Jacob Baynham makes an important observation in “Blowing Their Tops” (issue of Nov. 11) that nothing but Russian Olive has grown back on an eastern Kentucky mountain that was mined and reclaimed 20 years ago.
It is also worth noting for readers who are unaware that Russian Olive is an invasive plant species that exploits damaged ecosystems where native flora has been weakened or destroyed. A “reclaimed” mountain consisting of nothing but Russian Olive has lost its biodiversity and is of little more value ecologically speaking than if it were still bare.
— Brendan Bogosian, Northside
Keep on LOL
“Six Years of Watching” (issue of Nov. 11) got me to thinking — like you, Larry Gross — how time passes so quickly. I feel like I’ve been reading this column just for a while. Actually, I’ve read it from the beginning, as I don’t pick up papers anymore. I’m a Web gal, and I no longer live in Cincinnati. I’m in Detroit now.
I read a lot of columns from all over, but I don’t consider Living Out Loud a column at all. Actually, I don’t know what it is, maybe a slice of life, maybe real people talking about real things. It’s often down and dirty. More times than not, it speaks to me.
I like Larry’s columns the best, then probably C.A.’s and then Jeremy’s. When you people write, I don’t feel like I’m reading something from a Web site. I feel like I’m reading a letter from a friend, someone I know and can relate to.
Please don’t go anywhere. Please keep living out loud. It is a total pleasure.
— Lauren White, Detroit
Christians and Voting
This undoubtedly will be the most important election in our history. It's imperative that everyone go out to vote. I have heard Christians say that they were not going to vote because Romney is a Mormon. THE ELECTION IS NOT ABOUT RELIGION!!! It's not about women's issues. The election is about bringing our country back to FREEDOM and not being regulated by a government that wants to give us NO CHOICES. The election is about the economy, more jobs, immigration, etc. WE ARE NOT VOTING FOR A PASTOR OF A CHURCH. We are voting for the President of the United States. This MUST be taken seriously. Leave religion out of it. If you insist on religion, would you rather have one in office who believes in Allah or one who believes in God? This is a no-brainer! Do you want four more years like the past four years? All the promises Obama said he would do he hasn't. It's never too late to educate yourself on politics. Watch all the stations, but be careful. Most of the media liberals are in bed with Obama and his administration. Don't believe everything they say. We are on our way to socialism! Do you realize how many Muslims are in this administration??? Do your research and then VOTE! YOUR life depends on it, the life of your children, grandchildren, and the elderly depend on it. Stand up for America and what our forefathers intended it to be. Read the Constitution. And for God's sake and America's sake, VOTE!