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Show Park Record Thursday, September 10, 1987 Page A15 ILeititers tto ftlie BMntor 'ill Reading program is a success Editor: The Summer leading Program at the library has come to an end and over 75 kids participated this year, We would like to thank the many businesses that donated items for prizes. Rocky Mountain Christmas Gifts, Dolly's Bookstore, Dairy Queen, Red Banjo Pizza Parlor, Alpine Slide, The Cookie Bear, Park Avenue Stylists, Park City Pizza Co., Cabin Fever and Jacky's Yogurt. The l ibrary and the children of Park City thank you! Denna Wright. Children's Librarian Execulion or euthanasia? Editor: I find it interesting to note how the English language can use different words to describe the same thing in various contexts, and in so doing completely alter our perceptions of that thing. For example, a group of soldiers can be called "liberators" by their supporters, while their opponents op-ponents refer to those same soldiers as "insurgents." Likewise, the death of a living being by means of injection injec-tion of a letha I drug may be called an "execution" (when society wishes to punish an individual for his crimes) or "euthanasia" (when society wishes to painlessly terminate a living liv-ing creature) In both cases, the result is the same The recent death of Pierre Dale Selby has renewed vigorous debates on the morality and ethics of the death penalty. Regardless of one's individual views, it must be granted that (a) the majority of Utah's population supported Selby's death; (b) Selby was put to death in a humane manner, and (c) the observation obser-vation of that individual death was not a pleasant experience, even to the strongest advocates of capital punishment The media have repeatedly stressed stress-ed that Selby's was the first execution execu-tion in Utah since Gary Gilmore's death 10 years ago. That statement is correct as it applies to humans, but it completely overlooks the remainder re-mainder of God's creatures:. it may be conservatively estimated that during those 10 years 250,000 animals have been put to death by the Humane Society and Utah animal control agencies. These unfortunate creatures lost their lives through humane lethal injection. in-jection. They had not committed any atrocities against society, they were given no trial, and they did not have 13 years to appeal their death sentences ; most ol them were allowed allow-ed to live only three to five days after being turned in or captured. Many were themselves victims of human cruelty. Their only "crime" was being born into a world in which they were not enough people willing to care for them. But there have been no candlelight vigils for these hundreds of thousands of innocent creatures, and their deaths rarely receive even minimal media attention. atten-tion. There is no question that the euthanasia of these homeless animals is an essential evil in modern society The alternative is starvation, disease, maiming, poisoning, or laboratory experimentation; experimen-tation; the animals who are euthanized are the lucky ones. This, however, dix's not lessen the tragedy of the deaths of so many healthy, innocent in-nocent living beings. If the Utah Board of Pardons were required to pass judgment on these creatures none would ever be killed, since they have committed no crimes, are willing to devote themselves to their human companions, compa-nions, and can actually have a strong positive effect on the physical and psychological well being of people. peo-ple. Fortunately, every citizen of this state can help to offer a reprieve to these unfairly condemned animals by doing two simple things: First, acquire a pet only from either the Humane Society, an animal control agency, or a licensed commercial breeder. Obtaining pets from "backyard breeders" only encourages en-courages people to allow irresponsible irresponsi-ble reproduction in their pets. Secondly, all pets should be spayed or neutered by a private veterinarian or the Humane Society. Since one unspayed female dog and her unspayed female descendants can theoretically produce over 4,000 more dogs over a 7-year period, it is vital (hat these " overwhelming figures be pruned. Furthermore, altered animals are happier, healthier, and make better pets. And finally, anyone who wants their children to learn about the miracle of life by watching the family pet have babies should teach them about the other end of the cycle as well the deaths of hundreds of homeless puppies and kittens in pounds and shelters every day. The morality of death by execution execu-tion will continue to be debated in- defintely. The morality of needing to euthanize masses of healthy, inoffensive inof-fensive animals is not debatable at all. We must all work to eliminate the thoughtless, careless attitudes that have created the necessity for this black mark against our supposedly sup-posedly civilized society. Craig S. Cook, President Humane Society of Utah Never to be forgotten Editor: We wish to express our appreciation apprecia-tion and gratitude to those who supported sup-ported and