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Show 2 Vernal Express Wednesday, October 16, 1996 OpinjOIl aild COIIHTientary JACK-STRAWS by Jack Wallis Wilderness re-inventory lawsuit Monday, the state joined with the Utah Association of Counties and the state Office of Trust Lands Administration to file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court to block a Department of Interior re-inventory of 2.5 million acres of Utah desert lands for possible designation desig-nation as wilderness. The reason for the lawsuit is the re-inventory of Utah lands that was ordered by Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt. Utah officials say Babbitt's re-inventory re-inventory is based on new criteria for what constitutes wilderness, that these criteria do not conform to existing exist-ing federal law and that the criteria apply only to Utah lands. The lawsuit seeks a "cease and desist" order on Babbitt's re-inventory and an order that the process be reinstituted in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1979. No one is afraid of a "legitimate, honest inventory" of the land, said Ted Stewart, director of Natural Resources. But the three groups contend the present inventory process does not follow federal law and was designed to skew the results in favor of Babbitt's off-stated off-stated claim that more than five million acres of public pub-lic land in Utah qualifies as wilderness. Stewart predicted it will cost $120,000 to move the case through federal court. An appeal to the Supreme Court would cost more. At a news conference Senator Orrin Hatch said it was ironic that anytime the state, counties or private interests want to do anything on public lands, the fed eral government requires them to comply with every possible provision of federal land management law, but when the federal government wants to do something some-thing with those same public lands, it proceeds without with-out regard to the law. "They can't have it both ways," he said. On Friday, Gov. Leavitt released a four-point plan regarding management of public lands in Utah in which he will seek "incremental wilderness"-the designation des-ignation of small areas of land as wilderness on which he can find agreement from all sides. As part of that initiative, Leavitt promised last week he would vigorously vigor-ously defend the state's right under federal law. After President Clinton's decision last month to create cre-ate the 1.7 million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, the trust in federal fed-eral wilderness issues among Utahn's hit rock-bottom. Whether or not Utah's wilderness issues can be settled set-tled in court is questionable. The BLM has already spent over $10 million preparing their inventory over the past 10 years and the argument over the amount of wilderness still prevails. As long as environmentalists hold out for their 5.7 million acres of potential wilderness, wilder-ness, Utah's public lands are in danger. Governor Leavitt has the right idea of settling wilderness issues on smaller areas instead of all-inclusive millions of acres. When nearly 80 percent of the land is controlled by federal and state governments, denial of access and use of public lands is a very important issue. PUBLIC FORUM LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What is your opinion? The Express welcomes letters let-ters from its readers concerning any subject pertinent perti-nent to the Uintah Basin. There are no restrictions as to contents, if not libelous or vindictive and of reasonable length (two typewritten double spaced pages). Letters must be submitted exclusively to the Express and bear the writer's full name, signature, phone number and address. Letters may be mailed, faxed at 789-8690 or through e-mail at editoreas-ilink.com. editoreas-ilink.com. The name or names of those submitting letters must appear on all published letters. All letters let-ters are subject to condensation. Letters express the opinion of the writer and are not necessarily the opinion of the Express Editor. Westside vote Great Band Dear Editor, This is a letter to recognize all the hard work put into the Uintah High School and Vernal Jr. High School band by Mrs. Lyna Kendall. I also don't feel that the community realizes all the work that Mrs. Kendall and her students put into this program. I know that Mrs. Kendall gives a lot of her personal time towards her students and the band program. pro-gram. The band and Mrs. Kendall have put in hours and hours of practice for the field show and for the games that they play at, most of this time is done on their own time. I know because I am the mother of one of the members. I also must admit that I was amazed at how the community com-munity and some of the high school groups reacted to the band and the field show at homecoming. Just like the football team, drill team, daggers and cheerleaders, the band has practiced for months on the field show. They do a field show once a year, at homecoming. To be honest I haven't been to a high school game since I graduated. I feel that Uintah has a great team and that the other groups do a great job too. But I honestly hon-estly feel that there is more to life than just athletics. We have a great music program too. I was very disappointed about how the crowd reacted to the band. It was as if they weren't even on the field. I was very disappointed at how some of the other groups responded to the band. Remember, we're all on the same team. It is proven that kids who play music or sing are better bet-ter student. It improves their concentration which in turn gives them better grades. More of the United States top executives at one point in their high school career were involved in some sort of music program. It's something to think about. Thank you Mrs. Kendall for all your effort and hard woik in helping these kids. And just try to remember that a few negative words from small minded people will onlv keep you down if you allow it to. LLlZAoUTH KING Vernal mm VttfMAl Expi (ISSN 0092-1091) PutVd vty WwJntwday tot (00 p ym tn tneppng aea ird IJQ f r Ml sw pat 133 pm yvat Out e '' M US by Vetl tpp Pub"'8 Cowwy. M Hcfm ve-a Awv Ve"i. Un tQ' Pec pottage pd t (OStlStt Uv Change W Vt&NAl fXt S3. P 0 :...:...,.:...PAmfm gtM ft tw et-M tf Jmm , WWt KqghMn Staff JAM t- t Pr Srot We Hr 0 Wa A?, MTMprrj , Mvert &Hg ww jn)) Sv CW8h0 t C89e4 Ada txr fp J5 ?