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Show T Page 2 -- OPINION Mav 14. 2002 Uintah Basin Standard r ... 1 Feeling Undertaxed? Submitted By Edwin Fculner utilities, food, etc., come out ofwhats left. Most financial planners say its smart to create a rainy day fund equivalent to worth of expenses. But most people Even with the economic recovery under way.state lawmakers nationwide arefinding it tough to balance their budgets. As a result, many have been lobbying for you guessed it higher taxes. They havent made much headway in Arkansas, though. Gov. Mike Huckabee has refused to sign off on tax hikes, provoking howls of protest from those who warn of cutbacks in vital state programs. (iov. Huckabee prefers to do what real-wor- six-mont- hs have little disposable income after the government takes its share, so saving that much money could take years. Meanwhile, the car needs new tires. The washing mach inc breaks down. The roofstarts leaking. Now, its clear that Gov. uckabcc didnt expect his Tax Me More Fund to do more than highl ighl the hypocrisy soprevalcnt among elite. It seems that was the goal the 1 1 k! people do when faced with tight budgets: cut spending. ( Its not as ifthe average citizen has the option of tax ing someone when it looks as i i'he or she wont make this month's mort- tax-hiki- ng in Kansas, too, where state legislators opposed to Gov. Bill Graves plan to raise taxes set ratherthan cut unnecessary spending up a Tax Me More Fund, too. Itsanattractive idea.. Lawmakers in Arizona, California, Massachusetts and Virginia also have considered creating Tax Me More funds. We encourage more. The lesson these funds leach is simple: Americans dont want to pay more taxes. An gage payment.) ' Hut the governor doesnt want to stand in the way of those who want to pay more. Thercsnolhing in the law that prohibits those who believe they arentpayingenough intaxes from writings check to the state of Arkansas, he said. So in January, Gov. Huckabee created the Tax Me More F und, so people who consider themselves undertaxed can donate more to the NTUpollfound that, byamarginof63 percent to 26 percent, Americans prefer to accelerate reductions President Bush signed the last year or enact additional cuts. tax-ra- te stale government. Sounds reasonable. Surely those who derided the governor for his opposition to tax hikes would open their wallets for the sake of the vital programs they hold dear. Thats the theory, anyway. But things have worked out di ffcrcntly : At last report, the fund has raised about $ ,900. The Arkansas story illustrates what we already know: Were not undertaxed. In fact, were overtaxed. And it costs us: according to the National Tax payers Union (NTU), Americans shell out an average of35 to 40 percent of their earnings each year in taxes. A relentless array of federal, state and local taxes chip away at our paychecks, and sales taxesand registration fees siphon offevenmore. The mortgage, But dontsee it that way. While most families and individuals peg theirspending do the opposite. to their income, much how out they want to spend They figure new creative and then find ways to gouge it out ofus. It stems froma flawed bcliefthat tax payers exist to serve government. Deep down, though, most Americans understand that its really the other way around. Otherwise, Little Rocks Tax Me More Fund would be overflowing. Note: Edwin Feulner is president of The tax-hik- ers tax-hike- 1 rs Heritage Foundation (www. heritage, org). a Washington-base- d public policy research institute. letter I feel I have to respond. I ap- I IGlKJIIItJ plaud her and agree with everything he stated. Thera is a rat or rats in 1. 1 1 Duchesne County. I believe if Ralph $ 3 D T D ITI Oil Stansfield were to run for office today he would be elected by the people. Ive always thought a convention was to elect a person to run against the incumbent. Whats goingon here? For Dear Editor, As a member of Utahs senior comone, I dont think this is the American munity and an official ofAARP Utah, way. Its not hard to figure why folks I am pleased to see the recent media dont show up at the polls in Novem- coverage regarding the truth about ber to vote. Our forefathers set a pro- predatory lending. It is high time that cess in motion to meet the needs ofthe the insidious nature of this practice people, not special interests. It seems that preys upon members of our seand ethnic commuto have spun outof control in Duchesne nior, County. Its no longer the people's nities is exposed. lonflinfl Prar(nfnnf iCudlUiy 0 6 the rise in Utah r EDITOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Basin Standard welcomes and encourages opinions from readers in the form of letters to the editor. Letters may he utilised to express opinions or comments, to highlight outstanding service of an indi vidua! or organisation, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters mav not he used to replace Cards oj Thanks, or to list sponsors, particiianis or contributors to a particular event orpurmse. LETTERS ML ST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR HE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEtURLY. SHINED. AND INCLUDE , iIE. