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Show caminer eT Standard-Examiner WAG WSs OPINION Sunday, May 24, 1992 13A Don’t let special prosecutors waste any more tax dollars WASHINGTON — The apparent effort to bludgeon former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinbergerin- to “ratting out” former President Reagan in the Iran-Contra case is a perfect example why Congress should not renew the special prosecutor act whenit expires in December. Special prosecutor Lawrence Walsh’s investigation after more than 5-1/2 years can only be described as a miserable failure — a $30 million-plus boondoggle that has served only to keep Walsh busyin his sunset years and to give some training and exposure to a group of super-ambitious youngassociates. DAN THOMASSON racketeer who would squeal on the mob boss. Sadly, the whole Iran-Contra inquiry was doomed from the start and Walsh knew it. He cautioned members of Congress that if they provided immunity to the two key figures in the case — National Security Coun- cil staffer Oliver North and his boss, Adm. John Poindexter — the success of any criminal prosecution would be in serious doubt. So ambitious are these young lawyers,in fact, that they apparently convinced Walsh against his better judgment to threaten to bring criminal charges of misleading Congress against Weinberger unless he gave them the evidence necessary to indict Reagan, his former boss. Wonderful. In the last minutes ofthis longest, costliest independent counsel investigation, Walsh and his cronies apparently are trying to justify their expenses and stunning failures by resorting to this sleaziest ofall legal tactics, as if Weinberger were some pennyante Congressional Democrats, however, were more in- terested in trying to influence the 1988 presidential election and ignored Walsh. The result was that Iran-Contra had no impact on 1988 presidential politics, and while Walsh ultimately won convictions against North and Poindexter, the convictions were overturned on appeal, just as he had predicted. From the minute the congressional circus ended, Iran-Contra held very little appeal outside Washington. Americans weretired of policy disagreements be- tween Congress and the president turning into criminal allegations. While manyfelt Reagan knew more than he admitted or than his aides would admit to his knowing, they really didn’t understand what was wrong. They did understand that the whole issue of aid to the Contras was as politicized as any in memory, with a Democratic Congress adamantly disagreeing with a Republican president. If Walsh had listened to his own warnings, he would have resigned as soon ashis targets received immunity. His actions might have slowed down the next Congress hell-bent to muck up a criminal investigation for political gain. But good sound judgment hasn’t been the mark of the eight or so special prosecutors appointed since the act was passed in 1978. Six of the independent counsels have found insufficient evidence to indict anyone, even after investigations that lasted in at least one case for several years. Only three government officials, outside of North and Poindexter, were convicted by special prosecutors. In the meantime, this most mischievous, politically motivated of all acts has cost taxpayers millions upon millions of dollars and untold suffering, mentally and financially, of dozens of people who probably should never have been investigated in thefirst place. The months before its expiration should befilled with fascinating debate as opponents oftheact seek to make it also apply to Congress, a moveclearly designed to bring its abolition. Chances are excellent for adoption of some revision of the act, including giving the Justice Department more power to conduct preliminary investigations and providing more supervision of independent prosecutor probes when they are authorized. But just as it looks like Iran-Contra finally may bi coming to an end, House Banking Committee Chair man Henry Gonzales, D-Texas. is calling for an inde pendent prosecutor to investigate Bush administratior dealings with Iraq prior to the Gulf War. Here we go again, folks. Scripps Howard News Service LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Investigation of New World Order urged Grandma can’t wait for ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Three of the primary rights granted to thecitizens of the Unit- Grandmas have always enjoyed their grandchildren’s school programs. And I have enjoyed many. The Shakespeare Festival at Valiey Elementary School wastruly exceptional. The costumes, scenery, music, entertainment, food and then the performance of “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” were outstanding. Thanks for a lovely evening. I’m already looking for- ed States of America are; the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms. These rights are being attacked from all sides, every day. The actual cause of the attacks on our rights, and most of our coun- try’s problems, is this mind numbing, treasonous plot called the New World Order! Do you realize they literally want to overthrow the United States Constitution and re- place it, with us, under a “World V is to be togeth- Constitution?” That, my fellow Americans, is high treason! Every patriotic American owesit to themselves, and their children, to investigate the privately owned On May14 at the monthly board meeting, the Ogden City School Board played to a full house. They took the art of “Staged Performance by a Public Body” to a new 1 to Bill c Leadwas in and to >, some antaged low. Leading actor, President Brent Cherrington, received an award for his role as “Arrogance,” the man who publicly lectured those he perceived as underlings about just who is authorized to hire and fire a superintendent. Kenne- If