War Hero and Former Police Officer Watches Life Unravel
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Posted: 10:53 PM Nov 21, 2008
War Hero and Former Police Officer Watches Life Unravel
Soldiers and police officers have much more in common than uniforms and guns. They both serve their country and their communities. But one former solider, who came back home and joined a small local police force, has watched his life unravel.
Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
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WORTHINGTON, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Soldiers and police officers have much more in common than uniforms and guns. They both serve their country and their communities.

But one former solider, who came back home and joined a small local police force, has watched his life unravel. Travis Utley is an American war hero who fears he's lost the respect of his community and just about everyone else.

Utley recently lost his job as a Worthington police officer after allegedly smoking marijuana -- something he said did not happen.

But Worthington Police Chief Mike Hartman said Utley's not telling the truth. He said that after about five months on the small town force -- Utley, a 25-year-old rookie -- crashed a cruiser about three weeks ago, then tested positive for marijuana and resigned.

Utley said he was clean, but the chief "had it in for him" and that he had just passed a police academy entrance drug test eight hours before the crash.

"I wanted another drug test," Utley said. "They said they would not do it. I wish I had gotten an attorney, but it would not have mattered."

But what did matter to Utley's mother -- so proud back in 2003 -- was when her Army specialist son was locally and nationally recognized as a point man in the capture of Saddam Hussein.

"I was the one who pulled Saddam out of the hole," he said. "Now I'm unemployed and don't know how I will pay the rent."

Now on disability after suffering leg injuries from a roadside bomb, Utley said he didn't smoke marijuana until he got out of the service.

"I did when I got out but not after I became a cop," he said.

Hartman refused an on-camera interview, referring us to the city attorney. He did say, however, that Utley crashed a police cruiser, tested positive for marijuana and resigned instead of being fired. He added that Utley was a troubled young man.

Remembering his celebrated past and living hand-to-mouth on $200 disability a month, the war veteran said his bleak future gives him no reason to celebrate at all.

"My name's not as good as it was; it may never be again," Utley said. "I'm going to leave this area."

Worthington city attorney Paul Craft said he would not comment further on personnel matters. He did say he has full faith in Hartman's credibility as a veteran law enforcement officer.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Here on May 26, 2009 at 03:42 PM

Keep ur head up Travis!
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: To The City Council on Jan 2, 2009 at 03:24 AM

Get out and check what people are saying for yourself and then do something about it. These guys except for maybe one of them give Police Officers a bad name. The Chief needs to be someone who is honest, trustworthy and for goodness sakes have some morals. You all have put some hot head upon a pedestal and he thinks he can do whatever he wants. Hope you people who are standing up for the Chief don't ever make him mad at you, then it will be a different story. Trust me, I know.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: CITIZEN 3 on Jan 1, 2009 at 12:32 PM

