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Show 2 BOX ELDER JOURNAL, Brigham City, Utah Thursday, December 22, 1977 Editorially Speaking Should keep 55 mph because it makes sense The series of hearings conducted by tie Utah Transportation commission on the 55 speed limit has produced a grounds well of opposition. At least a majority of those attending the sessions have expressed opposition. Does this mean that most Utahns believe the speed limit on Beehive state highways should be higher? Not necessarily. We suspect most folks bend to the wisdom of the lower 55 mph limit but this does not inspire mile-per-ho- ur them to attend hearings. Those who would like to see it dumped on the scrap heap of government regulations obviously will feel more prompted to express their feelings. What worth the hearings have served is not exactly certain. Even in the face of opposition, the state commission has decided to retain the 55 mph limit, taking the action Tuesday. Why? Because it makes sense. The conservation it brings in motor fuel is unquestioned. And there is good reason, although not totally substantiated, to believe that it also results in fewer traffic deaths. The fact that federal highway funds coming to Utah hinge upon state observance of the 55 mph limit is also a factor. However, wed quickly add that, by itself, this is not a completely acceptable reason. If the state concluded that imposition of the lower speed limit was not wise, then it would be justified in pressing for new federal direction. But such is not the case. We concede tht independent truck drivers may be suffering. Larger rigs reportedly are built for optimum operation at higher speeds. And the ability to move from point to point in quick time is a determining factor in their income. But the overall benefit to be gained from observing the 55 mph limit packs more weight. As the transportation commission resolves this issue, it presents anenforcement of the other need Ned lower speed. Theres not much sense in posting our highways with a speed limit only to have motorists ignore it. Not the way to set example in White House Almost weekly the editor receives information from Rep. Robert S. Walker speaking for the (R-Pa- .) i i Order of the Tusfced Peanut is The orders pmnary-oeeupatkinconsistencies out apparent picking in what President Carter says and what he does. It is obviously political in nature. Weve read the pieces with amusement but declined to publish them, n considering their perspective. TTie following is an exception because we feel it is especially significant in light of todays need for example in wage and salary restraints: ment. Last March, Carter gave his aides a whopping 25 percent pay raise. ..Then, on Oct. 9, 1977, the pot was sweetened again with another 'jise' of more than seven percent, giving some additional staffers a salary of $47,500 or more. As Time magazine recently pointed out, the latest round of pay raises for Santa Carters staff has lifted Washington eyebrows. Twenty-eigh- t James Fallows, Carters top speech writer, now makes $45,000 compared to his $20,000 salary as a former Washington editor. year-ol- d Twenty-si- x The Order of the Tarnished Peaseanut today named a sonal celebrity as its newest Trust Me Trustee. The recipient of this weeks award is none other than Santa Claus himself! The jolly old gent was selected for giving early Christmas presents in the form of massive salary increases to 389 members of President well-know- n Carters White House staff. OTP is convinced that Santa Claus was responsible for the fat pay raises because President Carter has repeatedly pledged to set an example of frugality and economy in govern year-ol- Richard d Hut- cheson, who was a $6,000 a year research assistant for the Democratic National committee, now makes more than staff secretary. as Carters these $45,475 All high-powere- d salaries in the Carter White House have OTP dreaming of a Green Christmas. Quote of the week : The President feels it is important for the White House to set an example in holding down increases in executive level salaries in the federal government. White House Announcement March 23, 1977 Tattos: A picture is worth . . . pain, expense A release from National Geographic this week has it that tattoos are in; embarrassment about them is out. It further points out that tattoo artists say this form of body adornment or whatever you choose to call it can be worn proudly, as a form of expression. Instead of hiding their tattoos under shirt sleeves, a new breed of customers is flaunting them, even going to the extreme of covering themselves in virtual body suits of color and pattern. Interesting, huh?, We can see some definite drawbacks to the practice, however. One can buy a new dress or sport coat, but changing a body tattoo that has gone out of style presents a bit more difficulty. Furthermore, opportunities to display certain tattoos are definitely limited. For example, one man had his back covered with a tattooed at a cost of $5,000. Its graveyard not certainly something you go around exposing these frigid days in Brigham City. The release goes on to say that women are getting into the act with more frequency. In fact some tattoo doers say half their customers are females. One such member of the fairer sex, a Long Beach, Calif., housewife, reportedly entered a tattoo studio and thrust a card into the proprietors hand, instructing him to emblazon the cards message on her arm. Death Before Dishwashing, it said. Wed rather wash the dishes. Tattoos are made with indelible ink by electronmagnetically powered needles that pierce the skin about of an inch. It hurts, in addition to being costly. But getting a tattoo is usually simpler than getting rid of one. Most methods are painful, leave a scar and are costly. And this, folks, is the art form now finding new acceptance in the counone-hundre- th try. Isnt that something? iQunO ia-7- 7 6 Letters to (V the Sditor,.,LX The editor invites and welcomes letters for publication in these columns. However, contributions must be signed and also bear the writers adress and telephone number. It is suggested that letters not exceed 250 words in length. The first Amendment to the Constitution soys; "Con- ; gress shaii moke no law of speech or of the press' . . abridging the freedom Grass in the streets? t' r I ' i School Talk Editor: The following message we believe is significant in