hurt businesses, but instead of trying to set an example and continuing to go to these bars they're taking their money elsewhere. So all of you that say you won't go into a non-smoking bars are just hurting bar owners. I've smoked for 40 years. When my home (Lexington, KY) banned smoking I didn't throw a fit. I kept going to my favorite bars and simply walked outside for a quick smoke. Last time I checked Lexington was actually having MORE bars start up, and a friend of mine down there that owns a bar has had increased attendance. People will always go for a drink. So you people that are "showing the man" that you won't stand for this are just wasting your time and money.
Posted by: dotty on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:20 PM
After reading most of the comments the only thing I can say is "Poor Allen". How many acquaintances or relatives have every died from "second hand smoke"? Can you honestly say that you have ever heard of a doctor diagnosing anyone with cancer caused from "second hand smoke"? I didn't think so.
Posted by: dotty on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:05 PM
I am a smoker but I've always tried to be considerate of non-smokers. However, we breath 'blue haze' that no one can identify, so why doesn't the health department stick its nose into that? If the legislature had enacted the no smoking ban, I would not have near the problem as I do with it being passed by the health department. Some one please tell me what right do they have to pass laws. Danny Jones is taking $2.00 a week from my paycheck that I consider "taxation without representation" and now the health department is passing laws.
Posted by: Cassie on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I don't get it either, banning smoking in particular in Bars is definately going to cause them to lose business. Resturants I can understand. I do smoke and I have always gone outside to smoke and I don't mind. But, what I can't understand that you can go into a Bar or Resturant and drink way too much and climb into your car and drive home, most times undetected. You are risking your self and everyone else on the roads, it's only a problem if you get caught or have an accident, god forbid. I can't remember the last time I read or heard about an individual causing a deadly crash and killing people just because he was smoking one??? go figure??
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I'm rich enough that I can afford to drive to another county to smoke. Yea, I'll show the Health Department. I'll use $50 worth of my own gas to go drink and smoke. Why should I have to walk outside? Non-smokers should just stay home if they don't want to inhale smoke. It's not their right to fresh air. I quote the constitution, "Life, liberty, and the right to do whatever I want with no concern for anyone else." SO I'm going to another county to drink while firing my gun randomly. Someone gets shot? It's their fault for being around me.
Posted by: Voter on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:08 PM
To Anon @ 11:31 8/5, Do not DUH me. Most of these gambling cafes have 2 doors. If all of the smokers are at the back door (heaven forbid we are too close to the front door), that leaves pretty easy access to the front door and the cash register. Any dimwit (including you) can figure that out.
Posted by: GARY on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:57 AM
WELL LOOKS LIKE I WILL BE GOING TO HUNTINGTON NOW TO PARTY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE I WILL NOT GO TO CHARLESTON ANYMORE AND EVERYONE ELSE AGREES WITH ME TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. SO EVERYBUSINESS DOWN TO HOTELS SUFFER
Posted by: non-smoker on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I don't smoke, never have and I don't like being around it. But I think some things might be taken a little bit too far, if I owned a business and I am paying for it myself along with all the taxes and fees you have to pay, I would not like the state or anyone else telling me what I can and cannot do in my own business.
Posted by: Clyde on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:14 AM
When the EPA realized that factories were putting out toxins and pollutants in the air, the factories had to have a system put in to clean up any waste that was harmful to the environment and people. I say do the same thing to smokers. Fit them with a device that will help them keep all the toxins and pollutants to themselves!
Posted by: LP on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:44 AM
What we are facing is little by little the 'government' and other powers that be are taking away our rights to everything legal. I am like a lot of you, i can agree to not smoking in restaurants and youth activities. But thats it. Everything else should be left to the individual and to the establishment owners. I know when i am around someone that doesn't smoke i ask them if it is ok if i smoke near them and it doesn't offend me if they say please don't. Furthermore, let me enlighten some of you. The "government" has said that statistically, smoking is the number 1 cause of lung cancer, and Radon is #2 and second-hand smoke is #3. So why is it NOT required that our homes, schools, government facilities etc are not ventilated better instead of air tight. And since the smoking ban is to 'protect' ppl from 2nd hand smoke why is it that we don't do more to get rid of the radon risk first? Don't believe me? Do online searches about radon causing cancer and you will see what i am saying.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Well let me make this a simple as I can. You have two bars identical in every way. One on each side of the street. One bar has a 4'x8' sign above the door that reads NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT. The other bar has a 4'x8' sign above the door that reads SMOKERS WELCOME. Now do you need the govenment to protect you? Are people this igornant or has society became so selfish they would rather take away others rights and freedoms than to make a decision on their own.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:31 AM
Are we in China ???
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Ok, RoaneCo just seems to be using crazy emotional arguments. He's not making sense anymore.
Posted by: Elaine on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I am a smoker.. but I am a respectful smoker.I go out side away from people who dont smoke.But if I go to a bar to have alcohol..then I should be able to smoke.where I live the bar has a sign. this is a smoking facilty..if you dont want to be around it dont come in..And I agree.We can kill ourselfs with booze but not cigarettes..everything is always up for banning..I pay taxes on my cigarettes & the state uses it for road repairs..I agree with going outside of buisnesses t smoke..but a Bar!.. Get off my back already...
Posted by: Allen on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Ok RoaneCo, obviously you're not capable of comprehending the economic model I've tried to explain to you. As soon as an owner allows one smoker inside his or her building the breathing air inside that building is no longer their property. If it still is their property, then why don't they tell the smoker that they have to keep all of their smoke within 3 cubic feet of them. That'd solve the problem, and allow the owner to retain his air. However, this doesn't happen. Owners have no control over where the smoke goes, therefore they no longer "own" the airspace. We live in a democratic country where the majority rules. The majority of legal age americans DON'T smoke. So the MINORITY is MONOPOLIZING the airspace. Nothing communist about it, its simple economics and democracy in work. Look it up sometime. And the last time I checked smoking was not something people depended on to live like electricity or food sources. Your attempt to generalize everything is conservative bantering.
Posted by: Lisa on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Yes! Call the health department and tell them you support the ban! I can't believe the extreme comments posted by smokers on here. You are SO ADDICTED and OBSESSED with smoking you act like you can't function normally because of the ban. My husband smokes and he hasn't complained once. If we're out and he can't smoke inside he just goes outside. It's actually helped him cut down on how much he smokes a day. Smokers have rights. They have the right to smoke in places where it doesn't affect other people.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:31 PM
In response to To Tara's comment This is about letting the OWNERS of BUSINESSES choose what they want to allow in their establishments - plain and simple. OK if this is the case then why didn't you hear all of the bi!(#!*^ when the health dept. put the same sanctions on retailers? Duh Voter, if everyone is out smoking whose left to be ripping off the register? For ANONYMOUS on AUG 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM TOURETTE'S or WHAT???
Posted by: Marlboro Man on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Call the Kan-Chas Health Dept at 348-8069, the Kanawha County Commissioners at 357-0101, and Charleston's Mayor's office at 348-8174 to complain along with posting your comments here. The Health Board is appointed by the Kanawha County Commission and the Charleston City Council. Thanks!
Posted by: John on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:12 PM
The air inside my building is mine. It came with my purchase of the real estate. If the air had not been there, then there would have been a vacume and the building would have collasped in on itself. I also pay the Great State of W.Va. a fee of $1150 per year to have a "private club" with entry only allowed to persons of the age of 21 or older. I should choose wether or not there is smoke curling about my head or not. Smokers should vote against Hardy, Carper, and Jones and the members of the City Council for changes!!!
Posted by: Former Smoker on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I really think it should be up to the owner if he or she wants to allow smoking in their business. Bans are not going to get people to quit smoking. Inconvinences are not going to make them quit. They have want to quit and they're not going to until they're ready. If you can't take the smoke, stay out of the bar. Myself, I stay out.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Ok, Allen you are right. We should just make it a communist state. We should just give up all our rights and freedoms. Why should a business owner or a lodge hall (Moose, VFW etc.) have the right to operate as they see fit? Heck we should bulldoze everything. Let the govenment put everyone in tents. We don't need cars or electric because they pollute your air. We don't need cell phones, they cause cancer. We don't need McDonalds they promote obesity. Let's take away freedom of religion too, we should only worship what our government tells us. If anyone doesn't conform to these rules then the government shall put them to death. HEIL ALLEN!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:28 PM
RoaneCo: Exactly. If a person is operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner then their license is taken away and they have to walk or take the bus. However, I see what point you're TRYING to make, and all of you arguments are simply diversions and poor comparisons. Smoking is bad for you and those around you. Deal with it. I didn't choose for you to smoke, therefore I shouldn't suffer the consequences and should not have to adjust my life to fit you bad habits. Thats a very egocentric viewpoint you're presenting.
Posted by: ME on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:22 PM
THERE SHOULD BE SMOKING AND NON SMOKING FACILITYS
Posted by: Allen on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:19 PM
To RoaneCo: So gun owners are being discriminated against because they cannot take their legal firearms onto schools. Breathing air is communal property whether it be in the mountains or in the local bar. The minute the bar owners allow smokers to monopolize the air of their establishments they no longer own that breathing air, the smokers own it. As with any monopoly of a good (in this case fresh air), it is the duty of the government to intervene on behalf of the over-looked consumer of this good (non-smokers). In theory, you smokers are just like big oil companies. These bar owners shouldn't be protesting the regulation of airspace that they forfeited a long time ago.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Ok Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM., you made a very good point. So, let's draft a law that makes it illegal to eat, drink, put on make-up, brush your hair, use a cell phone, listen to the radio or talk to a passenger while driving. After all driving a car is a privilege, so operating it in an unsafe matter should be grounds for taking that privilege away. I shouldn't have to walk to my destination just because you want to drive unsafely and put my life jeopardy. You should be the one walking.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Smoking is not a right. It's a privilege just like driving a car. I don't like your smoke, but since I'm not polluting the air I shouldn't have to stay away from you, you should have to stay away from me.