tO Also a Worthington citizen: You are right on. The other Worthington citizen is probably the chief defending himself because he is full of BS I am a citizen of Worthington and believe me I see what is going on and it is not for the city and cracking down on anything , but the foolishness is still there . Harrassing the citizens is more like it. Hartman is too busy running his Greenup business and does not give a sh*t about Worthington just a paycheck he does not earn and sloppy trained on the job officers only has 2 officers that have been to the academy of course hartman has been to the academy years ago but you would never know it! What a mess Worthington citizen or chief or chiefs friend we have your number and can read between the lines. We the concerned citizens have been watching what is going on we are not blind or stupid. And yes you can find them wowing the women and parked somewhere wowing them and at crisps airy bar. The citizens are watching what is going on!!
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 11/15
  • Posted By: PIONEER COUNTRY!: AMEN Lee! I have kids that play for Wayne.. I was wondering the samething.
  • Posted By: Roane Co. Quiz Question: Which band featured a singer who screeched "Im like a laser a six string razor I got a mouth like an alligator." Anybody that can answer wins the prize-Band, Song, Singer.
  • Posted By: What is a hummingbird behind?: The trick or treat story was hilarious, and right on the mark. Great teaching tool for the young. Ok, for the 205th time; 1. Tax cuts, for everyone, to stimulate the economy. Study the depression of 1922, Reagan in 1982, Bush in 2002, history is clear, they work. Reagan's two terms saw 19.9 million jobs created; 2. Stop scaring businesses and entrepreneurs to death with Marxist rhetoric, disastrous bills like Card Check and Cap and Trade, which cause uncertainty in hiring and investment; no matter how much you hate them, wealthy people provide jobs and buy things, providing more jobs. 3. Instead of pushing things on the public that clearly are not wanted, i.e., health care, piling trillions on top of existing debt, do something about jobs, it is the economy, stupid, jobs provide health care, wages; 4. Get the government out of the private sector, stop taking over entire industries, stop punishing initiative and hard work, reward people who work hard. 5. outlaw greed. Lets hear yours?
  • Posted By: to get over it: Do you realize that Muslim is not a country? You said you're more interested in whether he is American or Muslim? Well you can be both, just like I am a Christian American. My neighbor is of the Muslim religion and just like his father and grandfather was born and raised in America. You're not helping your cause when you say these things. Now you may be worried if the president is a radical Muslim, just as we all would. Or even if he was radical in any religion that could be bad for everyone whether it's Muslim, Christian, Jewish etc...Such as if he were a radical Morman which is of the Christian faith and decided to have more than one wife.I am sure we'd be all up in arms about that. But just because one is Muslim doesn't mean that they are a terrorist.
  • Posted By: TO KEITH------just the facts!: When I give you facts you just ignore them and say I give you none. The $300 billion surplus Clinton left Bush is public record, look it up. It is also public record that Bush ran through that surplus quickly and then started adding to the once shrinking national debt under Clinton and at approx. $1 trillion a year. You're too easy! Unemployment benefits are better than nothing at this point in time. Obama is working to turn this around but it isn't gonna happen overnight. Like I said before, how can you clean up 8 years of Bush's mess in less than a year?
  • Posted By: Lee: I have a quick question for WSAZ Sports...Has Tommy Harmon told you guys to stay away from Wayne football, or have you made that choice on your own?? Wayne High School is ranked #1 in the state with a 10 year record that is beyond any team in the State of WV, and you are offering virtually no coverage for post season. I am not a huge follower, I have no kids or grand kids playing, I have attended one game this year, but coverage of Wayne football this year has been pitiful at best. Maybe Harmon has asked you to stay away, and I would not blame him, but I am just curious.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Keith you may not mention Rush, but your comments are typically verbatim of his comments and thoughts. Shall I use your little "trick or treat" idea as an example? You, just like Rush, may think your way, your ideas and your beliefs are the only correct ones but I disagree. Am I "dripping venom"? Yes, I am. Maybe it is my defense mechanism reacting to people like you that are threating my country. All you want to do is finger point and place blame but you never offer any constructive ideas or useful solutions. Basically your just like old Rush, you have an alligator mouth and a hummingbird behind.
  • Posted By: Keith...it is hard, especially when you don't give me any facts to refute: No, Biden promised unemployment would not top 8% if the stimulus was passed. What is your source? Surplus? 9/11 and it's effect on the economy. Frankly, I don't care if Marxist policies are embodied by R or D, they are still wrong. Get a better argument, you're too easy. Unemployment benefits? What about jobs? Honestly, it takes a liberal to suggest unemployment benefits are helping the economy. People would be thankful for jobs. Hey, did anyone hear John Kerry's daughter was DIU in CA? (Kerry was in VietNam) Wonder what would have happened if it had been a Palin daughter? Still don't believe in govt. death panels? Ladies, want a mammogram? Tough luck, age 50 now. Do you all see what I mean about Roane Co. and Rush? Every post, obsessed. And once again, to all, please do not be intimidated by the skin-color obsessed liberals. Continue speaking out, continue telling the truth, do not be intimidated by their political correctness. PC has to end, now, if we are to survive as a nation.
  • Posted By: Get over it: Black or white? The color of your skin is no different than the color of your hair, eyes, etc. Who cares what the president looks like on the outside? I am more concerned if he is American or a Muslim. Now THAT makes a big difference -who will he stand with when all is said and done. That affects us all-black or white. As for skin color, I think the black people are the only ones who notice that. If you want to make it an issue, then the larger white count can see to it that it does not happen again. You just thought it would make you more important. Are you American or not? We will not be threatened just because we have a president who happens to have blacker skin. There were not enough of you to have voted him in. How do you think that happened? If you do not like being American, then find another country. Africa maybe since that is where you claim? Don't think you would like it there either. Stand with us, not against. We are one-American! Take it or leave it.
