It is truly an honor to be endorsed by the District 8 United Steelworkers. They represent a large group of workers, district 8 covers Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

As an Independent candidate it is important for me to find support outside the traditional parties. I am proud that such a large group of working men and women have endorsed and supported me in my journey to win this election. It strengthens my resolve to fight for better working conditions and a better wage for the working men and women of Kentucky.

Thank you!

#decentwagefordecentwork

Please donate!

The KY UAW CAP endorses Independent candidate John Whipple!

 As the son of a Detroit autoworker I am proud to be been endorsed by the KY UAW. Kentucky has a strong future in technology and manufacturing, and we need to support the workers who are building that future. 

Endorsed by the Kentucky State AFL-CIO!

 

I believe strongly in the working men and women of Kentucky and protecting workers rights. It is an honor to have the KY AFL-CIO’s Committee on Political Education’s endorsement for the 5^th District Senate seat.

Endorsed by Better Schools Kentucky!

I am proud to have been selected by Better Schools Kentucky to be the endorsed candidate for the 5^th District Senate Seat. It is an honor to be selected by other educators from our great Commonwealth.

 

100 Years of Women's Suffrage in America!

 

          One hundred years ago today Tennessee became the 34^th state to ratify the 19^th Amendment and guaranteeing that women in America had the right to vote.

          My grandmother used to tell us stories. She was born in 1890 and was nearly 30 years old before she could vote. And that when she did Grandpa would try to tell her who to vote for, but that she ALWAYS voted how she felt best. I am proud of her.

          There should really be parades today. Speeches. If the Democrats and Republicans fail to mention this event at their conventions, SHAME on them.

          Women’s suffrage is important. It reminds us that at one time most Americans did not have the right to vote, and that we need to use and protect that right. Respect it.

          So today, let’s not forget the struggle of our Grandmothers and how they had to fight and demand the right to vote!

Back to School!

 

Today I am making my final preparations for school to begin. I started teaching in 2004, after I retired from the Army, so this is my 16^th Back to School! Not counting all the ones as a student! Only eleven more to go before retirement!

 

          All the things that we do every year, we are doing now. We are getting ready for Open House. My classroom is spic and span and every inch has been cleaned and sanitized. I have got my “Welcome Back Speech” made. And, of course, my lesson plans are prepared.

 

          Let me talk about my lesson plans. We have an 8^th grade curriculum covering about 400 years of American history. Normally we have 36 weeks or so to cover it, at about an hour a day. This comes out to roughly 180 hours of instruction. And this year, due to Covid, I expect that we will have to write all those lesson plans at least twice. Once for in person instruction and once for on-line.

 

          My point in all this is that SCHOOL IS STARTING. Students will be going back to class and learning. It may not be like we’ve always been used to, but it will be done. We are professional educators and we will make it happen, trust us.

 

          Trust your local school boards, folks. They know what they’re doing. Kentucky is very proud of our system of “Local Control” where the state allows the local and county school boards to run their public schools as the school boards see fit. Yes, the state sets minimum graduation guidelines and so on. But the local school boards say how it gets done.

 

          And this year many have chosen to start with distance learning. Some have started with in class instruction. Others have tried a mixture. The bottom line is, we elected our school boards and we have to trust that they did what they thought was best for their district. For the most part they’ve left options open that should work for everyone.

         

          This is why it is important that you talk to our elected officials. Make your wishes known. And then once the decision is made, support them. And if you don’t like it, run for school board yourself next time.

 

          Have a good year. Be healthy, wear your mask!

United We Stand

I saw an American flag today, flown upside down. A Trump 2020 flag flying just below it.

This exercise of 1st Amendment Rights saddened me. It hurts me to see someone who I know clearly loves our nation is so hurt and upset to fly Old Glory in this way. It seems like a declaration of anger and frustration and I fully understand how they feel. I am not judging you, I am listening.

I want to say, don't give up hope. Don't lose faith. We can work together and make things right. Don't let the media and national politics and the craziness that we are all dealing with change the fact that we are all Americans and we all love our country.

I am running for Kentucky State Senate, and on our Kentucky state flag it says "United We Stand". I fully believe that, with all my heart.

Neighbor, I see your flag, and I hear your message. We are a nation in distress, we all see that. But as long as our flag flies proudly we will always find a way to come together and solve our problems.

God Bless America!

Ballotpedia: Excellent site for voters!

          I want to take a moment to pass on to you a useful tool that has helped me learn more about the political structure of the Kentucky and the United States. It’s a website called Ballotpedia.

          Ballotpedia is a powerful non-partisan resource that provides a wealth of information focused on helping voters understand politics.
          Too often all we see in the “news” is actually opinion. Someone may make a comment, like “We should delay or postpone the election” and others may think, “Hey, that’s not a bad idea. With all the problems with Covid maybe we should consider delaying the election!” Well, it only takes a few minutes on Ballotpedia too learn that this is a totally unrealistic and unconstitutional suggestion this is.

 

WHAT I’D LIKE YOU SEE ON BALLOTPEDIA today:

          Ballotpedia provides information on all candidates for every election. If the candidate takes the time to provide it.

          Click on the link Ballotpedia link below to view my section on our 5^th District election. Please, check it out and tell me what you think. Feel free to post a question or comment. I’ll get back with you.

Be safe!