Show Opinion £)idftCcii Sunday June 1 8 13S5 ISA Body piercing story intended to inform readers not offend them The phone started to ring at 3 30 p m Tuesday The callers were polite but firm: Today’s from page was in very poor taste" a re tired school principal said “We’re getting a moronic society and it really scares me” said a father of five who is now rxsmg a ! son "It’s enticing young people to take a look at doing it themselves” a third reader said of photos that showed man with nngs through his nose and bp a and a pierced tongue In ail perhaps a dozen readers oiled the newsroom last week to protest our Page One package on the dangers of body piercing Some didn't think the story and photos should have been so prominently displayed Some didn’t think it had any place in the paper at alL “I'm not a prude" the retiring school principal said but she felt the story and photos would put bad ideas into good kids’ heads My son “wants to shave his head and wear pants 10 sizes too big Now he sees this and says ‘It's OK because everybody is doing it’ " the father of five said "It made me side at my stomach" the third reader added “This OJ (Simpson) mess is making me sick too but I’d rather have it on the front page than this" So why did we do it? The story started - as many stories do - with a call to our city editor The caller who does body piercings said the newspaper needed to do a story warning young people about the serious health risks associated with the practice Infections hepatitis and even HIV the virus that causes AIDS can be transmitted by un safe piercing methods Health reporter Becky Oleson was assigned to look into the caller's suggesuon She quickly found out that he was right Infection control experts at McKay-De- e Hospital and Ogden Regional Medical Center told Oleson they thought a story on the subject was an interesting idea too The experts argued that teenagers should be as informed as possible of the dangers of this fad because it is so hard to talk them out of it once they've made up their minds to be pierced Oleson also said her story might discourage some young people from body piercing in the first place The story made it clear that the procedure is painful and that some piercings take up to two years to heal Chief Photographer August Miller also thought the newspaper had an important message to get out Miller said he couldn’t help noticing the popularity of piercing on the Utah State University campus where he is attending graduate school He said he’d also seen younger kids with safety pins through their eyebrows -some with fresh blood still on them From the beginning of the assignment Miller felt photos of the piercing process would be essential so that readers could understand why the health professionals were sounding such dire warnings “If they (readers) didn't see it happening it wouldn't drive through the point that the needle has to be dean" he said Miller said he showed a man having his bp pierced "because it is the least offensive thing they do” The photo showed practiuoner Curt Warren using latex gloves Miller also said he photographed Warren with an autoclave in the background to highlight the fact that body piercers should sterilize all their equipment Not surprisingly Miller’s photos were the talk of the newsroom after he developed his film “That’s so gross!" “I'd never do that!” “Oh my heck!" H se typical reactions generally preceded a more se-- ri discussion Reporters and editors wanted to know wnat the story was about and whether the photos were going to be printed on the front page Although the photos made all of us uncomfortable the consensus was that the story had a very important message that our readers needed to hear It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that we select photos and stories for the front page that we want every reader to see It's the place that we put the day’s “best” work But you might be surprised at how we define “best" these days Our goal for the front page is to give you a blend of citizen new you need to know to be a and news that can only be defined as the "talk of the town" Government and politics are important subjects for example but we know you're also interested i4 J sports schools and even sex We have a special challenge because we are dehv ered to your doorstep in the late afternoon weekdays By 5 pm each afternoon you’ve had many opportunities to see the previous day’s major news stones re4 ported on television or to hear about them on the radio As a result we emphasize the newest developments in major breaking national and world stones We look for local stories that are unique and exclusive to this newspaper When our choices for the front page succeed wd catch your attention deliver some important news and occasionally make you smile or even laugh If you like what you find on the front page we hope you’ll tunj inside to sections devoted to opinion local news sports business and features I don’t think I’ll get any arguments that our package i on body piercing caught your attention And I hope that even those readers who want to needle me for putting it in the paper read the story and learned something about a trend that can only be deJ scribed as disturbing is offend this: We didn’t intend to My point simply we intended to inform well-inform- - Ron Thornburg is managing editor You can call him at 0 PO Box 951 Ogden IIT 84402 aminer 625-421- of the Standard-E- x or write to him at j LETTERS TO THE EDITOR National debt hasn’t harmed economic progress From my perspective at age 93 it is with great interest that I listen to people worry over the national debt and the resulting inflation and debt interest instead of assessing progress I have lived in both the US and Europe and have followed economic trends for a long time I first heard about the national debt in the 1920s when the big complaint was that we couldn’t pay for WW I when we still hadn’t paid for