  • Posted By: weres: doenst matter. this country going to hell in a handbag for a long time. they pass laws that tell you how to run your life and too many people here want a free ride. like free health care, those who have healthcare they work for will get screwed by the ones that wont get a job and still want health care for free.... or make babies for a welfare check...
  • Posted By: Hey racist: You sound a little racist to me. I mean, who cares what Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton have to say? Who cares what you have to say? They are all just opinions! Are you honestly threatened by their views?
  • Posted By: Keith- how can you argue with facts?: You continue to insult us, what a great job at "doing all [you] can to educate and enable folks and encourage it." Keith, the facts are: unemployment was already predicted to hit 10% this year long before Obama ever took office. Clinton left Bush with a 300 billion surplus, and what did he do with it? Can you answer that Keith? Can you say cronyism? Do you even know what that means? I can guarantee you one thing, Bush sure does. His policies were based on it. You want to talk about redistribution of wealth? What do you call Bush's redistribution of wealth? His cronyism politics allowed himself and all his buddies to get richer at the expense of us. And I will tell you what Obama is doing to help (no challenge needed), signing the bill to extend unemployment benefits by 20 weeks. I bet the people that helps are thankful for that. What about the progress he has made in the peace process? Obama is making history, positively---whether you like it or not. :-)
  • Posted By: Justine Carter: The President of the United States is black. "Half white" is not a recognized race and neither is "half black". Children of mixed race relationships (black-white) are raised as black. President Obama is a black man, was raised as a black man and has claimed himself as black on government forms including the forms he filled out for college. It really bothers the white conservatives racists that he was elected. They even try to soften the hurt to their racist ego's by clinging to the "he's half white" card. Face it white conservatives the President of The United States of America is a black man and a "liberal" democrat. Your hatred and racism couldn't stop him from being elected and it will not stop similar people from being elected into government in the future. The white racist power structure is slowly fading away. The president of the United States is a black man and the white conservatives can't stand it.
  • Posted By: to bluebird: good idea to go computer.please dont shut up.its the american way...that is for now.i wasnt critizing you for being compassionate.i been there done that.that didnt help 1 child.there are 2 points of view,liberal and conservative.its a fact that liberals believe in spending our money, but keeping theirs,to them thats compassion.but historically conservatives give much,muchmore of their own money to charity.i m only saying unless you give 1 on 1 your money only does a minimal amount,where as you can spend your money for the better good.any one makes a mistake by only getting 1 point of view.your computer can be used for good or otherwise.it will take you to world net daily,news max,other news sites as well as msnbc,cnn,other liberal news networks to compare,that is a good thing.wsaz is doing a good thing.but tears, sadness never saved 1 child.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Keith, read the story on this website with the headline "USW Challenging Proposed Health Care Cuts For Retired Century Aluminum Workers". This story is a prime example of how the greed of Big Business is killing this country. But I'm sure you, like your hero Rush, will place the blame on organized labor.
  • Posted By: Hey Roane Co.: Sorry for the delays, I am trying to respond to you and will continue. The "dummies" I referred to are the "race" mongers who are obsessed with skin color, read the first line of my post, and witness Leonard's post, stating that if you disagree with Obama, you are racist, and then others chime in agreeing. "Race" is a lie; God only created one race of people, mentioned both in Genesis and Acts; people obsessed with skin color are dummies and beneath contempt. I think folks like Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, and Clarence Thomas are brilliant. Google them if you don't get the point, which I know you liberals won't. RC, what the heck is wrong with you? Do you ever read what you write? It is dripping with venom. I have never seen someone so obsessed with Rush. I seldom mention him; you mention him nearly every post. Anonymous-specifics please; what lies? I too am looking forward to the elections, more of NJ, VA, NY, etc...yeah, you guys are doing great. Check out Rasmussen Reports.
  • Posted By: racist: you cant be a good white american unless you vote against the liberal health care plan...oops i got that story wrong n.a.a.cp.,jesse jackson says you cant be a good african american if you dont vote for the liberal health care bill.does that sound racist to you?butwe know that sharpton and jackson couldnt hold a job at mcdonalds if they and others like them didnt keep the hate and race card going.
  • Posted By: Bluebird: To the commenter who keeps replying to me: I apologize for my lack of knowledge on world matters. I have never heard of darfor. I have not watched TV in years. I do not take the paper. All the news I get is right here and even that is only for the last year. I spend my time with my family and only decided to get internet to learn what is wrong with our country. I have spent the last year or so reading up on our nation. I see a big government encroaching on the rights of the people with the promise of only getting worse. And I saw them say that 17,000 children a day die of hunger as though they were reporting the weather. And I was hurt by that. I won't apologize for having compassion, but I will apologize for offending you. I will continue to read, but will keep my mouth shut (hopefully). I did a google search on "dorfar". It was spelled a little differently but it was bad. All I wanted was to 1)help our economy 2)ask people to not park in handicap if not entitled 3)feed the starving
