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Show Brigham City, Utah Thursday, June 13, 1974 BOX ELDER JOURNAL, ! Editorial Speaking Baseball fans riot: the Constitution soys; "Congress shall moke no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. The First Amendment to Is nothing sacred? One would think that in this world of consternation, chaos, confusion, conflict, and contention that at least one retreat would remain available to each pressured person baseball. But not so. The national pastime is longer a sanctuary for the belabored barrister or the harried hod carrier. Or at least it wasnt the other night at Cleveland where hordes of fans streamed onto the field, creating a mob situation that resulted in forfeiture of the game to the visiting Texas Rangers. no A LOT OF reasons are being advanced for the melee, among them the fact that it was a special beer night, and perhaps more than a few minors were suds sales customers. 10-ce- nt Its difficult without having been the scene to form a judgement. But our reaction to anything suggestive of such an incident is to ask, Is there nothing sacred in the on good old U.S.A. anymore? We realize that hockey is not hockey without a punch in the nose or two; that basketball is a short course to high blood pressure, and football is organized mayhem. BUT BASEBALL has been that grand old sport at which a fan might expect to relax and enjoy his excitement in sips, not gulps. Now, alas, it has become tainted by the barbarism of fans vs. players fisticuffs. Even an umpire got hit on the head. The topper to this tale is that the Cleveland ball club is protesting the forfeiture, claiming that there was no warning given to the fans during the course of the game by the umpires that any continuation of interruptions of play would lead to a declaration of a forfeiture of the game. You mean you gotta warn people not to act like animals or there will be consequences to pay? Ah, phooey ! Last in League of Women Voters series Citizens can contribute Responsible citizenship toward community education should not end with paying taxes, electing the board of education, or an occasional appearance at a public hearing or board meeting. The active citizen should also be willing to serve on district committees, in the local school, and in working through ' organizations. k Citizen committees could offer substantial help and support to the board of education. There are countless citizens who have experience, training, and talents and who are willing and eager to serve in the cause of education. Traditionally, volunteer service has, been channeled through Parent-Teachassociations in individual schools in the form of room mothers, social activities, buying special equipment, and varied professional assistance in the school. er BOX ELDER SCHOOL recognized both the service monetary value district and the of volunteers in the schools during the past three years and has encouraged the use of al clerical, library, teacher aids and tutor volunteers. They have offered training, recorded volunteer hours, and presented certificates of appreciation to the volunteers. However, many citizens have the expertise and enthusiasm that laymen can offer on committees appointed by and working with the board of education on a variety of subjects. School distircts utilizing such committees have found the work of the committees to be invaluable in dealing both with continuing matters such as curriculum selection as well as in ad hoc committee studies of current issues or problems. there is a district advisory council made up of representatives of the board, administration, instruction staff and UNISERV (an employee of the teachers association) but does not include or parents. any citizens-at-larg- e Since state law requires the formation of a vocational advisory committee to qualify for certain funds, there is also a citizens committee formed for that segment of education. Hopefully, a community school council to serve the district will also be organized to assist in planning and support of the community school program for the coming school year. These are a step in the right direction, but the use of more citizen committees on matters of general interest could prove worthwhile both financially and in greater community support for school programs. Members of the board of education are elected from their respective precincts and are expected to serve the entire district as a whole in their planning and policy. It is not a lucrative position, involved long hours and hard work, and sometimes creates unfavorable reactions from factions of constituents. AT PRESENT, DISTRICTS WITH active citizen committees find that much research and study can be accomplished by a committee upon which one board member serves, saving time for the board as well as funds that would have been used for a similar study to be made by the entire board or the staff. In addition, citizen committee reports reflect a wider segment of the community and have often already encountered