Posted by: Amy (100% non-smoker) on Aug 5, 2008 at 04:30 PM
As a non-smoker, w/ a child w/ asthma, I, personally do believe that the smoking ban in bars is taking away a freedom. I can't stand the smell of the smoke, and although I don't go to bars, I have been to one or two in my lifetime, and I know that most people who go to bars don't care if someone is smoking; usually they are doing the same thing. Like another person said, what's next, the bad foods being banned from restraunts. Big Brother, people...
Posted by: charleston on Aug 5, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Hey Lou, why dont you try and read a book instead of smoking, then maybe your comment wouldnt look and sound so stupid. Just go outside whats the big deal. No one is taking away your right to smoke just go outside and dont kill us too.
Posted by: charleston on Aug 5, 2008 at 03:59 PM
just go outside you crybabies.
Posted by: Heather on Aug 5, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Make fun of Ohio!: You took what I said out of context. I said, and I quote, "Yet another reason for the rest of the 48 states to make fun of WV." Where did I say that the lawmakers are specifically trying to make other states make fun of WV by creating these absurd laws. I am not a resident of Kanawha County so no, I didn't vote in this election. There are PLENTY of other states aside from WV who have smoking bans in effect. And if you're going to make a point- do it properly. Those politicians DO go to bars. Why else would they want it banned? Because you can't smoke on government property and when they go meet up with their mistresses, it takes forever to get the smoke out. (Oh yeah, that was a joke-since you take everything WAY to seriously) :)
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Well Allen it is my RIGHT as a human being not to be told where I can use a legal product!! It is also my RIGHT not to be discriminated against by placing unfair taxes on a legal product!! It is also the RIGHT of the business owner to decide if he/she wants to allow smoking of a legal product inside their place of business. It is also my RIGHT to tell people with your attitude to KMA!!
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Sure Mary Belle, we smokers should put on our Depends and stand outside. My question for you Mary Belle, why can't we have both? Why not let the business owner decide if he wants a smoking/non-smoking establishment. I guess if the Charleston Moose Lodge was smoker friendly and the Nitro Moose Lodge was non-smoking you would still be crying.
Posted by: KY on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I read a bunch of comments about having a beer or a meal without the smoke...well, honestly, drinking in public should be banned, too, especially since the immediate impact of fatalities while driving intoxicated outweighs smoking. Sure, if you inhale a lot of smoke after YEARS and YEARS, you may become adversely affected. However, drunk drivers going home late from a bar can kill instantly. I vote that we do away with it all. If a smoker can't smoke in a public place, then alcoholics need to stay home where they can pass out without taking the chance to kill others. After all, don't innocent drivers have the "right" to feel safer on our roadways? HMMM...think about that one.
Posted by: Jim on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I remember when Worthington Ohio banned smoking inside and the bar owners said that their business suffered because their customers went to other parts of town where they could smoke. Now that the whole state's non-smoking it's not a problem. Seems to me the solution is to help make the neighboring counties non-smoking!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I like the comment, "a few non-smokers". Last time I checked non-smokers outnumbered smokers by a huge majority. Then again, who ever cared about protecting the majority. Smokers are so persecuted. We should cater to their bad habit and the rest of us should just adjust. Please. Non-smokers have more of a right to fresh air than smokers do. If you don't like not being able to pollute our air, then stay out of the bars.
Posted by: Jack on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:23 AM
We're talking about bars here. Not exactly the places people who are concerned with their health frequent.
Posted by: Non Smoker on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:00 AM
To Jason @ 1:53 a.m. Yes there is a ban in Ohio and I've been to the bars in Columbus before and after the ban. I don't know what bars you've been to, but there is a huge difference in bar attendance since their ban! Many bars have closed because of the ban and people have lost jobs and wages! So, yes it does hurt bar owners. Even if it caused just 5 bars to close that is 5 bar owners lively hood and now they are without! Again, I state..I'm an adult and can enter a smoking establishment using my own brain and my right to do so. If you don't like smoking, choose not to enter! That simple!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:54 AM
went to play the games in the bar the other night. started to hit it good and had to give up my game to go smoke. came back and somebody hit it for a small fortune. thanks health dept. i'll just stay home and drink and smoke before they ban that to.......
Posted by: Daryl on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:51 AM
The smoking ban does not hurt me in any way, I lost one of my lungs and now I have reduced my smoking in half!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM
People go in BARS to DRINK,EAT,& SPEND THEIR MONEY to MEET &,RELAX after work in the evening & night-time! You should STOP people from DRINKING in BARS,IF you STOP Smoking in BARS, one is as bad as the other!This STATE makes MILLIONS off of SMOKER'S and DRINKER'S.They need to stop the Cocaine,Crack and Selling of Drugs in BARS & CLUBS,paying for Meth Clinic's to REPLACE their HABIT with another DRUG with STATE MEDICAL CARDS!SOLVE THE PROBLEMS!JUST STOP IT ALL,SMOKING, DRINKING,DRUGS and METH CLINIC'S!Have the DEATH PENALTY for MURDERERS! Life in PRISON for ATTEMPTED MURDERERS who COMMIT BRUTAL VIOLENT CRIMES that SEVERELY INJURIES AN INNOCENT VICTIM To the POINT THAT THE VICTIM CAN"T FUNCTION IN LIFE,and LIFE as THEY KNEW IS TAKEN FROM THEM FOREVER! Give LONGER! Prison time to People who Commit CRIMES! Do we have STUPID Dumb AS&$%S who COMMIT CRIMES,DRINK & SMOKE THAT MAKE LAWS,that let Murderers and people who Commit SERIOUS CRIMES OFF FREE! FIX THE MESSED UP SYSTEM!
Posted by: annie on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:32 AM
If the Bar owners would move out of the city limits and stop paying the B&O and city TAX they would hurt the city. What about drunks that take out entire familys and children. I am a smoker but i dont drink. I'm 50 years old and have never had a ticket. How many drunks can say they have never had an accident? I would rather drive out of town to smoke. People would drive a little out of town than be told WHAT AND WHERE they could be comfortable. WAKE UP PEOPLE this is not a communist country. HOWUCH MORE ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE FOR THEIR LIFE INSTEAD OF YOUR'S????
Posted by: Laney on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I think if a government office is going to impose such a law, then the county should not be allowed to profit off of the sale of cigarettes. The smokers in this county should buy thier cigarettes in a different county, hit these agencies in the pocket, then when they can not be funded for lack of revenue, then they may look at the big picture.
Posted by: Voter on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I don't have a problem with non-smoking restaurants, but the bars and gambling establishments is just too much. This ban is making it easier for pot smokers and thiefs. If everyone at the bar is outside smoking, how do you tell the cigarettes from the joints? If all of the gamblers and workers are outside smoking, who's watching the cash register?
Posted by: Gail on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:00 AM
OK All you NON-Smokers now you are free to head to the bars and clubs, you couldn't wait to get all the smokers out to step up to the bar.
Posted by: Teresa on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Why not have bars that people can smoke in and have smoke-free bars? It should be up to the ownner of the bar. Restraunts that serve more food than alchol should be smoke free but Bars should have a Say!!
Posted by: Smoker on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:59 AM
The simple fact is this: People do not enter bars for their health. What happen to this being America land of the free? I still find it very hard to believe that anyone would have the right to take away someone else’s livelihood. Small business owners should absolutely have the right to say what is allowed in their establishments and it should be grown adults that make the decisions if they want to enter that establishment. I say, THIS IS STILL AMERICA and NO ONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO RUN SMALL BUSINESS INTO THE GROUND!
Posted by: To Tara on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:24 PM on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Tara, the Vault is an upscale bar that caters to Charleston's snooty upscale crowd. Go a few blocks down to bars like Sam's Uptown Cafe, the Blue Parrot, Julie J's and The Sound Factory and see how their business is doing. I know all the owners of these bars and their business has suffered GREATLY since the ban. This is not about people's rights. This is about letting the OWNERS of BUSINESSES choose what they want to allow in their establishments - plain and simple.
Posted by: against protesters on Aug 5, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Have you protesters listen to yourself 1st you go to a bar for what? to drink. that offends me that you may drink than drive on our roads taking a chance of killing someone what diffrence does it make if people smoke your more likley to be killed by a drunk than a smoker so shut the mouth if you dont like smoke dont go to a bar we will all be safer fewer non smokers drinking means lot more lifes saved because the smokers are confined to a area and your not
Posted by: Jason on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Smoking bans DO NOT hurt business. Take a look at bars and clubs in Columbus OH and Lexington VA...their business got BETTER with the smoking ban. There are more non-smokers than smokers.
Posted by: Mary Belle on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:48 AM
This is not about taking away a freedom. Why is it so hard for smokers to step outside and smoke? Don't complain about this, just go outside. I have breathing problems, and enjoy attending clubs on occasion for the live music. I also on occasion to go the race track, but before the ban I couldn't do this. It is giving people like me more freedom. It might be a minor incontinence for smokers, but they can step outside to smoke.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:29 AM
i think it should be up to the owners wether or not they allow smoking. i think its so stupid that a few non-smokers are trying to take away our rights as a smoker! everyone is going to die someday over something & if you dont like the smoke stay away from us....
Posted by: Lou on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Since the smoking ban went in effect, Were is all our non smokers at. We have no customers, The health Department need to send us the non smokers to play the machines. And the 2-3 non smokers we do have is Bi***ing cause the machines not paying out. What the H*** do they expect when our smokers left and went to Putnam County to gamble.I'm tired of hearing why don't the machines pay out. There the reason smokers left went to Putnam County. Health Department Thanks alot cause our jobs are hurting and looks like lot of us be without jobs soon and get paid to sit home draw welfare checks & food stamps every month. Gambling,Smoking And Drinking that goes togeather,Take the smoking away the gamblers left. Wonder what bright ideal the Health Department going do next to damage Business's Owners. Smokers has no rights that is discrimanation to us smokers. At least smokeing dont cause vehicle accidents. Have people leave places drinking and kill kids and adults by driving intoxicated.
