Democrat Activist Convicted in Trigg Co. "Scopes Trial"

In Kentucky's version of a modern day "Monkey Trial", a Marshall County resident and Democrat activist was convicted Friday in Trigg County District Court.

Let me set the scene for you: 79 year old Clarence J. Latham Jr. is the defendant charged with disorderly conduct. Mr. Latham's attorney is prominent Labor attorney Buddy Culter of the Louisville firm Priddy, Cutler, Miller & Meade. Cutler is a graduate of Yale and Cornell Law. The presiding Judge is James R. "Jamus" Redd III who is a graduate of Harvard. The prosecuting attorney is Duncan Cavanah who is an assistant County Attorney for Trigg and Christian Counties. Cavanah is a Transylvania Grad and UK Law Grad.

In 2008 Mr. Latham was granted a permit to have his "float", in this case a little wagon with Democrat signs and stickers with a spinner, in the Trigg County Ham Festival Parade. Keep in mind this same float with the same slogans have appeared before in the Trigg County parade as well many others around West Kentucky for years.

Parade organizers had been concerned about a sticker the year before that included a word that was printed as "Bullsh-t" on it. Out of respect Mr. Latham had covered it up. in 2008, one of the parade organizers approached Mr. Latham saying " I see your here again and have that "Nigger" shirt on," referring to his Obama T-shirt he was wearing. The Organizer told Mr. Latham" Your out of here". Mr. Latham stated that he asked if the "Bullsh-t" sticker was the problem. The reply he received was that police were being called to remove him from the parade.

The parade organizer in question is Craig Fowler. In fairness to all, my sources tell me that Mr. Fowler is a Democrat and that they believe it would have been really out of character for Mr. Fowler to have used the word "Nigger". There appears to be no witnesses so it is matter of whose story you choose to believe.

I spoke with Mr. Latham and he states that police showed up and basically told him he was under arrest. Mr. Latham said, " They would not even tell me what I was being charged with." The 79 year old Mr. Latham was taken downtown in handcuffs and If that was not bad enough, Mr. Latham said that the Cadiz police even used ankle chains on him.

Mr. Latham said he was willing to resolve the matter if all parties offered an apology and apparently my sources tell me that the Commonwealth was more than willing to dismiss the charges but with prejudice. As this matter progressed everyone offered up an apology Mr. Latham said, except the City of Cadiz who he states even opposed having the charges dismissed.

True to his word, Mr. Latham decided that if the City would not apologize then he wanted his day in court. Mr. Latham got his day in court but to no avail. Mallory Lawrence who is very respected in the Trigg County business and political community along with former Congressman Carroll Hubbard testified for Mr. Latham.

Mr. Latham was convicted of disorderly conduct and was only ordered to pay the $250 fine. Judge Redd waived the court cost and fees.

I know Judge Redd personally and the prosecutor Duncan Cavanah. Duncan is a fair & mild mannered person who unlike many prosecutors does not make his job personal. Duncan is someone who does his job and goes home at the end of the day. I'm sure he probably had better things to do than waste a day prosecuting this.

On Friday it was announced that the Ham Festival would no longer have a parade. UMMMh. Interesting timing don't you think.

Defense attorney Buddy Cutler told me today that he was very disappointed in the verdict. " I believe this case is about exercising the right of free speech". "Mr. Latham just wanted to have his float in the parade. We're disappointed," said Cutler. Mr. Cuttler said he did not know at this point if there would be an appeal or further legal action in this matter.

Mr. Latham in our interview said that " had I been given the chance I would have just loaded up and gone home." Someone said, stated Latham " Get the fucking thing on the trailer and get out", but the next thing I knew I was being arrested.

Mr. Latham will undergo open heart surgery on Tuesday at Lourdes hospital in Paducah. He told me that he is glad this is over and stated," I don't have to live with the lies like Cadiz does."

So where does this leave us? What does all this have to say?

First of all even though I'm pretty conservative on certain issues I defend the right of free speech just like I do the right to bear arms. God does not give a tinker's damn about bumper stickers, signs or T-Shirts. Besides the word "Bullsh-t" is not going to offend anyone old enough to know what it means. I feel pretty certain I have heard worse in Trigg County before.