unfavorable factions and tried to prepare recommendations that better represent the mood of the community. With more citizens involved, the committee also serves to create a better understanding of school issues and facilitates acceptance of policy and plans. IN BOX ELDER SCHOOL district there are several matters which could have been referred to citizens committees who simply study and recommend but do not make policy, which is the prerogative of the board. Such matters include the question on the status of married and-o- r pregnant students, secondary school textbook purchase or rental, problems concerning laboratory and other fees charged for required courses, elementary school library staffing, etc. The door is wide open for the board of education to appoint study committees under their current policy standards, and we hope the trend will continue in bringing more citizens into the planning and policy process. Next, we hope each citizen asked to serve will do so willingly to the best of his-habilities. er An Educolumn 10 Thanks, Coach! An avid athlete, eight years of age, has put us back on the front row of the little league bleachers. Last week we watched him run off the field triumphant, having just caught the high fly that marked the third out. His coach slapped him on the shoulder and voiced approval. Within minutes he had again accounted for the third out, this time by striking out. Again the pat on the shoulder and some positive reassurance. Thanks, Coach. IT WAS SOME YEARS later that this boy caught, this time from a high school basketball mentor, another invaluable concept. He was torn between attending a must practice and doing his duty in a churph assignment which conflicted. He worried for a while, and then his face brightened. Its O.K. he said. I have been thinking. Early in the season, Coach talked about what he called loyalty priorities. He said that an individuals dependability and dedication as a person were very important qualities in an athlete. He said that conflicts sometimes arise and that some loyalties must then take priority over others. If Coach were in my place, hed take care of his church obligation first and get to practice as soon as he could. Thanks, Coach! I remembered a some years ago. He was ready to move into the next ld age bracket of community baseball, and tryouts were a few days away. With all his young heart he wanted to play for the Ramblers, last years city champs, who were coached by a man he admired greatly. But the top team traditionally got last pick in the choosing process; and this lad, being a pitcher of some promise, didnt think hed last that long. One day he told his mother, Ive got it figured out. In tryouts, I wont try very hard and nobody will pick me very quick. Mr. B. knows I can play, though, and hell choose me anyway. The mother was troubled, but she said nothing. WHEN TRYOUT day arrived, the youngster grabbed his mitt and mounted his bike. Then he ran back to the house to say, You know, Mom, Ive changed my mind. Somehow I dont think Mr. B. would want a boy who didn't always do his best. By just being the kind of person he was, that coach had influenced a boy of ten to keep his self respect. Thanks, Coach. The boy pitched his heart out for a newly organized team that summer. In 15 games they beat only one team and scared TO COUNTLESS numbers of boys, the term Coach is one of respect and admiration and affection. Whether they be the gentlemen who give their time to community athletics, those who civic-mind- work through church programs, or those who staff our school athletic departments, their influence is tremendous. So, for the time you give, the example you set, and the character you help to build, thanks, Coach! , BOX ELDER A weekly newspaper 1908, published every Box Elder established able In Thursday by the South 55 First West, Brigham City, Utah, 84302 Second Class postage paid at the 16 First West South post office, Brigham City, Utah, 84302. Charles W. Claybaugh Publisher Emeritus Tuff" Claybauqh Charles General Manager Publisher Editor Bruce T. Keyes, Managing Mike Perry, Sports Editor Sarah Yates, Society Editor Nancy Goss, Advertising Manager Shirley Richardson, Classifieds Circulation Betty Claybauqh, Arland Tmqey, Newspaper Supr. Photo-Pres- s Van Claybauqh, Supr. H. E Anderson, Commercial Printing Supr. rate 38 00 per year paywith in advance in connection Sunthe Box Elder News (published Box in Elder 6 months 00 for $4 days) Subscription JOURNAL County. Subscription able the days) Box in Box SS rate advance Elder 00 $10 00 per year in connection News for 6 pay- with Sun(published months: outside Library Echoes Elder Couunty. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations, Utah State Press Association, National and Association United Newspaper Press International. Advertising RepreUtah State Press Associasentativetion, Salt Lake City, Utah. MEMBER OFTHE Hours at the Brigham City library are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sunday. The telephone number is The First amendment under attack former daily and weekly newspaper reporter, wire service reporter and magazine editor, the author is head of the journalism sequence in the department of communications at Brigham Young university. His teaching specialities include press law, reporting and public opinion. by M. Dallas Burnett, Ph.D. Professor of Communications Brigham Young University Of all the individaul rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and its amendments, freedom of speech and freedom of the press are among the most fragile. The history of the First amendment since ratification of the Constitution in 1791 is littered with city, state and federal laws that make mockery of our commitment to freedom of expression. One of the most critical challenges to press freedom in this century is currently before the U.S. Supreme court. And it has virtually been lost from public view because of the current flurry over other press-governme- confrontations and Watergate. Within the next few weeks the Supreme court will decide on the constitutionality of a Florida law requiring newspapers in that state to provide free space to political candidates who have been attacked editorially. THIS OBSCURE Florida statute was passed in 1913. It has essentially been a nonlaw until 1972 when Pat L. Tomillo Jr., a candidate for the state legislature, made use of the statue against the Miami Herald for editorials attacking his candidacy. Floridas lower courts rejected the law but the supreme court of the state said it 25 Years Ago C. Henry Nielsen took over the position as Brigham City postmaster on June 1, according to Ernest L. Freeman, who has been June 10, 1949 acting postmaster since the resignation some three years ago of Nello Christenson. June 10, 1949 Dr. Victor Wayne Bott, dentist, has opened an office at 131 West Forest Street. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Bott of Brigham. Wednesday, June 15, 1949 Jesse W. Hoopes, 80, Brigham City, who has served as the Box Elder county senior probation officer for 15 years has retired, it was announced by Judge Theodore Bohn of the First district juvenile court. Wednesday, June 15, 1949 Lou Bekker of M. Morrin and Son Construction Co. announced yesterday that scrap wood from the old Central school will not be burned as is customary. Instead, it will be turned over to Boy Scouts who will distribute it to widows and old people next winter. 50 Years Ago 1924 Miss Illene Davis of June 9, Monday, Willard returned home Thursday evening from Ogden where she has spent a few days visiting at the home of her brother, Dewey W. Davis. Thursday, June 12, 1924 Harry W. Swanson of Denver has accepted a position at the Brigham City Department store. Mr. Swanson is a young man with a wife and little daughter. They are looking for suitable apartment or furnished home which they desire to rent for the summer. June 16, 1924 Bowed down by his burden of ninety-fou- r years, Peter Greenhalgh laid himself down to rest; then fell into a quiet sleep which deepened into the final one. It was 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon when he departed this life to join his aged wife who passed away in June, 1922. June 16, 1924 The Free Baby Health Clinic of the Box Elder stake will be held at the court house Wednesday, June 18, beginning at 9 a.m. , It's in danger A Thursday, June 11, 1964 Want ad listed home sale: Will sell $2,000 equity in 3 bedroom home for $500 or trade for pickup or anything of equal value. for another one a little. Nevertheless he had lucked out again. His coach had a great sense of humor and a great love for boys. He didnt try to tell them that winning wasnt important. In fact, he said it was so important that they should keep on striving for victory no matter what the odds; and he managed somehow to instill in those youngsters a tremendous sense of loyalty and pride and perseverance. Thanks, Coach! Ray M. Hall Years Ago was constitutional and sent it back to the lower courts for further proceedings. That ruling has been taken by the Miami Herald to the U.S. Supreme court where arguments were presented in April. There is a deceptively appealing ring of fairness to the thought that an individual who has been editorially attacked by one of those big, bad newspapers ought to be able to demand space for a reply. The tone goes both flat and sour when you recall that the basic point of the First Amendment injunction that Congress shall make no law was to keep government from restraining publication or ordering what should be published. And just as the First, amendment prevents the federal government from dictating press content, so the Fourteenth amendment prohibits the states from interfering with a free press. THE CASE FOR Tornillo was argued by Jerome Barron, a George Washington University law professor, who has been beating the drums for a constitutional right of public access to the media for nearly a decade. This case represents the legal wedge that could open the gates to a concept