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Show 2 The Magna Times, Thursday, Sept. 21, 1989 Eoitorialopinion Letters to the Editor Madison proposes a bill of rights to Congress to catTy its Powers ment was authorized to pass all laws necessary and proper into operation. Unless prohibited, the government might abuse its of In Britain, bills of rights had erected barriers only against the Pw!rs a ison con indefinite, Parliament of altogether rs the crown, leaving pow' tinued. Above all, the ritish constitution left unguarded the choicest rights was to of the press and of cr science. His great objective, Madison declared, well as executive as thus preventing legislative limit the powers of government, abuse of power, and above all preventing abuses by the body of the people Mere paper barriers might operating by the majority against the minority. to avoid some fail, but they created a standard that might educate the people actions they might want to take. In debate, Madison responded to arguments that a bill of rights was unnecessary d because the state governments constitutionally protected freedom. He respond-eand defective ones, that some states had no bills of rights, others very that the states posed a greater danger to liberty than the new national government. To address this danger, he proposed that an amendment should be added, that No State shall violate the equal rights of conscience, or the freedom of was the press, or the trial by jury in criminal cases. This, Madison declared, by Leonard W. Levy Leonard W. Levy is Professor of History at the Claremont Graduate School, and of the Encyclopedia of the American Constitution. He received the Pulitzer Prize in History for his book Origins of the Fifth Amendment. Editors Note: September 25, 1989 is the bicentennial of the submission of the Bill of Rights Dear Editor: I am a lover of history and I have a somewhat unusual hobby. I collect old tokens used by stores, barber shops, pool and billiard parlors, saloons, and other businesses years ago. The tokens are usually made of metal, and are good for 5c, IOC, 12'2C, or more in trade or merchandise or good for a loaf of bread, one dnnk, one shave, or whatever. While they have the appearance of a coin, they come in all shapes and sizes. I have reason to believe that some of these tokens were used in your area years ago and I would like to contact those who may have solme of them, with the hopes of adding them to my collection. I am hoping that if you have a letter to the Editor section in your newspaper that you might mention my search. I know that this request is relatively unimportant, but I do get a great deal of enjoyment from my hobby and I do believe that these concrete reminders of our great heritage are worth preserving. I would like to hear from anyone having one or more of these tokens or from anyone who might be able to help me. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I now live in South Dakota and my address is: 1906 Scenic Way, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (Phone: Thank you in advance. Editor-in-Chi- to the states for ratification. James Madison rose in the first Congress on June 9, 1789 to make a speech recommending that the new constitution be amended to protect the great rights of mankind. Madisons purpose was to correct what he, almost alone, conceived to be a dangerous political situation. With the government created by the new constitution less than a year old, four disaffected states, including Virginia and New York, had called for a second constitutional convention. Its purpose, Madison feared, would be to mutilate the system, especially be reducing the federal governments power to tax. The opposition party had earlier exploited the absence of a Bill of Rights in the Constution. Madison believed that most people who had opposed ratification of the Constitution really would favor it, if there were a bill of rights to bridle the new government. His strategy was to win these people over by persuading the first Congress to adopt protections of civil liberties. This would alleviate the publics anxieties, provide popularity and stability for the governwhose foremost objective, Madison ment, and isolate those fabric not the Union itself. if was ... the subverting thought, The had previously used the bill of rights issue as a smoke screen for objections to the Constitution that had less popular appeal. They realized that adoption of a bill of rights would sink the movement for a second convention and make unlikely additional constitutional amendments that would cripple the substantive powers of the federal government. Hence they sought to scuttle Madisons proposals in Congress. They began by stalling. Later, they proposed amendments increasing state powers, and finally they depreciated the importance of the very protections of individual liberty they had once demanded as guarantees against tyranny. Madison understood that his amendments, if adopted, would thwart the passage of proposals extending state powers and diminishing federal William H. Clapper those To the contention that the protection of specific rights would jeopardize avoided be could by adopting not protected, Madison replied that the danger the proposal that became the Ninth Amendment. It declares that the enumeration of some rights does not deny the existence of others. If his amendments independent were incorporated into the Constitution, Madison concluded, tribunals of justice will consider themselves ... the guardians of those rights, of power in the they will be an impenetrable bulwark against every assumption resist every encroachment legislative or executive; they will be naturally led to constitution ... upon rights expressly stipulated for in the Madisons speech stirred no immediate support in the House. Many Federalists the passage of tonnage duties thought the House had more important tasks, like and a judiciar