symphathized with us in our recent bereavement. We wish to especially thank the Bishops of the Snyderville and the Park City Wards for graciously extending the use of their facilities and to all of the ladies who contributed to and prepared the delicious lunch. Such kindnesses will never be forgotten. The family of Lillian Bircumshaw Fundraiser to help children Editor: We would like to thank all those who supported the first annual Children's Clothing Swap, a fundraiser fun-draiser for the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Summit and Wasatch counties. We were overwhelmed by the positive response we had from those who heard of our efforts, and while we were very disappointed with the outcome this year, we feel the "event" will generate growing interest in-terest and funds in the future. Special thanks to Deardens Printing, Prin-ting, P.C. Printink, Aston, Genesis Resort, The Mel Pearson Company, McDonalds, the Treasure Mountain Middle School, the many people who donated clothing, toys and accessories, ac-cessories, and our numerous volunteers, without who we could not have held the swap. Suze Weir, Priscilla Watts The Children's Clothing Swap "PC" is an eyesore Editor: For several summers my wife and I have visited Park City to enjoy its natural beauty and unspoiled mountain moun-tain tops. The first encroachment on the horizon was the Aerie, now we have the huge, white, block letters "PC" covering a quiet mountainside over the Park Meadows area. How could your city council approve ap-prove this eyesore? How could your school district support mutilating a mountain to generate school spirit? If you have to desecrate your lovely surroundings to raise school spirit then it would appear your sports programs pro-grams are an obvious failure. Citizens: urge the high school to get rid of the phony "PC" Mr. and Mrs. G. Littleton Washed-out over water Editor: As a home owner in Summit Park, my home has been without water three times in the month of August alone. Once for over 17 hours. I just wrote a check for the month of August to the Summit Park Water Company for 54.20, twice to three time as much as any other community com-munity is paying, and they have water! I walked the check out to the mail box and walked back to find NO WATER, coming from my taps again! When the water is flowing the pressure is so low it can take up to 20 minutes to fill an ordinary washing machine. I have stayed at R.V. Parks with more conveniences than the Summit Park Water Company can supply its customers. The inconvenience in-convenience of it all has reached the point where I want somebody to know about it, including any future home owners in this area. C. Barney A sterling effort Editor: You can tell the folks and students who helped raise funds for the Park City Band Freedom Bowl Trip last weekend. They are the ones with the sunburns and the aching bodies. Actually Ac-tually it comes from cleaning every inch of the Jeremy Ranch throughout the four days of the Showdown. Some of the kids took the assignment so seriously they were seen crawling around gallery areas on hands and knees picking up empty emp-ty cans and cigarette butts. Our most sincere thanks to them for their efforts and especially to the Tournament Committee and Riley Stoltern for providing the opportunity. opportuni-ty. It's these opportunities and the community support which will make the trip possible. The Freedom Bowl Committee Book sale was profitable Editor The "Fiiends of the Library" would like to extend their warmest thanks to all the people who contributed con-tributed generously to the successful Annual Book Sale. Our one day event drew more than $600.00 in sales which will go directly to the Park City Ci-ty Library for the purchase of research materials. Thanks to: Sherry Baltz, Diane Doilney, Peggie Collins, Clydia Cook. Julie l'ertagnole, Jim Ken-nicott, Ken-nicott, Judy Liechtenstein, Susan Mclntyere. Pat Montgomery, Evelyn Richards, Judy Taylor, Joan Thompson, Francine Valline, Mary Wintzer, and the Park City Recreation Recrea-tion Department for the use of their building and pavilion. Mary Olszewski Chairman of the F'riends Opposite opinions Below is (i Iptier the Record received written by Douglas W. Stephens to Homer F. Wilkinson, Third District Court Judge, with records to Sail l.ahe metro narcotics officer Celeste I'uquettc. Your Honor: Monday I testified in your court, during a Motion of Entrapment Hearing, against undercover police woman. Celeste Paquette, whom, I only know as a girl named "Becky." I was excluded from the courtroom cour-troom and was not privy to the testimony of any defense witness, 'xcjCflfjLbaJl I hai&jjiari the opportunity opportuni-ty to read what was reported to have, been said during two days of testimony, by Park Record reporters. Assuming the "blow by blow" Park Kecoi (I account of the hearing is somewhat accurate, I can only infer in-fer that you consider me a liar! There was and is no mistake on may part, as to how much alcohol I observed Becky consume, on the night to which I testified, 1 did not commit perjury. I have informed an investigator