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Show Free Press Wednesday, October 19, 1994 Page 2 .MtMUUtmjmmmMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmi. mmyfijf&MmmwmmmmmmmmwmMfMuwmmmmmmmvmm Learning an important lesson: life's a beach Editorial initiative A is vote on mm m mwtmximmmvmmmMmwmmmmmm election run-o- ff sented in Initiative A. The second part of the initiative, which sets up runoff elections when a candidate doesn't get a majority of the vote, will present Utah election officials with an administrative nightmare, and Utah voters with a possible third election in which most voters won't participate. It is legislation designed to cater to third party or independent candidates who would normally have no chance of winning an election - hence Mr. Cook's interest. Utah currently has no run-of- f elections. Candidates can win with a plurality of the vote. Under Initiative A, if a candidates does not get more than 50 percent of the vote, the state will have to finance a third election between the two candidates getting the most votes. The problems with this are many. Elections are such complicated procedures, that officials must prepare for a run-oelection before the general election is held, just in case the third election is needed. elections traditionAlso, run-of- f ally get a much lower turnout than the general election, meaning a smaller number of the voters will finally decide the election. A run-oelection is usually less likely to represent the wishes of the majority of the voters than a general election determined by a plurality of the voters. Initiative A is one piece of voter initiated legislation that Utah doesn't need. Since the state already has term limits, this initiative is basicalelections which ly a vote on run-of- f would unnecessarily clutter Utah's voting process. Vote no on Initiative A. Initiative A, which would establish term limits for Utah's politicians and require an election by majority vote, has received more than its share of attention this election year. But the debate over the technicalities of the initiative petition drive, and candidate Merrill Cook's involvement in the process have obscured how the initiative will affect Utah politics. As a recent study by the Utah Foundation points out, Initiative A is more about runoff elections than and the runoff electerm limits tions will result in costly balloting procedures that Utahns don't need. We should vote against Initiative A in November. Utah already has term limits under legislation which is relatively new and which meets Utah's need to place limits on the length of political - service. Initiative A varies from existing legislation in only a few ways. Principally, it exempts incumbents from the terms limitation legislation, while existing law does not, and it makes local term limits effective Dec. 1, 1995, while the existing legislation does not take effect until 24 other states pass term limits legislation. Setting a firm date for term limits would be folly under the seniority-drive- n power structure that currently exists in Washington. Until at least half of the states adopt some type of term limitation legislation, neutralizing the seniority system, any state adopting term limits will be basically silencing that state's voice in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. Utah's existing term limits legislation is superior to the limits pre ff ff Autumn was nutting time sine) I dearly love Autumn, not only for na- ture's artistry, but it gives us a rest from summer's heat and reminds us to prepare for the cold days ahead. But as a boy I loved it for one other reason. It was nutting time. In our area there were two kinds of nuts a, that grew wild chestnuts and hazel nuts. The chestnuts grew on the sides of Minnistwyn Mountain, but there were only a few trees so they didn't last long. There were quite a few hazel nut trees along the banks of the brook, but they were so close to homes that when the nuts were ripe people swarmed on them and in a few days they were gone. Now, my friend Eddie Simkins and I knew where there were some beautiful hazel nut trees. But the sad part was it was on private property and was patrolled by Jim the Wooder and his two dogs. But we figured if we followed the brook that ran through the property and kept in the shade of trees, Jim would not see us. So we climbed the fence and started out. Indeed, now, the brook was lovely. Crystal clear with a song that was enchanting. We came to a crabapple tree loaded with ripe, red fruit. We tried eating some but they were a bit too puckery. We came across a wild plum tree that was heavy with fruit. It, took, would pucker your mouth. Soon we came to a place called the Trewyn. This was the home of the hazel nut trees. They were loaded with big nuts, ready for the picking. I climbed up one tree and Eddie one. I had my bag almost full when here came Jim the Wooder and his dogs. I jumped down and ran past Jim and as I did he gave me a By TOM GRIFFITHS Jf hard smack on my backside with his cane. So, with the dogs nipping at my heels, I ran Business took me to southern California last weekend. I learned many things at the convention I attended, and I'm ready to apply them to my work. I also had some time for a little sightseeing, although getting slightly lost made for some mildly repetitive sightseeing as we found ourselves returning to the same street several times, albeit by different routes on each occasion. But perhaps my greatest lessons came from the time we spent at the beach. Although it was only 15 or 20 minutes, some very powerful lessons touched something somewhere within myself. I hadn't been to the beach for about 20 years, but I perceived that I probably did not appreciate the vast ocean that stretched out before my eyes. At that time, it was mere water that only affected me insofar as I could swim and play in it. Enlightened by the discoveries of Columbus that the world was indeed round, nevertheless, I had no real concept of the lands or peoples that might be on the other end of that great body of water. The intervening years took me to one of those lands, and my activities there brought me to a knowledge of not only the geographic reality ofthe country, but also to a broadening of my own personal horizons as I learned the social background ofthe people of Japan. As I gazed out over the Pacific Ocean, just as the