bill, and for six weeks the House ignored him in favor of other business. But, Madison would not be put off. He pleaded; he was insistent, comOn September 25, 1789, pelling, and unyielding. Finally he was triumphant. the Bill of Rights. Congress proposed to the states the amendments that became Madisons accomplishment in the face of congressional opposition and apathy entitles him to be remembered as father of the Bill of Rights even more than as father of the Constitution. Anti-Federali- Editorial: Is it really hard to smile? KIM FOLSOM Magna Times Assistant Editor For some reason, modern society inhibits our better graces. We dont say hello to strangers. We dont even smile unless we know someone. People today are standoffish and basically unfriendly, except maybe in business. ones. In his memorable speech on June 8, Madison introduced amendments taken mainly from state constitutions and proposals made by state ratifying conventions. All power, he argued, is subject to abuse. This abuse should be guarded against by constitutionally securing the great rights of mankind. Madison admitted that the government had only limited powers, but he noted that the govern You have to smile if you are a retailer or in sales. You cant be unfriendly to people who come in to buy something from you. A good salesman never a customer by their appearance. I used to sell camera equipment at a photo retailer in the valley. On one occasion, a man came in his coveralls looking as though he didnt have a dime. I treated him just like a customer with money and showed him every camera and accessory even though I knew there would be no sale. It turned out that the man bought $2000 in camera equipment. I have also had the wealthy doctor types that have let me spend just as long showing them the same courtesy for naught. You never know someone until you know them. Outward appearances are only shells to the yoke inside. Most people never make any effort to break through the shell. But maybe we can all make the effort. Tongan overcomes hostility, rises to U of U student body presidency; Valiant knight tale is really Molonai Holas own story Consumer Alert Beware of illegitimate contractors This is the time of year that home owners, businesses, and other unsuspecting Utahns are preyed upon by unlicensed transient or operators posing as legitimate contractors. There have been recent cases reported where a group of organized con artists have been filtering through the state with a scam operation in which they perform shoddy roof or driveway repairs and then bilk Utahns out of thousands of dollars, said David Robinson, director of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing in the Department of Commerce. Robinson said the typical construction scam operation) hits the state about twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. The typical operation usually functions like this: a con artist approaches a customer (usually an elderly person) and agrees to perform a home repair for a ridiculously low price, the consumer agrees to the repairs, and after the work is performed the consumer finds out that that there has been some misunderstanding and the consumer really owes a lot more money than he was originally quoted. Not only are people fraudulently bilked out of their money, the work that is performed is usually very substandard, Robinson added. Typically the roof repairs consist of spraying used motor oil on the surface. After the first rain, the consumers house looks like a zebra. To avoid falling prey to one of these scam operators, the Department of Commerce suggests these guidelines: . When a contractor approaches you, ask to see a copy of a contractors license, business license, and public liability insurance. You can also call the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at 8 to check if a person is a licensed contractor in Utah. 2. Ask for a references of former employees and then call the references. 1 530-662- 3. Get a written contract from the contractor. Too often, people are fraudulently deceived by work performed on a verbal handshake. 4. Be cautious of someone showing up at your front door telling you they are in the area just for today. Chances are, tomorrow youll wish your house looked like it does today. IT NEVER FAILS SO THIS IS TH' WIFE, LEAVE H, CHIEF? BOY tr to vou id pick 'em ,'.f A GORGEOUS CREATURE' HAVE YOU NCtnCED HER resemblance to This yeah-th- ey both HAVE TWO EYES, A NOSE AND A MOUTH THIS IS "TOO MUCH FDR ME.. I W0N0ER WHAT THAT6UY WOULD LOOKUKE WITH TWO BLACK V. WHATLL THAT SUV EYES? years muss ' WATCHIN' TH' OFFICE APPLE POLISHER BREAK A PHONEY BLOOD VESSEL OVER TH' OLD NS WIFE.. frfjiMl, h MAGNA TIMES USPS 9145 West 2700 South MAGNA, UTAH 84044 Magna Times Readers 325-58- 0 J. HOWARD STAHLE g Editor Publisher-Managin- BONNIE STAHLE Advertising-Offic- e Manager KIM FOLSOM Assistant Editor-Writ- KENT GOBLE Writer Features-Sport- s JONES DEANNA Typesetter-Offic- e Help Published each Thursday Subscription $12 per year $14 per year out ol state Letters to the Editor should be typewritten and double-space- d whenever possible. Letters will be edited for clarity, good taste, and length. The Magna Times will not publish unsigned letters, but the authors may request anonymity. The author should include any pertinent telephone numbers and addresses; such information will be kept strictly confidential and is only for the editors use. Address such correspondence to: The Magna Times, 9145 West 2700 South, Magna, Utah 84044. The publication can be Office reached at hours are 8:30 to 5 p.m. Mon250-565- Second class postage paid at Magna, Utah 84044 6. day through Friday. When Molonai Hola, president of the Associated Students of the University of Utah, speaks at elementary and junior high schools, he tells the story of the valiant knight of the round table. Its really his own story. The night before King Arthur died, he heard a