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Show Citizen - Wednesday, March 27, 1991 - Page 2 Editorial Van Dam calls for surrender, not cease-fire Utah Attorney General Paul Van Dam's call for a "cease-fire" in the conflict over prayers at high school graduation ceremonies offers a curious curi-ous solution to a complicated issue. In calling for a spirit of neutrality in the issue, Van Dam has urged schools to not hold prayers at this year's graduation ceremonies -- not until the Supreme Court can rule on a Rhode Island case that covers the same issue. Van Dam has been silent on the issue of graduation prayers until last Friday, when he urged districts to "use common sense" and not allow the prayers. "We know the case is going to be heard so there's no sense in aggravating aggra-vating either side," Van Dam was quoted as saying. Local school districts, however, found Van Dam's statement aggravating, aggra-vating, since it called for virtual capitulation in the matter. An equally logical argument would be, "we know the case is going to be heard, so there is no point in pursu Eggs were treat for Easter in Wales Off all the seasons in the year Easter is my favorite. It offers us so many things. To the Christian it offers life after death . I ha ve often thought what a dismal life this would be if death ended it all. With Easter comes spring. Flowers that have been asleep all winter awake and bring beauty to the earth. The sun, which has been cold and unpleasant un-pleasant during the winter months, is now warm and friendly. As Easter approaches, my memory is stirred by Easters of many years ago when I was a boy in my native Wales. On Easter Sunday morning the family gathered around the kitchen table. It was the Easter breakfast. Each family member had his or her own ' egg cup. Some of the older girls had married mar-ried and moved away, but there was Lillian, Lil-lian, Lucy, Agnes, Tom, Celia and Ivor, and Dad and Mam. We couldn't afford eggs very often but on Easter morning we had eggs. Mam would put the eggs in water on the stove and while waiting for them to cook she would tell us the story of the death and resurrection of Christ. With her soft, warm voice, with her native Welsh accent, she made the story come alive. All eyes were now on Dad. Mam had put his egg in his cup. He now took his spoon and broke the shell on the top of the egg. He then tapped the top of the egg with his spoon until the shell was soft. He then lifted the top of the egg with his spoon and set it to one side. Then with his spoon in one hand and a slice of Mam's homemade bread in the other he went to work on the egg. This was a sign for the children to do Letter to the editor Our flags are dear Editor: Recently I read on your front page the story of the Uruguayan lady who had her American flag, a memorial of the day she became a U.S. citizen, and the Uruguayan flag stolen from her house front. Now that is shameful. Of course, it probably was kids, but doesn't everyone know what the flags are out there for today? Haven't they been taught how dear our flags are to all? Espe It's time to take care of US's business President Nixon built a bridge across the Pacific Ocean, readmitted China to the family of nations. Bully for him! President Reagan tore down the Berlin Ber-lin Wall and ended the Cold War with the U.S.S.R. No small accomplishment. President Bush is bringing the fragmented frag-mented Middle East under at least a degree of discipline. Now what about the United States? Broke and $3 trillion in debt, our own country is running on empty. Our gross federal debt has tripled in 10 years. Fifty-eight-point-one percent of all the money you pay in taxes is used to pay interest on the money our government has borrowed to try to stay afloat. One-point-six million Americans have lost their jobs since June; half a million just last month. Bankruptcies this past year were up 16 percent. Yet, there is a way that our country, starting from where it is, can prosper again. History says that any nation that taxes ing the Utah case until the court rules," and calling for an end to threats of litigation and legal harassment by the ACLU. Once the ruling comes down, undoubtedly local school districts will comply with whatever decision the high court makes. But a surrender in the form of a cease-fire does little to demonstrate the belief local school districts have that graduation prayers are legal and proper. Indeed, the Alpine School District maintains that the practice of graduation gradu-ation prayers, under the direction of the graduation committees from individual high schools, meets the test of constitutionality established for public prayers by the Supreme Court. To suspend such prayers while the Supreme Court considers the matter would be tantamount to admitting that they don't believe their argument will hold up. That's not a cease-fire, it's submission. w : - s likewise. Soon, all around the table could be heard the tapping of spoons on