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Show Dear Editor: Davis County voters have a very apropos example of the fat in our system; come to Bountiful and count the drinking fountains in the newly beautified three blocks of Main Street. Or for those who haven't the time, I'll divulge the shocker; there are 10 of them. Ten drinking fountains on a three block stretch of Main Street, and they are small blocks at that. Bountiful has never had that thirsty a crowd downtown in all its history. A few of us steadfastly protested extremes and handling of the beautification all along. Undoubtedly we will be told "See, it doesn't do any good to protest, to make a fuss; they'll do whatever they want anyhow." Permit us to counter with: this is what you get (or worse) when you let an administration assume the public is with them or doesn't care extravagance and waste. And mind you, decisions about these "amenities" were being made right in the midst of the tax protest. Councilmembers Holt and Gramoll should be mostly excused from criticism on this as they have been questioning points right along. But does the rest of the council, the mayor, city manager, or redevelopment agency director care about your tax dollars enough to say no occasionally to the architect? Next try counting the lights! Jack C. Billings ' Dear Editor: l Tuesday, Nov. 8 is election day and should be a most impor- tant day for every citizen in our nation. It requires eternal vigilance to maintain our precious freedom and cannot long be maintained unless the electorate are both moral and informed. If the voters are not informed, they will cast their vote for the -3 politician who promises the most, or receives the most publicity, public-ity, or seems to have the most "charisma" or name most recognized. recog-nized. Voters can easily be led and manipulated. Many times the vote, is cast, not for the good of the whole and to preserve freedom, but to protect the voter's selfish and small world. As our election day dawns, voters will do one of three things: Many will stay home. This is a national tragedy, because through our vote we determine the destiny of this great nation. Those who do not vote are shirking their duty and leaving it up to others. Freedom is everybody's duty and responsibility. Many others will vote, but be confused and uninformed voters. This is a greater tragedy as they cancel out an informed vote, no ballot at all cannot. Finally, there are those who do take the time to study the issues and candidates, think about how they will vote, who continually stay informed, who understand that liberty liber-ty is preserved through eternal vigilance. These are those who cast informed votes. The liberty for future generations depends on these voters. Government was created only to protect the rights of the people. The people have their inalienable rights from God. Government cannot grant rights that belong to the people nor legislate those rights away without loss of freedom. Nearly every time a law is passed it results in some loss of freedom. Control of our property and fruits of our labor is a requisite of freedom and through these we exercise our freedom of choice. When government begins to provide for the well-being of some, it first must take from others. Very soon this becomes legalized plunder; a means of transferring wealth from those who produce to those who did not. Government should protect not provide. Our Constitution limits government and the 10th Amendment makes this clear. Our Founding Fathers created a Republic, a government of law under a Constitution. There are voting records printed to evaluate our congressmen on issues and if he votes for the people and limited government or for more socialized government and a welfare state. Our vote should of course be for those who uphold the Constitution, for less control and for more freedom. These are a few thoughts to be mindful of on our election day. Ultimately, it is not the President or Congress but the American people themselves who determine and are responsible for the kind of government they wish to live under. November 8 is a most important day which voter do you want to be? i ! Kathryn R. Hess West Bountiful Dear Editor, Today is wear Red day, this week is Red Ribbon Week, are you and your readers wearing red today? Nation wide there is a campaign to fight against drugs and chemical abuse. Many here in "Zion" think all is well and that we don't have a problem. Well, not all is well in "Zion." Drugs and alcohol are a real problem here in our neighborhood. neighbor-hood. Kids here are trying drugs and alcohol for the kick of it, to belong to a group, to get their parents' attention, or to escape because they can't cope with the pressures they have. I am proud of the youth and the parents who took a stand and wore red today and red ribbons this week. But I am very disappointed that there weren't more. Did you even know that such a program was going on? Did your elementary, junior high or high school even promote the program. Well, out of the three schools that my children attend, there was only one school that passed out red ribbons and encouraged students to wear red. That was a pretty poor showing. ; We have a real battle to fight to save our youth from destruction destruc-tion and it has to begin in the home. While everyone is campaigning cam-paigning on tax initiative issues and candidates, let's remember that it won't matter who we elect or if there is money for our schools and roads, if we have lost the battle against drugs and alcohol. The next time there is a campaign against drugs and alcohol and the plan is to wear red and tie red ribbons, then I hope that everyone in our neighborhood is wearing red and that every tree and light post is hosting a red ribbon. Because we care! Linda Flynn Dear Editor: Another example of quick reader response to a Clipper news story: two days after the Clipper was delivered to my home, the first entries in the "free tickets" offer for "Annie Get Your Gun" were received. The cast and orchestra and the Bountiful Community Theatre board members appreciate your help in publicizing this production. Dale E. Roe |