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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Opinion 4 WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 1998 Dixie Speaks County government has an obligation to plan for the future, and should meet current legal requirements to insulate itself from lawsuit. On the jail issue, we believe the Kane County Commission is attempting to anticipate future needs, while minimizing jail costs and saving tax dollars. In fact, they are doing exactly what most taxpaysolutions without raising taxes. ers insist-fin- d With that said, we feel the commissioners (all three voted unanimously) erred in their June 6 action. The commissioner? voted to get bid proposals for a 150 bed jail (prison?) facility at Kaneplex and the Mongini property east of town. They wanted a facility that met our future needs, took in lucrative state prisoners that would help finance our needs...but most important, that would not raise taxes. Number pushers say that the 150 bed jail facility is the "break even" size to allow this to happen. Foresight is not a bad thing. Thinking ahead, saying, "How can we pay for this when we don't have the money" is smart. But the bottom line is - people here adamently oppose a 150 bed jail. Period. These residents... I mean taxpayers...I mean voters...wield a lot of power on what actions the commissioners should be taking. We must have more space for prisoners. If legally we are not in compliance with requirements...then, hello fellow taxpayers, were responsible for the bottom line. If we don't want the 150 bed facility, then our taxes must increase to either fund a new 4050 bed jail or renovate the current one. Pay close attention to this issue in the upcoming weeks. Decisions are being made. Let your commissioners know your feelings on the issue. Letters to the Editor What is your opinion1? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered for publication. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less. Letters must be signed and include your full name, address and telephone number. Thank you for your interest. Schafer family thanks Dear Editor: We are so lucky to live in a small town where people really care. We would like to thank everyone for all the kindness shown to us when we lost our beloved husband, father, and Schafer. The grandfather-Bo- b food, flowers, cards, donations, many hugs, TLC, and special prayers will always be fond memories. May God Bless You All, Barbara Schafer Carol Grimes Mark Schafer Lauri Rhoades Michael Schafer and families Family thanks Dear Editor: This letter is to thank the numerous people who showed their support and wished me and my family well during my recent illness and surgery at the University of Utah hospital. It is nearly impossible to thank everyone personally and I hope to reach all of you through this letter. The kind words of encourage ment and love for me and my family were very touching indeed. The large amount of plants and flowers that decorated my room spoke volumes about the caring and love expressed by our friends and family. Of all the rooms on the cardiac floor, the nurses said mine was the best decorated with flowers and plants. It made me very proud to be from Kanab. Please accept sincere thanks from: Sherrie, Kumar, Dhiren, Jai and Avnish Pandya Flag Amendment: False Patriotism by Keith A. Kreul U.S. Army Veteran and Past National Commander, The American Legion (1983) The Senate is poised to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit flag desecration, a radical approach to a near dilemma, akin to the atomic bombing of a city because there may be a felon in non-existe- nt the area. The flag is a beautiful and inspiring banner representing freedom and justice for all Ameri cans. It is freely displayed, and can be protected only by us, the people. Each citizen can gaze upon it, and it can mean what our heartfelt patriotic beliefs tell us individually. Government protection of a nations banner only invites scorn upon it. A patriot cannot be created by legislation. Patriotism must be nurtured in the family and educational process. It must come from the heartfelt emotion of true beliefs, credos and tenets. Our beautiful flag represents those beliefs, credos and tenets that are outlined by the Constitution of the United States of America. Yes, the Constitution can be amended. But will an amendment that is in obvious conflict with the First Amendment accomplish a purpose, or will' it bring further confusion and discontent, diminishing the beauty the flag has today as it hangs free, revered by us, the people, not ordered by Government edict? Our nation was not founded on devotion to symbolic idols, but on principles, beliefs and ideals expressed int he Constitution and its Bill of Rights. American veterans who have protected our banner in battle have not done so to protect a golden calf. Instead, they carried the banner forward with reverence for what it represents our beliefs and freedom for all. Therein lies the beauty of our flag. The proposed amendment would stain the image of our banner, as it would no longer wave free, unprotected by Gov- ernment and freely held high by the citizens of the United States ofAmerica. Are we now, after 209 successful and glorious years, going to knuckle under the pressure of modern lobbying techniques to pursue pseudo patriotism? Organiza- - SOUTHERN Utah News AAA Deadlines FRIDAY 1 PM See Flag, Page 5 The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every N. at Main 26 Utah St., 84741 . The SUNews serves Kanab, Wednesday Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Address communications to 26 N. Main St., Kanab, Utah 84741 , or telephone Fax rates available Advertising upon request. Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741. Newsstand price is 50c per copy. Yearly subscription rates to Kane County addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona, $22; others $30 (out of U.S. $50). The SUNews reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 435-644-290- 0, Dennis and Dixie Brunner Publishers and Editor Sharlotte Brewer Production Staff Dillon Cunningham AdvertisingProduction Carol SullivanLaurali Noteman Kanab News Myrna Cox Glendale News Barb KimballLorl S. Mohr Corrigan Fredonia News Margaret Sorensen Postmaster: Send change of address cards to - 26 N. Main St., Kanab, UT 84741 435-644-292- 6. Orderville News Barbara Pyles Feature Writer |