the Civil War The concern is still the same In reference to inflation the most difficult time that I have ever had financially was during the period of deflation during the 1930s This was a hard time for all businessmen including the bankers Wheat which had previously sold for $1 per bushel sold for just 1 8 cents even though the dollar was worth $3 With regard to debt interest who is holding the debt? Those who buy government bonds are adequately compensated When bonds were first sold the return was 1 percent or less Now the return rate has been as high as 16 percent during the Reagan administration Thirty year bonds were at 8 per- cent in January of this year It would seem to me that if people do not like the rate they shouldn’t buy the bond As I look back I see that the debt has done no harm to the United States Even though the value of the dollar is currently down to 3 cents times are good and have been good for everyone including the bank This nation is the wealthiest ' most powerful the leader for the rest cf the world Ours is the highest standard of living the most technologically advanced and surely the most politically free Do we complain about the benefits of minimum wage Social Security Workmen’s Compensation Medicare and Medicaid unemployment insurance public housing social programs and military expenses? No just the costs But those costs haven’t hurt anyone We have all benefited from the economic progress of the US and continue to do so Ezra J Zollinger Logan Refreshing to find exceptional service still exists I am a Home Health nurse with Health Care My day consists of driving to the homes of people usually senior citizens to provide health care services I had a flat tire a couple of weeks ago and drove to David Early Tire on Wall Avenue I spoke with Lynn Chadwick assistant manager and was informed wait my vehithat after a cle could be serviced even though I In-Ho- had no appointment Much to my surprise and delight Mr Chadwick fixed the flat tire and did not charge me! I appreciated the prompt service and kindness I was able to complete my visits to the individuals who count on me for their care It is so refreshing to find that exceptional service still exists in today’s world Sandy Hall RN North Ogden Motorized vehicles are allowed on Skyline Trail Many bicyclists think that “motorized vehicles” aren’t allowed on the Skyline Trail running from Pineview to North Ogden Divide and on to Ben Lomond Peak Even though the signs at the trailheads are usually defaced by someone crossing out the motorcycle symbol this trail is in fact open to motorcycles And even though OHV annual permit stickers fund most development and maintenance of all trail systems (I’ve never seen one of those stickers on the side of a horse or bicycle) the skyline is the only trail in the area open to motorcycles Get a copy of the Ogden Ranger DistrictStandard-Examine- r “Path- ways to Glory” trail guide and you’ll see 15 trails in the Ogden area with Skyline being the only one open to motorcycles I make it a point to pull over keep the noise down and give equestrians the right of way and I always slow down wait or move out of the way of bicyclists For my effort most of the time my son and I get cursed and shouted at by bicyclists with niceties such as “This trail is dosed to motorized vehicles $!” If you enjoy riding your bicycle or if it makes you feel “green” that’s great but I like riding my motorcycle and I feel good knowing I’m paying for the environment with cash instead of good intentions and enjoying the outdoors in my own way So bicyclists on the Skyline realize who funds most trails live and-l- et live or use one of the other 14 trails John Johnson Roy ‘Rubes’ cartoon offensive On Saturday June 10 the fun nies were far from funny I for the life of me cannot see anything funny about the cartoon “Rubes” by Leigh Rubin Perhaps it is supposed to be sick humor but for children or adults a woman serving her husband’s head on a platter as a sandwich is just too far I cannot see how anyone see that as clever As far as concerned let’s get back to and cute not horrible going Why the objection to terms found In Torah? This is an open letter to Rachel Bauchman: I do not understand your reasoning You claim to be Jewish yet you object to the use of the words God and Lord terming them as Christian terms with the contention that to sing them violates your civil rights It has always been my understanding that the Jews who are descendants of Judah one of the 12 sons of Jacob the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham revered God who is also termed Lord The Jews are the only ones living today who claim descent from Abraham Certainly there is no other people who have remained as a distinct people The enure Old Testament of the Bible is a history of what is now known only as the Jews Even Joseph who was sold into Egypt has no valid record of any of his descendants today 1 have collected different versions of the Bible I have a copy of the Torah published by the Jewish publication Society of America at Philadelphia in 1979 This is the first of five books of the Old Testa ment according to Masoretic text Genesis Chapter 1 in both the Torah and the Christian Old Testament refers to God as God 31 times Chapter 2 also of Genesis refers to the Lord God 1 1 times The Christians got the Old Testament from the Jews How can you say that singing the song whatever it was violated your civil rights as a Jew? If you were an atheist or an evolutionist I could perhaps understand but not fully How can a Jew object to terminology from the Torah? The very fact that you claim to be Jewish should mean that you are proud to be one The Jews have had a long history of persecution It is sad that some who claim to be Christian would treat anyone in such a manner Those who do so are not Christians or they would remember Jesus’ statement to love everyone Jews have maintained their