Anyway you cut it this is a black eye on the City of Cadiz and the Trigg County Ham Festival. A 79 year old man in ankle chains-give me a break. Cancelling the parade using the excuse of liability insurance. Maybe, maybe not. Sounds like Trigg County folks may be fearing who might want to be in the parade after this embarrassing episode.

It appears that everyone involved picked their poison. Mr. Latham got his trial and the City of Cadiz and the Ham Festival got rid of activist they don't agree with.Maybe

The Ham Festival will go on and I am going out on a limb and predict that there will be hundreds of people wearing T-Shirts with a lot more the "Bullsh-t" on it this year.

As one friend suggested to me today that Mr. Latham's only problem was bringing bull into a Ham Festival and maybe I ought to get him a sign that says,

" I Got Porked in Cadiz, KY"

Oh, Trigg County. You have the highest unemployment rate in West Kentucky & one of the highest in Kentucky. Your Churches are threatening to throw people out of their congregations for signing an alcohol sales election petition. Sounds like you need to work on repairing your image and reputation. If you truly believe what you say then you best be apologizing to God. Don't worry about Mr. Latham, I think a bunch Democrat activist will be paying you a visit in October to make the Trigg County Ham Festival one to remember so make lots of bar-b-que.


** Thanks to West Kentucky Journal of Politics for bringing this to my attention from their site. Thanks to my sources and Mr. Latham & Mr. Cutler for their interview.

Ted Kennedy has Died

It's 1:08 am in Western Kentucky and National news has reported the death of 77 year old Senator Edward Kennedy. Known as the "Liberal Lion" and later the "Lion of the Senate", his death marks a generational end of an era.

I will never be accused of being a Ted Kennedy fan due to many of his positions but I can however speak with respect and a certain amount of awe and reverence to his life and career. Issues aside I have always cut Senator Kennedy a great deal of slack because of the things he lived through. He was a survivor. To lose so many family members to such sense less tragedy- I feel like I can relate sometimes. Kennedy filled a void when few dared and whether you agreed with him or not you have to respect the convictions he held.

I probably made my old friend Jeff Noble mad by waking him up at 2 am Louisville time but I thought he would want to know. For the record he was gracious as always.

As an older generation passes on I can't help but dwell on the future of the Democrat Party in Kentucky. For now, I will remain- always looking to the promise of a new generation that can represent all of Kentucky not just a part of it. I'm thankful tonight for folks like Robin Webb, Will Cox, John Tilley, Todd Hollenbach and John Lindsey Adams- people who understand and can help unify Rural Kentucky with the Golden Triangle.

Robin Webb Wins Senate Seat

Bluegrass Politics is reporting that Rep. Robin Webb has defeated Jack Ditty in the Special Election for State Senate. You may link to Bluegrass Politics for all the details.

My congrats to Robin on her victory. Robin and I were in Northern Kentucky at the same time many years ago. Robin was Presdent of the Chase Law School YD's while I was President of the Northern Kentucky University YD's.

She will make a fine Senator.

West Kentucky Football: Week One

Football is finally here. Thank God. Anyone who knows me understands just how much I dislike baseball and Soccer. A few surprises as teams got their first game under their belt.

Keeping in mind it is hard and probably not smart to judge a team by their first game but I do think it is a pretty good indicator of how some teams may stack up.

Fort Campbell has reloaded. They defeated CPA out of TN by a score of 55-6. Mayfield surprised a lot of folks by defeating Marshall County 43-14. Some other surprises were Trigg County losing to Union City, TN 45-6, Caldwell County defeating Calloway Co. 34-7. Russellville battled Franklin-Simpson to the end but fell 28-27.

Bobby Redman's Louisville Male routed E-Town 66-14. Bobby got the engine going early. Former Hopkinsville mentor Craig Clayton led his Franklin, TN Rebels to a victory over Battle Ground Academy (BGA) 14-10. This was the first ever meeting between the two schools surprising since only a few hundred yards separates the two.

Murray dropped Madisonville 21-6. Hopkinsville defeated Paducah 17-14 at Paducah. Christian County fell to Bowling Green 22-3.

It would appear that Fort Campbell, Mayfield and Bowling Green are the teams to watch early in West Kentucky. Christian County who was State Runner-up must survive a tough schedule which includes Franklin, TN and PRP, Hopkinsville and Owensboro.