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Keith, calling people "dummies" is a very ineffective way to "educate and enable folks". But I would not expect anything less from you. Why don't you just go ahead and say that you are on loan from god also. I bet you have typed it in your comments many times but deleted it for fear of being ridiculed, just like your idol Rush screens his callers to be certain no one other than his brainwashed followers are aired. You, like Rush, might be more efficient conveying your opinions and ideas if you would refrain from being narrow minded, overbearing, pompous individuals. It may also help if you looked up the definition of the word greed. It has always been a mystery to me why republicans, the very party that claims to be so religiously oriented, are so prone to disregard the word greed that is mentioned many times in their Bible. So tell us Keith, who can turn our country around? Rush? Sarah? Another Bush? You? Come on big boy, you seem to have all the solutions. Help us "dummies".
  • Posted By: : Kieth ,it is better to be a"dummy" than a liar.Your fascist party is the problem.Your comments are just fascist talk show excerpts.You can't educate people with lies,you can only mislead them.I think most Americans are wise to the fascist party of no.I looking forward to the elections to rid ourselves of more of your kind.
  • Posted By: Hey Leonard: You may have slept through the '90s, Bill Clinton was the first black president.
  • Posted By: Keith...no, you dummies: For those who play the "race" game, Big O is "half-white," so there. What is harsh? How about 10% unemployment, with NOTHING being done about it. How about record numbers of people unable to pay the mortgage? And I'm harsh? Wow. Sorry, I plan on staying around; a political earthquake is coming next year and I am doing all I can to educate and enable folks and encourage it. Since you don't say, what should I support? The phony stimulus bill? The destruction of the health care system? Marxist redistribution of wealth, stealing from folks who work and giving it to those that don't? Your post is sadly ill-informed; I remember in Bush's second term, record low interest rates; unemployment <5%; non-existent inflation. What bad decisions over 8 years? You didn't pay much attention. Again-my challenge to you: What is Obama doing right now, to make anything better in a year? Obama is responsible now; he has the power, not Bush; O tripled the deficit in 6 months; he can only cry so long.
  • Posted By: food for thought: No Leonard, it's not that he is black. See you are so caught up in it you must not know....HE IS NOT BLACK! Anyone whom thinks so is the one that is losing it. Now I could go into deep conversation on what people that are of more than 1 ethnic background would be called in the south compared to what they are branded here. That's sad in itself. I am ashamed as an American that Mrs. Obama said after nearly 50 years of AMERICAN life she says she is finally proud to call herself an American. DO your research on that. I am also saddened that Mr. Obama calls himself a Christian but has a cop and a professer over for a beer to calm things down and find common ground. Now how mant times in American history has a beer calmed things down? A Christian would introduce these men to Jesus. Or maybe he is as embarassed as standing up for his Faith as I am to have him as a President. And yes that is w/o saying he is the first black president. He is not that.
  • Posted By: M: Heres one for ya in pa a couple was aressted for not paying a tip that was added to their bill evan though the service stunk go to yahoo.com and read this stupid thing when did a tip become mandatory
  • Posted By: Patty: Re: Leonard Briton...You hit the nail on the head.
  • Posted By: : To Buck: Just pick a different topic. It gets really old. There's a lot more to talk about then the president or the government! I don't waste one ounce of thought on them, Just an idea. Don't let them get to you.
  • Posted By: roger: just a few things the govt has done a great job at.social security pased in 1935 by democrats. i dont see anybody sending their social security check back to the govt. medicare passed in 1965 by democrats. i dont see any cutting up their medicare card. and the library system. the best in the world. thank you very much. roger
  • Posted By: I.M. Wright: Instead of railing against the HPD, maybe the NAACP and religious leaders should look toward getting the drug dealers and unsavory persons out of Huntington.
  • Posted By: Leonard Briton: white conservative republicans continue to whine and cry on the yell because they can not stand the fact that a black man is the president of the United States. It eats them up on the inside that a black man is the leader of white America. Better get use to it white people, Obama will not be the last non-white to be president. White people are losing their strangle hold on America and it is about time too. For too long whites have had the power and they have kept people of color down. Sorry white people but your days of white supremacy is coming to an end.
  • Posted By: Okay Keith: You are so harsh. Why not move to another country if you are so displeased with the way ours is going. Like I said in a post last week, instead of trying to nitpick every little thing you can as far as Obama or any democrat goes, stand up and be a true American and support our president, our government. FDR and LBJ should not be scorned for SS and medicare...both programs have evolved drastically from what they once were. Everything changes, sometimes for the good, sometimes the bad. You know, I never did like Bush, and as bad as you want to sit and blame Obama for the outrageous unemployment rates and national debt, it was ultimately Bush's fault. You cannot expect Obama, in less than a year, to turn around 8 years of bad decisions. But I must say, I never cried and threw a fit when Bush was in office, I mean, what is the point? And as far as our healthcare system goes, I may not totally agree with the way the plan is set up, but for you to say it is not broken is outrageous!
  • Posted By: SARAH ROCKS: go sarah go.now if we can get that pervert,the sperm donor of her grandson to keep on showing his ignorance.we can contrast the two.where are his parents?they ve got to be embarressed.
  • Posted By: to bluebird: with tears in my eyes i see hungry children.what good are tears and hopelessness if the grown ups dont do whats right.i cant believe a person who has so moch sympathy,empethy doesnt know about darfor and all these starving nations under u.n.control.the marjority ofthe money is,was from u.s.how much good did my tears and hopelessness help these dying children and people?only action and a willingness is theanswer.but they were under tryannical rule.if there are hungry children in this country its not brought on by people who care,but people who dont care for their own families.some things cant,wont be changed.i respect you for caring,but i refuse to be called selfish and stingy for someone elses sin.this country is ,has been the greatest most generous since the beginning of time.that is fact not fiction.