Posted by: Allen on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Smokers choose to participate in a lifestyle that shortens their life expectancy as well as the life expectancy of those around them. As a human being it is my right and the right of every other patron to be able to go into a bar or restaurant without the fear of being bombarded by a hazardous environment. The minute smokers enter a bar they immediately "own" the air inside the bar simply because there is no way to contain cigarette smoke. Since this smoke has been proven hazardous, and the bar owner has given up his/her rights to the air inside the establishment, it is the duty of the government to stand for the basic human rights of the non-smokers. Don't like it? Stop smoking. It won't kill you if you do.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:28 AM
In responce to *About 95% of people that goes to bars smoke, so looks to me like the bars are going to be closing.* Finally, a way has been discovered to keep drunks off of the road. For anonymous at 4:29, nobody is disagreeing that you smoke, I could care less. I just don't want to breathe your smoke. I'm just curious, how many people on here that's complaining smoke around their kids? They don't have a say huh?
Posted by: Anon on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Second hand smoke is not the only thing that causes cancer, what about cell phones, I don't see anybody banning those. There are certain foods that cause cancer, I don't see anybody ceasing production on those products. What about the pollution that plants, trucks and cars put into the air, you think that is safe? If we're going to segregate then let's go all the way, I know people who can't eat without being sick when they see heavy set people, should we stop them from eating in public? I know christians who don't like to hear foul language, should we make a law for foul language? There are worse things in this world that we should be worried about for example "GAS PRICES". Taking away a certain freedom only allows the government to take away more, and when that freedom affects nonsmokers then maybe they'll see where smokers are coming from!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:32 PM
and where were all the Kanawha Co protestors when this was taking place in all the other counties? Too bad you couldn't have used your voices to support other counties. It's a done deal. Scream and cry if you want but the ban will stand. Personally, I love being able to go out without being suffocated with smoke.
Posted by: Tara on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:24 PM
If smoking is destroying business then can someone explain the Vault in Charleston? That bar has been smoke-free since the start and their business has been booming. Smoke outside if you want but don't force cancer on the rest of us. Non-smokers have rights. It's not fair for you to force smoke down our throats while we're out in public.
Posted by: derrick on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:56 PM
I went to the bar this weekend and it was very crowded. It was very nice not to have to inhale all the smoke and not have my eyes burning from the smoke. The same patrons were at the bar as well as a whole new crowd that I haven't seen at the bar. I go there frequently so I know who comes to the bar. Keep the smoking ban at the bars. This particular bar doesn't seem to be losing business. Actually some of the regular smokers that stepped outside to smoke came back in after two puffs and commented about how bad the smoke was outside. They couldn't believe how bad it smelled and choked them up.
Posted by: John on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Hey Dave @ 6:29PM, non-smokers do have rights, you have the right to business somewhere that caters to you as a customer, but please don't try to tell me how to operate my business. If non-smoking bars are such a good idea, why did it take the Health Board to bring them to Kanawha County? Where have the owner/operators of such establishments been for all these years.
Posted by: John on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:29 PM
"We have the right to enjoy a beer at a bar or have a nice meal at a restaurant without inhaling smoke" -- Only if you happen to OWN the restaurant. Otherwise the right you HAVE is to not to enter a business that provides an environment you don't like. WHY do you people want to take away right for a business to run as its owner chooses. What's it to you? Just go somewhere else!
Posted by: Valerie on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I just think that appointed peolpe that passes these bills should focus on the illegal drugs. If they spent half as much time on cleaning up that mess, everybody would be happy. All it takes is to raed this web site everyday at least twice a week someone has dies because of illegal drug. I just wished that the people that run the state would get off the smokers butts and figure out that there are a lot better issues that they should be concentrating on. Next they will want to make buying and selling tobacco products illegal, they are just adding another reason to up the crime rate. wake up West Virginia smoking should be the least of your everyday worry. Second hand smoke may be bad for you but is walking outside your front door any safer?
Posted by: Kent on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:00 PM
We probably wouldn't have smoking bans in the U.S. or in Europe if Senator Thomas Bliley's testimony about his Oversight Committee's investigation into the EPA had received media coverage... but it didn't, so the fraud continues. The public would realize that the alleged danger of secondhand smoke was a fraud perpetrated by anti-smoking activists working within the U.S. government as EPA employees. By 1986, the EPA had been deeply infiltrated by them. Sen. Bliley's testimony completely outlines the Committee's two-year investigation, and the fraud that was uncovered. And there's still no media coverage even now because the media was conned into being a blind spokesman for the fraud -- media must protect itself from the appearance of guilt by association. Media honesty dies a quick death. http://www.pipes.org/Articles/Bliley.html
Posted by: brad on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:29 PM
next they will ban our cars if they are older models due to pollution and health issues FREE COUNTRY MY A??
Posted by: Dave on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:29 PM
IT's obvious that these smokers are exagerating the truth. I ate at a popular restaurant on Sunday and it was really crowded. We had to wait 25 minutes for a table. Doesn't look like the ban is hurting their business. Smokers can go outside if they need to light up. Smokers keep saying their rights have been taken away. But what about the rights of non-smokers? We have the right to enjoy a beer at a bar or have a nice meal at a restaurant without inhaling smoke.
Posted by: Jen on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:23 PM
I 100% support the smoking ban. I went to a bar with a group of friends after work Friday and we all said how nice it was that the bar didn't smell like smoke. I also want to point out that the bar was PACKED so the ban isn't hurting everyone's business.
Posted by: Pete on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Business owners don't can't make the decision not to refridgerate food properly, or have staff handling food wash their hands. They also can't decide to sell alcohol without a liquor licence or to sell alcohol or tobacco products to children. Secondhand smoke is a proven health hazard to both non-smoking customers and staff. It's about time that the majority didn't have to go around avoid indoor air pollution emitted by the minority. Most of the country already has a ban, and more are being passed all the time. The Kanawha County smoking ban is here to stay so get used to it.
Posted by: Marlboro Man on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Call the Kan-Chas Health Dept at 348-8069, the Kanawha County Commissioners at 357-0101, and Charleston's Mayor's office at 348-8174 to complain along with posting your comments here. The Health Board is appointed by the Kanawha County Commission and the Charleston City Council. Thanks!
Posted by: Laney on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I went out for dinner and drink Friday evening, placed our order, went outside to smoke and when I looked back into the restaraunt there was not a person in it. Everyone was outside smoking. The discussion was how these laws were put into affect to protect non-smokers rights, yet they violate ours.After dinner we went to the casino and that place had very little business, the bartender said it had been like that since the smoking ban.I wonder if there are any smoking area located in any of the capitol buildings?
Posted by: annoymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:02 PM
In time it will be the same with menu's in restaurants. Because it can be considered a health issue, foods high in fat and cholesterol could be banned. No individual is perceived to be smart enough to make these choices on their own. Thats why an APPOINTED, not elected body, will be making these decisions for you. I always thought a democracy was based on majority rule. Would it be too much to ask for a popular vote on these issues?
Posted by: samm on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:58 PM
So they really passed this utterly stupid ban? I simply cannot believe people in WV are this dumb. They are way too smart to sit back and take this. Even Castro let you smoke in a bar. well I wont go to a resturant nor a bar that is non smoking. If I cant sit and enjoy a beer and a smoke that isnt the place for me, what next forbidding prayer in church? About 95% of people that goes to bars smoke, so looks to me like the bars are going to be closing. All you non smokers that got this passed pat yourself on the back but keep out of MY life!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:29 PM
The people who are puffing away pay taxes too. Why should we be forced out of everywhere just because some folks disagree with our decision to smoke.Drinking and smoking go hand in hand.if you are in a bar you really shouldn't complain, if you drink you destroy your liver, and most folks in a bar couldn't care less.It's the people who don't go and want to control everyone else is the problem.Im sick of you people running my life!
Posted by: Anon on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I totally agree with Scott - it should be a business owner's decision to allow smoking. If I don't like smoking, then I can choose to go somewhere smoke-free - if there are no smoke-free bars, then it's my bad luck and NOT something that should be legislated. People who don't like alcohol can choose not to go to places that serve alcohol. It should be the same for non-smokers.
Posted by: GARY on Aug 4, 2008 at 03:34 PM
bar the police dont let them in lock your doors make them show Id to get in. make it private.
Posted by: Non-smoker on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Went to my favorite bar this weekend and no one was inside. Everyone was outside including the bartender! This ban is ridiculous. As an adult, I can choose to enter or not a smoking establishment of my own free will. You whining adults can do the same! Get rid of this stupid ban! It is not the Health dept's business!
Posted by: NON SMOKER on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:49 PM
these smoking bans are stupid to say the least i mean in a bar especially, i live in ironton our V.F.W. isn't even allowed to smoke these are the people who fought for our freedom. private clubs not being allowed to smoke people pay dues to belong to these clubs they have meetings and vote on house rules if they don't want smoking they have the right to vote on the issue in each club. i don't smoke but i do go out to bars and clubs and if it offends me i can choose not to go it's that simple so to all you smokers i say "smoke em' if ya' got 'em!!!"
Posted by: Jeanine on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:40 PM
If there are those that do not like smoking or do not want to be exposed to second-hand smoke, they should leave the establishment and go to a non-smoking establishment. Sounds to me like smoking establishments are more fun. I thought legislators were the law writing body not the health dept.
Posted by: randy on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Kanawha bar owners should contact Putnam Bar owners - they successfully got smoking ban rescinded by "paying off" Health Board members!