sun was setting, my few moments on the beach last weekend became very profound as I realized that I am not alone on this planet and that there is so much more to discover as my life continues. The setting sun also moved me toconsid- - -- er how little I have taken the time to enjoy things alongthe journey of life. The stresses of the day, the cares about the responsibilities, the demands of the schedule, somehow all seemed to soften as the fiery sun slowly fell behind a cloud, making them before disappearboth turn a purplish-pin- k ing from sight. At the same time, we saw the moon rising from the other direction, giving a sense of continuity to my existence, and helpingme to see that opposites can work in harmony with one another. We had taken off our shoes and rolled up our pant legs, and wenttothedamp, squishy area of the beach to wait for the next lap of the tide to wash over us. Obviously it was too cold to do anything more, but we had to become participants with the ocean, even ifit was only up to our ankles; we had to align ourselves with nature and stamp on our minds the fact that we had been there at that time. To our left, a small brood of little shore birds, oblivious ofthe effect they had on me, made me see the importance of persistence by their survival instinct of searching for food. Saints, Probably like other Latter-da- y the media accounts of another LDS 'Intellectual" facinga church disciplinary council make me uncomfortable. At the same time, I feel bad about the plight of the dissident and disgusted as he or she publicly criticizes my church and its leaders. I do not wish to make light of their painful situation, but they seem to follow such a predictable pattern I can't help but "look over the obvious." Therefore, I have written this Creed of the LDS Intellectual Dissident. 1. 1 am an intellectual first and a Latter-day Saint second. 2. When Church leadership is wrong (and I can always find something wrong), it is my job to set the record straight. OR, when church leaders are not politically correct, behind the times, not saying enough about my cause, or not moving quickly enough in my area of intellectual inquiry, it is my job to take up the slack. 3. Because I am an intellectual Latter-da- y Saint, I must break new ground and move on to the frontiers of doctrine and spirituality. I must live a higher law. 4. Many other people feel as I do. My ideas would help them be at peace with themselves (though at odds with church doctrine and leadership). Therefore, my ideas must be published and broadcast I will teach them whenever I have an opportunity to do my job. (See No. 2). 5. When leaders of the church privately warn me that my doctrine is false or that my ideas are contrary to current church practice, I will refuse to stop preaching and publishing. (See No. 1) 6. When there is a church disciplinary council on the subject of apostasy, I will publicly claim that my individual rights are being infringed. 7. Whenever possible, I will be a media martyr. Because the church considers dis- - LooEiing Ougp the Obuious By BRETT BEZZANT ciplinary councils private, I will have the media all to myself. 8. Although church discipline is administered at the local level (as with every other case), I will claim that I am being singled out by church headquarters. This is because I am special. 9. After the local disciplinary council, I will appeal my case to the highest councils of the church. How could I be satisfied with anything less? 10. After I have been disciplined by the church, I will proudly belong to an elitist group ofthinkers and church analysts. The media will come to me for comment. At last, my intellectual superiority will be given the prominence I deserve. 1 apologize if my tone becomes a little sarcastic. It's just that the position ofthese "intellectuals" is so untenable, so foolish, it borders on the ridiculous. (Most of the media, by the way, never figure this out.) For faithful Latter-da- y Saints, a quick n review of some of the scriptural principles is always helpful. 2 Nephi 9:28- - "...When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore their wisdom is foolishness..." 2 Nephi 9:42- - "...and the wise, and the learned... who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom... yea, they are they whom he (the Holy One of Israel) despiseth; and save they shall cast well-know- these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them." D&C by mineown voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the er S8H1G" 3 Nephi 11:28,29 and D&C subject of doctrinal disputes. n Perhaps some less al lessons are: well-know- 10:63- - on the scriptur- Helaman 3:33- - the pride of those who "professed to belong to the church of God." In other words, their loyalty was to something other than the church. Rev. 12:10- - Satan is referred to as the "accuser of our brethren" who "accused them before our God day and night." (This means you can read about it in both the morning as well as the evening newspapers.) A careful read3 Nephi 19:20-2Latter-da- y makes Saints clear that it ing cannot receive the gift ofthe Holy Ghost nor can they be purified in Christ without being unified in faith on the words of the Apostles (the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve). According to the LDS Bible Dictionary, the term "Apostle" means "one sent forth." 3 Nephi 28:34,35- - "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath 3, 27-2- 9- chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day, And it would be better for them if they had not been born..." When I say the position of the LDS Dissident is untenable, even unthinkable, I really mean it. The doctrinal purity of the church is no trivial matter. Neither is how Latter-daSaints regard its apostolic guardians. y as fast aa my legs would carry me. By the time I reached the fence the dogs gave up and returned to Jim. I waited for Eddie outside of the fence. After a while he came. I thought he was ssatSffi Libertarians advocate constitutional government the smell. Poor Eddie, caught up in the tree by Jim, had fouled himself. There was only one thing to do. We went down to the reservoir and washed Eddie's trousers. The water in the reservoir will never be the same again. The sun was warm and soon Eddie could put on his trousers. As we approached his home, he stopped me and said, "Please don't tell anyone." I shared my bag of