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Show .THE WEST MOUNTAIN TIMES, NOVEMBER 26, 1981, PAGE TWO Opinion and Commentary I: Food safety laws need modifying This achievement-orienteAmerican society normally heralds scientific advances for the improvements they bring to the national quality of life. But in more than one instance, such advancements can cause problems. Our food safety laws present such a case. For many years, laboratory testing equipment has been able to detect of substances in food products. More than 20 years ago, food safety laws were written, based on such levels. Now, scientific advancements in the testing equipment have enabled inspectors to detect (about the impact of one drop of a liquid in a swimming pool full of water). As a result, they are finding tiny amounts of substances in food that in earlier years they hadn't even realized were there. Such discoveries raise the question: If such a substance, tested in large amounts, may cause disease, should a food product containing it at a level of one part per billion, or even one part per trillion, be arbitrarily banned from the market? Our present food safety laws require its banning, even if the food product is beneficial overall. On June 25, 1981, the Food Safety Amendments of 1981 were introduced in the U.S. Senate and House. This comprehensive bill would modify the three laws which regulate our food supply bills which many scientists feel are antiquated and in need of reform. science-supporti- d, parts-per-milli- parts-per-billio- n TUTr TtffcU iff, AIT& VbiT KiDDirf ? TMt5E B3P'lE5 The inflexibility of the Delaney Clause, an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, has caused consumers to agonize through scares on cranberries, saccharine, bacon, peanuts and other foods. Dealing only in risk, the Delaney Clause gives no consideration to potential benefit. It also ignores the level of content as it relates to risk, so that if a pound of a substance can cause disease, a millionth of an ounce cannot be allowed. Anyone who takes medicine understands that one pill of a drug may be beneficial, while ten pills taken at the same time may be dangerous. Recent false alarms over food products have eroded consumer confidence in our food system, despite the fact that the U.S. today has the most wholesome, affordable food supply in the history of the world. We should be concerned that the possibilities for additional scares and sensationalism will increase as consumption of processed food products and our scientific testing abilities in- vairrrf ZK iffl DE SOT-I-E U-4- i .... ... Al.J,,, AM ,Vv V. -- it t: 'V . I V- - Z- - - c'-- "';u is f7 crease. The 97th Congress now has a chance to improve the laws which regulate this nations food safety. The food industry needs the flexibility to use scientific advances without creating needless anxiety for consumers. The Food Safety Amendments of 1981 provide that flexibility. Uneasy but willing to try West Valley may accept "halfway house" FRANK O. NISHIGUCHI, President make sure its being run right. Florence Holder, of West Valley City, was a little more worried about the facility. They (the inhabitants) are there because they broke the law, and they might break it again, at your house or with your children. Tess Haggard, another area resident, said she approves of the idea of a halfway house, but she thinks the proposed site is too near houses. It should be put out further, where other people would feel safe and they house inhabitants) (halfway wouldn't be ridiculed. Huggard also pointed out that in a residential area, The temptation (to commit another crime) would be greater. If I was in their shoes. Id rather be further from temptation. One man the Times questioned said he had just been released from a halfway house. He said that most of the residents were there for little things, minor crimes that aren't a menace to society." Some, however, wore sex offenders. If 1 had children, I wouldnt want to live near one," he said. There are some crazy people in there." He also said that while he didnt think anyone in the halfway house he was in was dangerous, he would worry a little if he lived next door, whether or not he had children. The it By ANNE KEIR Utah harm Burma Federation Times Correspondent I dont WEST VALLEY CITY think it would bother me unless it was right next door. That was the consensus of West Valley City area residents asked about the new halfway house proposed for 2364 South 2560 West in West Valley City. The West Mountain Times interviewed shoppers at the Valley Fair Mall Tuesday, asking what they thought of the halfway house idea in general, whether it would bother them if it was located in West Valley City and how they would feel if they lived near the proposed site. d is The proposed facility designed to be used for rehabilitation by parolees, probationers and inmates who will be eligible for parole within one year. The proposed site is now an empty lot some distance from residential areas. Howard Westwood, who lives about I think 10 blocks from the site, said, there's a need for it. It wouldnt bother me too much, even next door, because