Letter: Media needs to hold state, federal officials accountable

To the Editor:

On page A2, of the Aug. 7, 2013 edition of The Kentucky Standard, there was an update to the story of a local businessperson who is being sentenced for healthcare fraud. On page A12 appeared a report detailing fraud in state government at Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM). A state audit showed (in a nutshell) gross “wasting [of] tax dollars intended for emergency response” (like $5.6 million). Furthermore, employees of that department informed auditors that they were “threatened” to keep quiet about the abuses. Governor Beshear predictably stated his disappointment—and his confidence that KYEM would get its act together quickly. The case is being investigated by various state agencies and the feds.

I chafe at the governor’s lukewarm assurances. After all, this happened, over several years, on his watch. On the national level, other unresolved scandals, like Benghazi, the NSA, the IRS, etc., seem to bloom before us everyday. Well, while all of these governmental issues can go unresolved, we can be confident that private businesses and citizens will be dealt with promptly and firmly!
But why is it that we and the media often seem to prioritize the news of a local businessperson over what is being done with OUR money in the county, in Frankfort, and Washington? Our poor judgment in too heavily trusting our politicians, in failing to stay informed and in communication with them, has led to immeasurable fraud at every level of government. Our complacency has resulted in tax hikes every time we turn around, loss of liberty, and tyrannical impositions like Obamacare.

We are the conscience of government. Let your representatives know that you are watching them—and that you will vote to fire them, come election time, if they are bad stewards.

Congress is recessed right now, and many politicians are home in their districts. Find them, and let them know where you stand. Call their local offices. Don’t be intimidated—you pay the bills, from the local school board to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Amelia Clements
Cox’s Creek, Ky.

-30-