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Show Page 2 - Mav 6. 1992 Editorial Uintah Basin Standard B Give credit where credit is due The comprehensive effort of law command often puts a state or national official in the glory seat while the true laborers are left to stand in the shadows. en- forcement agencies in the Basin that accomplished the recentBasin Roundup of street-levdrug dealers and destructive devices has been considerably down-playby many of the media. Lake Salt plepients Claiming that This type of cleanup happens every day in Salt Lake, and Arrests only involved minor quantities, media personnel poo-po- o the value of this el ed operation. Shame on them. ' Because while they are minimizing the careful labors and accomplishments of numerous local officers that involved a considerable amount of time and risk, they are busily giving credit to state and federal agency spokespersons that took no part whatsoever in the grit and grime of the undercover activity and the attendant raids. Most lawmen take it in stride, knowing it happens that way frequently; the chain of . Similarly, officers who continually give to their community, protecting its citizens and their rights, are pushed aside when the major events occur, so the pros from elsewhere can take the credit. Well, we know the truth. We know who is really on the front lines. And while the generals are necessary for organization and strategy, we express our appreciation to the foot soldiers: the local agencies, the officers who, day by day, week by week, year by year, care enough about the community to stay and seek continual enforcement of the laws. Even when a major operation is not underway, they are working to protect the individual citizen; and bring discipline upon those who dont abide by the law. They are our heroes. Look carefully at California... The nation has watched in horror as Californians destroy each other and property in outraged violence over the acquittal of four L.A.P.D. officers accused of police brutality. While most of us view their decision with disgust and wonder how they could be so misled (since virtually everyone in America has seen the video tape of Rodney Kings ruthless beating), a few stand back and believe perhaps the jurors, privy to information that was never available to the general public, made a fair decision. So perhaps the crime of this incident that sparked more violence than any event since the 60s is two-fol1) the brutal beating, under unjustified any conceivable circumstances, as a supposed means to subdue an ' individual; and 2) the sensationalization of the event by the national press. If the American public has not been told the whole story, and the only details relayed by wire services and aired on national TV news programs were the details that indicated bigotry and uncontrolled violence against a black man by white cops, its no wonder reactions have been extreme. The blacks in the L. A. area would have reason to occurred against white people? Were there details in the incident not shown by the amateur videotape that persuaded jurors to believe the officers were protecting themselves, and only used violence as an extreme measure? Are four cops always on the scene in an ordinary apprehension, or was this apprehension perhaps not ordinary? Did King prompt the brutality, or were the officers basically brutal? Other questions come to mind in the face of such extremely violent reactions by members of the L.A. black community. Can any ruling justify the destruction now taking place? Could the black society in L.A.-- or anywhere--be expected to rise above supposed injustices, or must the reaction be shocking and ferocious to gain sufficient attention? Is this merely an excuse for the unleashing of bestial passions that would take over at the slightest provocation? We, too, have incidents of bigotry and . now-infamo- us d: fear police intervention, if they are convinced their treatment will be anything but equitable. Indeed, many claim the incident is far from unique. But do we have the whole story? Were the officers perhaps forced to take unusually brutal actions to accomplish an arrest of a violent suspect? What prompted the officers to apprehend King in the firstplace? Was he their only victim? Have such incidents ' discrimination that surface from time to time. We also have individuals who assume they are downtrodden and abused as a basic perception. While L.A.s current afflictions may be not be ours, we as a community and as a nation can certainly scorn the wrongs and take note of our personal attitudes that may be damaging. And we can be utterly grateful that our law enforcement officers have demonstrated a respect for life and liberty that precludes any thought of such loathsome action here. And finally, we, as representatives of the media that has produced a great share of the wrong, pledge to do all we can to tell all sides of an issue. We owe that to a thinking, reasonable public. Editor's Note: Our policy cn Lettera that a name and phono number be to the Editor will now require that included with the letter, but names a signature be printed with the were withheld upon request We will letter. In the past, we have required no longer withhold names from letters. We do not wish to stifle free speech or public opinion .However, we feel that we must require