that has not really been well received. At issue here is the question of whether the government, at whatever level, has the right to order the press to print something. In broadcasting there already exists that sort of federal law. Broadcasters who give or sell time to political candidates are required to provide equal time for all other candidates for that same office. Further, broadcasters who attack a candidate must provide him with free time to respond. Broadcasting, however, utilizes airwaves that have been declared public property. They are licensed to operate on the public ether for their own financial reward. It is not a total contradiction of basic values then to require broadcasters to treat candidates fairly. BUT THE PRINT media have never been cast in the role of a common carrier or public utility by the courts. Newspapers and magazines are not licensed by the federal government. Certainly they are subject to reasonable regulation. The Supreme court has even agreed over the years that the First amendment does not protect all obscene, libelous and seditious statements. The fact remains that there is nothing in our legal history that suggests any government right to order a newspaper or magazine to publish something. Unfortunately, there is a spreading atmoshphere of distrust toward the news media that could lead people to allow government programs to make the media more responsible. Rest assured that the heavy hand of government is not the solution, no matter what the failings of the press in the areas of honesty and fairness. THERE IS A CERTAIN process in the clash of ideas and opinions. Truth does have a way, in most instances, of squirming itself to die top. Despite what is said by those who advocate laws requiring the media to provide space, candidats like Tornillo already have access to the marketplace. With few exceptions, communities in this nation offer multiple media voices. In fact, the very voice that criticizes the candidate is likely to provide him an opportunity to be heard. And where that is not true because of an irresponsible publisher, you'll probably find a radio station or a television broadcaster who will sound the alarm. In a 1973 case, Justice Stewart of the U.S. Supreme court suggested what should be the courts answer to the Florida law; For that guarantee (First amendment) gives every newspaper the liberty to print what it chooses and reject what it chooses, free from the intrusive editorial thumb of government. self-righti- Letters to the Editor ... A 'scrap of paper?' Editor ; As you know, fluoridation of the citys water supply was enacted by the following city council motion of June 10, 1965, by a three-to-tw- o vote: I therefore conclude and would make a motion that the health department in cooperation with the public works director be directed to install and control fluoridation in Brigham City water supply at 1.0 part per million. Since there is no federal or Utah statutue on fluoridation, this council action constitutes the law, and the only law, concerning fluoridation in Brigham City. Under the terms of the 10th amendment to the constitution, the city council had the authority to enact fluoridation under the stated controls. However, in the spring of 1972 the city did away with the office of the public works director, and in the spring of 1973 the city did away with the health department. Since the citizens of Brigham City are also citizens of the sovereign state of Utah and citizens (born or naturalized) of the U.S.A., they are entitled to the equal protection of the laws giuaranteed to us all under the 14th amendment to th constitution. By the act of eliminating joint control (as stipulated in the above council motion (action) by the health department and the public works director (who must be a professional engineer) in the operation of the city fluoridation system, Brigham City is clearly in violation of the wording and intent of the said council motion (action), and by the very fact also in violation of the terms of the 14th amendment. As a matter of fact, the city is, and has been, treating its own council action as the proverbial scrap of paper. May I then invite your readers to give some thought to this matter to determine whether I am in the right when I thus publicly propose that the city should discontinue fluoridation until such time when it will be controlled by the city health department in cooperation with the city public works director. This matter of lack of proper control should really be court-teste- d in the form of injunction proceedings which wold cost more money than I could afford to spend. As far as the constitutional safeguards with regard to the control of local fluoridation are concerned, I almost feel like a streaker on a treadmill. I refuse to subscribe to the equation, based on naive expediency, to the effect that Howard B. Kelly equals health department plus public works the framer(s) of the aforesaid council motion of did neither! sincerely yours, Adolph Kaltwasser, Brigham City. |