if its properly run theres no reason to be concerned. Westwood qualified his support, however, by saying, Local Z government should keep and eye on 60-be- problem he sees with halfway houses is that they arent screened. There are offenmajor offenders and small-crim- e ders put together as though theres no difference." Several area residents expressed concern primarily for children living near a rehabilitation facility that the children might be molested or influenced in the wrong direction. Two mothers with children in strollers said they would worry about their children playing outside, or walking to school, if the facility was built in their area. Other residents are unperturbed about the proposal. Give the dude a break, said Carl Flanagan. be to are supposed They rehabilitated somewhere. A halfway house is the right place," said Jeff Dixon. Many of those who approved of the idea were a little cautious, like Brian McCollua, who believes in the idea as long as they dont put murderers or rapists in there. And I think there should be guards to maintain the peace." Perhaps the situation was best summed up by a West Valley resident who said I know they have to have them. I'd be uneasy knowing theyd committed crimes before, and they were around my children. But as long as they werent right next door... f An Inside View Confessions of a Salt Lake single By REGINA COATS weakness that ties us, however fleetingly, to the mainstream fiber of tradition. (Although in my case, that thread seems to take on the proportions of a solid steel cable. I cant afford me. Its true my dad calls it a champagne appetite on a beer budget. And while Id love to be totally liberated and independent, paying my own way would cramp my style. I just cant Tunes Staff As a budding feminist, there seems to be at least one aspect of equality I haven't come to terms with yet. Since admitting it publicly may be a step toward resolving my dilemma, here it is, I'D throw it out and see what you think. That's right. Im going to admit it. Dont stone me, fellow feminists. Surely we all have one last strand State will recycle waste paper LAKE SALT CITY-W- aste energy problems that touch every person in Utah. Reynolds said paper is the largest single component of municipal waste. The manufacture of recycled paper requires 60 percent less water, 70 percent less energy, and disperses 70 percent less pollutants than paper made from virgin fiber," Reynolds said. We paper recycling will become a way of life with nine divisions of the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Energy. According to Temple A. Reynolds, executive director of the department, the recycling effort will be a good way to revive interest in resource conservation among the departments 850 employees. Reynolds also hopes the departments recycling efforts will be an example to businesses, communities, and individuals that everyone can continue to play an important role in conserving the state's resources and solving cant continue to afford the luxury of waste. WEST MOUNTAIN TIMES j: CONGRESSMAN DAN MARRIOTT support me in the style to which I would like to become accustomed. My fantasy is to be sitting by flickering candlelight in an elegant, dimly-li- t restaurant. You know the kind waiters in black tuxedoes with foreign accents, piano music rippling through the air and wandering violinists, a bottle of nonalcoholic wine in a bucket of ice on the table for looks, just like in all the soap operas. Then, and this is my favorite part, the waiter brings the check in on a silver tray. I reach out gracefully, snatch it up, and say suavely TU get it this time." Then 1 casually take a few fresh crisp S50 bills from my purse and lay them condescendingly on the tray, murmuring and smiling in a Keep the change, the as waiters eyes light patronizing way up. Sounds great, doesnt it? At that point, my date turns to me with appreciation and respect in his eyes and says Thanks for a wonderful evening, while he wonders if is The week of Thanksgiving traditionally a week when families gather together to express gratitude for the abundances of life and the opportunity to live in a free society. It is a time when we can draw from the reservoir of shared experiences of our loved ones and rekindle the love which draws us together. is This Thanksgiving special Congress, acting on legislation which I introduced earlier this year, authorized the President of the United States to set aside the week of Thanksgiving as National Family Week. In response to this charge, the President issued a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to kiss observe this special week with apI'm going to expect a good-nigbecause of my generosity. propriate activities in their homes and But alas, woe is me. Reality is quick to communities." He further stated that the family is remind me I've never had even a single S50 bill in my purse. And if I did, it would the basic unit of our society, the heart probably disappear as quickly as all those of our free democracy. . .the mainstay of our national life," and he urged lovely S20s seem to do. So-- in order to enjoy a big evening on