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Show January HILL TOP TIMES Pagre 4 Editorials . . . imIIlMMM 30, 1970 Comments CHAPLAIN'S CORNER Capsule Law One day a woman signed an order for a set of books offered by a salesman. Later, when she talked it over with her husband, they decided they could not afford the puchase. However, she lacked grounds for getting out of the contract. A dotted line, like a railroad crossing, is a good place for caution. In the vast majority of cases, at least if you are an adult, the law will hold you to what you sign no matter what second thoughts you might have door-to-do- A Silver Lining That old adage about the inevitability of death and taxes seems to gain validity with time. It was originally coined, of course, to emphasize modern man's perennial plight; though Peter may be "robbed" to pay Paul, there is no escaping the cost of civiliza- tion. The optimist accepts the truth of the adage and goes on to look for consolations. Among them this year is the improved form for federal income taxes. The new form 1040 represents 24 years of hard work on the part of the Internal Revenue Service. It combines the best features of the old card form 1040A and the long form. More than half of all servicemen will find that form the they need complete only one letter-siz- e old card 1040. as the new It is about as simple form, allowing standard deductions. The minority of servicemen who had unusual expenses will find the atSchedule A tachable form very easy to use. Other schedules for dividend and interest income; sales so-call- ed or exchanges of property; supplemental and miscelare laneous income; and retirement income credit also simplified this year. Another consolation the optimist would look for (and find) is the opportunity to set his personal records straight as he reports his income. If, for example, he finds that his withholding does not approximate his taxes due (or, in IRS language, if line 8 is significantly larger than line 23) he should check to see if his W-- 4 (Exemption) form is up to date. Finally, the optimist who finds an overpayment (line 23 being larger than line 18) will smile with glee as he accepts the refund in the form of United States Savings Bonds paying the new five per cent interest! (AFPS) Space Age or Skepticism? By Chaplain (Capt.) James A. Curry There is something in the very air of this space age that is unlike the climate of any other age of discovery that I recall. The effect which the space age will have on us as humans and especially upon our re'.igious beliefs, depends entirely upon where we stand. If we stand secure in the faith, the space age, with its new scientific view of the universe, will increase our faith. If we stand in skepticism, the new discoveries will increase our skepticism. A few centuries before Christ the writer of the Eighth Psalm reflected on the mystery and variety of the universe, when he said, "O Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth ! When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars which thou hast estab'ished." This experience was in no way to shatter his Christian faith but to strengthen it. Impressed with the immensity of the universe, he was more impressed in the deep and wonderful thoughts of the God who created it. We do not know the mysteries of the solar systems; such facts are inaccessible to the average mind. However, each one of us can know the God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ. We look at Jesus, and we see a human personality. We see the face of God coming to us in His only Son. We shall never understand ful'y the total outer space program, but we can understand the personality of God in His Son Jesus. Personality is still the Zenith of God's creation. We look at Jesus and we see acta of love and we see an act of redemption. We see the Almighty and Eternal God, never so visible among the stars and planets, making him-se- 'f visible and known in human personality. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are the ways and thoughts of God higher than the ways and thoughts of mankind. Being a part of this great space age mission, we are aware of this ever expanding universe. Observation of the vast heavens, or a discovery of them, usually does one of the following things to man he becomes more skeptical or more believing. His God becomes smaller or greater, his faith decreases or increases. Which will it be for you? or afterward. This sternness is based on practical necessities. Countless business transactions in everyday life are based on the understanding, on both sides of the bargain, that a signature is binding. We would have commercial chaos if agreements, formally entered into, could be cast aside at will. The law may let you out of a signed contract if there are circumstances that relief. Most often, such cases involve some kind of fraud or some legal impediment to the contract, such as the person signing the contract being under age. The best thing to do is consult your legal assistance officer before you sign any contract. (AFNS) special justify 5?.y - faith now What Kind of American Are You? The pages of history have claimed the wars of the past that pul'ed an entire world into the flames of conflict. Today we are engaged in a struggle of equal, if less violent, propbr-tionOnly in comparatively small areas have Americans come into direct physical battle with the enemy. The batt'e that rages today is the battle for men's minds and emotions and it may well decide the future of the world. The weapons are ideas and images, weapons that have conquered countries and changed nations. There are those who wish to convince the people of the world that the American peop'e are aggressors with no respect for others and no interest in their welfare. They are attempting to present to the world the image of Americans as rude, overbearing individuals who are interested only s. TX)NT WAIT A Matter of Pride In any society, there is an accepted standard appearance. There may be deviations from this stand- ard, but the vast majority of society conforms to the norm. It is a matter of personal pride. Military organizations have traditionally taken considerable pride in the appearance of their personnel. A new recruit puts a glossy shine on his shoes in training because it is required. As time passes, this neatness becomes a good personal habit and he maintains his appearance because of personal pride. Because of this characteristic neatness, any dev- iation is noticeable. Crumb is generally a good worker. He does his well and is liked by his fellow workers. However, job he lets his hair grow and polishes his shoes monthly. His desk is invariably a maze of papers, pamphlets and soft drink bottles. He is, in a word, sloppy. Smith is also a fine young man. He maintains a high degree of personal neatness at all times. His desk is always clean and orderly. Though both are proficient in their work, Smith usually has a definite edge over his friend. The reasons are sound. The image of the Air Force is enhanced by Smith. Orderly appearance indicates personal pride, a leadership quality. The initial impression given by Smith will usually predispose other persons toward respecting him. Personal appearance is only a surface quality. But a poor personal appearance is usually a poor way to begin a relationship with anyone. Have you looked into a mirror lately? (AFNS) 'fl TH ' S Doc's Advice By J. D. Faulhaber Photochromic sun glasses are not recommended for driving. The lenses do not instantly clear when entering shaded areas from bright sunlight; thus, a driver's vision could be greatly impaired for a few vital seconds after entering heavily shaded areas. Wearing ANY kind of sunglasses while driving at nifrht is tantamount to driving blindfolded. Quote of Note "I feel strongly that the major need of the Air Force today is a new strategic bomber to replace the 'e We are asking Congress for funds to continue development of the B-- l. This is a long term project. If we proceed as planned with no unforeseen technical or budgetary delays, the first B- -l would not enter the operational force until the late ven-erab- B-5- 2. 1970V (Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans Jr., Anchorage, Alaska, Jen. 12. 1970. AFNS) in themse'ves. If this image is accepted and believed, our intentions and goals are regardless of how good they may be worthless. We must be able to present the real image of Americans as we believe ourselves to be, the Image of friendly, considerate peop'e who are very much interested in others and are willing to prove it, This is a war of individual actions where one man or a small group can unintentionally se'l out his country by careless or thoughtless acts. Now, as never before, is the time when men must consider the result of their actions and must take the time and, perhaps patience, to be friendly and considerate, to show courtesy and concern to the people n whose land we stay. We have been given a heritage of courage, wiH power, strength, and faith. Let us, as individuals, live In such a way that the world will be i'luminated. not by the flames of war. but by the lijrht of peace. Ryukyuan Review (Okinawa) AFPS l enwr. mm i aJs3 yr ldHui. wiin ifl ILS.SAVIHRS Rutins &srwmhtouh Payroll Savings |