as an | fact is 1-Washe tradie them self and ze. One | trip to political Thomn Globe oS is what 8-point cil on Foreign Relations, The Trilateral Commission, and the U.N. Charter andits voting records. I sincerely urge all patriotic Americans to fully investigate these components of this “New World Order.” Where the presidential candidates stand on this “New World Order” is, in fact, the only real issue there is. If we get taken in by this insane plot we will soon have no rights, no vote, and no United States of America. It’s that serious. oe “Bo Gritz for rights!” in Marty Rawson Ogden School board takes performance to new low om the th Tom nocrat” n’s idea ently at _ about ’ Frank- Federal Reserve Board, The Coun- Donna Barker, leading lady, perfectly played the role of “Ignorance” by stating, “I just don’t see what the problem is.” (Donna, that is the problem!) for best comedic actorfor his role as the buffoon who questions the validity of petitions if the board is not allowed to keep them. New board member, Jim Miekle, was extremely disappointing in the role of “best supporting actor,” by saying nothing. (I suppose he forgot his lines.) Glen Collins played his usual role as “prop.” However, the performance provided the audience and the evening news viewers with good entertainment. That has to count for something! Paulette Bybee Bryan Schade received the award North Ogden Support needed for district to get back on track Jim Westis a gifted educator, a man of honor who has workedtirelessly to bring about some wonderful educational opportunities for the children of Ogden. He has brought some of the finest educa- tion in the area to our district. Milt Kendrick, Al Kap, Vern Call and Larry Tesch are bright, energetic men who have dedicated themselves to the education of children. Obviously there have been some mistakes made and some things needed to be changed, but one of factions happy — students, teachers, unions, PTA parents, taxpayers, media, etc. Strife and bickering in the schools has a disastrous effect upon education. President Brent Cherrington and the school board are very conscientious and sincere in their efforts to bring about renewed LuDean A. Morrison (Snigg’s grandmother) Roy Residents claim building inspector being unfair Open letter to residents of North Ogden City: Weare experiencing a great deal of difficulty in dealing with the board of adjustments in general and the building inspector in par- ticular. When we applied for a building permit to extend our house, the building inspector gave us one and nothing was mentioned about an existing shed. Nowthe extension is completed, we have been constantly harassed to move the shed. Aerial photographs clearly show the shed before the extension. But the building inspector claims board responsible? We would surely appreciate hearing from anyone residing in North Ogden who has had similar experiences and would be interested in sharing their information with us. Wearesick and tired of being intimidated by inefficient public servants who are existing On our tax dollars but who do not serve us properly. Michael and Kathy Fessler North Ogden The recent fire at the Marion Hotel left over 60 people homeless. Fortunately, damage was minimal and residents were able to return the following evening. The Bonneville Chapter of the American Red Cross provided emergency assistanceto thoseaffected by the fire. A temporary shelter was opened at the Weber County Human Services Building, providing food, lodging and medical care. Residents with special medical needs were housed in local motels. Community response to this emergency was both immediate and generous. The Weber County Commission moved quickly and without hesitation to make the Human Services Building available as a shelter. Commissioner Stokes and Emergency Service Director Brad Dee visited the shelter to assure that all needs were being met. The Utah Transit Authority made a bus available to transport victims to the shelter at no cost The Pepsi Cola Company and Cor tinental Bakery donated beverag and baked goods. Other local me: chants provided food and essenti supplies to the Red Cross at great reduced prices. The hotel owner, LouAnn Jackson, displayed great compass! and courage in caring for the immediate needs ofthe residents. To Lou Ann these people are “family.” The Red Cross stands ready t assist disaster victims regardless the circumstances. This 1s our man date. But this job is always made easier by those in the communit who care enoughto step forward in the time of need. Ogden should pride itself as a caring communi as demonstrated by its responset the Marion Hotel fire. -at Sheehan Bonneville Chapter American Red Cri he cannot remember seeing any shed at the time he issued the building permit. It will cost a lot of moneyto dismantle the shed and rebuild it on a newslab. If we had been refused a permit because of the shed’s position, we would have been able to move it inexpensively. We feel that Milpitas we should be reimbursed for a part of the expense involved. In addition, we have paid $50 for a hearing on getting a variance but we were refused on the excuse that if they allowed us one then everyone in North Ogden would want one too! We havereceived a notice to appear in court. We have written a letter to the mayor and were curtly told “the city council nor the mayoris invested to intervene with the plenary power of the board of adjustment” to whom then is this momentum andto restore tranquil- ity. We need to support them in this effort so that these folks can get back to their mission of educating STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY children. George L. Bell Ogden the great problems of educators today is keeping all the community Dead trees need to be removed th Cold oasts to > undern would There