( f8 M4 01 UU Aswrttfx Ajfa aa'a'Nfawta Im ,.. Mr McCttf S 1 WtXa Vr$n WJuSO. 353 5M v-t caa fttisv t- Ifla Mc W S350 m .... . '8 "out fMt iHha . Mo"dSf I 9 Ca'-1 Mity Monday !- IT'S BEEN SO N HOT THIS OCTOBER) I BURNED MY FINGER ON A J IRON PIPE- J J WHY DIDN'T YOU FEELTHt PlPb BEFORE YOU PUT VYOUR i Dear Editor, As this November election rapidly approaches, it is met with mixed emotions. For some, it is just another irritation that takes over the radio and TV airwaves and takes up valuable newspaper space, where cartoons and sports should be. It seems that the squabbling, fighting and the "down-right outrageous" things some politicians politi-cians get away with time after time, has put off a lot of peoplc.not to mention the bunch of excellent, well-qualified, well-qualified, "should-be" candidates who refuse to get involved in the ill-conceived mess. There seems to be a growing number of folks who just feel powerless to do anything about the state of their local and larger governments. gov-ernments. But for others, it is a welcomed opportunity to voice their opinion through the power of their vote. They've taken a little time to investigate, and possibly may have even been a part of the process, to select and support a candidate of their choice to run for office. They've seized the privilege that is given to all citizens, but not always taken. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't take money, power and prestige to participate in our political politi-cal process. All it takes is a few minutes to get registered regis-tered as a legal voter, and to use the many ways available avail-able to educate yourself about the candidates. You don't have to be "special" to assist as a chairman, election elec-tion judge or the many other positions that need to be filled. All you have to do is call your local county clerk and volunteer. Everyone "should" get a turn to serve their community it's our right and privilege. It is like the opportunity that the west side residents of Uintah County are going to get Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the West Junior High Auditorium. We will be honored to meet with our candidates for office. The "Westside Meet the Candidates Night," is open to the public. It will give people in the Randlett, Ft. Duchesne, Gusher, Ballard, Lapoint and Tridell areas the chance to hear their county hopefuls speak, as well as some time to make comments or ask questions of those running for offices. I try to remember this: "We all take the blame for 'bad' people in public office. Either by voting for them or by choosing 'not' to vote against them." Edmund Burke was quoted as saying: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Remember folks, it's our choice. TAMMY D. MEACHAM Westside Uintah County Vcmal Great American kids Dear Editor, On Friday. Oct. II, five veterans from VFW Post 5560 were asked by Mrs. Browning to come to the Naples school and make a short presentation to the school kids concerning our flag. Fee DBvapDeETaeiratiaioiri undergoes firsts round The Flaming Gorge Recreation District has completed its first round of public meetings concerning the Recreation Fee Demonstration Project at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. In an update of the progress on the fee, David T. Bull, district ranger, said the core team has developed a list of all concerns and suggestions raised at the public meeting. Alternatives to the fee schedule presented during the meetings have been discussed. "It is interesting to note that the fee we : proposed appears to be in line with fees charged at State Parks in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado as well as a fee that the Park Service plans to implement at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area next spring," Bull said. Jordanelle Reservoir, a Utah state park, charges a $5 daily fee; Wyoming state parks charge a $2 resident and S3 non-residential daily fee; Colorado state parks charge a $4 daily fee and Glen Canyon is proposing a daily fee of $5 per vehicle vehi-cle and $5 per board. "I have decided to eliminate the proposal for a Daggett County, Utah, discount and will, instead, look at reducing the annual fee with no preferential treatment for local users." said Bull. Those interested in being a member mem-ber of a citizens advisory group need to plan to attend an organization meeting at the Daggett County Courthouse in Manila Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. , At the meeting the group will select two individuals to represent the interests of users from affected counties: Sweetwater, Wyo.; Daggett; and Uintah. Also two individuals indi-viduals who are currently permittees permit-tees on the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area will be selected to represent the interests of all other permittees who operate on the NRS. This eight-person group will work with the Forest Service core team in developing recommendations for implementation strategies and improvement projects. These recommendations rec-ommendations will be passed on to the district ranger for decisions. The citizens advisory group is not a decision making