Dec. 7, 2012: Our readers write

“PAWS Forever” book release a Success

The actions of many animal lovers is starting to make a difference in Hardin County. On Sunday, more than 100 people and dogs gathered for the book release of “PAWS Forever.” The book is a photographic collection of our community dogs, many of which have been adopted from the Hardin County Animal Shelter.

Special thanks needs to go to Holly Stapleton, the book’s graphic designer and marketing manager at Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, and a team of local photographers. This book would not have been possible without the countless hours of their hard work. Clagett Photography shot the cover photo of King Titian, a West Highland terrier, loved by Larry and Rhondaly Waddell. The creative works of these photographers can be seen in the book: Adele Reding Studio, Carmon Imaging, Clagett Photography, Ed Sherrard Photography, Joe Lawrence Photography, Laura Farmer Photography, Lone Dakota Photography, McCoy’s Image Studio, Melissa G Photography, Melanie Wells Photography, Seymour Studio, Studio C and Tom King Photography.

Because of fundraisers such as this and the donations of many in the community, construction on the new 14,000-square-foot animal shelter has started at 220 Peterson Drive.

It takes a village to build a shelter. Thanks to many, we are one step closer.

Diane Shoffner
Elizabethtown

About the census

A recent article discussed an amendment proposed by U.S Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to National Defense Authorization Act which was eventually passed by the Senate. The amendment requires the Census Bureau to count deployed service members at the residence of the last duty station. This reveals a major flaw with the intent of the census vs. what would be counted under this amendment. The census is required to determine enumeration for representation in the House of Representatives. As written in the new law, the census would then be wrong.

For example, my son is deployed to Afghanistan from Fort Lewis, Wash. Under the new rule, if the census were held today, it would count his residence as being Fort Lewis. The problem is that he is a resident and registered voter in a congressional district in Florida. Why should the state of Washington benefit from his being counted as living there for congressional representation?

While I understand the intent is to garner resources for the local area based on the fact the soldiers live in our area, the fact is that it directly conflicts with the constitutional purpose of the census. The article cites Paul’s office as stating it would not affect affect the service member’s voting status. That is simply not true because the member would not be counted as a constituent of the district in which he votes. Although the numbers may seem trivial, the primary purpose of the census is well documented and counting service members where they do not vote is not that purpose.

I find it particularly disheartening that our elected officials did not come up with this reasoning themselves.

Glenn Adwell
Rineyville