are manydead trees in Ogden Canyon. Can something be done about them before someone a tactic Bell ob3ush on igeoned FAX NUMBERFOR LETTERS n iS €xspeech. premise Indeed, w at the Community support afterfire appreciated ward to “Romeo and Juliet next year. Also, thanks to the Standard-Examiner for the nice article in the paper. Many people did a lot of work and the recognition was certainly deserved. gets hurt? Deanna Miles Eden To makeit easier for readers to submit letters to the editor, the Standard-Examiner has a fax machine available to receive your letters. Fax them to 625-4508. The Standard-Examiner, consistent with the Ist Amendment and Article I Section 15 of the Utah State Constitution, believes in a free marketplace of ideas. “Letters to the Editor” are the opinions of the individual authors. The Standard-Examiner does not endorse or accept as necessarily valid any such opinions other than supporting and endorsing the right of the author to express them. OTITIS a “new And in lat promust be ) the re- that we uild the nd simthere is al probhungry ovide a journal2ech are |. But it once-ev- iro Ag- ing the Ir tO ac- . But it fon Past 20 YEARS AGO May 24, 1972 WEATHER: Generallyfair, partly cloudyin the af- ternoon. Highs in the low 70s and lowsin the middle 40s were forecast for the Ogden area. Assistant district ranger Mac Murdock announcedthatall National Forest recreation sites at Pine View and in the South Fork would be open to the public free of charge for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The usual fee would go into effect the first week end in June. In Moscow, President Nixon, nearing final agreement with Soviet leaders on a pact to limit strategic arms, joined Premier Alexei N. Kosygin in signing an agreement aimed at putting American and Soviet space explorers into orbit together by 1975. Under the SALT pact, it was understood, each country could go ahead with replacement of present-generation offensive missiles, as technology permitted, b ut would not be allowed to increase their number. A 39-year-old executive director of a consortium of 30 colleges was appointed president of Weber State College. Dr. Joseph L. Bishop, a native of Delta, was namedto the post by the Utah Board of Higher Education. The motion to appoint Dr. Bishop was made by board member Nathan Tanner of Ogden and adopted unanimously. el’s de1s from mer In- gandhi, omber, rer Bob urghoff y 1s 47 7 Eighteen persons were named to the board of directors of the Bonneville Chapter, American Red Cross, and citations for service were presented at the organization’s annual meeting. Mrs. Max Swenson received the outstanding volunteer's Ralph Johnston first aid trophy, and Mrs. Kenneth Jones won the Brent M. Seamons water safety trophy for service to Utah School of Blind students. Jim Bokinskie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Bokinskie of Ogden, was awarded the Ogden Standard-Examiner watch for being selected the top senior athlete at St. Joseph High School. He earned twoletters in “What basketball and helped the Jays make it to the state ith our tournament. He also played baseball for two years as a aggeratiness of shortstop and second baseman. Michelle Mullins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Mullins of Brigham City, was crowned Miss Sixteen of Ogden by Ogden Mayor Bart Wolthuis. She was chosen from 15 finalists. Her attendants were Joan Thurgood of Roy and Tamara Jane Bair of Ogden 50 YEARS AGO May 24, 1942 WEATHER: Maximum temperature of around 76 degrees was forecast for the Ogden area, with clear skies. It was ideal weather for the baccalaureate services honoring graduates of Ogden High and Weber College. Summer was here, at least in the opinion of Clarence Dabb, engineer of the 12-story City-County building, as he turned off the heat in the building for the first time. The Ogden Chamber of Commerce road committee, consisting of Lawrence Farr, chairman; Frank Francis and John N. Spargo, along with E. J. Fjeldsted, chamber secretary, returned from Salt Lake City after meeting with Senator Elbert D. Thomas (DUtah). The committee reported that Senator Thomas had pledged his support for construction of the new four-lane Riverdale viaduct project, stating the viaduc t was essential for transportation of defense workers of the Northern Utah area. Lt. Leon C. Packer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Packer of Brigham City, had been raised to the rank of squadron flight commander of a heavy bombardment group Lt. Packer enlisted in the U. S. Air Corps and entered basic training as a cadet. He received his wings, Dec 12, at Mather Field, Calif. One of the most beautiful chapels in the LDS Church system--the Syracuse Ward--was dedicated by David O. McKay, second counselor to the president of the church. The building was constructed at a cost of $54,000 to replace one destroyed byfire in 1940. Bishop of the ward was G. Henry Ranipton. O. C. Sessions was chairman ofthe finance committee in charge of raising funds for the structure Tenth graders at Mound Fort School, many of whomhad known noother school, were graduating with mixed feelings but still looking forward to attending Ogden High School in the fall. Students who had excelled in their work with straight “A” report cards were: Joan Farr, Fern Peterson, Beth Hokanson and Kent Burton Joan Allred, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher Allred of Ogden, had won second prize of $25 in a national poetry contest sponsored by “Scholastic,” a high school weekly. Miss Allred’s poetry was submitted by W. R. Thornley, English instructor at Ogden High School Introducing Cool Water For MenPower lempered By Sensitivity. New. Distinguished. Rare. : ss eae BM, 4 j amigas i } > # ~e n that corner of the w the man who weg wears es > Dh my 5 |