in this matter, Jan L. Erickson, of Pickens & Associates, Salt Lake City, Ci-ty, L't., that 1 have further evidence, regarding the "misconduct" of Celeste Paquette. to which I feel compelled to testify, solely in the interest in-terest of justice -if there is such a thing! In fact, judge, I would like to square off and give you that testimony eyeball to eyeball, especially in the presence of Celeste Paquette. I do not, nor ever have, consumed or used illegal drugs and I do not approve ap-prove of or condone the practice. But, as a practical and philosophical matter, 1 am displeased as a member of the American society with the endless, and ever growing list, of "status offenses" against juveniles were erased. The same should hold true of adult criminal statistics. It is my understanding that 50 percent per-cent of all juvenile offenses would disappear if the "status offenses" against juveniles were erased. The same should hold true of adult criminal statistics. It is not my place, and I apologize for lecturing you, judge, but I am en-tilled en-tilled to my opinion and it is exactly opposite of yours, as reported by the Park Record, with regard to the professional pro-fessional conduct of Celeste Paquette, Pa-quette, her police department, city, county and state government, for allowing her such outrageous conduct. con-duct. I am proud of being an American and having defended our country in the Korean Oonllict and twice in the Vietnam War In laet, I found soldiering to be somewhat easier than it is citizening in a so-called civilized civilian society. And, I am sure you are equally proud too, judge, to be an American and a responsible jurist in this mixed-tip society I respect the fact that you have a much more difficult profession than I have. But, if a president of the United States (Nixon), a federal judge (tax evasion), several congressmen, a vice president of the United States (Agnew) and countless numbers of highranking public officials and civil servants get caught breaking the law almost day-in and day-out, why is it so difficult for you to accept and believe that an experienced nar cotics agent could come into a community com-munity and conduct an undercover operation in an outrageous manner, S the Pmk Record reported you could not believe'' I do hope I get the opportunity to give the additional and new testimony I previously referred refer-red to. Meanwhile, I pray that j istico will prevail somehow in the case to whii !i this letter is related. Kespectli'ilv. Douglas W Stephens The I 'ark Record welcomes letter t,, the editor on any subject We ask that the letters let-ters adhere to the following guidelines: They should he submitted to the I'a'k Record offices at 1 070 Bonanza Drive or received receiv-ed in the. mail (P.O. Box 3688, Park City, UT 840(H)) no later than 5 p.m. on Monday. Thev must he signed and include the name, address and telephone number of the author to allow verification of authorship. -They must not contain libelous material. No letter will be published publish-ed undei an assumed name. No l-tter longer than 350 words w ill he published. We leserved the right to edit letters if I hey are too long for the space available or if they contain statements we consider unnecessarily offensive offen-sive or obscene. 5 . : 'hi i Yr Yes Fifty Thousand. That's how many people-residents and visitors alike, you can reach this winter by advertising in The Pocket Guide to Park City, a pocket-sized guide published by The Park Record Newspaper. I he Pocket Guide will be updated and published monthly. November through March. Our goal in publishing the "Pocket Guide to Park City" is two- fold. First, to provide the tourist and Park City residents with a current and informative tool that will help them to better enjoy the area. Second, to provide the advertisers an economically clledKc media through which to promote their products and servkes. Distribution of the guide is free and will be available in looms or at check in locations restaurants, retail outlets & Park Record newsstand racks. One ad purchased for this guide runs all five distribution of 50,000. Park City's own "7 We've kept the best of our old menu at The Columbine ...but we've also added some exciting new items like Szechwan Chicken Fettucini. The dish originated when, during his tra vels, Marco Polo prepared a plate of fettucini As he was putting it on the table, he collided with a Chinese friend who had just prepared a wok of Szechwan chicken. That's when the west really met the east. We recreate that legendary dish by stir frying tender pieces of chicken, mild peppets and red onion in a toasted sesame oii. Finally, out creation is gently tossed with fettucini noodles. Come try something new at The Columbine. Join us for happy hour daily 5-7 p.m. Lunch and dinner served daily. FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEMBERS AMI ) 1 1 K IM ' '.' M ' I . COLUMBINE AT THE RESORT CENTER 64? 7062 throughout Park City. Additional sites iniku award winning newspaper in its lOHlh year. (MB EfflD OBOtorijieJ ).("" people uie; months, for a total it'ii I f |