Posted by: Make Fun of Ohio too! on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Heather, Ohio's smoking ban went in to effect last June with the same regulations. It has nothing to do with WV or people making fun. It's a bunch of folks who don't even go do to bars deciding on what the general public does or doesn't want. It's our right to choose and those rights are slowly dwindling away. I hope you are a registered voter that voted either for or against the ban.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:18 PM
These bar owners are either a) lieing or b) creating a false correlation between the smoking ban and poor business. In Lexington, KY (big tobacco's back door) a smoking ban actually increased bar attendance over the long run. If their business is actually suffering I would look to increasing prices and poor economic growth. Smokers create a negative externality for non-smokers which, just like pollution of drinking water warrants government intervention. So stop trying to complain your way out of this and do some research.
Posted by: NO SMOKING on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I GLAD THEY CUT OUT KILLING THE REST OF US WITH THEIR CRAPPY CIGS!!!!! WHOO HOO
Posted by: oscar weidenheimer on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM
people don't go to a bar because they are concerned fortheir health. it's the one place theyb should be allowed to smoke.
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I am not a smoker and fully supported banning smoking from restaurants. However, banning smoking from bars? Come on! Leave it to the owners discretion.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:39 PM
who wants to sit around a bunch of people puffing away...
Posted by: Scott on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:32 PM
These smoking bans in establishments are nothing short of dictatorship. If I own a business, I should have the right to let my customers do anything (within legal limits) that they want! Smoking, while bad for your health, is legal. If a bar owner wants to let people smoke in his bar, then let him. Since the ban, has anyone noticed Capitol and Kanawha Streets on the weekends? The streets are littered with cigarette butts, and all the people outside smoking crowd the sidewalks, and it leads to more fights and more headaches for an already strapped police force. C'mon, Kanawha County - do the right thing and repeal this ridiculous ban.
Posted by: Heather on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Yet another reason for the rest of the 48 states to make fun of WV. How ignorant? As Eddie Izzard said, "Soon we'll have to go down to the library for a wild time."
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 6/28
  • Posted By: news bias: i saw video of people protesting coal.I DIDNT SEE people protesting being taxed into poverty,THE TEA PARTY.this is why more and more people are realizing the left wing so called news are being found out about their socialist agenda.where would t.v.stations get their power from ,if not coal.they can talk the talk,but can they walk the walk.all talk,no substance.liberal thru and thru...
  • Posted By: nurse: cps says young kids can't use a weed eater or so i hear. so then why can these same kids put on football pads during the summer and have the coaches w/ parents approval run til they puke or get sick from heat exhaustion. and yes if your kid wants to play football then you do have to allow your kid to go through all that or they wont get to play. so why cant the same child weedeat.
  • Posted By: buck: why is it w/ summer sports it seems the parents make it all about them instead of the kids. am i wrong or do alot of these parents seem to want to relive life again through the kids. or even worse make a claim to being so good at whatever the sport the parent did that they push the kid all because of what they did 'or never did'. These parents also seem to be the really high ego type person. funny thing is if the parent was so good then why arent they pro or at least a great college player. what i have noticed is the the kids w/ the parent who did play college or was on the verge of being pro does not press the issue. they allow the kids to play ball. just my opinion
  • Posted By: Kerry: I would just like to give the city of Huntington a great big THANK-YOU!!! for the wonderful fireworks show. Despite the slight drizzle we had a great evening out. Also had an amazing dinner at "5 guys". Thank you!!!!
  • Posted By: ProudAmerica: On this holiday, I want to send out thanks to all the soldiers, veterans and their families. Without your service, this holiday would not be possible. Please know that you are very much appreciated.
  • Posted By: Anonymous: My comment is about the WV Unemployment office. The people who work there must be the most incompetent baffoons imaginable because it seems that they can never get anything right. It is bad enough that you have to wait in line for hours with all the other people who were unfortunate enough to lose their jobs due to the bad economy but when you finally get to see someone, they always manage to completely mess things up. As if to add insult to injury, they also seem to take great pleasure in denying someone because of their mistake which forces you to appeal their "decision" and go through it all over again. These people are far worse than your typical state employee, they are morons.
  • Posted By: Eve: Has anyone had people soliciting at their homes for "Cabell County schools"? Had a female come to the house this morning (on the July 4 holiday) from "University of Georgia" on behalf of Cabell County to talk to local parents. She had no list of student names and made the assumption that we had kids by the toys/bikes in our yard. She had a notebook with "local parents" names that she had talked with, but I didn't recognize any of the names. She asked about the neighborhood and if any other kids lived there. I didn't disclose any info except that lots of kids live in the area. Didn't let her in the house. Just suspicious because of the holiday and local home robberies. Called Huntington Police to inform them. Wanted to post to get more info out to other families. Have a safe holiday and if anyone else has similar info, please call the Huntington Police Dept. @ 696-4470.
  • Posted By: : To By?? Sounds to me like your doing some bashing too. Let's keep our feelings about each other to ourselves.
  • Posted By: : Seems to me the more than one person has too much time on their hands. I don't understand why people get on here and bash each other's comments. Why don't you all get jobs. WOW, don't think I will return to this section of the webpage anymore.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello working people of WV this is Big Earl and people there is nothing wrong with eating good wholesome foods like bacon sausage eggs lard flour and the like all these PETA types are ganging up on our good food like you cant go to a baseball game now and get a hotdog without a PETA nut bothering you boo hooing about the poor little pig that turned out as a hotdog. Now my favorite restaurant in the world Kentucky Fired Chicken has thrown in twith these nuts and is grilling chicken now. Chicken was never meant to be grilled only fried regular or extra crispy. So people I say get busy we have work to do they is two states in front of us we in WV have to reclaim our top spot as best fed in the whole country go down to the foodland or kroger and get a cube of regular mountain dew a sack of Lays chips and some good ball park big red smokeys with a big bowl of chili and have a grill out tomorrow to celebrate the fourth of July in style and may I say God bless the USA and coal miners too.
  • Posted By: food for thought: Yes I am a Christian. I do need to understand the book of Revelation more and the end time prophecy. Like most I have the concept of it. Just to make it short, government dependence(happening more than ever) and is almost being forced for the citizens of this country to rely on. Cap and trade?(sign of the mark of the beast?)I don't know. I am ready. You that believe in science is fine, I do too. I do not go as far as to believe every report they give out. I pose this question. if you are so worried about global warming that means you don't like heat or burning:correct? Hmmm, think on this of what in Revelation I do understand. The lake of fire is where the worm dieth not and the fire is never quenched. Eternity is forever, on this Earth we are just passing through.
  • Posted By: to why: no ,hetrosexuals wont go to hell any slower than gays.adultry fornication,stealing lying murder etc,are all sins.every one sins,it just that you cant say you want to be a christian,and keep on with bad habits or not want to change and expect god to say thats all right.life is a struggle for all of us.we are expected to repent and try our hardest to do whats right.god respects that.you are not in any more danger than any other sinner.i know that homosexuality is a sin but so is adultry.would we tell an adulter that its all right to keep on hurting their marriage and spouse and thats alright,no.i would rather live beside an honest caring,productive gay person than a dishonest evil selfish nosy buissybody any day.we are only responsible for our own sins and actions.you sound stressed,lighten up.but homosexuality is a sin,like adultry and fornication,nobody gets a free pass.
  • Posted By: Patty: Good points, Htiek, but the status quo with coal mining, which is a dirty business, no matter how it is marketed, i.e., "clean coal" (coal is dirty, period), will remain till the resources are depleted, the land and environment of the coal fields are destroyed, which is pretty much the case at present.
  • Posted By: bonn: One more thing and I really will stop. Why does the weather cycle? I do not know everything-no one does. But everything has its purpose. Sometimes, more cold is called for. If we don't have hard winters snakes and mosquitoes thrive, for one. Mosquitoes are a large part of fish diet. And snakes keep rodents in check. But too much cold hurts other things that call for warmer temps. Quail is one thing that comes to mind that suffer in the frigid temps. We just don't understand all of the workings of these things. But it is all to keep a balance-many times in things we ourselves have killed off, such as bear and wolves. Even if we don't like some species, they all serve a purpose and nature helps keep that balance. Our world really was wonderfully made. With all the changes in temperature, we still have seasons. You can know it will be cold in winter and hot in summer. The excesses serve a purpose we sometimes can not see. Strive to learn of all of her wonders, not follow blindly.
  • Posted By: bonn: I would like to apologize if I have been short and critical. I really am sorry. It is no excuse, but I have a very sick child who may be dying and I get so upset at the state of our world. I do have to quit reading these comments. But I hope I have caused a few people at least to think with their own common sense instead of blindly following whatever. Some theories may be correct. But many ARE for monetary purposes. We each were given a mind to think with. Question everything before taking it as it appears. And be sure and thank a veteran for the freedom we celebrate this weekend. Too many have died to protect it to just give it up willingly. And whether or not you are religious, lets try to love one another. Love can fix so many things! Try to keep our world clean, But that doesn't have to bankrupt us. We can all do our part in whatever ways we can. The old saying "Give a hoot, don't pollute" should not have gone out of style. And use your wikipedia to read "Ice Age" to see cycling.
