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Show r i i page A4 Tuesday, September 10, 1996 Davis County Clipper In Our Opinion h s i Forget about bridge to past or future, what about today? r The conventions have ended. The shouting is over. The delegates have gone home. And what do voters have to show for it? Do we have a clear picture of which candidate will best represent our views? Do we know how they stand on the issues that will affect our lives? It seems the political conventions have been reduced to i staged events. The Republicans and the Democrats planned parties. Let no one say that the conventions were a vehicle for the partys platform to be unveiled. They were designed, just as the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, to showcase the athletes, or in this case the contenders. We found in the Republican comer a rallying call to build a bridge to the past And in the Democrats corner a promise to build a bridge to the future. What about the present? Whos going to fix the decaying bridges were driving over today? If Clinton has all the answers why hasnt he implemented them? If Dole is the right man, why dont we know more about him than the fact that he said something stupid about the addictive qualities of tobacco? More importantly, what do we need to know about a man whom we elect to the highest office in our country? Must he be a patriot? Must he be honest? Must he be of high moral character? Must he be an example to all? If that is the case then none of the above would have to be our choice. One author has written, The desire for our nations good "THE PROBLEM Like most of you reading this column, I did not attend the Davis County Fair. Oh, I didnt avoid it. I States in this timeline? Are we apathetic? One man, whether Democrat or Republican, cannot fix whats wrong with America. Clinton cannot light the fire of patriotism in our hearts. Dole cannot come to our homes and our neighborhoods and make us reach out to our neighbors and buoy one another up. Neither man can make us spend our resources responsibly. Neither can help us look inward for help instead of to the government. We must become good leaders, not followers. The strength of a nation will not come from one man but from every individual. To have a great and good nation, we must be a great and good people. A nations greatness adds honor to its citizens, conversely, if a nations leaders actions do not reflect the values of its citizens, its citizens will lose their honor. If individuals do their part to become the kind of person they say they want their politicians to be, future politicians will have those values. They will be one of the new, improved Americans. Rarely before in the history of America have so many been so disillusioned with the countrys leadership. Many have said Clinton is an excellent speaker but hes not honest Others say Dole is an honest man but he cant speak. When we vote what are we voting for. Are we voting for hope? Do we hope the promises are true? Hillary Clinton has used the oft quoted phrase, it takes a village to raise a child. In todays world we might say it takes a nation to raise a president The story is told of a standard-bearer who had carried the flag ahead of his troops. The commander shouted bring the standard back to the men, to which the young soldier replied, bring the men up to the standard. Its time for America to set a new standard. just didnt think much about it. And Im not the only one to ponder the value of an county fair in a technological world. A discerning reader, Jeff Cazier of Kaysville, intriguingly brought up the subject in a recent letter to the editor for this newspaper. In his letter, Jeff admitted he was pessimistic about the future of county fairs. According to him, They are going the way of the maker, proverbial buggy-whi- p blacksmith shop or Saturday night town hall dance. ..Fairs must shift focus to societys needs and cultural interests of today. He suggested that instead of paying homage to Clipper Publishing Co., Inc. 1370 South 500 West PO Box 267 Bountiful, Utah 8401 Marilyn G. Sanders Contributing Writer ipline or even philosophy hygienic. When its was growing up, we only used public restrooms if we were absolutely positive we couldnt wait until we got home. Mom would put I children can be a challenge in public. I swear 1 had no idea of the hygienic horror I was about to subject my Mom to. It all started with THE PIG. A Dn parbndar department 641 in mrtwriow number upon raadwng main wot- - j DEADLINES fySBAtMsS Classified Ads Monday 10 am Thursday S pm Display Advertising (tf Proof Required and color, 24 hours in advance) News Articles & Photos Thursday noon Obituaries Accepted UntS Mon. 11 am Public Notices Friday 5 pm Subscription rate: 504 per copy ffilPAYfAftB Classified Ads Thursday 10 am Display Advertising Tuesday S pm (If Proof Required and color: 24 hours in advance) News Articles ft Photos Tuesday 5 pm Obituaries Accepted Until Thurs. 