egg tops. That was Easter morning. In the afternoon Dad would take us for a walk up the hills. Spring was breaking. Across the valley a cuckoo was calling. He was telling of spring. Dad would play a game with us. As the clouds came over, he would stop and say, "There are animals up there in those cloud, pick one out and show it to me." In our childish imaginations we would point out what looked like an animal, then we would all laugh. Those were good days for we learned the meaningof Easter that has stayed with me throughout my life. Oh, beloved Easter. If all mankind would accept themeaningof'Easter, what a better world this would be. cially to one displaying it? I'm sure their parents would be horrified horri-fied to know they stole flags! I hope and pray those flags have been returned to that lady and I'm so sorry it happened. Which reminds me at our St. Peter's Church, just north of the high schools, one of our parishioners wrote to a congressman and requested one of those flags that has flown over our nation's capital in D.C. and received it and it had proudly been flown for several months. Then someone took it down off the flagpole (over Halloween ) and made off with it. We haven't replaced it. Paid Harvey News 1991 Los Angeles Times Syndicate its people more than 43 percent goes backward. When any government tsM? to take a larger-than-that share of a country's income, in-come, the tax base shrinks and tax collections collec-tions go down. In shirt-sleeve English: When people are taxed less, they work harder, make more money and pay more taxes. Less taxes equals more taxes; the lesson les-son is irrefutable. Worldwide last year the average income in-come tax rate was 46.7 percent, and those economies were in stagnation and decline. 1 , Hewlett and A statement made last week by Highland High-land Mayor James A. Hewlett really deserves de-serves some response, since the Mayor's comments strike at the heart of the age-old conflict between government and the free press. The statement was made prior to a special spe-cial joint meeting of the Highland City Council and Planning Commission regarding regard-ing a proposal to rezone the southwest corner of the intersection of the Alpine Highway and State Highway 92 for commercial com-mercial use. The issue is a critical one, for it raises questions about the basic philosophy philoso-phy of this unique Utah community. There is certain to be much discussion, and unavoidable controversy, before the issue is settled. Before this meeting, however, Highland's mayor read a brief statement directed at the media "and for the information of our citizens." Mayor Hewlett is frustrated with the way our system works. And rightly so. It's a frustrating system. Here, taken directly from his written statement, are some of the Mayor's concerns con-cerns about how our free press operates: "Most often, the media attention given is to an issue that is so new that it is still undefined or unexplored by the governing oody." "I am offended by the media's notion that governing bodies aren't considered mature and responsible enough to find the best solution to community issues without the element of controversy." "I object to the practice of reporting in the press of information discussed and decisions reached in an open meeting before be-fore the city has had a chance to contact the party concerned." "To report what amounts to the media's me-dia's interpretation of the governing bodies' bod-ies' opinions and desires, is often counterproductive." counter-productive." "I strongly dislike the role the media assumes, for example, to provide me an explanation about what I just heard in a presidential report." "The media often determines what is By BARBARA CHRISTIANSEN It has been said that the difference between be-tween a fad and a true fashion is the test of time a fad is gone almost before it has truly come, while a fashion stays around long enough to make a true impact. If that is the case, then exorbitantly long shoe laces are just about ready to become a veritable fashion. On the verge of the vogue does that mean I have to give in an accept them? I tried. When the laces from one of the first pairs of running shoes began to shred, I looked for replacements and was delighted with what I found. A fairly -muted yardstick yellow, measured meas-ured off with inch markings. Just about creative enough to satisfy my yearnings. I bought them in a distant state and tucked them in my suitcase for the trip back to Utah. Would I be the first in my neighborhood, or at least on my block, with something so innovative? Time would only tell. Tentatively sporting my "new look" at one of the few places you could wear such shoes at that time, I looked around and I was the only one in sight with the new style. Did that mean it was only a fad? Did that mean I was like the teenagers I warned my toddlers about? Apparently not. The designers took what started out as a Our flag is inside, on the altar. Our yellow ribbons