  • Posted By: Follow up on cap and rape: CNSNews.com) – The 1,400-page cap-and-trade legislation pushed through by House Democrats contains a new federal policy that residential, commercial, and government buildings be retrofitted to increase energy efficiency, leaving it up to the states to figure out exactly how to do that. This means that homeowners, for example, could be required to retrofit their homes to meet federal “green” guidelines in order to sell their homes, if the cap-and-trade bill becomes law. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, directs the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement a national policy for residential and commercial buildings. The purpose of such a strategy – known as the Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) – would be to “facilitate” the retrofitting of existing buildings nationwide.In other words all your appliances-heating-stove -fridge-windows-would have to meet green standards before we sell SOCAILISM HAS ARRIVED YESWEDID
  • Posted By: ANOTHER YES WE CAN: First you paid to insure your car. Soon you may have to add health insurance premiums to that stack of monthly bills as well. In a revamped health care system envisioned by senators, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government would provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families, but those who still refuse to sign up would face fines of more than $1,000. The details were unveiled Thursday in a health care overhaul bill supported by key Senate Democrats looking to fulfill President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.SOCAILISM IS HERE The Congressional Budget Office estimated the fines would raise around $36 billion over 10 years. Senate aides said the penalties would be modeled on the approach taken by Massachusetts, which now imposes a fine of about $1,000 a year on individuals who refuse to get coverage. Under the federal legislation, families would pay higher penalties than individuals
  • Posted By: bonn: Good grief! The brain washing has gone so far it will never get better. Some of this way of thinking makes me physically ill in my stomach. All of one mind! Mindless devotion to whatever is contrary to common sense and whatever theory is being passed around. Most families have both parents working, some two jobs, just to make it now. Soon you won't even be able to work enough to carry your family, the government and the ones who won't work. Then you will be disposable and they will start killing you off because you can't give them enough money. But you will blindly keep following. It is easy to see how Hitler took control and how it is being set up for the antichrist to take control. I quit. I will never read another comment. And Kris, did that nut not know the sky has always appeared blue? Hahaha Goodbye. I know you will reply, but I won't be reading it. Never again. Either you believe God or the scientists. I choose God. And freedom!
  • Posted By: cap and trade: world net daily has an informative article on home ownership and all buildings in u.s.it is about total government control of everyone.you will have to answer to the gov.or else.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: To Pearl: Thanks for the comment. I try to be an adult and make the usual comments and complaints, But how would you feel if every time you wrote something, Someone would respond back with their own opinions and say that you are wrong! Just the other day I wrote how my child was injured at Camden Park! Of course RoaneCo. had to write something and attack me about my decision to get angry about the situation. Yes, I agree that I should just turn the other cheek but I was raised to stand up for myself!! Why I'm a target I'll never know but I think that I have a right just like everyone else on here and to say my opinion on things whether people agree or not.
  • Posted By: Why?: EVERYONE SINS! Why is being gay the worst sin that sends you "straight" to HELL? Heterosexuals can do all the "sining" they want and still go to heaven but LGBT can't.
  • Posted By: Justme: Coal mining has been around for years and years. I'm sick of all these nuts that are griping about mining. You nuts are always griping. Maybe you need to get a life. If your so against it.. Then turn your lights out. And stop using the power. Move on, and stop taking jobs away from our miner's.
  • Posted By: Htiek: What always amazes me about people in WV is their slavish devotion to coal mining even though it is killing the planet, costs more jobs than it creates, poisons the water, destroys the mountains, scars the land, kills the snail darter, and other horrible things. Things are all so backwards in this country why dont we switch over to something that lasts and is free like the sun and wind? Even if the president said that stuff and I doubt he did and even if he did you are misquoting him or taking him out of context he is right if there is one sure way to get people to stop turning their air conditioners down to 76 it is to raise the price, just like gasoline. People we can learn to ride bikes and walk again, just like they did in the old days, that will help give us exercise and decrease the obesity rate in WV. Food is another area, the slop that people eat like MacDonalds, trans fats, regular soft drinks, anybody with half a brain knows the intelligent thing to do is tax regular soda pop.
  • Posted By: Gandalf: A tea party? Oh my! I must relay this information to my friend Alice and the Mad Hatter. Door Mouse and Rabbit too. They will be thrilled! Oh my bad, must have picked out the wrong book today. Ta Ta!
  • Posted By: Pearl: Roane Co why dont you and Jane pursue your romance elsewhere the yell is for complaints.
  • Posted By: Kris: Just throwing this out there. I'm sitting on my couch wearing sweat pants and short sleeve shirt. I'm thinking about shuting my windows and turning on my heat. Shouldn't I be turning on the air conditioner instead? It's the 2nd of July. Not saying it's global warming but it doesn't seem right. Haven't heard of any heat warning anywhere is the US so far this summer. Great for us but doesn't feel right.
  • Posted By: Kris: Hi Bonn, it is true that these cycles do occur over time. Scientists have taken core samples from the earth and the ice to show these cycles. However, none of the samples show such a dramatic change in such a short period of time. I am a smoker and I will admit that my second hand smoke can and probably will effect the lungs of a non-smoker. The tons of carbon monoxide and other pollutants that we release into our atmosphere HAS TO have an effect on our atmosphere. True story: there was a scientist that day after day after day couldn't figure out why the sky was so blue and clear. Then it struck him, there hadn't been ANY planes in the air for three days. That was 911. What you put out, is what you get back. If you put love out, you will get love back. If you put out negativity, you will get negativity back. For every action, there is a reaction whether it's good or bad. It's in our hands to do our best not to cause an adverse impact to our planet. Peace to ALL!
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello again good working coal mining people of WV this is the coal miners friend Big Earl with news of yet another hippie plot to stick there big noses further into our business now some of these people in Congress has throwed in with the tree huggers they are trying to make it so you cannot sell your house without some nut from the hippie EPA coming in and inspecting it to make sure you are green enough to suit there tastes. This so called cap and trade bill that these busy body do gooders are pushing on us will destroy our jobs and run up the electric bills so that everybody will have to live like the Waltons with 27 people under one roof just to keep warm. Now the average hippie longhair don’t care noway because they would have us all living in mud huts riding mules wearing sandals and weaving baskets to load down with califlowers and arougalas tofu and alfalfa to take up on some worthless mountaintop as an offering to there windmill god instead of having nice homes, cars, a job and cool air in the summer and heat in the winter ALL THANKS TO THE COAL MINER. Anything to bother people attracts these hippies like flies to a cowpie.
  • Posted By: to hteik: hteik has 2 comment .the global warming one was hillarous.it was june 30.he must not have gotten the same public education i did,he was taught that we had satellites in colonial time.but then again he think algoe is really smart,he doesnt know al didn,t really invent the innernet.i think fox news and conservative talk radio would do him a world of good,he,d be shocked at what he doesn,t know.
  • Posted By: Amy: Hey Keith, I must have missed that interview because I was busy clinging to my guns and religion. No, really, I did see it. It's kind of strange how people become so shocked when this stuff is introduced in the House of Reps. Obama outlined every plan he intended to get pushed through and a lot of people just didn't listen. Next time I hope people vote for the best candidate not the best slogan. Yes we can....bankrupt the nation!
  • Posted By: Patriot1: Tea Party: There will be a tea party in Grayson, Ky on July 4th. It will be held at the City Park from 4:00-6:30PM
  • Posted By: Dave: The seat belt law is no law. Its nothing but a deliberate attempt to extort money off the American people,use communist law and control the populace. THE PEOPLE HAVE NEVER VOTED ON IT, BUT THEY ARE TRYING TO GET YOU BELIEVE THAT IT WILL SAVE LIVES. TELL THEM TO GIVE YOU THE FIGURES ON ACCIDENTAL OPERATIONS.And if that doesn't satisfy you then why are we allowing our young brave soldiers to be killed,and for whom? WHY AREN'T THESE NEWSPAPERS BRINGING THIS INFORMATION TO THE PEOPLE? Because the nations 96% are owned and controled by the WEALTHIEST.
  • Posted By: bonn: I was trying to make a point. Perhaps not in the best way. I get so discouraged seeing what is happening around us. One group of scientists call for us to spread soot on all the snow up north to absorb heat to counter the coming ice age. Another (more popular) group calls for painting our roofs white to reflect the heat that is melting our ice caps. Which group is right? Neither. Our earth is doing exactly as it has been doing all along. Cycling naturally. Did it plan it all on its own? Hardly. But no one wants to hear that. It reminds me of "chicken little" yelling "the sky is falling". Only this is not so funny-this is control. And what is even sadder is-people seem to WANT to be controlled. This earth will continue as always until one preplanned day it all comes to a screeching halt. Then a new earth will be created. I will not be caught off guard. I read The Book. I know where I will be. Do you? And do you really enjoy giving those schemers your money that much? I hope one day...
  • Posted By: Keith: A few questions for the Yell audience: Does anyone remember when Obama gave that interview in SanFran Cisco and said that he would not prevent the construction of a coal fired plant, but his policies would bankrupt anybody that tried to build one? That policy was cap and trade. I heard O say that energy prices, under his administration, would "necessairly skyrocket." Is this the hope and change you guys voted for? How will you afford your electric and gas service under this man who cares so much for the poor? Obama said once that he was not bothered that the price of gas had risen so high, just that it happened so fast. How does everyone feel about the gas price? Obama raked John Pablo McCain over the coals for suggesting health care benefits be taxed as income, now he is going to do the same thing to pay for "free" care to illegal aliens, deadbeats, etc...but union workers will be exempt from this tax. How does that make you feel if you work for a living and are not in a union? H&C
  • Posted By: Amy: Hteik, "all is well" because people like us! Give me a break. If all were well, we would not have the largest unemployment rate in 26 years. The stimulus package would prevent it from going above 8%, remember? How is Iran not our business but Honduras is? The people of Honduras have a Constitution very similar to ours and we should support the people not an extremist who is trying to take over their country. The 22nd Amendment does a great service for our nation. IF it would be reversed that would be O.K too. At the rate Obama is going W. could beat him in 2012. At least I would sleep better at night.
  • Posted By: Just Me: Wow Jane Doe, give it a rest. I really don't think God would be please with this going on and on and on...healthy banter is fine, but this is not healthy banter. Christians absolutely can and do get angry, it's what they do with that anger that counts. It doesn't matter where, when, or even IF you go to church...what matters is that you have accepted Christ into your heart and asked for forgiveness of your sins. God didn't save us to judge others, he saved us to lead others to him. I've said many times...what if the person you just yelled at, told off, or whatever showed up at your church on Sunday? Would you be proud of your behavior?