connection with being Jews It is a proud title to have Dean brings sincere professionalism to his office I would like to thank Mr Rich Dean of the Weber County Adult Probation Office He has brought sincere professionalism to his office and the citizens of Weber County Mr Dean was recently assigned a case which involved my son Mr Dean sought out the truth in justice rather than seeking the letter of the law Because of his caring and con cern of the people he serves we all have a better world to live in i It’s outstanding to have such 4 dedicated government employee I would like to thank him personally and publicly recognize his profes-- i sionalisra that he brings to our com- munity i Marvin L Brumett Washington Terrace John Stockton Is Utah’s very own Top Gun’ On Friday June 2 the Standard-Examinhad a great color photo of our own Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton suited up and smiling strapped inside the cockpit of an 6 aircraft having completed a test ride with an Air Force captain er F-1- at HAFB The photo prompted my person? al response Hey Tom Cruise go make room for away little boy J Utah’s “Top Gun" JoAnn Van Lceuweq - 1 Ogden Helping injured wildlife Is illegal I think highly of Kerry Singleton If you find an injured orphaned and her concern for orphaned and or dead protected animal leave if injured animals (May letter to the alone Don’t pick it up Don't touefy it Call the local Division of Wildlife editor) However following her advice unaware may get you into big Resources and describe the animalj the injury and the location so theyf trouble can help She suggests if you find an inWhen they ask for your name Jeanne 3 Wilson jured bird such as a hawk or eagle don’t tell them they may come baclf Brigham City take it to the Ogden Nature Center That is very bad advice Federal and later and accuse you of injuring the animal and seize your car or impost laws do not have provisions state beautification Ogden’s entryways J fines and harass you for the a vet age citizen to transport Watch your children too If one I’m writing this letter because I up the junk and cut down the or have a protected animal in their love beauty and it makes me sad to weeds Make it look pretty innocently picks up an eagle or owt possession regardless of its condiI know that there are a couple of tion feather and brings it home you ar think that Ogden just doesn’t take fish cops are not" in big trouble Some wildlife officers care of our freeway entrances and folks who keep up their places and Many so concerned about protecting wild- - I know have no mercy Under the our streets They are very shabby it must make them feel good because it sure makes our city look life as they are in handing out citaFederal Forfeiture Act enforcement and unkept better officers may seize your property oq We just returned from Phoenix tions and making arrests We need to take pride in our Ariz and Las Vegas Nev I was If you were to pick up an injured a whim and you are guilty until yoii j stunned at the beautiful freeways yards and streets Do a little each owl or any protected animal you prove innocence Under today’s system justice foj and entrances into their cities I just day and soon it will look great and are taking a very large risk I can it will make you feel better hire you cannot afford the cost to wanted to stay and look at the beaucite many cases where We could get the people from trying to help wildlife ended up with prove innocence Hunters and out? tiful trees shrubs and rocks that J were placed so nicely on the sides of the halfway houses or job corps to seized property fines and even loss doors persons beware David S Butts do it or volunteer to do it ourthe freeways of their job when agents pressured South Ogdei selves Then when we got back to Ogtheir employer t Come on let’s make Ogden den and looked along the freeways to the north we saw junk cars and beautiful and cut the weeds clean Tradition not eliminated by girl weeds When we looked to the out the junk and plant a few trees families I never citizen senior a As sing the “spontaneously” flowers and shrubs It will make south we saw junk and weeds “Friends” I would applaud the delibtraditional song thought feel better will all we and from down your day Coming Washington erate defiance of a court order like I cheered Highway 89 we saw weeds all the about it Tradition at graduation should did for the graduation ceremony at Keith Fern Street to 40th way be eliminated by one girl be not School West Wednesday High make It’s a shame that we can’t Ogden cause she did not like some words evening June 7 our streets look beautiful Just go Through the years I believed in the song beyond our yards a little and pick There are many songs being suni that “majority rule” was the stanthese days whose lyrics I definitely dard acceptable procedure It apobject to but I'm not about to go to plies to voting juries passing laws STANDARD’S LETTER POLICY J court over it organizational actions etc the way I was under the imj was I So By by appalled completely Standard-ExaminB The encourages participation in the letters to the 1 0th Circuit Court judge’s ruling pression the Jewish faith believed in the editor column Letters must include your name address and a dayGcd He is mentioned numerous forbidding the singing of two “traditime phone number so we can verify the letter’s authenticity times in the Bible’s Old Testament the tional” songs by graduation HI The desirable length is 300 words We will either return longer and the Torah Don’t we all worship school’s choir letters or edit them to fit What about the “rights” of all the same God? a No more than one letter from any individual will be published dur- the graduates and the other students I earnestly hope the West Higfj ing a month of West High? principal and staff and the Salt lake H We do not publish letters soliciting witnesses to accidents or other School Board do not “punish” th4 Yes Ms Bauchman your acmaterials related to potential legal actions students who sang their traditional tions show what a a Letters of appreciation or announcements will be published based selfish person you really are If song Tradition has its merits and on individual merit “Thank you” notices may be published in the some words in these songs were you only graduate from high school J to you classified ad section Consumer complaints will not be published why once! “objectionable” If anyone is to be “censored” ij couldn't you explain your feelings B We welcome your letters we reserve the right to reject those letters and views to the director and ask to should be the Circuit Court judge that may be offensive to the community H Send letters to: Letter to the Editor Standard-ExaminPO Box be excused from singing these He evidently is as “narrow minded” or bring them to the Associate Editor’s 951 Ogden UT 84402-095- 1 songs or just “sit out” this part of as Ms Bauchman Let’s hope everyone leams from office at 455 23rd Street in Ogden weekdays between 8 am and 5 the program It would have gained this experience you respect from your fellow stupm dents B We regret that not all letters will be published Edna G Checketts When I heard the graduating For queries on letters call 623-420- 5 class officers graduates and their Ogdeh need should one be 1 er 1 self-center- er could I am funny Vera Ivie South Ogden 1 Debate with Clinton proved Gingrich is no fun when he's nice f WASHINGTON If you took a poll and asked Americans to concoct a nickname for Newt Gingrich chances are they would come up with something like Fang or Killer So when the House speaker waded into a New Hampshire spring last weekend a schoolteacher named Tom Kipp did what lots of folks would do He screamed epithets: “Your politics are some of the meanest politics I’ve ever heard of” he bellowed This “You make Calvin Coolidge look like a liberal! d vicious politician we’ve guy is the most seen in a long long time The water we’re fishing in right now will be destroyed by his politics” Gingrich scrambled quickly to dry land and made a few nervous jokes about the spiciness of American democracy But the speaker is a man with normal human emouons and the waterside encounter had an impact Gingrich spent the rest of the day trying to appease the Tom Kipps of the world He was smiling and and polite - like a timid visitor who makes his bed so as not to inconvenience the maids In fact Nice Newt got downright syrupy at day’s end when he and Bill Clinton conducted a “conversation" before a few dozen residents of a retirement home The two men cooed at each other fielded questions talked too long - and then left mean-spirite- soft-spok- ' 4 debate a pillow fight but it was worse than that It was bore - more like Alphonse and Gaston than a flat-oLincoln and Douglas Here were the highlights: The Republican won a concession that Congress ought to reform Medicare -as if it takes skill to make Bill Clinton adopt a position that earns audience applause And Gingrich agreed to n commission to study campaign fiset up a nance reform Perhaps the speaker had some master plan in mind when he decided to turn into the Buddha of the GOP Nobody in America better understands the uses and importance of confrontation than Newt Gingrich and nobody in Washington has a better feel for tactics and strategy Gingrich is after all a guy who managed in his early Washington days to embarrass previous Speaker Tip O’Neill and to unseat O'Neill’s successor Jim Wright He was elected House minority whip in 1989 because Republicans knew that he could pick and finish a fight and he ascended to the speaker’s chair for the ' same reason In short people revere Newt Gingrich because he has the guts to do outrageous things when most politicians won’t comb their hair without first consulting a pollster and a media consultant Hard differences are ut ft rftl UL TONY SNOW Creators Syndicate blue-ribbo- The performance stunned conservatives who didn't expect Gingrich to behave oafishJy toward the president but also didn’t expect him to behave like George pundits and activists hamStephanopoulos Right-win- g mered him for going so easy on the president Gingrich insisted defensively that his critics had it all wrong: He acted like a cuddly bear but actually debated like a shark Unfortunately the scorecard tells a different tale Clinton assailed Republicans on tax cuts Gingrich demurred The president chatted up nationalized health care without rebuttal The commander in chief called Republicans - the party that pushed through the North American Free Trade Agreement and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade - isolationists and the speaker smiled broadly Wesley Pruden of the Washington Times called die oxygen for a visionary politician A great leader define seminal issues draws bright lines between himself anfl his opposition (or hers) and rallies people behind ideas that capture the ambitions of the era while also conj fronting common fears Furthermore Americans seem much more interested fellow's like Newt Gingrich and Rush in sharp-edge- d Limfcaugh than in types who conf-fusimbecility with civility j Yet Newt Gingrich presented with a chance to shock that he has the Peagan-lik- e combination of wit and conviction behaved like a greeter at the local Lion’s Club His later protestations aside he said almost nothing of substance during his duet with President y Clinton and he jettisoned his persona for something infinitely affable and bland - a sumo ver-- J sion of Pat Sajak Presidential ambitions sometimes do that to a man which is why it was refreshing to hear the speaker say afterward that he intends to stay where he is A do mesticated Gingrich is a dull bird and not much use when it comes to carrying out a revolution American politics have enough dull friendly guys Bag Nice Newt - and bring back Fang e high-energ- & |