Hopkinsville will face Fort Campbell in their last season game as Fort Campbell looks to claim another State Championship.

Rep.Eddie Ballard to Retire

Representative Eddie Ballard who has served the Kentucky House of Representatives for 24 years has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2010. Representative Ballard who will turn 80 this year stated in his press release that he wanted to travel and spend time with his wife and family. Ballard is best known for his efforts and support of Veterans.

Most expect Madisonville Mayor William "Will" Cox Jr, to seek the seat. Will Cox is the son of William "Bill" Cox and the Grandson of former State Representative John Henry Cox.

Will Cox who is serving his first term as Mayor of Madisonville is expected to make a decision by the end of the year as to a possible run for the seat.

West Kentucky Political Stories In Progress

I have been working on a number of stories some regarding Kentucky Politics and West Kentucky happenings. I hope to have then up in the next day or so. A little taste of what's in the pot:

KACo: The other side of the coin.

A West Kentucky Appellate Court Judge may be forced to Resign.

Kentucky Governor's Race and possible running mates and scenarios.

Murray State President Randy Dunn has a disturbing Past.

Will Cox Honored in Washington Tonight

Madisonville Mayor Will Cox Jr. will be honored this evening in Washington D.C. by the Wireless Foundation. Cox has been chosen as a 2009 recipient of the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award. Tonight's 15th Annual Achievement Awards Dinner which is being held at Union Station will honor 8 individuals for their efforts providing help in a crisis situation.

Cox used his wireless device to operate and coordinate the City of Madisonville's efforts to help it's citizens survive the ice storm in Western Kentucky. Cox made national news for using his wireless device and facebook to communicate with first responders and the citizens of Madisonville.

While providing updates as much as every 10-15 minutes and around the clock, Cox was able to keep citizens up to date and provide vital information.

Rocky Adkins: His Fight Against Cancer

When we think of Rocky Adkins in Western Kentucky most probably know his name or have seen it in a local newspaper. Many know him as the Majority Leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives or maybe if you watch KET you know him as "The Gentleman from Elliott 99."

Besides being a legislator, a father, a husband and a pretty good basketball player in his day; there is another side to Rocky Adkins you might not know about- Rocky is a 14 year survivor of cancer.

For 14 years Rocky has continued his battle to help find a cure for cancer and help families that are being treated for cancer. Raising money for this cause has been one of the big ways in which Rocky Adkins has continued to help.

The 14th Annual Rocky Adkins Golf Tournament will be held Friday May 22nd at the Eagle Trace Golf Course in Morehead, KY. Last year this event eclipsed the fundraising mark of having raised over a million dollars in 13 years. "We hold this event on the Friday before Memorial Day each year to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer and also to celebrate life," said Adkins. This year's event is already booked up with 34 teams playing in the morning and 36 teams in the afternoon.

This event has raised money for the American Cancer Society, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and has also provided a "hospitality house" in Ashland, KY for families receiving treatment. Adkins commented that families from 35 different states have used the hospitality house.

In regard to the people who play in the event Rocky Adkins said,"It's very personal to me and to the people who play in the tournament because they have been affected one way or the other by cancer." Adkins when on to say that each year he ask the participants to raise their hand if they, a family member or someone they are close to has had cancer and Adkins commented that every hand is usually raised.

I asked the Majority Leader how being a cancer survivor effected his role as a legislator and he replied, " The legislature provides a place to talk about cancer and help find a cure." Adkins noted that one of the good things the legislature had accomplished concerning the fight to find a cure is a program that has provided over 8,000 computers to schools in the coal counties of East and West Kentucky.

This computer program provides an interlocking "computer grid" to help with cancer research. This information is used in conjunction with the James Graham Brown Cancer Research Center. Adkins commented that one of the researchers at the University of Louisville had said that because of this "computer grid" they are able to do 300 years of research in a month.

This program provides 2.5 million dollars a year of coal severance money to buy computers. "This also improves the educational opportunities for these kids in the coal counties." said Adkins.

Rocky Adkins lives in Sandy Hook, KY and represents Boyd, Elliot, Lawrence and Rowan counties in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

(Note: I want to thank the Majority Leader for taking time out of his day to do this interview.)