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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Opinion 4 WEDNESDAY APRIL 28, 2004 www.barryscaiTO0ns.com Put Utahns first in nuclear debate weapons testing Congressman Jim Matheson By My top priority is protecting the health and safety of Utahns from the dangers of renewed nuclear weapons testing. I feel that it is important to correct recent partisan, political attacks regarding the intent of my legislation. An issue of this magnitude requires us to cast aside partisan barriers and join forces for the greater good of Utahns. I welcome all dedicated men and women to work with me to achieve our goal of keeping nuclear testing from happening again. All Utahns in some way live with the tragic consequences of the nuclear weapons testing era when the government told us we when in fact the were safe we were at knew government risk. Thousands of Utah families, including mine, have suf- fered illness and untimely deaths because of nuclear weapons testing and radioactive fallout timed for when the prevailing winds blew east across the patriotic small towns of Utah. I want all Utahns to be fully aware of the situation we face. The U.S. Congress, against my wishes, voted to move ahead with the development of new nuclear weapons, and to spend federal dollars to prepare the Nevada Test Site for renewed weapons testing. That is the stark reality that we must recognize and work within. Let me be clear: I, along with many Utahns, believe a nuclear weapons test ban w ould be ideal. But those who claim a test ban is possible after the major steps Congress and the Administration have taken to develop new nuclear weaponry are mistaken. They are instead engaged in a d rhereckless and torical debate. Our situation demands that we think more broadly, be more innovative, and act swiftly toward an effective end. The legislation I drafted - the Safety for Americans from Nuclear short-sighte- Weapons Testing Act - represents a forward thinking way to establish roadblocks to the resumption of nuclear weapons testing. First, my bill calls for a thorough review of the environmental, health, and safety impacts of nuclear testing. Second, my bill brings Congress into the equation, requiring public debate and a congressional vote to determine future weapons testing. Third, my bill requires extensive research of the health effects of testing. Without my legislation, none ofthese hurdles exist and the wheels are in motion for testing to resume. No one feels more strongly than I do about protecting Utahns from nuclear weapons testing. My personal family history, iand the stories I hear from Utahns everyday, drive my actions on this issue. My commitment to stand up against weapons testing is without question. What is disappointing to those of us who care passionately about Utah and about this issue is that some political candidates are engaging inpartisan political attacks. This is not a partisan issue. Those who make it so only weaken our ability to be effective in stopping nuclear weapons testing. We need to work on this problem together. Thats why I spent countl ess hours listening to folks from all parts of the state before I introduced my legislation. I was fortunate to work with many experts to craft the bill. It already has the support of a wide range of groups including doc- tors, veterans, and business leaders. I put my legislation to the public to build on my efforts. If folks want to make recommendations that will strengthen the bill, then I want to hear those recommendations. I embrace all who want to join my fight against the resumption of nuclear testing in a productive and positive way. Letters to the Editor What is your opinion? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered for publication. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters must be signed and include your full name, address and telephone number. Limited to one letter per person per month. Please help! 8 when they lost him. Instead of Willow Canyon -him leaving them with only a great store memories, his daughters (Amber & Lacey) are stuck with a Dear Editor: The other day someone huge bill that they cannot pay. Some people know A1 only as A1 stopped me on the street by and Patti. Kellys Sinclair and said, Okay can raise us if where is it? Fve been all over Please, you help in money anyway a car wash, a this town, and I cant find it. bake sale or anything, please Where is what? I replied 9 call us at or make do- quite logically. You know, he said, the place nations at Mountain America Credit Union. Anything and ev- they sell sleeping bags and that erything will be very much apSee LETTERS , Page 5 preciated. Thank you. Southern Utah News AAA Deadlines AAA 644-224- FRIDAY 1 PM Sincerely, Lana & Linda Goble Monument ruled legal Dear Editor Well, the courts have ruled that the Clinton administration was within their rights in establishing the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This was certainly no surprise since several administrations over the decades have utilized the 1906 Antiquities Act to es- tablish National Parks and Monuments, plus even the Bush administration decided not to challenge Clintons action. Now, the Kane and Garfield County Commissioners can get back to what they do well... take down road signs and write silly letters. Monument Manager Dave help, the people come together Hunsaker says he hopes this ruland do w hat they can. ing will allow us to move for- We are asking for help in any- ward." Those are fighting words Dear Editor One of the best things about way to raise money for A1 Flores to two of the commissioners! Jon Morrow living in Kanab is the great com- funeral services. His had needs loss a someone When Kanab family great munity. The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every Wednesday at 26 N. Main St, Kanab, Utah 84741 .The SUN serves Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Please address communications by mail to: 26 N. Main Street Kanab, Utah 84741 , telephone fax or sunewskanab.net Advertising rates available upon request. Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741 . Newsstand price is 60c per copy. Yearly subscription rates to Kane County addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona - $25; others - $35 (out of U.S. - $50). The SUNews reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 435-644-290- 435-644-29- 26 e-m-ail Dennis and Dixie Brunner Publishers and Editor Michael Evangelista SalesProduction Sharlotte Brewer Receptionist Carol Sullivan Rachel Tueller Reporters Myrna Cox Valley News Postmaster. Send change of address cards to 26 N. Main Street, Kanab, UT 84741 Row online at www.sunews.net -- |