are on the outside for our men serving their country. I guess no one wants them. ..only our military who come home. -Vera M. Harding Center a plus Editor: I have had the opportunity to live in Utah County for a good part of my life. I have enjoyed working here and have cho University of Texas economist Gerald Scully says, "Those governments are shooting themselves in the foot." Lower tax rates harvest increased tax revenues. Example: In the United States during the Reagan Re-agan years, the top tax rate fell from 70 percent to 28 percent. Yet, the richest Americans duringthat same period -- the richest 1 percent --paid --paid more taxes. Their share increased from 18 percent to 27 percent. It's very difficult to convince Congress that lower taxes result in higher taxes, but that is the way it works. High tax rates retard economic growth. Any nation's economy enjoys the optimum opti-mum rate of stimulation when its tax take is less than 20 percent. Our present President is admittedly bored with economics, prefers diplomacy. But if we don't learn from history --and --and soon -- we are likely to repeat it. That is not a happy prospect -- Rome and Spain and Greece and China won their wars and lost their shirts! lhe media often determines what is controversy. We II report that, too, but that a system that works. Shoelace fad threatens to become fashion the Media: opposing views The Editor's Column By MARC HADDOCK newsworthy and uses for copy their reporting report-ing philosophy - mingled with fact." No doubt, many of the readers of this newspaper share Mayor Hewlett's concerns and frustration -- and I don't want to take issue with that. But I do want to tell the other side of this story. It is true we give our attention to new issues, often before a public body has had adequate opportunity to examine all sides of the matter and define their concerns. That's why our business is called "news." Frankly, you want to hear about things as they happen -- not after an important decision deci-sion is made, but when it first comes to the attention of everyone. A city council or a school board or a state legislature is elected to carry out the public's pub-lic's business -- and they are expected to do it in a public fashion. That means people are kept informed at every step of the process. So you see, we don't think that our governing bodies aren't mature and responsible re-sponsible enough to Find the best solution to community issues without the element of controversy. We know these are, for the most part, good men and women who serve simply to be of service. But we don't think the people who are governed are immature and irresponsible, either. We think they ought to know what happens as it happens, rather than afterwards. after-wards. With controversial matters, this creates controversy. We'll report that, too, but that Barb's Wire By BARBARA CHRISTIANSEN lark for some manufacturer and produced some of the most amazing variations on a theme. Whoever invented shoe laces would probably either turn over in his grave or else shout for joy at the statement they have become. No longer subdued shades, the trend is to bright, even neon colors. For hundreds, or thousands, of years, one shoelace has been enough to hold the two sides of a shoe together. Not any more. The mode of the minute demands two or in some cases three laces for each shoe. Not only in multiples, but there is a code to learn for the intricate weaving of the designs. de-signs. There has to be some deep symbolism symbol-ism somewhere. Maybe some day well know. Do the colors have to match anything, including each other? The answer is obviously obvi-ously no. I can handle the colors, designs and even multiple laces. The part that's the most objectionable to me and most others I've talked to is the sen to rear my children here. Now we have the chance to give Utah County something that will continue to make it a great place to live. The proposed bond election to build a Utah Valley Special Events Center on the campus of UVCC grants us a window of opportunity that we cannot afford to pass by. A one percent higher tax on prepared food will raise the funds to pay for this needed facility. UVCC will be building a $10 million center on campus in the next two years. It will be a wonderful P.E. facility. Yet, for passage of a $7.7 million bond, we can add to that an 8,500-seat arena that will avail itself to many sports event, high school tournaments, cultural events, church meetings, meet-ings, trade shows, concerts, rodeos and conventions. The center will allow us to gather as a community without having to travel long distances and the opportunities for educational and cultural enhancement will be significant. The center will attract tourist dollars and bring in greater revenues from sales tax and room tax. Local businesses will also take advantage of the new market. Real estate value will increase, as will employment, employ-ment, and dollars that were usually spent in Salt