nuts with him and nodded my head. noticed Editor: We Libertarians do not advocate immorality or drug abuse. We do not oppose government. We advocate the government defined by the Constitution. The Constitution protects our liberties in both behavior and property. Liberals favor freedom of behavior, but control over property. Conservatives preach freedom of property with control over behavior. Libertarians stand for freedom of both behavior dowed so generously over the years re- that carelessness, errors and irresponsibility have resulted in their largest deficits in cent innovation in our nation, is flunking its finals. decades. School administrators and faculty say they need "more money." On the contrary, the states that spend the most money per pupil New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia - are getting the poorest quality education. States that provide the best education Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Utah, Nebraska and the Dako-ta- s spend the least money. Throwing money at problems does not make things better. In higher education, the continuing transfusion of public money has fostered sloth, laziness and cor- - Mews C 1994 Paul Harvey Products Inc. -- - High-rankin- . j2S public yacht and camthings as a pus social events. Ivy League schools are presently being investigatedformisuseofpublicfunding. g officials at several colleges have embezzled government money. Public institutions of higher learning are presently getting 60 percent of their budgets from government. Thus, they allow themselves all manners of excess. Professors are required to teach no more than two or three courses per semester. Students no longer fear failure because "FV are not allowed. Private colleges have the same problem. They, like Harvard, have been en 72-fo- ot ruption. George Roche, president of Hillsdale College in Michigan and former chairman of the National Council on Education Research, has authored 12 books. In book No. 12, called The Fall of the Ivory Tower," he details the manner in which "government money" has a leading Cali- fornia university spending 74 cents of every federal "research" grant on such By RUSS DALY Creed of the LDS Intellectual Dissident Is this the fall of the ivory tower? Public education, a comparatively Daly Planet The tiny avians eagerly moved down the beach as the tide went out, pecking in the moist sand for whatever morsel they might find along the way. As the tide returned, they scurried back to higher, drier ground, sometimes barely in time to avoid being washed away by the mighty force that brought them sustenance. I was occasionally fearful for their safety, but receptive to the lesson they taught - that persistence empowers and strengthens the soul. All too soon, we knew that we had to return to other pursuits, but even that served to show me that all things, even good things, must come to an end, and that we must surrender to the unending movement of the clock. Maybe I understood better than I ever have before, the value of being willing to move with the current of time, not living in the past, nor regretting that the present cannot linger.butcontinuallytraveling into the future, taking with us the memories and the lessons of the yesterdays behind. We left the ocean to its ebb and flow, and started to walk back to the car. As we moved from the wet sand to the dry, our feet and wet pant legs became indurated with the remnants of our foray onto the beach. Although I'm usually uncomfortable with those things that are not quite in order, I was surprised that the clinging sand served not as an irritant, but as a souvenir of taking the time to enjoy the beauty of nature, even though it was only for a short time. The sand could eventually be brushed off, but the memories and the lessons will remain as long as I may allow. This indictment of government's corruption of academia would weigh less were it not for Roche's enviable record at Hillsdale: No federal or state money. - - Every Hillsdale teacher teaches four courses a semester. All students must take the "great books" course and fulfill requirements in natural and social sciences and American - heritage. And there are no condom dispensers in Hillsdale dormitories. Roche, since 1971, has taken his school from near bankruptcy to solvency. It reflects his own good manners and profound cultural conservatism. Meanwhile, the academic welfare state has failed its consumers. "A cozy, too comfortable relationship has developed among politicians, academics, administrators and faculties, resulting in a generation ofeducators who think they dont have to work at it anymore." and property. Had Jesus been a liberal, he would have asked the government to feed the 5,000. A conservative would have condemned the adulteress or called the police on the Samaritan prostitute at the well. Like a Libertarian, Jesus used his own resources and refused to condemn sinners. He admonished them to sin no more. Then in true libertarian fashion, he respected their free agency. The Book of Mormon is libertarian. Chief Judge Alma was a libertarian when he chose to use the power of testimony instead of the power of law to fight wickedness. He made no attempt to close the house of prostitution where his own son had sinned. King Mosiah was a libertarian when he said: "I command you to do these things and that ye have no king; that if these people commit sins and iniquities they shall be answered upon their own heads. ...I desire that this land be a land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike." King Benjamin was a libertarian when he said: "I myself have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes." King Benjamin's welfare plan was based on voluntary participation exactly as stated in the Libertarian platform. I believe the Libertarians today are continuing the struggle we all undertook in the We stood for personal freedoms. We opposed Lucifer's plan for universal coverage. - -- Ken Larsen Libertarian Party Fastpitch team appreciates local support Editor: Dr. Kent Mountain west Offroad, a local fastpitch Softball team, recently competed in a national tournament. We would like to thank the following local businesses for their Davis, Hunter Management Group, Phillips Manufacturing, High Country Glass and Paint and Lehi Wholistic Chiropractic Center. Barnes, Coach 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. |