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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Opinion 4 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2003 mm Honoring those who defend the Nation ised benefits. It is our treatment This week we celebrate the of these heroes that speaks vol50th anniversary of Veterans umes to future young men and women who also contemplate Day-- a day set aside to pay tribvetmillion 25 ute to our joining the military. living erans. It is also a time to honor Duty, honor, and service. and show support for America's These words are the focus of Veterans Day as we remember active military. Veterans Day is a chance to and celebrate our military. But Kik back at the events of the our soldiers are willing to fight last year. During a visit in Apnl for us each and every day and to a military hospital in Ger- our nation should honor this many, I met several Utah sol- commitment by making veterdiers who were recovering from ans and military issues a coninjuries received in Iraq. I came stant priority. Veterans remind us that it is away inspired by their commitment and determination. Their through sendee to our country stones continually remind me of that we learn to put aside our why Congressional support of political differences and bond our troops is so critical to com- together with a unity of purpleting our mission in Iraq and pose. It's in distant lands, patrolling a road or fence line, far Afghanistan. reWe all want our troops to from the comfort and safety of turn home quickly, which is why home that American soldiers rise they must have the best weap- to the challenge of defending this ons. training, resources and stra- great nation. We enjoy the freetegic tools we can offer. That's dom we have today because of why I have consistently sup- the contributions of thousands ported increased funding for so- of individual soldiers. Unfortuldiers and the military. It's also nately. the needs of these veterwhy I continue to press for body ans have been shortchanged. Veterans' health care is woearmor for every single soldier on the ground. Iraq is a dangerous fully under funded. Many veterd place and support ans are forced to wait for months for those on the front lines is to even see a physician. I supsimply not an option. port increased emergency fundI recently visited with a Utah ing for the Veterans Affairs reservist who came home on two health care system because vetweeks' leave. I was shocked to erans shouldnt have to stand in learn that the military only paid line to receive basic services. Our his way from Iraq to the East veterans deserve timely, adCoast, He and his family had to equate health care, which is why pay the rest of the travel bill. I contacted the Secretary ofVet-eran- s Affairs to highlight the What message does that send to families who have already given unique needs of Utah veterans, so much to the fight? many of whom live far from priBoth on the battlefield and mary care facility. off we can do better by our Veterans compensation, in soldiers. Congress recently voted some cases, has been unfairly to double the death benefit for rest ricted. Congress must elimiBy Cong. Jim Matheson half-hearte- soldiers and made it Reservists now have access to military health care for themselves and their families at a modest premium. We cant ask tax-exem- nate concurrent rule that reduces disability receipU-th- e pay- ments to injured veterans if they also draw regular retirement benefits. We have long prommen and women to put their ised to fix this inequity, yet these lives on hold and not provide restrictions still exist. Arent basic family benefits. veterans who suffer from wounds Utahns have always proudly received in their service deservworn the uniform of this nation ing of fairness in their senior and have sacrificed much to an- years? I believe theyve earned swer duty's call. That is why it is it. As we reflect on the service of important to me that we keep our word with regard to prom- our heroes, we should remember the freedom we enjoy is not " v free America takes time to honor veterans every November 11th. Next year, on Veterans Day, I would like to stand up and say that our nation has fulfilled its promises to its soldiers our veterans. and WE -- Auction Action Drop if Off WE list it ship it YOU get PAID! Stop in or tail for datiflt man ms h iuk &uu97 MWMMW BUS wvbarryscartoor&com sfMBM WflflM mm Letters to the Editor is your opinion? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character wtinotbe considered forpublication. Piease limit your letters to 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters must be sngped&rd include yxkjr full name, address and telephone number. Limited to one ie&ar per peson per month. VtTiat Guns and bibles Dear Editor; In response to the letter entitled Vote for me or 111 kill you which was sent by a Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Bollinger. Mr. Bollinger, and individuals, I wonder at your disgust in our Aryan, low class laughing stock, and I wonder about your disgust in seeing a Bible and a gun printed in a newspaper. I understand that at this point in time, in our country such things are not very politically correct, but I dont understand why. To explain my point of view, I want to take a look at the foundation ofour freedom. We live in a free country. We have what is called freedom of press, which means that you can print whatever you want, and so can I. We also have freedom to keep and bear arms, worship as we choose, and many others. They are amazing freedoms, but how do you think we got them? We were given those freedoms by the lives and deaths of people who carried both bibles and guns, and who used both frequently. like-mind- mencement of their proceedings, and prior to that many people Southern Utah news AAA Deadlines AAA FRIDAY 1 PM See LETTERS, Page 5 ed The founders of our nation prayed every day at the com The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every N. Main at 26 Wednesday St, Kanab, Utah 84741 . The SUN serves Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Please address communications by mai to: 26 N. Main Street Kanab, Utah 84741 , telephone fax or sunews kanab.net Advertising rates available upon request Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741 . Newsstand price is 60c per copy. Yearty subscription rates to Kane Cointy addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona - $25; others - $35 (out of U.S. - $50). The SUNews reserves the right to eefit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 435-644-290- 435-644-29- 0, e-m- Dennis and Dixie Brunner Publishers and Editor Michael Evangelista Sate&Productjon Sfrariotte Brewer Receptionist Carol Sullivan Rachel Tuelier Reporters Myma Cox Valley News Posbnastan Send change of address Mate to -- 26 N. Main Street, Kmab, UTB4741 Now online at www.aunews.net |