those who write lettera to stand behind their opinione. "Uintah Basin Standard Inc. (USPS 646-900- ( Letters ) Second Class pottage paid at Roosevelt. Ulah Publiihed weekly 26S S. 200 &, Roowveh, Uuh 84066-- 3 109 a POSTMASTER: Send addreu changes to die Uinuh Basin Standard at 268 S. 200 R, Rooievek, Ulah 84066-310OFFICE HOURS: 1:00 mil lo 5:00 pm. Monday thru Friday. Fax: Phone DEADLINES: For all Newt, Legal Not ides, Claiiifiedi, aid Advertising, die Deadline la Friday at 5 d)0 pun. PUBLISHER: Craig Aahby EDITOR: Karia Cox ADVERTISING: Craig Aahby PRODUCTION: Janet Lunt, Aldan Rachele, Writen; Darrin Cowan, Circulation, Reception; Colette Aahby, Fay Reheis, Jenni Thompson, Production CORRESPONDENTS: ALTAMONT- - Naonri Maxfield ROOSEVELT - Arake Hullingcr BALLARD - Marty Raanmaaen ARCADIA - Ida Homckea BLUEBELL - Shna Lee Loertacher HANNA - Tracy Roberta MONTWELL- - Nola Net ton LAPOINT- - Marlene McOura NBOLA - Aola apencer TRIDELL - Loma McKee DUCHESNE - Orinda Gea WHITCROCKDS - Virginia Paignton EDITOR'S NOTE: The UINTAH BASIN STANDARD watconiM end encourage! opinion! from reader In the farm of Latter lo the Editor. Lenara may be utilized to opinion or comment, and also lo highlight outatandng aervlc of an Individual or organization lo the community. Lat-tor- n may not be used lo replace advertlae-men- ti of appreciation or "Card of Thanks Hating sponsor!, participants or contri butara lo a particular event. All letters will tie puMahed untea they contain llbaf-ou- a 9 722-41- 722-285- 6; 7; 722-477- 2; 646-328- 9; 848-341- 7; 434-397- 6; 333-434- 247-237- 3; 333-432- 8; 247-233- 0; 738-263- 4; 333-458-4; Subscription Rates: Clip and Send to: Uintah Basin Standard 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310-9 Name. andor defamatory statement. Letters must be signed, end Include a telephone number. Letters should be typed or dearly hand printed, double apacad. They can then be submitted to the Standard office at 268 S. 200 E Roosevelt, Utah 84066, baton 5:00 pn. Friday. All letters become the property of toe Standard and may be edited. In the Uintah Basin 1 Vr. $16 $26 - 2 Yr.Basin Out of the Uintah 1 Yr. $26 2 Yr. $45 I I I I I Gratitude expressed to school district Dear Editor Those who did not take advantage of the lifo skill conference last weekend held mainly at Union High really mined out on a very informative and educational drug conference. This waa exactly what ia held in Salt Lake City for the ML West in March. The school district could see the benefit of this conference and All the high supported it gun-h- a school and junior high students were bussed Friday to Union and were able to participate in some of the workshops. Parents, also, were invited to attend. My thanks to the school district and the community for sponsoring and donating towards this event Although it was lacking in attendance those of us who took advantage were fully rewarded by being there. The youth committee and their advisors, Ina Nielson and Arne Carlson, have been working on this conference sines the beginning of the school year and deserve a big thanks and pat on the back. Hopefully, this is just the ning of ayearly conference and will again, be put on for our community!! Sincerdy, Diana L. Jenkins Comments about past news article Dear Editor: Regarding the article in the Uintah Basin Standard April 7, 1992 on Bid Concerns, we feel the following corrections should be noted. According to bid and evaluation procedures for Roosevelt City all bids over $8,000 are to be solicited and written and sealed bids are to be presented to the council. In the case of copiers a summary sheet of 3 bids was presented to the council by Carolyn Krissman. Now we have no way of knowing what was on the summary but item for item our bid waa $637.84 lower than Lanier, Inc. The city had not decided to go with a service contract at the time, but the difference if they do will be $1,100 per year for Lanier and $728 fin our machine. This ia, again, a $400. difference. Brad Hancock stated at the council meeting that consideration for local dealers ranges from 10 to IS percent In other words, even if a local dealer ia above tire lowest price by this percentage, they are given consideration. The bottom line to this is if employees are comfortable with a machine it is purchased, no matter how much higher it is. No thought is given to how much money is spent the quality in comparison to machines, tits type of service they will receive or keeping business in the Basin. One question-wha- fs to be comfortable with a copier? The second problem we encoun- tered was the fact a city councilman had informed the council he could get a copier and save the city money. Mr. Meacham stated at the March Slot meeting that he told the council ho could get a Lanier We copier at GSA pricing plus assumed the 2 was for his time and effort. Purchase Order number 4318 was issued to Roosevelt Variety on February 19th. Mr. Meacham then learned that since he was not a dealer, he could not get the GSA pricing, so on March 10th the same purchase order was used with Roosevelt Variety scratched out and Lanier written in. Were eure this left the council in a stats of confusion since some assumed the original P.O. still was in effect. Rather sloppy book keeping wouldnt you say? Our main purpose in attending the meeting was not to obtain the 