  • Posted By: just me: How is it that a place like Toyota Mfg can have emergency drills but not include there contractors, They don't care if their contractor are safe or what. It is bad enough that they are fighting Union trying to organize.
  • Posted By: hey jeannie: name 1 thing the gov.can do well.if gov.gets hold of health care,our country is done for.we,ll be selling our very souls to the devil.gov.destroys everything it touches.i havent seen a comment about o s czars,are you afraid to go there?the terrorist said they were guilty and wanted to be executed,why were they brought to america? millions of dollars to keep them here not to mention the danger for n.y.a slap in the face for their victims.is it an obama ploy to set these terrorist free?dont forget he couldnt,wont call the ft.hood muslim a terrorist.can he still hear the sweet call to morning prayers he heard as a child?
  • Posted By: Bluebird: All you need to do is read the comments of the ones who replied to me to see what I am saying. To the first commenter at 8:00, you are right, but the key words are "have been".And no, I haven't read about darfor.If I had known, I wouldn't have asked. To the second, I don't see what you are saying. To the one at 8:46,I have spent my life helping others which is why I am now trying to learn what happened to our country while I wasn't looking. And if you check out the story on the homeless kids you will see I asked how can we help. No reply. I want to know where these kids are so I CAN HELP THEM! And Jeannie-there is a big difference. SHE HAD A HANDICAP TAG! These do not and smirk at you, daring you to say anything. They simply do not care. They are perfectly healthy and I see it EVERYDAY, where ever I go. But that is okay that you all attack me for caring. I had already decided it was useless to reach out to you. I quit.
  • Posted By: Keith..anybody hear Obama talking about tax cuts today?: So the Govt. tries to "fix" GM and Chrysler and according to all, fail miserably, so lets give them 20% of the economy to "fix" a health care system that is not even broken..incredible. Health care costs need to be addressed; this bill does nothing, none of the tort reform Nick Rahall promised to use his considerable clout to get, ha ha; no interstate sales of insurance; nothing the government does ever lowers cost-again, I challenge you, name me one program that has actually came in under cost and lowered costs. Medicare??? When you "lower" premiums for the older, the younger pay more; I do not go door to door bumming my neighbors to pay my electric bill, mortgage, etc...I don't expect them to pay my doctor bills either. Have you no pride or self respect? As usual, god-government, come and save us, you are our only hope. This has never been the American way, but thanks for pointing out who is to blame for making us a welfare, handout, bummy country, FDR, LBJ, Scorn to them both...
  • Posted By: TO BLUEBIRD: I really don't think the uncaring comments you see posted on here are reflective of society-at-large. At least I hope not. The US is going to be such a different place to live someday and our utter lack of compassion for others is very sad. Many justify their views because they feel they are backed by Christianity, but it's not the type of Christianity that I am familiar with. Yes, everyone needs to work to provide for themselves if they can. I'd like to know where all these good union jobs are that help families stay intact and thrive. Other posters please don't bother trying to enlighten me about Obama's desire to end the world; many of you don't know when it's okay to be supportive of the president and when not to. Yet, you'll fight the govt all the way, even when they are trying to help everybody, not give stuff to, but help. Sounds like all of you believe no one is poor unless they CHOOSE to be poor. They've been cutting taxes since 70s and it's helped no one but the rich.
  • Posted By: tax payer: America has been sold out to the highest bidder for years and taking our jobs and family out of the country with them.If you don`t think so just take a good look around before you now it there won`t be anyone left.It`s time we take America back. So anyone with me just as I thought.Sold me out to.
  • Posted By: Gas Tax Wonderer: Just want to see what everyone has to say about this and I wasn't sure where to post it http://www.wvared.com/?p=3518
  • Posted By: Jeannie: About the handicapped spots - I heard a story the other day about this very issue. A lady was in the process of reapplying for her handicap tags. She was embarrassed by this liability. As she used handicapped spots, she noticed the stares from people and knew what they were thinking. People yelled at her in attempts to shame her out of the closer parking spot, hearing them despite diminished hearing in both ears. She understood she appeared physically capable, but she had a problem that no one could see unless they knew her mind. She was an Iraqi veteran who suffered from PTSD who had actually recovered to the point that at least she could go out. She patrolled the streets of Iraq, constantly aware of and checking for dangers like IED's or car bombs. During one of her patrols, an IED went off between two parked cars. When she came back, she could no longer walk through parking lots without experiencing PTSD attacks. Sometimes maybe there's more to the story than we know.
  • Posted By: hey bluebird: god helps those who help themselves.you,re listening to the libs and not doing some comparison on fact and fiction.but since its evryone elses fault children are going hungry,how many did you help today.bet you dont know any hungry children.and if by coincidence you do,bet its the parents fault,not taxpayers or charities.the u.n.is responsible for starving children because it is the most cirrupt orginization onearth.look up the facts.
  • Posted By: Jeannnie: The GM Bailout should have had more strings attached to it, but the Party of Nope insisted govt was getting too involved in trying to aid these companies. I am against the bailout, but I believe it was necessary. Govt should revisit why we HAD to and ensure we do not HAVE to again. Shame on GM for using OUR money to expand overseas operations. Yet another problem that fixing our Health Care system will solve. Cheaper health insurance benefits all of us; I'm just disappointed that a stronger public option is not in the works. If govt doesn't fix the multitude of reasons for Wall Street & auto industry bailouts - then we are Rome in the last throes. We're going down if the govt doesn't realize they are representatives of the people; I and my neighbor matter more than corporate profits. No one wants to acknowledge that big picture solutions require govt to conduct massive overhauls of our legal & financial systems. Just stop with your bogus SOCIALISM rants and help fix this mess.
