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Show Pace 2 - November 1 3. 200 OPINION 1 Uintah Basin Standard Cant Stand the Heat ... If You company to purchase the Uintah Basin Medical Center. The letter to the editor, Constituent shares condescending letter from commissioner, in this issue of the Standard further demona Elected officials will agree that in order for government to run effectively they must be responsible and accountable to the public. At the same time, the responsibility ofthc voter does not end at the ballot box. They must continue to be involved in their communities for-pro- fit strates an apparent attitude by Stradinger that voters commentstohershouldbesi!enced,if they are contrary. We believe this response is and make sure the officials they elected into office are doing the job they were sent to do. In the words of a letter to the editor from Duchesne County Commissioner Lorna Stradinger, which was printed in the Oct. 30 issue of the Standard, voters do indeed have every right to choose good candidates, go to an inappropriate reaction by Commissioner Stradi nger to a constituent who politely stood up in a public meeting to ask her a question about her attendance at hospital board meetings. Duchesne County voters have come to the polls and vote, and then hold their feet to the fire and make them accountable. In view of this, why is it that as a county commissioner Stradinger takes almost constant offense to constituents who dojust that byquestioningher actions as their elected representative? Ironically, her letter to the editor was written to criticize the opinion ofa constituent who had written a letter to the editor just the week expect much better behavior from their elected officials. We do not condone verbal attacks on any elected official, and we recognize that elected officials have the right to have their own opinions. However we do believe elected officials are held to a higher standard when it comes to the fact that they will receive criticism, and must Ieam to deal with itappropriately and before. The letter was critical of the Commissions decision to entertain an offer by Constituent shares letter from county commissioner questions to gain facta? Some may say two missed meetings ... big deal! But it isnt so much about the number of meetinss that she has missed, but her attitude toward her responsibilities and her at- titude toward her constituents. When Commissioner Stradinger mentioned to me that many people miaa board meetings, my response is this: She is the only hospital board member that has been elected by the people, to represent the people. Of all of the hospital board members she is the only one that can authorize the sale of the hospital. So what do I hope to accomplish by writing this letter? I hope that all elected officials will be reminded that they indeed are accountable to the public in the performance of their duties, and to remind Duchesne County citizens to hold their feet to . Dear Editor, In the Oct 30 issue of the Standard, a letter to the feditor, written by County Commissioner Lorna Stradinger stated, Exercise the duty and the privilege to be involved in the There is Another War Being Waged Submitted by Evan L Olsen The events of Sept. 1 shocked the whole nation. We crowdcdour churches andmillions of prayers went heavenward. Thousands of know what to do about it? In a recent Deseret News editorial they state Network television has lostall concept innocent people were killed in this senseless act of terrorism. Could it have been prevented? Maybe and maybe not. President Bush said this was an act ofwarand we will not rest until those who planned this attack, and those countries who gave support, are brought to justice. The whole nation rallied around the President. This is a war we must win. May I suggest there is another war being waged against our families. Have you noticed that you cant sit down with your family to ofany moral responsibility forthe consequences of the programming it produces. The movie industry came under attack in 1 939 for using the word damn once in the movie Gone with the Wind. In the 1 950s, when television came on the scene, there was a time set apart for a family hour when the programs were suitable forthe whole family. The Parents Television Council reported a survey that showed UPN network over eighteen objectionable examples of sexual language, visual images, profanity or violence during the family hour time of7-- 8 p.m. We have a whole generation of children who are growing up thinking deviant behavior 1 watch television without being offended by something you sec. There is a well organized effort to break down and destroy the traditional family as we know it. In an action email from Paula Houston, Utahs Obscenity and Pornography Complaint Ombudsman, she states parents beware, the upcoming television season will push decency limits." The New York Times quotes CBS executives as saying that writers are that include every crude word imagI inable." belie ve the Fox network gave up on decency long ago. UPN network is even worse. The American Family Association says that network television is in a moral free fall. A veteran analyst said he is not surprised that prime time producers arc trying to put more sex and foul language into their shows. They are trying to keep up with the cable networks. One write said that parents are generally unaware that they arc at war for the ir fami I ies when it comes to entertainment. He wonders why parents arc silent. Dont they care or dont they is normal and foul language is acceptable, that sex outside of marriage is ok and that living together without commitment is the thing to do. We recognize the violence that hit the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, but do we recognize the violence and garbage we invite into our homes through the televsion? There has been an outpuring of patriotism, submit-tingserip- ts Th" volunteer work, giviing blood and money in the war against terrorism. In the waragainst families are we going to sit on the side lines and do nothing? I hope not To get involved you can write to the ABC, NBC, CBS network Presidents about your feelings and file acomplaint with the Federal Communications Corp. There is a war we must win. Evan L. Olsen Executive Director, Utah Family Values Organization Uintah Basin Standard Inc. Periodical postage paid at Roosevelt and Duchesne, Utah (USPS 646-90Published weekly at 268 S. 200 E.. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 9 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Uintah Basin Standard at 268 S. 200 E., Roosevelt. Utah 84066-310- 9 ' OFFICE HOURS: 8 00 a m to 1 .00 p m Monday, 9:00 a m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday. Phone Fax: 722-41DEADLINES: For all News, Legal Nonces, Classifieds A Advertising, the Deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. PUBLISHER: Craig Ashby EDITOR: Lezlee E. Whiling ADVERTISING: Kyla Allred OFFICE MANAGER: Bonnie Parrish PRODUCTION: Writers; Aldun Rachele, Therena Morrill Production; Colette Ashby, Andrea Harper, Vaicrie Winn, Kyla Allied and Doris Bertoch CORRESPONDENTS: - Teresa llarmshin ALTAMONT - ; BLUEBELL Shana Lee Loertscher HANNA - Tracy Roberts 848-541LAPOINT Marlene McClure 247-2374; MONTWELl - Nola Nelson MYTON - ; 3; TRIDELL; NEOLA - Mnndi Taylor WHITEROCKS; DUCHESNE -Orrnda Gee RtXISF.VI-L- 454-397- Subscription Rates: dip and Send to: liintah Basin Standard 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 9 In the Uintah Basin Yr. $24 Name Address City Cith nr Chirk - Yr. $37 Out of the Uintah Basin I Yr. $36 2 Yr. $56 1 ZipM. onlv. Surry Ail Charge t 2 EDITOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Batin Standard welcomes and encouragia opinions from readers in the form cf letters to the editor. Letters may be utilized to express opinions or comments, to highlight outstanding service ofan individual or organization, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters may not be used to replace Cards of Thanks, or to list sponsors, participants or contributors to a particular event or purpose. LETTERS MUST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEGIBLY. SIGNED, AND INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR. Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory statements. Vt reserve the right to edit letters and to withhold a name by request if the nature of the letter is positive. Letters may be submitted to the Standard office ai 268 S. 200 E.. Roosevelt, Utah. 84066 by the published deadline (normally Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.) All letters become property of the Uintah Basin Standard. public process. Choose good candidates, support them, go to the polls and vote, and then hold their feet to the Are and make them accountable. Apparently Commissioner Stradinger meant that the people should hold their elected officials accountable. ...except for her. On Oct. 22, 1 attended a county commission work meeting where the sale of the hospital was discussed. When commissioners Stradinger and Thayne made the comment that the whole issue had been 'blown out of proportion," I asked a few questions regarding the continuity ofcommuni-catio- n between the hospital board and the county commission. It had been reported to me that Commissioner Stradinger, who is as-signed by the commission to be on the hospital board, had missed meetings, V And had a habit of arriving late and ' leaving early. I askedStradinger about her attendance record. This question was met with disdain. She asked a hospital official in attendance to answer the question for her. When it was reported that she is in attendance about 60 to 70 percent of the time, she then quickly replied that she had missed just one meeting due to ill- After the meeting Stradinger approached me and suggested I review the official hospital board meeting minutes to set the record straight. Several days following, I received a letter from Commissioner Stradinger and a copy of the hospital board meeting minutes that date from January 2001 - September. 2001. The following is the text of the letter that she sent to me: Dear Mrs. Robertson, I was quite dismayed at your comments at the commission meeting last week. I am enclosing copies of the official hospi- tal board meetings in hopes that you may want to have the facts and be leas the Are. Veteran urges, utter a prayer for peace Dear Editor, Somewhere in Afghanistan is a young, tired soldier clinging to a cold,' wet rock, trying to get some sleep. His back is more than likely up against his buddy's back so they can watch both ways while they catnap. Thats the way Special Forces soldiers sleep in the field. Even though they can hear tiie distant thunder of allied aircraft, theres no real assurance it could save , them if necessary. And yet, they are comforted by it. Overhead somewhere else ii) the region are Air Force and Navy pilots and crew, flying their missions, their bombs and rockets being guided in by the Special Forces soldiers .laser pointers on the ground, hoping like hell they hit their targets and miss . ; civilians. On the ships the flight crews aircrafts return. The RSE in thetheir CIC area plot any known air or sea movements. The cooks runs 24 hour kitchen making sure the sailors and marines are well fed. ' While somewhere in Pakistan and re somewhere else in Uzbekistan, areonce again roh jqy; riceaiii aTa main part of their meal- - They wonder ifthe supply folks back home will ever get the food they know and love to ' Deanie Robertson ea-aw- Teaching the values that make . AffieriC3 SuOnQ9 sol-the- l).lii.Nl Dear Editor, The national response in Americas classrooms to the destruction and loss from terrorist attacks on the UJS. has been nothing short of magnificent. This years celebration of American Education Week (Novi must begin with a salute to the New York City teachers and school staff who risked their lives to lead local children to safety, and to the critical role other educators are playing in reclaiming VUMf. 11-1- the