  • Posted By: Sophie: Roane County is a beautiful place. The country roads snake along past fields, farms and old homes we wish could talk. Looneyville is indeed named after the Looney family, so is Gandeeville. My father was from Roane Co. & graduated from Walton High School in the 40's. He told me tales of his school days, friends, boyish pranks, old cars and the fun they had at the 4-H camp. Spencer was a big place to them. Roane Co. gave us many war veterans and kept distant family & friends together with the annual "Roane County Reunion". I don't even know if they still have it, but we used to go. I remember seeing Sen. Robert Byrd play his fiddle there. The Black Walnut Festival in October(?) is a good time to visit Spencer. They usually have a parade, arts & crafts and a museum. You can enjoy a slice of Americana, along with a slice of homemade pie.
  • Posted By: Craveontruth: The great Dale Carnegie once said "You never win an argument".Most of you know he wrote" How to Win Friends and Influence People'.Some of you should put this on your Christmas List.I think I will dust it off and revisit this old classic.
  • Posted By: cap and trade: welcome to ''before tax and tax'bill going thru the powers that be.look at your electric bills this monthe there is an enviornmental tax at 2.2cents for every kilowatt you use.can we even imagine what our electric bill will be,not to mention every thing we consume,food water ,every necessity that cant be done without.we in easternky have good reps.in washington,every one in surrounding states should put your so called reps a lot of pressure to defeat this tax and tax bill that is being pushed by a few people to make them richer and control every aspects of productive peoples lives.look at your gasbill also,you will see only a very small portion for gas but the rest in fees and taxes.look at your phone bill you will see a 100percent markup in taxes and fees.its time to put pressure on politicans to protect the citizens and not the lobiest.
  • Posted By: justanotherfly: sounds like jane doe is looking for an easy way out ie a lawsuit
  • Posted By: to bonn: i couldn,t have said it better myself.some things have to be explained like you are talking to a 5year old.but like some 5year olds that are stubborn and spoiled rotten they dont listen.wait till the cost of every thing sky rockets and they will be the first to rant and rave that nobody told them.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: To my biggest fan, RoaneCo: Ummm! It's sounds to me like you have a lot of anger. You have to pick on everyone's comments! I think I speak for everyone when I say (Get a Job)!! Cause you obviously have none! You have all this free time on your hands! Why don't you spend this free time helping others instead of puttin them down! You know..WSAZ has job postings...Maybe you could find one on there!!!!I'm not a negative person. Maybe I'm just like everyone else that has a job and three kids and a lot of things to do! I get stressed out, I know that goes way over your head,You don't get stressed. But because you go to church doesn't mean you can't get angry about stuff!!LOL My father-in-law is a Deacon at my church and even he has a temper!! Look out craveontruth! Looks like RoaneCo. has found someone else to pick on!Good Luck!! Have a perfect day ( I know you will)!!
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Yes Craveontruth, there is a place named Looneyville.(no Jane Doe that isn't where I live) It is on Rt.36, nothing there but the Looneyville Post Office, and I am not joking. There is also a Lefthand Post Office on Rt.36, always wondered why there wasn't a Righthand also. Our County seat is located in Spencer, (middle of nowhere) which for years was only known for its State Mental Institution. (no Jane Doe this isn't my Alma mater) It was closed years ago and now a Wal-Mart is on that location. I guess the only other thing to speak of would be the Black Walnut Festival which is held in Spencer every October.
  • Posted By: bonn, the simpleton: Don't we have a smart earth? She formed herself from a dust cloud, they say and planted herself just the right distance from the sun to support the life she would create. She also filled her insides with molten heat to maintain the right temps and if that builds too much she decides to blow some out holes (volcanoes) to keep from exploding. She makes her own rain, knowing whether she needs a gentle soaking rain for her plants, or a gully washer to cleanse the filth. It pours down the mountains, into the rivers and out into the ocean which she just happened to fill with salt (her natural sanitizer). And she knows if she doesn't have ice she will over heat, but too much and she will freeze, killing her life she so carefully made. So she melts some, then as it heats up, she freezes more. All just coincidental happenings? She is brilliant! But not so smart as the humans who are making a fortune controlling the other dumb humans by convincing them THEY are causing her to do these things!!!
  • Posted By: passing by the yell: I met someone from Looneyville once. It's named that after a person's last name from what I was told.
  • Posted By: Hteik: Well it is nice to see that the war in Iraq is ending under President Obama. Who would have thought, it seems the world is backwards right now, huh? Obama gets elected, the world understands our good will, and all is well. Just like history, Republicans start wars, Democrats finish them. Hate to say we told you so but we told you so, I just get fuzzy inside thinking about all the people that love us now that hated us because of that old Bush. Another thing too, leave this Iran thing alone, that is none of our business. I dont recall anybody from Iran coming over here to help us in 1776 so why should we stick our nose in their business? When you get a strong leader like in Honduras, a good strong leader with a military background, everybody goes nuts because the guy takes things over well I support him and Obama. In fact, some people are so needed we better start now to get rid of the 22nd Amendment, it was only put in by jealous radical extremist crazy Republicans to hurt FDR.
  • Posted By: Craveontruth: I don't think I have ever been to Roan County.Nothing against the good people of that neck of the woods.I did enjoy looking it up on wikipedia.Is there really a Looneyville there? If there is then I must visit!Who's with me?
  • Posted By: food for thought: 2-10 years for almost killing a child? Where are our priorities? I know they are nestled in the mountains or wait lying deep in the ocean waiting for anoother person to adopt them and claim rights to the next whale that is proclaimed Shammu or Willy. Get real people lets protest these laws that allow some cook to wanna kill his child and only have to pay his debt of 2 - 10 years. Oh and Kris your right our God won't kill a 1 yr old or a 100 yr old just do to it. He would do it for his glory and maybe take them from being around a half heartened sadistic person that would do this to a child. Oh i love the lights and the A/C and my car, but most of all I love my GOD "Jehovah God" whom i think first and foremost for all I have, then i thank a coal miner and an AEP worker and a so on and so on.
  • Posted By: Kimberly: Raising the WV Toll price? I see a lot of arguments coming from this. Where is all of this money going to? Mansion might be a good governer, but when it comes to things like this, it needs fixed. WV roads are awful and I know after all of these years, surely the toll money has added up to more than enough to fix these roads!!! What an awful awful idea!!
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Bonn, people like you are the very reason I have stated that I respect ones right of freedom of religion. Although I have different views, I have no issues with anyone going to church and trying to live according to their interpretation of the bible. I think that is wonderful. I also thank you Bonn for being open minded and seeing the point I was trying make. And for Anonymous on Jul 1, 2009 at 03:11 PM, no Craveontruth and I are not the same person. We do agree on some issues, and disagree on others. And when we do disagree (speaking for myself of course) we do it without anger. Also, for Bob... sorry, it isn't working. I have a two year old that comes up with better jabs than you. But I respect your right to try.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Just a few comments on current Yells: Big Earl - I just can't read you anymore because it's the same things over & over. Yeah, we're with you - there are a bunch on weed-o's coming around these days trying to shut us down for the sake of some owl...We get it. We all hate it. Roane Co/Jane -It appears Roane has been very hurt in their lifetime by family conflict involving belief. Many people get hurt because of superstition & misinterpretation and overzealousness. It has been this way since time began. I hope Roane can someday get past the hurt & retoric to work out his/her own salvation. Simple belief in Jesus Christ is where it starts, the rest as I put it, is just "gravy". Jane: I'm sorry your child was hurt. This indeed must be reported. I got hurt @ CP one time too on "The Whip". It beat me so hard against the side I had a major bruise on my hip. I strained my arms trying to keep from slamming into the side. A fun thing was not so fun. No rides for me, anymore. Not there.
  • Posted By: : I think RoaneCo. and Craveontruth is the exact same person? Who's with me?
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello good people of WV this is Big Earl and I for one am sick and tired of all these out of state know it all nosey people bothering us if it is not these smelly hippies trying to run our jobs off or rename the WVU mascot now they are calling the good citizens of WV fat. Well people I am here to tell you that this bunch at the so called CSPI and no you hippies I don’t mean the TV show calling us fat should look in the mirror they look like something off night of the living dead pasty faced scarecrows and beanpoles and what is so great about that. WV has some of the best staple foods anywhere in the world I have eaten paotatoes beans meat flour and corn meal all my life cooked in lard and I am not one bit worse off for it and can mine coal with anybody. People all the good foods we eat are natural growed in the garden or on the farm so it should even make a tofu eating hippie type happy. I am more bothered that two states beat us out in the race for the top so I tip my hat to the people of the great states of Alabama home of the best country music band ever and Mississippi but people of WV get busy we have to reclaim our title to best fed in the USA I recommend the Kentucky Fried Chicken with gravy and biscuits as a good place to start our comeback.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Actually Jane Doe, growing up I did attend church and read the bible. Being subjected to religion for many years I would not consider myself "confused" or uneducated. If one looks at organized religion with an open mind it isn't hard to see who is confused. For example, you have one bible yet there are numerous religious groups ( methodists, baptists etc...) that believe their interpretation is the only correct interpretation. This is understandable because the bible itself is very contradictive. In my opinion the the bible and organized religion is nothing more than a tool created to control the masses. Yet this tool has pitted man against man, brother against brother, state against state and country against country, not to mention the wars, death and destruction it has caused. I have witnessed in my lifetime many family fueds, broken marriages and busted churches at the hands of organized religion. I have heard the words of hate spoken by christians. I am not confused.
  • Posted By: To Fat Earl: You're losing! Ha,Ha!
  • Posted By: Kris: God does not control the weather!If so then he would be responsible for killing hundreds of innocent people every year in America alone! If that's your God, you can have it! My GOD is loving and compassionate. He would never take the life of a one year old nor a hundred year old just because he felt like creating a tornado that day or a hurricane the next. Get a brain and use it simpletons!