  • Posted By: Good post Bluebird: Unfortunately hunger in America is a political football. It gets kicked by the media during Republican administrations because it fits the template of rich republican/poor mans buddy democrat. But, witness the studies that show conservatives are much more generous than liberals with charitable giving, they love to preach to us but don't follow up-witness rich couples like the Biden's and Obama's who give pitifully small amounts on 6 and 7 figure incomes. Obama has a brother in Kenya living in a hut on a $10 monthly income. Sad. What to do? Immediately, allow folks who have money and are willing to give it the maximum deduction on it. What is being done right now is the purposeful wrecking of the US economy to herd people towards the government, i.e., health care, "Save me." Charity interferes with that goal, so it is restricted. Secondly, people need jobs-they provide income, health care, enable contributions, so, cut taxes, drop the Marxist redistribution schemes, encourage growth.
  • Posted By: to blurbird..11;20p.m.: i dont know what country you live in...it cant be america!no other country,countries on GODS green earth has been as generous with its money,services,giving than americans.the more generous we are the more miligned and hated we are.yes dictators and so called religous genocide.havent you read about darfor and many other countries on the african continent?not american stinginess but people and politicans keeping the food from their people,on purpose.the u. n.is the most corrupt orginazitonon earth,they also promote hate america.but you are right our hearts are getting harder,for good reason,themore we give away,taxed,told we and our families must do without,the more we see our hard earned money going down endless rat holes ,the more we believe as GOD said if a person wont work he shouldnt eat.unless children are helped 1 on 1 there will always be hungry and homeless children.gov.doesnt want to help,just control.to keep itself in power.
  • Posted By: buck: hey anonymouson Nov 17 @ 706 pm So if we are all idiots while the majority of us stand for our country by, complaining about our president bowing, not supporting our troops, not doing a thing other than campaigning, forcing a health care bill that is socialist, a president who wants to redistribute the wealth, let the 9/11 terrorists stand trial in our court of law simply to put the Bush administration under a microscope, now if you can't see the arguments made on here and the worry about our country then you sir/mam are nuts. So what would be a normal persons post?
  • Posted By: : To everyone: Please get a life. There are more important issues in the world.
  • Posted By: To Roger and Becky: Women's suffrage (giving women the right to vote nationally) was achieved under Woodrow Wilson's presidency. Social Security was started under FDR's presidency and Medicare was started under Lyndon B. Johnson. All three democrats.
  • Posted By: Bluebird: No child should go hungry, even if they have worthless parents. The story about homeless says children are homeless. I reckon if they are homeless they are also hungry. And what countries have dictators starving the children? I think that most of the hungry ones are in Asia and Africa. Is that because of dictators? And even so, the UN could help those children. I think the time is coming where we will see famine in the US for the simple reason-WE DON'T CARE about others. Our hearts are hardened. I asked for ways we could help our economy during this our biggest spending season. No replies. How may will go and buy the $3.00 appliances to make sure China gets our Christmas money? It is simple-no one really wants to do anything to help. The "Today" posts were mine, by the way. I guess I was wrong to think I could make a difference somehow. We are getting just what we deserve. Big Earl, loved your comment. The bright spot for today- Acme indeed. Loved it. Truth with humor. Good one.
  • Posted By: Keith...hey RC: RC I can't forget Obama, he is the man in charge, whose policies affect our daily lives, the man who has the power to turn things around tomorrow, but refuses to do so. How? Forget the disastrous health care fiasco, that country does not want or need. Cut taxes immediately, this is a proven remedy for recession. Forget Cap and Trade, which will saddle folks with huge increases in bills and destroy our economy. Thats for starters...No, I don't think big business necessarily "cares" about anything besides making a profit, as if "caring" was why they are in business? Two wrongs cannot make a right with GM and Chrysler. They should never have been bailed out, but allowed to fail, go bankrupt, and start again and be competitive, like Ford, congratulations by the way to Ford for the huge award they won today, they did not take the bailout money. As for what they do with the money, what restrictions were placed on them? You cannot expect most to behave with a pot of free money w/o guidelines.
  • Posted By: becky: i would like to know what party got women the right to vote and when. i think every woman should know this. and remember when they vote.
  • Posted By: roger: what party got social security pased and signed into law for the people of the united stated. what party got medicare singed into law for the people. could it be the democratic party by chance.
  • Posted By: Gandalf: There is an amazing source of statistics available online called the CIA World Fact Book.[www.CIA.org] It lists China at #1 in the world with the largest positive account balance. It lists the USA at #190 with the largest negative account balance.
  • Posted By: anonymous: we havnt had a decent president in this country since 60s,now days there more worried about the world,and letting there country go hell,not bad enough sending our work over seas but lets send millons to get them up and running,if they cared they took some of the billons that was threw away and gave it back were it came from the working tax payers of usa,could gave us all 10.000 house hold boosted the econony and saved millons,guess what they dont care about american citizens anymore,just your tax dollar,and the song,just give it away,way away cross waters
  • Posted By: : There are more idiots on this site than ever,or maybe this is what wsaz allows on here while discarding normal person's post.