2. bid, but to make the council aware that bid and evaluation procedure! are not being followed. Also that city councilmen should not taka advantage of their position in competing with dealers or businesses, whether it be in or out of their Add of expertise. Their sole purpose is to represent the citizens and taxpayers to the beet of their ability, not to the benefits of their own personal gain. People in the Basin should be aware that local businesses are not being solicited for bids and if they are, they have no control in how this bid ie submitted to the council. It seems city employees have more control in selecting and purchasing than an elected council. And if you are getting competition from councilmen who have an inside edge, believe me you are fighting a losing battle. Actually the poor taxpayer is the biggest loser. But after all, we only supply the money to be spent Lets not worry about saving, lets just worry about employees comforts. Thank you, John Teem Dick Morrow Sandy Morrow North Eastern Supply could begin with a recitation from the Constitution. This would, of course, be in perfect compliance with article I, section 27 of that document; "Frequent recur- rence to fundamental principles is essential to the security of individual rights and the perpetuity of free government" I would suggest that all meetings might be started by reciting from the Preamble to the Utah Constitution: "Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we, the people of Utah, in order to secure and perpetuate the principles of free government do ordain and establish this Constitution." This could be Mowed by "we open tide meeting under the jurisdiction of and in accordance with this Constitution in the name of the Almighty God." Soma other fitting addendum might be attached as the person offering this recitation might be prompted to say. This would dearly abide by artide I, section 4 which specifies: "The tats shall make no law respecting o an establishment of union of Church and State...(and)...No public money or property shall be appropriated religion..-and)...n- Utah Office Comments about public prayer Dear Editor: Now that a judge has indicated that public prayer in official meet- ings is not allowable under the Utah Constitution, perhaps all meetings for., .religious worship..." In the mean time, I certainly hope that our state officials do not kowtow to the ACLU and the minions of Humanism; but take it upon themselves to stand up for truth and freedom and appeal this decision to the highest courts. Our Constitutions (stats and federal) guarantee the rights given to us by our Creator and among these ia that ever precious Freedom of Religion, not freedom FROM religion. Sincerely, Robert Wren a Blonde Insights from bs Juntt turn I recently had the opportunity to read a book which was written by a local author. The book, which talks about teaching our children before they enter school, heavily stresses the importance of a childs elf image. In the book the author stresses the importance of ideal and attitudes which are modeled by the parent "Look to your own attitudes toward people and responses to your surroundings. You will find them mirrored in your child, for these you communicate to your child even if you don't say a word," states Theda S. Washburn, Author of Headstart for Kindergarten. How many times have wa seen one ofour children mirroring one of our bad habits. Its a scary tiling to see a child stomp her feet and hake her finger at her sibling. I always stop and think, "I hope I dont act like that when I get angry." Then of course the spouse always takes this opportune moment to jump in and say, "She acta just like you." Sometimes, when I see other children acting out or behaving in ouch says, "Of all the factors that enter into the environment of a child or of anyone else, for that matter, the home is by far the most powerful, so much so, that one may say that the home either makes or mars character. The child from the day of hi a birth, for at least twelve ysars, is so dominated by the influence of the home, whether good or evil, that he is absolutely helpless to resist it" Every once in a while I think ita nice to be reminded how important the role of a parent truly ia. Included in the book was a poem which really makes you think about the farming of a childs character. I took a piece ofplastic clay and idly fashioned it one day. And as my fingers pressed it itill. It moved and yielded to my wilL I took a piece of living day And gently farmed it day by day. And molded unth my power and art A young childs soft it heart an unappropriated manner makes me wonder what their home life is like. According to Washburn most teachers find out a wealth of information about a student in the first few days of school. "By the childs speech, the teacher can tell the amount of education his parents have; by his attitudes, one can tell their attitudes. The childs manners, his dress, his grooming-al- l say more than words," states Washburn. In the book, "Home, the Savior of Civilization", the author McCull- - and yielding I came ogam when days wen paeeed; The bit of clay woe hard at last The form I gave it, it itill bon ; But I could change the form no man. I came again when yean wen gone. It was a man I looked upon; He still that early imprint wore. And more. I could change him never |