stirring in the bushes and pulled out his sword. A timid boy, about 13, poked out and said, Before you die. King Arthur, would you make me a knight? Why do you want to be a knight? King Arthur asked. I want to do whats right, said the boy. Arthur tapped him with his sword and said, Run home and grow up, lad. Have a good attitude. Dont talk back to your teachers, and dont throw hard snowballs. You dont need to get straight As, but do all your homework and never stop trying. If you do these things, youll grow old as a valiant knight. Articulate, known as a motivator, Hola, 24, won the studentbody presidency last February by a substantial margin. Under his direction, ASUU has published, for the first time in memory, a mission statement and detailed goals for each major board and committee. But, Hola, an international economics major, doesnt just push grand statements and goals. He also dives into the hard, detail work. The U is increasing efforts to make each student feel a part of the campus. It has set a goal of doubling the usual attendance at the Freshman Convocation, a kick-o- ff motivational program for freshman, on Sunday, September 24, at 4 p.m. at Kingsbury Hall. To supplement a mailed invitation, Hola organized a phone bank to call 4,000 freshmen and will personally telephone about 200 students. Having the privilege of representing 25,000 University students is the capstone of Holas educational career. He has been studentbody president at both Granite Park Jr. High and Granite High School, a high school football player, star Ute fullback and linebacker, and president of the Church of Jesus Saints Student Association at the U. Christ of Latter-da- y But, unlike many Tongans and other minorities, Hola hasnt achieved success by any magic formula only struggle. Many young Polynesians from immigrant families who have congregated in Utah havent adjusted at all and have turned to gangs and sometimes widely publicized violent crime. Why has Holas and his siblings story been different? He credits his fathers insistence that the family assimilate, rather than stay in the comfort zone of the transplanted local Polynesian community, and two messages his parents drilled into our subconsciouses: work hard and never give up. The Hola family consists of his parents, Daniel and Silika, and six children, ages 3 through 27. The parents and four oldest children (the last two were bom in Salt Lake City) left balmy Tonga in 1970 when Hola was 6. They arrived the day after Christmas, stepping off the airplane into the coldest thing young Molonai had ever seen snow. The familys prime motive for coming to America was education, notes Hola. Because of die monarchial system in Tonga, theres no room to dream, no way to expand, and it is difficult to stamp out ignorance. Although Holas father Spoke no English, he insisted on settling in the Granite Park area at about 900 East and 4500 South, a neighborhood with few minorities. It was symbolic of Daniel Holas dedication to choosing difficult challenges rather than the easy or expected route. For several years, he cut lawns and did janitorial work, and the family struggled financially. He now has his own small construction company. One career option Hola is considering, after he gets a masters degree in business administration and some corporate experience, is building the company into a large firm. Young Molonai was immediately aware that he looked different from other children. When they harassed him, he fought with them. I went through grade school with a chip on my shoulder, he says. When he started getting into fights with bigger boys, he realized he couldnt settle every difference with a physical confrontation. He had to work things out with people. Now, on any issue related to my being a minority, I would rather be cooperative, he says. Hostility is not my style. He had a transforming experience in eighth grade when a friend suggested that the two of them run for office. It turned out the friends grades were too low to run, but Hola, partly on the strength of As in physical education, qualified.' To his shock, he was elected studentbody president. It was a tremendous conditioning process to realize the responsibility I was k mentalilty. You catch assuming, he says. In Tonga, theres a very a fish, pick some pineapple off die tree, and youre okay for the day. That just doesnt work here in America where youre expected to set goals, sell people your ideas, meet deadlines, and be a leader. like to His confidence bolstered, he walked into Granite High thinking, ran for president of this school. He had an asset that helped him become known in football and to other students superior athletic ability. He was for two years in track. In wrestling, he won the state championship three times, the Western zone championship twice, and placed third in the nation in the class. At the end of his junior year, he was elected student-bod- y laid-bac- Id 185-pou- president. As universities started recruiting him as a football player, he sensed that he faced a major decision. Like every boy, I dreamed of playing in the pros, of wearing Nikes, and doing commercials. But, the real statistics are that only one in 10,000 high school athletes makes it. Only 150 a year get into pro football. I realized football was a means to an end, a way to get financial aid for college. With his older brother, Saia, already playing footHola wanted to stay ball at Utah State, the choice came down to Brigham Young University or the U of U. BYU has traditionally had more Polynesians on its team than the U. It was just expected that if you were Polynesian you went to BYU. If you were Polynesian and LDS, that was it. You were going to BYU. Consistent with his fathers values, Hola decided attending the U would be more difficult, but offer more opportunity for personal growth. The day I was supposed to sign BYUs letter of intent, I didnt sign. I waited a day