  • Posted By: bonn: To Jane Doe: I am afraid RoaneCo's common sense is more attractive than your comments. Read your last post at 8:58 and see if it shows the Light you are suppose to give. We are suppose to control our anger. Yes, we are forgiven, but it is not a license to keep repeating our faults. It is mercy so we can improve. Viciousness does not become a child of God. RoaneCo., may God forgive us for driving you and others away from Him with our failure to shine the Light of Love. And Jane Doe, I am the one you called ignorant just because I was showing compassion (another expectation of a Christian). It is scary about your child. But that person was not attacking your child, nor joking about it, only disapproving of your outburst. Not very attractive in anyone, especially one called to set an example for others to follow. If you must get angry, use it to accomplish something good. Christians are hated enough WITHOUT cause. Love is the answer.
  • Posted By: Bob: I think we might need to contact someone in state govt.about inspecting our amusement parks to many in the public simply dont care if kids get hurt this could have been something really really bad but I guess there is always a few who would crack jokes at anything even a child getting injured.
  • Posted By: cap and trade bill: you wont hear on liberal obama mania news reports whats in the cap and tax bill.only conservate talk radio and conservative news are telling the contents of this country destroying bill.liberal dont want you to be informed,it would be to dangerous for their so called news networks.did you know that,as i somewhat understand it,that every house in the country will have to be at gov.standards before it can be sold,they will be allowed to change therules in mid stream if they want.even if you dont like conservative news,remember only a well informed person can try to stop tyranny.look for facts,have you heard 1 liberal news tell you whats in this bill thats detrimental to this country and freedom.i challenge wsaz to look up whats in this bill and report accuratly whats in it.i dont think thats going to happen.
  • Posted By: food for thought: AMEN Bonn I could never have said it any better, being a Boone county coal miner and all. We do no get a very well reputation anyway.
  • Posted By: Craveontruth: RoaneCo.can hurt but often the truth does hurt.I support RoaneCo.To Jane Doe,I believe RoaneCo.does know quite a bit about Christianity and is not confused at all.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: Thank you everyone for your support!!You know RoaneCo. Nobody is perfect, That goes for Christians too! Are we allowed to get mad??Yes! But are we forgiven everyday? Yes!Obviously you don't know much about Christianity! That's why you critize so much!!You're confused!! We are not perfect! I guess you are!!
  • Posted By: VOTE NO ON CAP AND TRADE: I know its a repost but i think its Worthy 'Liberty Or Tyranny?' House Passes Cap-And-Trade Republicans Warn Bill Gives Federal Government 'Virtual Control' Over 'Every Aspect Of The Lives Of The American People. Thank the Dumbocratic controled house as it will raise the average consumers power bill $175.00 This on top of the energy companies already asking for an inctrase will put such a burden on the American people that only the wealthy will survive.Please write or call our Senators they are the only life line we have left and ask them to VOTE NO on cap and trade. Republicans were overwhelmingly against the measure, arguing it would destroy jobs in the midst of a recession while burdening consumers with a new tax in the form of higher energy costs.And there was plenty to work on in a House-passed measure that pointed toward higher electricity bills for the middle class.Budget Office and the other from the Environmental Protection Agency — that suggested average increases would be $175.00 a year.
  • Posted By: cap and trade survey: against cap and tax,85percent.people who work and are productive.15percent for cap and tax,,,people who work for government or live off the fat of the land and dont mind other people being taxed into poverty....
  • Posted By: : If new drivers would slow down and actually pay attention to what they are doing, then maybe WV would'nt have these new laws for teenage drivers. Personally myself I believe that all states should have this law. It would make the roads a little safer to drive on.
  • Posted By: bonn: About global warming- our temperature is (and always has been) constantly changing. GOD controls it. Anyone who thinks we can are puffing themselves up bigger than we are.Are we suppose to believe we are responsible for the Ice Age thawing that is suppose to have happened way back when as well? How did that happen? Certainly not carbon emissions. Use some common sense and realize people are using this to line their pockets and gain support for their pet projects. I know- you don't want to hear this, but it is not realistic. Don't let America be controlled with this, PLEASE!! Let us remain free!
  • Posted By: Bob: Dont worry Jane Doe I have notice RoaneCOs posts are generally always on the rude side I am sorry to hear about your daughter.
  • Posted By: Just wondering: the 3 people that was killed on alt rt 10. 2 being st. joe's students. Did they ever release the cause of the accident?
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: I do care about the safety of our children Anonymous on Jun 30, 2009 at 09:01 AM, no matter where they are or what they are doing. Our children are our future. What I don't care for is someone like Jane Doe on here week after week preaching her little sermons all the while calling people ignorant and showing her hostility toward others. It has always amazed me how most christians will belittle someone else but the minute you catch them being unchristian like they always come up with the old "we christians ain't perfect". Well I know they are not, but by golly they are the first to judge everyone else. These hyporcitical self proclaimed christians are one of the reasons I turned away from organized religion years ago. I just don't agree with these people shoving religion on everyone else. I respect Jane Does right to religion and I would even fight for her to keep that right, but she, like so many others need to keep their religion in their church and their home.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Well hello again good working coal mining families in WV this is Big Earl and I for one am very disappointed that this cap and trade bill got passed into law the other day no thanks to our good representatives from WV. People all I can say is get a woodpile and a bunch of cow chips because your electric is going to get real expensive real quick. These hippies has run up to Washington DC and boo hooed to them tree huggers and longhairs in the EPA until they got even worse done to our jobs but then again what do you expect from a bunch that has a leaf from a dope plant on there sign like the EPA does if you don’t believe me look on this very website I seen a picture of it. Birds of a feather flock together that’s why the good working people were kept out and not allowed to talk at that hearing and the hippies let in. People these hippies has slandered our great state and coal miners first they bring in professor moonbeam from NASA to insult us then he tucks his tail and runs back to NASA and wont debate Mr. DB then they attack our state university mascot the WV mountaineer. Well people I Big Earl have a solution to this lets call WV the “Ivory Soap State,” make our mascot a bathtub that’s a sure fire way to get rid of these smelly hippies and longhairs and keep them out forever.
  • Posted By: ME: We christians are most always judged by our actions and that is to be expected since we are not perfect in any way. We all make mistakes every day,we get angry,we say things we shouldn't and act out our frustrations sometimes to those closest to us and our friends. We try to do better and ask forgiveness when we do stumble from our christian path. Actions speak louder than words at times, good or bad. Yes we adults act like children at times and children try to act like adults all too soon. We never know who we are influenceing with our actions and words so we need to always try to act,say and do what is right. As long as we are on this earth we will stumble but we should strive to be the best we can be and treat people with love and respect no matter how we are treated. I have turned the cheek many times and been slapped alot and will keep on doing it as long as I breath. My time will come soon enough to be judged as to the way I have lived and treated people.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: I love people on the Yell!!! They give me a chance to laugh everyday. Thanks guys!!
  • Posted By: just looking: UMMMM do you people think that christians are perfect??? Do you think we dont get angry?? Only one person is perfect and that is Jesus Christ...And if a christian says they are perfect, then they arnt a very good christian. We all have faults. Alot of you people cant wait to get up and look at the faults of others and criticize what they believe in....
  • Posted By: Patriot1: Tea Party. There will be a "Tea Party" July 4th from 4:00-6:30 PM at the City Park in Grayson,Ky
  • Posted By: Donna: Please! enough of Michael Jackson. He died, now he will appear before God and face his punishment for his sins against children. He was a morally bankrupt person who the media has presented as an icon. It's no wonder children are so messed up today,too much TV and not enough parenting. You too, are responsible for making him appear as a person to be looked up to. He and others in entertainment and sports are not what the children need, they need moral examples to look up to, please stop the glorification of immoral and indecent individuals.
  • Posted By: food for thought: To those of you telling me to watch out for Fox news, please go back and read carefully what I said about the media and the government. I thank each of you for your information. I am not out to attack anyone whether acclaimed or the average joe. I just know what I have read from reports and from different sites. This information is what our scientists, meteorologists and so forth use in reference to report the records of weather and temperatures. Again thank each of you, and at last Fox news was the channel the fine people at our local (American made) dealership had channeled on the tube, personally I just watch WSAZ, at the local level.
  • Posted By: : Roane Co., why are you not concerned about the safety of small children at amusement parks?
  • Posted By: Htiek: Right on Kris you tell em about Fox News. Everyone that watches knows that the dependable networks are ABF, Anyone But Fox. I am just like everyone else in the know, they lie all the time but please dont press me to cite anything specific as I am having coffee right now. I am new to your side, so pardon me if I get something confused. Those photographs of the ice caps are proof positive as far as I am concerned, these flat earth types that dont believe global warming should compare them to the satellite picutres from the colonial period and over the years since for comparison purposes. I once heard the hottest year on record was in the 1930s but what does that prove. And before one of you know it alls talks about Al Gore riding everywhere in a private plane and having such a huge house and running a company that profits from selling carbon credits, some people in life earn their special privileges simply by showing up and enlightening the rest of us, so there.
  • Posted By: polar ice caps: the weather is always changing.sometime it freezes sometimes it melts,thats gods doings,not mans.wasnt it the great mind of ted danson many years ago that explaind that in 15 or 20 years that the oceans were going to raise so many feet that it would destroy and overflo inward to apolipicate level.i guess the people that live on these coast lines dont know they are under water.we americans are so silly.let me explain what a great creator said,it rains but the oceans are never full.ice melts but the oceans never overflo.i think i,ll believe him instead of a.gore or ted danzen.p.b.s last week on a travel show,,i think,,,,the guide said the glacier there had been melting 150years.that was certainly before the industrial revolution.as for fox,world net daily,newsmax,etc.the liberal press has lost it monolopy on liberal so called news.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: After you finish showing your true colors, go back and read my post again Jane Doe. Better yet let me cut and paste it for you. "I do hope your little girl is ok. I have children of my own, I know how precious they are." And just for the record, I would never "make fun" of a child, but don't think for one second that I won't point out an adult being hypocritical. Are you not the same Jane Doe that three weeks ago was preaching about God, then in the same breath calling someone "IGNORANT"? So let me say it one more time, I hope your little girl is ok. As for you, thank you for proving once again how kind, loving, patient and understanding some of you fine christians can be.