1 1 am Public Notices Wednesday 5 pm $25 00 per year Mailed $35 00 per year ) on Publication No (USPS published Tuesday and Friday except the week of Christmas and New Years at Bountiful, Utah Periodical postage paid at Bountiful, Utah Address all correspondence to P O Box ISSN 149-180- 1061-122- 267, Bountiful, Utah 84011-026- big-gam- small petting zoo had been set up for the kids. We were greeted by a pig who very friendly seemed to position himself in his cage so that anyone in the area could easily reach out and pet him. The twins immediately began to shout Mamma, Mamma, pig, pig! squealing and pointing madly at the sociable swine. pot-belli- After a recent trip with my Mom and the kids to the county fair, I have decided that of all the differences in mine and my Moms parenting styles, the most significant difference seems to be not in disc- a wealthy woman today. Anyway, when Mom offered to tag along on my yearly sojourn with the kids to the fair, I was thrilled to have the help. After all, three small rch the largest pumpkin grown in the county, our focus should be on highlighting Davis thriving businesses by showcasing their fascinating products and enthralling technologies, and he also proposed that soccer tournaments and other hot button events be held in conjunction with the fair. Jeffs views are worth examining. Many folks would say that county fairs are irrelevant in todays environment and shouldnt be subsidized with tax moneys. Others would hold that fairs are a direct link to our heritage and culture, a tie too valuable to toss away on a modem whim. In the middle of this debate are people like Jeff who want the fair to exist but molded from a slightly different clay. Theres no doubt that fairs must change to survive. To head off sagging attendance, the Utah State Fair e music acts in the added 1960s, further breaking from tradition by adding a rock band in 1969. Todays Utah State Fair is not really about goats and pigs and pickles; its one extended and raucous strip mall. For every person who admires the yams from Rich County, there are 12 people buying a Harley Davidson belt buckle. The Utah State Fair is about money, not melnot quilts. ons; its about If the Utah State Fair had to adapt, the Davis County Fair faces a similar challenge. Theres no intendemand to see Aunt sive built-u- p Mabels sweet potato pie or the steer. In todays suburban world, there are many young people who cant differentiate between a heifer and a tortoise. If a teenager today told me he enjoyed raising rabbits, my first instinct would be to call Davis County Mental Health. Yet at the same time Im not entirely comfortable with the idea that the fair become a business expo. If we take Jeffs suggestion and showcase thriving businesses and their products, I fear we will end up with an exhibit showing 42 fax machines, 13 aerobic machines and a row of fundamentalists pushing nutritional herbs and diet pills. If Im not lured to the Davis County Fair to see Grandma Smiths prune preserves, neither will I be attracted by a commercial exhibit where a salesman hawks a mattress. So whats the answer? I, too, plead ignorance, but I believe Jeff is on the right track. We do need to update the exhibits, possibly teaming with university professors to show developing science and technologies. Fair planners would also be wise to take Jeffs advice and add student races, sports competitions and scouting or church youth events. With proper fencing, nationally-know- nt hurt a music act could- n either. last weeks moving story on the death of Lois Pickett, editor Judy Jensen wrote that Bountifuls Servus Drug was a remnant of happier times. Servus Drug was a In throwback, surviving the changes in society but doubt it could be recreated from scratch today. Its success stemmed from the personality and devotion of the Picketts. If a large corporation had taken it over, it would have fallen flat on its face. In much the same way, the Davis County Fair is a tradition, a one and only that deserves to remain but with a little tinkering. 1 County fair hygenically challenged for mom two or three of those paper seat covers on the toilet seat, and then she would roll up our pant legs before allowing us to sit down. If I had a nickel for every time Mom came out of a ladies room with her pants rolled above her ankles. Id be Published semi weekly by To liters soM Davis County Fair needs 'a little tinkering should be stronger than politcal party adherence. The nations welfare means the welfare of every one of its citizens. Is this the goal of Clinton and Dole? Do we care? Robert Muntzel wrote in Manage Magazine in 1961, Great nations rise and fall the people go from bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritural faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back again into bondage. Where is the United dtopper j four-year-o- ld est brother was little and she always threatened us with it if we put our mouths on anything with fur. The rest of the afternoon was pretty uneventful. Ryan did pick a gum ball off of the ground, but I made him throw it away without e sampling it. Daniel did spill his in his lap and onto the stroller seat, but I was able