light of the current situation among farmers in this country. It was submitted by E. To Evans, Boise, Idaho, in response to a request from Hesston corporation to the membership of the American National Cattlemens association (now the National Cattlemens association): In 1896 William Jennings Bryan said it best, Bum down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic, but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. As long as the North American farmer can supply our food at a price that allows us to spend the greatest part of our income for our cars and TVs and recreational items, our high standard of living can continue. But, when our farmers can no longer produce our low-cofood, or when they have no economic incentive or ability to produce this food truly, again, the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. st Bill Davis Brigham Implement Editor: The holiday season is an especially appropriate time to pause and say, Thank You, for the space you made available in your newspaper during the past year for social security articles and information. Your cooperation and interest have been helpful both to us and to the public we serve. We wish you and your staff continued success in the coming of us, Merry Christmas and Happy New year, and, from all Year! Sincerely, Philip I. Vigil, District Manager He says thanks Editor: reference to a major power outage like to express thanks and appreciation By Jack Rindlisbacher Principal Bear River City School Parents are seektreasures of great value to give their cihldren for ing for Christmas, like trucks, dolls, games, radios, stereos, bikes, These treasures only last a short time. Soon they are gone and forgotten, but the treasure hunt goes with the happiness derived lasting only a short time, but the financial burden going on continually. These treasures are good and our children need some of them, but children have other more important needs than the ones listed above. These needs are love, understanding, success, friendship, etc. These needs cannot be secured with money, without success and love, etc., the snowmobiles, cars, etc. year-after-ye- ar Thanks for space In This Christmas give love on Dec. 17, 1 would to all who helped or assisted the Brigham City Light and Power department in any manner, when part of the city was without power due to an accident which caused major damage to one of the citys main power circuits. Many employees of the police department, fire department, Utah Highway Patrol and Mountain Fuel Supply worked throughout the night to help us restore power to the city and I am grateful for the manner in which these men worked in unity. Also, I want to give a special thanks to the Brigham City power crews and the public works director for a job well done under adverse conditions. The many men in these various departments are loyal and dedicated to Brigham City which helps to make it a finer place for all of us to live. Respectfully, Jim Davis, Superintendent, Brigham City Light and Power DOESNT MY... WIJ DO! self-wort- h, child becomes lonely. Loneliness is one of the biggest problems in our society. Dr. William Glasser in his book Schools Without Failure said: Thus, those who fail in our society are lonely. In their loneliness they grope for identity, but to the lonely the pathways to success are closed; only anger, frustration, suffering, a failure identity and withdrawal are open. Loneliness is found in the home, community and at school. Parents, community leaders and teachers who have not faced the problem of failure caused by loneliness refuse to admit that it is a problem. Schools are in a unique position to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the loneliness of children. Schools are staffed by warm, successful people who care greatly for children. If the warmth and care are given to children, much of the loneliness will be eliminated. Each of us has a responsibility to care for and help children; to be a friend to those who are lonely. For this Christmas and the coming year, lets give a gift of great lasting value, a gift of love. The quest for peace begins with each of us by Sen. Jake Garn It seems that every year, Christmas becomes more commercialized and the true meaning of the season is pushed further into the background. This year, at least in the Washington area, department stores were displaying Christmas decorations in October. Well before Thanksgiving, Christmas music was blaring throughout many of the stores I frequent. There is certainly nothing wrong with the trappings of the season, but we should not allow them to detract from what we are supposed to be observing. Let us pause in the bustle of the season to reflect on the message delivered by angels to the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem nearly two thousand years ago: . . .on earth peace, good will toward men. For the first time in centuries, we have serious prospects for peace in one of the most volatile regions of the world. In fact, it has been 2,600 years since Israel and Egypt have established any kind of diplomatic relations. So it is particularly significant that Egyptian President Anwar Sadat visited Israel and that talks aimed at establishing a meaningful peace in the Middle East are under way. This does not mean, of course, that we will see an instant peace between the Arab nations and Israel ; there are many serious differences which must be resolved. But because of efforts made by President Sadat and Israels Prime Minister Menahem Begin, peace in the Middle East is within the realm of possibility. And if peace is possible there, it is possible anywhere . . .if men will exercise Die good will spoken of by the angels on the first Christmas. Here in Washington, we tend to see things in institutional terms. It is not always easy to remember the impact a single individual can have to change the world for good. The Mideast situation shows us what can happen on the international level. Our responsibility, yours and mine, is to operate on the interpersonal level. In the final analysis, that is where our actions count. It is these personal actions with family, friends, neighbors, and those in need around us that shape our character and, ultimately, the world. May each of us find the true meaning of Christmas and make it work in our lives throughout the year, that our actions may be acceptable to those around us and to Him who made us. |