In our society, newspapers are disposable commodities. You read it one day, and by the next, it's irrelevant. After all, who wants to read about yesterday's news?
Yesterday's news, however, was very significant last week as the Kentucky Press Association put the past year of newspapers from across the state at center stage and distributed the 2009 KPA awards.
Early last Wednesday morning, the plan was to stop by Unitas Tower on the University of Louisville campus, pick up a friend and head to a local IHOP to celebrate a birthday. At 3:15 a.m. the plan changed.
We were disheartened by the lack of insight a real social problem illustrated by the editorial in the January 20, 2009 issue of the Cardinal entitled "Celebrate today how far we've com."
"In my five years here, this is the first time we have had shots fired on campus," said Lt. Colonel Kenny Brown of University of Louisville DPS. There were no injuries reported.
Today the world seemed to stand still for a moment, in silent, and at times, jubilant respect for the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. For most, the moment will be remembered always.
"To say that we are on the brink of a historic occasion by now is cliché. Nevertheless, cliché though it may become, the election of an African-American as president is a stunning fact, with all matters of implications, even globally," said Milton Metz, retired radio personality.
Metz moderated the event, "On the Eve of a Historic Inauguration: Covering Race and Politics in 2009," which was held at the Chao Auditorium Thurs., Jan. 15.
The panel included Al Cross, University of Kentucky communications professor; Betty Bayé, columnist for The Courier-Journal; and Ricky L. Jones, University of Louisville Pan-African Studies associate professor.
With a bumper sticker on his wheelchair that reads "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" Michael Utter grimaces as he hears the intricate details of a partial-birth abortion.
The details, discussed by Michael Janocik of Kentucky Right to Life Association, were part of a panel discussion called "Abortion: Constitutional Right or Moral Wrong" held on Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Red Barn. Along with Janocik, Dr. Paul Simmons of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, discussed the issue of abortion during a two-hour event in front of about 150 people.