Lake County will stay right here at home. Another major benefit is that at least two-thirds of th,e operation and maintenance mainte-nance costs will be paid by the state. The 9s I Policy on letters to the editor We welcome letters to the editor. All letters should be typewritten and double spaced. Letters must also be signed, and must include the writer's name and telephone number. Please send letters to Editor, Newtah News Group, P.O. Box 7, American Fork, Utah, 84003. doesn't mean we are responsible for it. To castigate us for that is punishing the messenger mes-senger because he brings bad news. As far as reporting what happens in open meetings, I don't quite know what to say. Our government is meant to be an open process, and I would worry about any reporter re-porter who waited for city's approval before publishing a given story. Governing bodies throughout the United States deal with this issue every day without with-out suffering. What takes place in an open meeting is public information. How can we keep that quiet in good conscience? I share Mayor Hewlett's disapproval of reporting an interpretation of a governing bodies opinions and desires. That's why we try to report what took place at a meeting and what was said, and let our readers interpret it. They are smart enough to do that. And I don't like to listen to the numerous commentators who follow a major political speech by the President, either. But I enjoy reading the opinions of people who have a different viewpoint or an important bit of information I didn't know, that puts a new light on the President's remarks. Finally, yes, the news media decides what is newsworthy. We spend our days deciding what is newsworthy, and deciding which stories are more newsworthy than others. None of us claim to be perfect at it. But there are so many of us at it, that in the end, almost everv newsworthy story gets told. Theold saw reads, "Freedom of the press belongs to the person who owns one." The beauty of our system is that anybody any-body can own one. And if you don't, send me a letter and we'll help you tell your side or share your opinion. Certainly, it is awkward having to conduct con-duct business with people lookingover your shoulder all the time. And Mayor Hewlett is right to be frustrated. But when you are dealing with the public's pub-lic's business, the public has a right to know what you are doing. Sure, it's a frustrating system. But it is a system that works. length of the laces. Here are some hints friends have suggested sug-gested for taking up the slack in your shoe laces. At the bottom of the lace, closest to your toe, wind the laces around two or three times. That takes up some extra room and makes some borderline length laces into manageable ones. One of the most common solutions is to tie everything twice. Take the four ends of the laces and make another bow out of them . If you have the time, you could make individual bows out of each of the two or three pairs on each shoe. Intriguing, isn't it? If your laces are even longer, try one of the patterns. Lace them as usual, but put in an extra cross from the top to the bottom before you tie the bow. If there's still room left over, you can attempt one of the ankle knots that are becoming popular. Things are bad enough for adults. Why do manufacturers believe that kids need laces as long as the Harlem Globetrotters use? That's what parents are finding. Some of the more innovative are using shoe laces in different ways. Weaving several sev-eral colors together and using them for decoration in a hair bow is just one suggestions. sugges-tions. If the laces get much longer, well be able to tie our shoes and use them for hair adornment with the same pair. other third would be paid with rental fees earned at the center. There is currently nowhere in Utah County for businesses and groups to meet. The American Fork Tabernacle holds 2,200 and the BYU Marriott Center holds over 22,000. They're either too big or too small. Utah County companies end up traveling to Salt Lake City to hold their meetings in the Salt Palace because of a lack of suitable facilities here. The facility will serve a student population popula-tion at UVCC that is largely made up of Utah County residents. UVCC is becoming the college our children will look to for their education . As fewer and fewer Utah County students attend school at BYU, the load at UVCC will demand its consideration as a four-year institution. Without the proper facilities this move cannot be made. This activities center will help facilitate a future move such as this. Utah County needs to keep up with the times so that our children and our children's chil-dren's children will be able to enjoy growing up and living here as we have. This valley will not get another chance to accomplish a task such as this. Once again, we cannot afford to let this window of opportunity pass us by. --Ed Pinegar Chairman Citizens Committee for a Utah Valley Special Events Center i |