and signed with Utah, he says. But, he continual to grapple with an identity dominated by football. When he walked on campus as a freshman, he says, the thought of ever being student-bod- y was incomprehensible to me. The U was too big. president After two seasons on the varsity, an LDS mission to Virginia pulled him out of football for an extended period. Although football was the greatest thing ' that happened in my life, he pondered what his life would be like if, for some reason, it was taken away. Im going to look into leadership, he decided. Im going to look into ASUU. But his first two experiences in student politics ended in failure. In 1987, he campaigned for a candidate for ASUU president who lost, and in 1988, he directed the campaign for a presidential candidate who lost in a three-wa- y race to a student from the Who Cares? party. the year Hola had thought he might be working in ASUU, During 1988-8he was named as LDSSA president. He also organized a group called the Sports Support Committee as was architect of a committee program in which U student athletes speak at elementary and junior high schools. Last year, the program served -- 9, - 20 schools. Speakers give a standard presentation. Children are urged to avoid drags, make education their first priority, and be valiant knights. At the end of the school year, the teachers and principal at each school select one child who heard the presentation for the Valiant Knight Award. The prize doesnt necessarily go to a child with exceptional grades but to one who shows the character and determination the presentation emphasizes. Winners are invited to campus to have lunch with Ute football coach Jim Fassel. well-round- Hola and other speakers have received hundreds of thank you letters from children. A typical one came to Lance Madsen, Ute outfielder, who spoke at Millcreek Elementary. It read, Thank you for coming to our school. Ill always say no to drags and believe in myself ... Ill also try to be a good sport and a good athlete. I could tell you lift weights and (that) youre an Ill try to get the Valiant Knight Award. Hola has always kept his prominence as a student and athlete in perspective. The media can give college athletes the message that theyre the greatest, theyre awesome, he says. But you cant believe the hype. The most important things are hard work, being honest, and doing whats right. Only those things are real. " American high school students fail international quiz" by Albert D. Hattis As I arrived in New York City, the results of an international geography quiz for high school students in eight developed nations were released. They showed that American youngsters couldnt place the United States, the Persian Gulf, Iran or Iraq, and South Africa on a blank map of the world. The USA students placed last after all of the high school students from the other countries. This was just another nail in the coffin of our creaking and inefficient educational machine. The data indicates that we spend more than the other nations to educate our students and we get the poorest results. I have demonstrated in prior columns that the amount of money spent has nothing to do with the educational results received. Even in the United States, those states spending the most money didnt get the best results, and some states spending much less money for teachers and total educational costs got much more. If you bought a car that didnt perform, you would call it a lemon and expect either your money back or a replacement vehicle. Here, we spend more than $300 billion per on education through the 12th grade, and we dont get good results. The professional educators keep screaming for more money, dont produce better results, and we suckers keep providing more money. We assume that professionals give good advice and know What they are talking about, and well do anything for our kids. Throwing more money at our school systems that dont perform is the equivalent of throwing money away. The school systems, nationally, keep adding administrators and overhead, so that the majority of your money isnt going toward teachers working with your kids. Recently, I read a study that indicated how difficult it was to fire incompetent teachers and educational administrators. If we want our kids to get educations that permit them to read, write, and do simple math, its time for us to tailor V wages and benefits to results, and dispose of those who dont produce results. Just testing teachers is only half the job. We must also take into account the scores of national student exams to see what results are being obtained. Educational funding of school districts that have a high dropout and failure rate should be cut. We should reward school districts that have a tow droupout and failure rate. The federal governments Department of Education should develop and administer the tests so that state politics dont have any impact. Score cards on each school district should be made available to local media each year. These score cards should include an analysis of how the district spent its money, how much went to overhead and direct costs, and how this compares with national averages. Once we know that our elementary and secondary schools are doing a job that allows American kids to read, write, and handle arithmetic, then we must add to that course list subjects that make us competitive. Its a disgrace to find that many of our students are so poorly educated they cant handle anything beyond an unskilled or assignment. Parents who dont take an interest in this education problem will find that their kids are unhappy in later life because they wont have the ability to earn the kind of salary and maintain the kind of living standard they would like to enjoy, and they wont have the satisfaction of being achievers. semi-skill- Let YOUR opinion be known. Send your letter to: Editor, Magna Times 9145 W. 2700 So., Magna, UT 84044 |