  • Posted By: hunger inthis country...: if anyone,especially children are going hungry in this country its because the adults are too lazy and uncaring to get off teir dead ends and fix food.as for other countries,the dictators are deliberatly starving their people.if we sent every thing we had and starved ourselves to death the people of these countris would still starve,its deliberate.but you are right ,the politicans seem hell bent on destroying our farmers.could that also be deliberate?
  • Posted By: buck: It used to be the neighboring countries of the middle east were home to the terrorist. It seems as though we are becoming the new home or should I say they have just decided to come out of the closet. Immigration is fine but why do we have to adjust to their beliefs an opinions. Which is how all this came about and now all the 9/11 idiots will get off. Last time I was in Iraq we were not allowed to have our own Bible and we were asked to abide by their customs so far as to know what was rude and what wasn't. If we can't practice our beliefs in their country then why can they come here and practice theirs. It is ridiculous.
  • Posted By: Today again: I see where the UN secretary-general at the summit says 6 million children die every year (17,000 a day) from hunger EVEN THOUGH THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD FOR ALL. To eradicate hunger, they are promising to promote investment, reverse the decline in funding for agriculture and tackle the effect of global warming on food security. I won't spout my views on the ghost called global warming.But I will say that farmers get virtually nothing for the hard work it takes to produce food for us all. They can barely keep afloat. And while the politicians are sitting there today discussing ways to take more of our money, according to their figures, 17,000 children will die of hunger. Why not get off their rears and rush food to these children instead of talking them to death. I wonder what Jesus will think of their politics while His children are dying? There is enough food thrown away from their table to have fed these children. ".. ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.":-(
  • Posted By: food for thought: Wednesday November 18. Sherman Tide paint the town everyone come out support the TIDE. ROLL TIDE ROLL! WSAZ, Carrie Jones is awesome!
  • Posted By: a domino effect: keith brought up a pointi,ve been talking about since the campaign.the unions,their retirement accounts etc.the unions were a large part of o s.win.now remember bidens solution to pentions,put them in the general gov.funds and distribute them as big brother sees fit,completely out of your control,completely in their control.dont worry about the wealthy union bosses they will have taken their wealth out before anything becomes law.they have no shame in dupping you into putting this radical administration in office.its time union members tell the union bosses to do whats best for america.r.c.we all agree too many jobe go out of the country,but we seem helpless to do any thing abut it.if to many illegalwould be sent back to their own countries there would be more jobs for americans.this prez. and his czars are goingto make these millions of illegals,,legal.hows that going to help the country?
  • Posted By: Have A Little Faith: "A house divided against itself cannot stand" Abraham Lincoln Is there division in your home, place of work, community school, or church? If so, you know what a destructive force "division" can be.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello again all you good coal miners and there families did you people see where these PETA types has let cyoteys loose in WV they bother people scaring the womenfolk rooting around in garbage cans killing mans best friend the dog and cats to well I say catch these nusance animals and haul them off if the game warden watches cartoons he knows there is certain animals you just do not let lose together you never saw Sylvester and Wylie on the same cartoon did you or Bugs Bunny battles the cyotey neither no it was the Road Runner them people at Warner Brothers knew the laws of nature these animals belong in the desert not the hills of all the pictures in the bible of Noah putting animals on the Ark I have seen elephants and zebras and girafes marching in the boat together but never a cyotey in the mix or a wolf neither this ought to tell you something does anybody know if the ACME company is still around I bet they could help.
  • Posted By: buck: For all those who voted for the Great O, now our enemies get the benefit of our criminal law and the chance of being found not guilty while our troops sit in Afghanistan with absolutely no support. Him making a decision on muslim extremist before making a no brainer decision for our troops whether it be more troops or bringing them home speaks volumes to me. We are in a lot of trouble people and it only gets worse before it gets better.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Keith do you not have a comment on GM using bailout funds to bolster its operations overseas? OVERSEAS Keith. This fine American company is taking the tax dollars of the citizens of the United States to a foreign country. Why Keith? To help the economy of the US? To create jobs in the US? Do you still think Big Business cares about this country? Forget Obama, forget the union, forget the politics... do you not see something wrong with this picture Keith? I'm just an old country boy with a twelfth grade education but even I can see that it is actions like this that has created our economic mess.
  • Posted By: Keith...I agree with you RC: GM and Chrysler should have been allowed to fail and go bankrupt, if they came back they would be stronger and healthier. Ford is a good example, I think, no bailout money and it seems as if they are coming around in quality surveys and sales. Bailing out GM and Chrysler was a violation of the free market. What saved them was the UAW and other unions own Barack Obama. The companies were blackmailed by selective strikes over the years into signing contracts they could not support or sustain and should not have been bailed out by anybody. Unions and management should both have gone under. That is a huge part of the so called health care bill. As soon as it becomes law, the unions will dump their retirees into the government system, and all the folks who have been cheering this on are going to find themselves in the same govt. ration line. And, if you don't buy the govt. insurance, Nancy Pelosi has a provision that you can be jailed. So, start looking for a get out of jail free card.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Keith I agree 100% with your comment about this trial. In my opinion all terrorists should be put before a firing squad or hanged. But I am sure we would disagree on the definition of terrorist.