nations spirit This American Education Week, I urge the nation to take a moment to recognize that public schools are on the frontlines in this new era because it is in classrooms, more than any other place, that we eftate and nurture the citizens of tomorrow. As President Bush said, the terrorists attacked America because they despise our values. We will defeat this enemy by arms and law, but also by holding fast to the values that define us as Americans. America is defined not by its wealth ndiphiindance,J)ut by our freedom, our commitment to liberties, tempted to publicly trifle with our someones reputation based on idle an open, tolerant, democratic society. Our schools are superbly suited to gossip. Persons associated with small ru- this task. For two centuries, public ral hospitals necessarily must demon- Bchoo Is have been preservers and transstrate the ethical responsibility of mitters of Americas ideals. In our choola, generation after generation confidentiality. The minutes ofboard native-bor- n and immigrant meetings are public, but the public dents have been taught America s core ofa board member without the facts may adversely affect v I1 lrBt grade, we teach our public perception by suggesting that is irresponsibly shared dents to face the flag respectfully and and only contributes to town gossip.1 pledge allegiance to one nation, unI hope your thoughtlessness did not der God, indivisible, with liberty and increase some already existing fears justice for all. And that is just the that what goes on at UBMC gets beginning. For 12years, through study and discussion of American history, around. I know after reading the atten- literature, and government, we nurdance record of the hospital board ture citizens and patriots. Public schools never stopped teach- meetings, you may wish to make ing values. We teach them explicitly, amends, but it has been my sad experience that this kind of damage is not and more importantly, we model valeasily reversed. Oddly, my absence to ues. Everything we do and say in front my first board meeting was due to ofour students is a values statement and those values include the illness that took me to the emergency room. valuesofhonesty, responsiand love of counAlthough I am personally offended, bility, I am more concerned about the effects try. Public schools also stress one other of your remarks on the reputation of the board as well as of the county value that is especially urgent today: tolerance and respect for people of commission." After reading her letter I was quite ' different colors, cultures, and faiths, surprised that the simple act of in-- In our most diverse public schools quiring of her attendance would in- often with children from dozens of teaching students to cocite such a response. Reading through countries the minutes I found that, yes, she had operate and excel in a multi-culturmissed her first meeting and her ab- setting is a powerfully important lessence was excused. However, I also son. As a student at one remarkably discovered she missed a second meet- diverse high school told me: We all ing in June that was not excused, con- get along all of us. Ifanyone tried to trary to what she had reported in the act prejudiced or to hurt someone, the work meeting. Unfortunately the other kids just wouldn't allow it. This student may not realize it, minutes do not reflect the length of time a board member is present, bo I but she is a combatant in the civiwas unable to verify the report that lized worldz struggle against terror she often arrives significantly late or and hate. So are her teachers. The success of America's homeleaves early. Her statement in her letter to me, land defense will depend on more the public interrogation of a board than metal detectors and sky marmember without the facts may ad- shals. It also will depend on the values taught in Americas public schools. versely affect public perception... Bob Chase makes no sense. Where are we supposed to question our elected offi- President tf the National Education cials? Isn't the purpose of asking Association e, al them. And of course back home, the supply folks are wondering where in the blazes the forward troops have moved to again, so that they can indeed get them their food and much needed supplies shipped out as quickly as possible on the next freighter heading that way. And so the Coasties watch and guard those freighters as they go by, making sure their critical passages in and out of ports are safe and quick. Each soldier, sailor, airman and marine share a common oath: supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States. And each share a common goal - not war, but peace. And it is on the 11th hour of the 1 1th day of the 1 1th month that I ask all of us to take a moment of silence and utter a prayer for our service men and women, utter a prayer for peace. Thank You, Dorian J.Cougiaa Veteran More should be done to keep kids out of drug environments Dear Editor, In the Sept. 26 paper, there is ai article on methamphetamine. Ther is a fight on drugs everywhere but le metellyougoodpeoplesomething.il other states, they are trying to pro tec the children notjust from iming drug but by being in the environment II give the public four examples: l)Dru dealer and wife go to jail, grandpar ents keep kids until the parents bom out 2) eight-mont- h pregnant womai main lines speed 3) father and mothe are hooked on speed, house hasn been cleaned in months, walking oi trash and hop house for users 4) fathe in jail for making speed, mother o four hooks up with another rnnn tha makes it This is all in your town, yoi need to do something Ray Andrews Applause for Annie cast and crew To Annie" cast and crew, I would like to congratulate you all on a performance well done. I thoroughly enjoyed your Saturday matinee, and so did my twoyoung children. The sets, costumes, lightingand props added so much to the performance and the scene changes were great. I am always so amazed at how much musical and theatrical talent there is Continued on page 3 |