body and its meetings meet-ings are open to the public. "I am committed to making this demonstration project a success," said Bull. "Therefore, I am asking for your input and advice on ways that you feel will help me in improving public acceptance and improving the quality of our visitor's visi-tor's recreation experience at Flaming Gorge." Child ID project to be Saturday In the event that a child is abducted or missing, a valuable resource for law enforcement is accurate identification records. To assist in providing these records, Saturday, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 at Blockbuster Video, elementary-age children can be fingerprinted and video taped free of charge. Vernal City Police Chief Mike Hamner encourages all parents in the area to bring their children who have not been photographed and fingerprinted finger-printed previously. The finger printing and vidcoing will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturdays. The Vernal Police Department will have its Crime Scene Unit at Blockbuster for the children to go through. R.J. the Clown will also be at the store. Students with "A" and "B" averages can bring their report cards in for a free movie. Students must be present. These children, third ond fourth graders, ossembled in their auditorium. There were approximately 400. When these children were all in place, sitting on the floor, chattering and laughing as children will, to me, a very amazing thing happened. Mrs. Browning stepped up on the stage and held up her hand. She didn't utter a word. Within about 10 seconds there was total silence. I have never seen such a display of discipline and respect from any age group. All these children, administration and staff at Naples school deserve and receive a great big salute. Proof positive pos-itive we have some very great children in our town. JOHN W POWELL CLYDE BURNS VIRGIL MCMICKELL SHIRLEY S LAUGH DUANE HALL Commander Post 5560 Vcmal Voice of Business Of pacemakers and lawsuits by Dr. Richard L. Leshcr President U.S. Chamber of Commerce The United States faces a serious medical med-ical crisis a looming shortage of basic materials needed to make common implantable medical devices such as pacemakers, hip and knee joints, hydrocephalic shunts, balloon angioplasty angio-plasty catheters, defibrillators, vascular grafts and even sutures used in ordinary surgery because of our irrational liability system. The basic materials in short supply are polyester yarns, resins and polyurethancs. Manufacturers have simply ceased providing these raw materials because of a rash of lawsuits against them made possible by Joint and several ("deep pockets") legal doctrines which say they can be sued even though they have no direct responsibility for the products made from the materials they supply. If someone suffers an ill effect from a pacemaker. Catheter or artificial joint, and the actual manufacturer of (he product has no money, the victim can sue the company that provided the raw materials from which the product was made. tt is of Kant comfort that in most such lawsuits the manufacturers of the taw materials are held blameless by juries and not required to pay damages. The com panies still must shell out huge sums in legal fees and for most of them it simply isn't worth it. I or example, in the l9H0s. Du Pont Mild about S2.0H0 worth of Teflon to makers of jaw implants, Many of the implants failed, apparently because of a faulty design. Nevertheless. Du Pont was required to spend about S8 million a year defending itself from 259 lawsuits even though the company had nothing to do with making the implants or installing (hem. In truth, the Use of these raw materials in medical implant devices accounts for a tiny portion of the rcv enues they generate. For esample, polyester fibers used tn medical implants produce less than S2O0.OO0 out of $9 billion in wotldw jdc sales of polyester yam. The polyacctal resin used in heart VaKe implants by more than 35.000 patients each year produces only S3.3O0 per year out of total resin sales of SI. 3 billion. The companies victimized by this outrageous abuse of our courts have had enough and sine 1994 at least 12 of them simply has refused to provide raw mate rials for medical implants. Companies that manufac tune implants are scrambling to find suppliers pvr seas but foreign companies are ?!! aware of out Abbott and Costello legal system. They will sell their raw materials anywhere but in the Untied States. We art down to less than a year's supply ft raw materials and will not be able to acquire more until our las are changed. It should be noted here that it is not the suppliers of raw materials who are campaigning for a change in these law s; there isn't enough money involved to justify jus-tify an expensive lobbying against the well-heeled trial lawyers. The groups pleading for reform ere doctors, doc-tors, patients, the American Cancer Society. Paralyzed Veterans of America and others representing the some seven million Americans who rely upon implants to survive, But the trial lawyers and their allies in the so-called public interest groups most notably the mislabeled "consumer activist" Ralph Nader steadfastly oppose all attempts to rationalize our liability law. This generous political donation makes major impression on Congress and appears to have bought the White House outright. President Clinton opposes any and every attempt to reform our product liability law. and backs his opposition with his veto pen. Presumably, the trial lawyers who feast on this tor rupi system are not worried that they or their immedi ate families might not has-e actess to life-saving med-kal med-kal implants. Enriched by huge contingency fees, they hast enough money to get medkal treatment in foreign countries. |