  • Posted By: Kris: This respectfully goes out to "food for thought" for what they said about fox news and global warming.FOX has great movies and tv shows but their view when it comes to the "news" is so far on the "right" way of thinking that it totally obscures reality in their opions of the subject at hand. They'll twist their views to make sure that it is opposite of "liberals" or people on the "left" and how they feel about the subject.Asf or global warming, we have actual time lapsed pictures of the polar caps melting at an alarming rate. You can actually see it happening. If things are cooling down, then why are the polar caps and icebergs melting at an alarming rate? The evidence is right in front of our faces. I sure do hope you're right because if I am, our planet is doomed. Sincerely, Kris
  • Posted By: Jethro: WHATS WRONG WITH YOU ALL UPDATE THE YELL!!!!!!!!!!WAKE UP!!!!!!
  • Posted By: Keith: Never thought I'd sit around and miss Bush...well the wrecking ball has appointed a racist to the supreme court, one that is inept and incompetent too. Did you notice her latest ruling was overturned today? The economy is not getting better, those of you out of work have my sympathy because this clown is not doing anything to make it better. He never held a real job, never ran a business, just a rabble rouser and agitator. How do you feel about cap and trade energy tax? All over a phony problem that doesnt even exist; WV will wither away to nothing but hey we can all get jobs in the windmill factory, cant we? How do you feel about having your health benefits taxed to pay for Obamacare? How's the hope and change working out for everyone? What do you think card check is going to do the economy? Check out an article about Obama the African Colonialist on the American Thinker Website, dated June 25th. It explains him to a "T." Obama is a wrecking ball, and he's gonna roll over everyone.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Well hello again good working coal miners of WV this is Big Earl and people I have come to the conclusion that we need some friends in Washington DC that has got some clout. Some people up there has got big names but nobody apparently listens to, that is if they show up at all in court to help you out, those who are sick are excepted. Then there are some people in Charleston who should be in Washington who shall remain unnamed because nobody in Gov. Joes office asked me to say that. But remember who had that bunch from FEMA down here handing out checks before two weeks after the flood water hit and figure out who has clout. You people that went up for the hearing last week should be thanked but the good people never got to say a word but these hippies did, they are apparently now running around the creek with microscopes looking for fish that cant be seen with the eye, something called a microbe, now they are blaming the coal miner for killing off this worthless animal and I sincerely hope Captain D or old Long John will never put some slop like that on my plate when I want good seafood. If you dont see it it cant be of no good use anyway, sort of like a certain US senator with a big rich name who was nowhere to be seen last week.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: To RoaneCo. How dare you critize my comment. This isn't just some fun arguement!! My child is hurt! Do you think that's funny? Do me a favor, Next time I write about my kids, Don't comment! I hope you don't have any kids because you don't see the harm and worry in my comment, You just want to fight and make fun of someone!! This is really serious!! I don't see the humor!!!
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Did any of you people see those PETA nuts on the TV 3 news last night boo hooing about having to tie there dogs up hello again working people of WV this is Big Earl and I don’t know about you but I always thought it was rude and inconsiderate and just being a bad neighbor to let your dogs run wild all over the neighborhood digging up peoples backyards rooting around in garbage cans and doing there business all over the place. Have any of you people in Huntington ever lost a chicken to a wild dog. Even these back to nature types and hippies up here in Boone County tie up there dog to guard there dope patches but they don’t have no sense anyway if they aint going to Washington DC to try and rook us out of our jobs by carrying signs and yelling about some invisible fish that is no good to anybody they are screaming about the coal miner killing polar bears and other animals that don’t even live here. Apparently this bunch had the bright idea to go down to the park on Sunday down in Huntington when people was out with there families trying to walk around and enjoy things and they chained themselves to trees with real dog chains trying to get people to sign a protest petition to of all people a mayor named Wolf now I don’t know about you but that mayor better forget the beware of dog sign he needs to put a beware of the PETA nut sign up in that park.
  • Posted By: The Seeker: @food for thought: It is indeed important to check facts, and it heartens me to see that you're of the type that actively seeks them (even thought I fall on the side of the debate that believes in climate change, as it has solid science behind it). However, I caution you on taking anything from FOX news at face value. This is an organization that in 2000 won a case in Florida appeals court in which the court ruled that FOX has no obligation to tell the truth to it's viewers, and can misinform the public under the first amendment. This is also an organization that has been proven to have an agenda, and frames every bit of it's coverage to favor one political party over the other. My advice is to seek out less obviously biased news sources, especially in cases such as global warming, which is an issue that transcends political parties and affects every being on the planet.
  • Posted By: Hugh: Hey WVa. Checkin out the YELL. Kind of quiet today. Enjoyed my visit there. Met John Henry at the Big Ben Tunnel,saw the big bridge. Stood at Hawk's Nest and viewed the scenery. If I wasn't so old and crippled, I'd bungee jump from the New River Gorge Bridge. Have folks who live in the Talcott area and some around Hinton. Well won't take much of your time today. Just wanted to check in.
  • Posted By: what is foor for thought?: foor?? for thought, you do know Bush made those he commissioned to study it alter their reports when he found out it supported global warming, don't you? Anyone who just sees pictures of the ice caps 30 years ago and now would have to be mentally handicapped not to know there's global warming, the only thing that's possible to debate is the cause of it. Wonder why Fox didn't mention the Bush fiasco? Well I don't really wonder.
  • Posted By: more p.c at wsaz: gays in usa sounds like it was written by a gay person,so it was printed.it was,nt written by a gay person.it was a second thought,after i commented on other sins,such as adultry,but plainly written by a heterosexual person.it was not printed because im straight and not gay.so goes our country and freedom.
  • Posted By: Lou Ann: Ive had a similar bad experience at camden park several years ago. Havent went back since. The pricing is just another deterrent to doing business locally. I love this area but am very discouraged by the lack of pride in our appearance in several of our towns, the prices of doing business, the attitude towards the customer , the lack of merchandise. I could go on. We definately are not tourist friendly in the great ohio valley area.
  • Posted By: foor for thought: Looks like my comment on June 24th may be right. I have done some reading about this Global warming fad the government is putting on. I was sitting in a local car dealership and FOX news was reporting on the government sitting or "burying" studies by two of the highest ranking EPA officials contradicting this myth. Some of the comments from their studies proves the Global temperature if anything has decreased. Although, you should be skeptical about anything the media reports especially when it involves the government these are facts that have been recorded over time. I ask how come when these bozos as Dr. Hansen whom is from NASA(which has done innumerable amounts of damage to our air with their testing) never mention facts as these when trying to prove things they are claiming is a fact. People we in America have became lazy in seeking the truth, I am not disputing anything these scientists and the government tells us, but as we learned in elementary school check facts of both sides.
  • Posted By: gays in u.s.a.: another reflection on gays.if you think god doesn,t care about you because you,re gay ,he must love you more than you can comprehend,if not you could have been born ina muslim country.islam has no homosexuals ,they are not rehabilitate,just beheaded.as a loving and compassionate god says"GO AND SIN NO MORE".that doesnt mean just you it means all of us.yes god allows you to choose,he must really care.
  • Posted By: City of Milton: I'm glad that the City of Milton has so much money to spend and that they spend it wisely. Every time I drive through town on a nice day it never fails that someone is washing their personal vehicle at the VFD. Good to see that they budget personal car washes into the city budget. I think I'll stop in there today and see if I can wash my car as well...should be a nice day!
  • Posted By: Valorie: About four weeks ago, I sent a letter to Camden Park with a friendly suggestion to open the park to the casual visitor again. As of today, I still haven't had a response from them. There used to be a small fee for admission to anyone who just wanted to visit. Once inside the park, a visitor could buy a corn dog or pay to play a few games or ride a few rides. Now people have to pay a full admission price for all day rides, even when they don't plan to stay all day. A lot of people are grandparents who just want to watch their grandchildren ride for an hour or two. Some are young parents with small children who tire easily. As empty nesters, my husband and I would like to drop by to get a bite to eat, play some games or just walk around. Everyone I have spoken to said they would visit Camden Park a whole lot more if they didn't have to pay the full admission price. I challenge everyone to contact Camden Park and ask them to give the people a choice!
  • Posted By: to gay question: god is not a cruel and unfair god.we all have our faults.is homosuxality a bigger sin than adultry,pornography,lying,stealing, and the list goes on.the clue to these behaviors is wanting to make our lives better.we cant blame anyone but ourselves for what we do.if anyone doesnt change its what they want to do.but as long as it doesnt affect me thats between you and god.but it is wrong,just as cheating on your spouse is sin.would we tell the adulterer that its not sin and not to try being a better person,i think not.celibacy would be better than the same old behavior.these have been struggle since creation.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Losing your religion Jane Doe? What happened to "turn the other cheek"? I do hope your little girl is ok. I have children of my own, I know how precious they are. But next time you read of someone else being "furious" or commenting on their personal issues, maybe you should keep your bible quotes to yourself.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: I recently went with my church and my family to Camden Park this past weekend. Me and my 6 year old daughter rode the Spider, We thought it was going to be lots of fun, we were wrong! It was a nightmare! It went on for 10 minutes and was going way too fast! My daughter was terrified and was screaming! I was furious when the man that helped us off asked if she was okay and I said what do you think and he laughed!! I have rode this ride for many years and loved it, But this time I could tell it was different! But then it gets worse, A friend of mine that stayed at the park longer than us informed me that after we left, The spider closed down and said they had crossed wires and the ride was malfunctioning!!! My daughter can't hardly walk today and has a four inch bruise down her back! I'm taking her to the doctor in the morning. If there is something seriously wrong, I will be speaking to the owner and this situation will be takin care of!!!!!
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