  • Posted By: Chelyan: something needs to be done with these 3 trashy empty houses on grady street. what ever happen to knocking them down and chargeing the owners for the clean up it make our property value go down. something needs to be done.
  • Posted By: ladybug: Something needs to be done about these coal trucks driving 80 miles an hour from chelyan to marmet exit.and running red light at intersection. there goin kill someone. they deserve to get tickets.
  • Posted By: Today: Today I took my child with cancer for chemo. I passed up the close parking spaces reserved for this purpose because I knew some are worse than he. But before I even got out of my car I saw a young couple take the last reserved spot and literally skip into the hospital and the seriously ill had to park much farther away. Was it you? Also today I watched an elderly couple push a shopping cart out of the store and wander around trying to locate their car, confused and almost too tired to walk. More healthy young people had grabbed all the handicap spots. Was it you? As tears streamed down my face I wondered what has happened to us? And in my heart I knew I was not the only one watching. Another saw it too, and He was hurt much more than me. You may think you got away with it, but He saw you. One day you will have to give account. May He show you mercy you are undeserving of.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: So, GM is going to use some of the money from their US government/taxpayer bailout to bolster its operations overseas. Now didn't this "free market" company come begging for money from our government? Did they not use words like US job loss and economic impact while they sang their little song of desperation? Did they not cry to the court system to get them out of their legal obligations with retirees regarding pensions and health benefits? Did they not go crying to the UAW for concessions...and got them? And now they want to use OUR money to create jobs overseas. I can't wait to hear Keiths words of wisdom on this matter. I will tell you this before you start Keith, I was against this auto bailout from the beginning, I said from day one there were not enough stipulations as to how the money would be used. I feel the same about this healthcare bill. So, you see Keith, I am man enough to say that I do not always agree with my party.
  • Posted By: Don't forget to get Sarah Palin's new book: I heard the AP-Obama had assigned 11 reporters to look for mistakes, lies, etc...in Sarah's book, and they came up with only 6 allegations in over 400 pages. One involved Sarah writing that she seldom stayed in pricey hotels; AP found she had stayed once, and alleged she didn't tell the truth. Question: Does a one time stay qualify as "seldom?" You decide. If Conservatives listen, the liberals will tell you who the candidate should be in 2012, just pay attention to the one they go after with blood lust and hatred, which is clearly Sarah. Remember, they picked McCain for us last year-quite possibly the all time worst Republican candidate ever. FYI: Chris Matthews of MSNBC said he got a warm feeling up his leg when Obama spoke. Dan Rather of CBS pushed a story involving falsified documents during the 2004 election; Tom Brokaw of NBC admitted on air he had no idea who Barack Obama was or what he stood for; does this give you any confidence that these people even remotely have a clue?
  • Posted By: Keith...I will bet anybody on here these guys walk...: Amazing-terrorists who have proudly admitted to killing thousands of Americans on 9/11, asked to be executed, are to be brought in to an US courtroom and given a trial. Unbelievable! Remember Zacharias Moussaoui? Was Khalid Mohammed given his Miranda rights when he was captured on the battlefield? These guys will walk, thanks to Obama and Holder. Liberals, BTW, do you remember the Marc Rich pardon, the impact it had on Clinton, and who engineered it? What about pardoning the FALN terrorists? Who did that? Obama is a dangerous radical, if you are not registered to vote, please do so today, for your kids, grand kids, and country. Why do illegal enemy terrorists deserve a "jury of their peers?" Where will you find 12 terrorists in Manhattan? (No media jokes here, please) There are ACLU/liberal lawyers salivating at the chance to represent these terrorists, and liberal judges too. What will happen, the CIA, Bush, the USA, will all be put on trial by USA-hating radicals, thank you Obama.
  • Posted By: food for thought: The only ones defending Obama are the ones realizing the mistake they made voting for him. Not that the other choices were better. Hope this is that change you were looking for. OH and ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!
  • Posted By: Nicole: IN my opinion I dont think our president has help us in the ways we need it.He only made things alot worse.Everyone can keep complaining cause the president is going to keep doing what he wants to do & not what the people want.Huntington is getting so bad on people not wanting to abide by the law.They charge us a city user fee for us to live in the city around all the drugs,breakins,and etc..when they should be paying us to live in the city.You call the tip line and report this drama and they never do anything about it.So why even have it or incourage people to call it?As for the addicts that is not going to change unless they open more affordble places for people to get help.There is only 1 in hgt. that is half way affordble & everyone complains about it.When they know nothing about the program & if they didnt have it open then the crime rate would be up more than it is.People complain if there on the street & still complain when there getting help.Growup & be glad there off the street
  • Posted By: yes bush was wrong...: yes bush was wrong on some things,maybe he led us to the cliff.that was then this is now.obama is at the cliff doing things that will push us over.how will what bush supposedly did make anything obama does right.this country is on theverge of going facist,communist,socialist.freedom loving americans have no place else to go.people who believe in tyranny,facism,communism,sociallism have many places to go.justbecause you are an american citizen shouldnt give you the right to destroy this country.i have yet to see any comments on o s.czars,why?because they are the radicals wanting to control this country and its people.if o.gets complete control over guns,conservative talk radio,every person health decision,control.is o.wanting a new terrorist attack on n.y.does he hate this country and love al quida,muslim religon more than america?these things cant be accidental.
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