to scoop it off of the seat and back into the cup without attracting Moms attention. Later in the day, Mom stepped in question why did the boy have to stay in the game all the time? He could have rested during the kick offs and while the team was on defense. He would have been more effective on offense; and we could have won. The Coach also played his running backs both on the offense and defensive sides during the whole game. On a two point conversion try at the end of the game, (which would have tied the game) the running back did not break a tackle at the goal line and he fell short. Earlier in the game this same boy was making long runs breaking tackles and moving the ball well. It would appear to most that the remaining 14 to 16 boys standing on the side lines could also play and the offensive team could rest and be more effective. The football teams have had a two (2) squad teams for years and years. (I noticed that the Clearfield offense teams was on the side lines while their defense team was on the field.) In my opinion the coaching decision to have some of the boys play the whole game is why we lost I thought the idea of high school sports was to get everyone involved and make it a learning experience. I realize that a lot of pressure is put on the coaches to win. But have we have lost sight of the original idea? I would like 4o give you my name. But I think you know that my boy may take the heat for this if I were to do so. sno-con- something I can only speculate about; but, with all the animals around, I think we can assume it wasnt good for Mom. On our way out to the car I turned to Mom and apologized for the sanitary stress I had put her through. We both laughed, realizing that even though our mothering styles were certainly different, we both loved our kids, and wanted them to be healthy and happy. How did you ever manage to raise four kids and not go nuts with all the dirt and germs? I jokingly inquired. Easy, Mom answered with a laugh. I just held your hands everywhere we went. Oh, and I always carried a washcloth. Vour Opnnion Coach should let everyone play Editor, Welcome to another Bountiful High Football season. ALL of the boys that wanted to be on the team have put in the time during Hell Week. The first game has been played and its the same old story. The 12 or 14 boys the coach(s) wants to play are playing both offense and defense. The other 14 to 6 boys stand on the side lines and watch the game as fans do sitting in the stands. Why cant every boy play at least one or two downs during the game??? As a fan in the stands and father of one of the boys that did not get to play. I notice a few things that 1 We stopped and Daniel innocent- ly reached out to touch the pig. Mom Aaahhhh, Marilyn! screeched frantically. Daniel put his finger right inside that pigs nose! Wheres your washcloth? When I told Mom I hadnt thought to bring a washcloth, I received a look I can only describe as a combination of shock and disbelief. Relax, Mom, I said. I read somewhere that pigs are cleaner than dogs. Just to be on the safe side I wiped the finger in question on Daniels shirt making sure Mom could see I was doing my best in a hygienically challenged situation. As we moved down the aisle, Ryan spotted an enormous pig, and ran to get a closer look. I followed pushing the stroller while Mom trailed behind us, shaking her foot in an effort to rid herself of a sandal full of sawdust. Meanwhile, Ryan scaled the iron fence to get a better look at the pigs inside. Marilyn! Do you know how many germs are on that rail? Look, his mouth is right on it! Mom wailed. Ryan was our culprit this time. Sure enough he had both lips firmly planted on the top rail of the mobile pig pen. Ryan, I said calmly. Do you want to give Grandma a stroke? Get your mouth off of the rail, I said lifting him down. Again in Moms full view, I wiped his mouth on his shirt sleeve. We headed back down the aisle to the other side of the petting zoo, where Daniels twin sister, Shelby, found a puppy and promptly planted a wet kiss on the unsuspecting pups open mouth. I could see the horror on Moms face and, without skipping a beat, I wiped Shelbys mouth on her shirt front, trying to smile reassuringly at Mom. I was sure she was thinking of the mythical disease dyphenopia. She invented this malady when my old- - should be pointed out: The quarterback for the JV team got tackled during the second quarter. The referee was blowing his whistle and waving his arms for the coach because the quarterback was not getting up. But the boy did not want to come out of the game, he got up and limped around for the remainder of the game. But did the coach take him out? No! In fact the boy played both offense and defense the remainder of the game. (This cost them the game at the end.) This boy also was the return man on the kick-of- f team, and played linebacker. He was limping around the whole time. He missed catching a kick off ball and he did not throw the pass at the end of the game. (Which may or may not have made a difference.) I only asked the Name withheld i |