I watched the news shows as usual. I have to say that the thing that caught my attention the most was Donna Groves, news director of WKWX-WKYQ radio stations in Paducah, was once again on the Comment on Kentucky commonwealth political talking heads show.

I came into the show in progress, but Groves addressed three western Kentucky issues, well, actually identified as "McCracken County" issues. The first was the legal problems of the Amish as they continue to get arrested for refusing to put orange warning triangles on their horse and buggies. I thought Ms. Groves had some good information about that, particularly about the different sects of Amish. I knew a lot of that, but she had some info that I didn't know.

The second issue was the abuse by an employee of the McCracken County Humane Society shelter which included animal abuse and brutality to unknown numbers of dogs and cats. This has been a big story in the local news in the last week. The third was the embezzlement of the funds from the convention center.

I wouldn't call them sunshine stories for our region. They are all harsh and unpleasant. But I'm glad to see that Ms. Groves is getting some time on the show. She speaks well.

I also had to say to Kristi today that I finally agree with Evan Thomas on something, and appreciate what he had to say when he said that bottom line, congress was "bought and sold." Generally I don't agree nor particularly like what Thomas has to say, but I did today on that one.

Mark Shields took a strong stand, even against Eleanor Clift, the consummate democrat mouthpiece, questioning Obama's move to establish a military base in Australia. I was happy to hear that. And Newt Gingrich. He's a smart guy, but I don't think he can get elected president.