Americans to join with him in a pledge ht One of the departments divisions, the Utah Energy Office, has recycled about two tons of waste paper since it started saving paper last November. Serving West Valley, Magna, and Kearns ILSps by mo) the town while espousing feminist values. I've learned I must take care not to demand equality at inopportune times. And if theres any blame to be placed, I'D lay it squarely on my father, who spoiled me earlv in life. 0fj-- 0 f5 SENG Editor Assistant Publisher W. GLEN FAIRCLOUGH, JR. DEBRA CURRY Reporter REGINA COATS Advertising manager RAND GREEN Published weekly on Thursdays, with offices at 4140 West 5415 South in Kearns, Utah 84118. Telephone (801 J966-444- 4. All rights reserved. Application to mail at second class postage rates is pending at Salt Lake City, Utah and additional offices. POSTMASTER send change of address to 4140 W est 5415 South, Kearns, Utah 84118. Yearly subscriptions are $8, JI0 outside Utah. Advertising deadline: 5 p.m. Monday for the following Thursday edition. For rates call (801) Send correspondence to 4140 West 5415 South, Kearns, Utah 84118. 966-444- News items from clubs, churches, and other organizations are welcome. The deadline is 5 p.m. monday for the following for freelance pay Thursday edition. Call (801) 966-44rates. Not responsible for unsolicited pictures and news. Peace Corps notes 20th anniversary Twenty years ago the first American was rocketed into space, work started on the Berlin wall, and the first Peace Corps volunteers landed in Africa. Now, as the Peace Corps celebrates its 20th anniversary, the need for volunteers is greater than ever. To make it easier to obtain information about the Peace Corps and information on how to become a Peace Corps volunteer, the Denver Peace Corps office, which is the home base for recruitment efforts in Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Colorado, has e installed a telephone line. The new number is To get your questions answered, simply call between 8 a.ra. and 5 p.m., Monday, through Friday. Call toll-fre- 1. extension 23. I non-existe- people have no say in the direction of their country or their lives. We must not take lightly the fundamental role which the family plays on our nation. Americas values and integrity are determined by the principles taught at home. 1 encourage Americans everywhere to use this week to evaluate and strengthen their family relationships. Veterans benefits increase SALT LAKE CITY-Ab- out 2.3 million veterans, along with 240,000 surviving spouses and about 83,000 children of deceased veterans, will receive larger Veterans Administration compensation amounts beginning this month. The increase and other improvements in veterans benefits are the result of a law signed by President Reagan last month, said Elmer J. Smith, director. Salt Lake City VA Regional Office. It provides for an average 1 1.2 percent increase in VA compensation rates for d veterans in Utah, and dependency and indemnity compensation rates for surviving spouses and children of veterans. Smith said the increased amounts wont be reflected in the regular November checks, but will be provided by means of supplemental checks to be issued shortly after the first of the service-disable- Your opinions matter Dear Reader: Publisher JOHN RANDOLPH to shape U.S. policies so that they will enhance an environment in which families can strengthen their ties and best exercise their beliefs, authority, and resourcefulness." I applaud this action, for a country without strong family units will not long withstand the destructive forces of evil which prevail in nations where personal freedoms are and Dear Editor: I just received issue number five of the West Mountain Times, and I am impressed most favorably with the work you all have been doing! One suggestion: give women a title, such as Ms. Snow-n- ot Snow. Common courtesy dictates that little detail. We call males by their last name. That is important since males give their But last names over to their spouses. the female needs to be identified as Mrs. or Ms. Snow. It clarifies and dignifies. How about a Pilgrim story for Thanksgiving? That will really bring Thanksgiving to our hearts and minds. And lets not forget the Indian up on the Capitol esplanade, Massasoit! Sincerely, Win Editors aotc: It is the editorial policy of the West Mountain Timet aot to nc courtesy titles. This space has been reserved for you, since the letters section of a newspaper belongs to its readers. Tell us whats on your mind, and well help you tell the rest of the community. There are no restrictions on subject matter or length, only on taste. Type or print neatly on standard-size- d paper and send your letter to The Editor, West Mountain Times, 4140 West 5415 South, Kearns, Utah 84118. Included must be a telephone number for verification and a signature. Names will be withheld upon request if a reason is given. We hope that not only will the Times let you know whats going on, but that you will let each other know whats on your minds. Take advantage of the space weve provided for your thoughts. All it costs is the price of a stamp. The Editor |