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER Of THE AUTHOR. Utters wdl he mhlished unless they contain Itbehnn or dejamatory statements. We re.wrxv the right to edit letters and to a name hv request tf the nature oj the letter is natlne. Utters may be submitted to the Standard office at 268 S. 2110 F, Roosevelt. Utah. 84066hythe published deadline (normally Thursdays at S. 00 p.m.) All letters become properly of the Uintah Basin Standard. sent the citizens of Duchesne County! Something is so not right. A few years ago Clair Poulson was shafted in his bid for sheriff1 then there was Rick Harrison, he was publicly humiliated, his reputation trashed, he lost his job. Thenlow and beholds few years later hes vindicated. Woops! Maybe a little too late. Is this the American way? Or just our county? Incumbents should run against a person the caucus selects to runagunst them. This convention was a force. Marianne Defo Elections are no longer the people's choice Uintah Basin Standard Inc. Periodical postage paid al Roosevelt and Duchesne, Utah (USPS 646-90Published weekly al 268 S. 200 F... Roosevelt. Utah S4066-3I0- 9 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Uintah Basin Standard at 268 S. 200 E.. Roosevelt, Utah S4066-3I0- 9 OFFICE HOURS: X 00 a m. to .00 p m. Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday. Phone Fax: 722-41DEADLINES: hor all News. Legal Notices, LlasnOedi A Advcmsing, the Deadline is Thursday at 5 p.m. PI'BI JSIIER: Craig Ashby EDITOR: Lezlee E. Whiting ADVERTISING: Matthew Evens OFFICE MANAGER: Bonnie Parrish Wnlen; Aldnn Radicle, Therein Morrill, Sue Collier ILL Roosevelts Business and Professional Womens club will hold its last meeting next week after almost 80 years of helping the community and having lots of fun. There are a lot of lasts that we suffer and celebrate in life, and like the demise of the BPW many of the lasts are not replaced by anythingcomparable. As a teen I remember departing after visiting my elderly relatives and thinking as we drove away that it would be the last time I would ever see them. Surely people that old were almost ready to die. After I visited them several more times over the years I eventually stopped thinking it would be the last time we would meet. No w that Im older and the number of lasts in my life accelerates they are on my mind more often, andloften think of some ofthe important family traditions that have ended. Since my mother hated cooking and my father suffered minor guilt with the trips for his boys at the pool hall and bow ling alley, week-longstin- ts To this day I dont eijoy eating out. It brings back the awful memories of having to come in from play to put on a dress and spend what was left of my precious weekend with my boring parents. As I reflect, I vainly tried to recall how old I was the last time I waited impatiently for my dad to check the 57-ye- ar lenders are not all bad, there is growing evidence that some intentionally drive homeowners into defoult via unwieldy loan terms, then take the home and sell it at a profit. Recent polls show that debt and Offers of easy credit by sub-prilenders, check cashing outlets and high bankruptcy ratesof Americans 50 f is interest rate credit cards hawked by growing at an extremely high pace, persistent telemarketers and through ollen times fueled by loans fromtheck cashing outlets with interest rates of the mail are growing at an exponential rate in our state. Evidence indi- more than 400 per annum and credit cards chargingannual rates at or near sub-prilendcates that ers make loans to se- 21. AARP Utah is concerned about this niors, members of ethnic communities, and persons whose growing problem and we intend to credit ratings substantiate lower rates work with the Utah legislature durand better terms.- - Frequently, mort- ing the 2003 legislative session to gage loans are knowingly made on far address these concerns. A mans house is his castle, but a more than the actual value of the James Rosier, womans purse is her sole territory. I State Volunteer Director of Advocacy, home, to persons who cannot afford to guard it with the same ferocity s badAARP Utah make loan payments. While sub-priger defends his den - no one, not even my most beloved, loved ones had better stick their nose inside it, let alone a hand, without fear of amputation. Everyone has something they feel strongly about. And ... since I have to Aylu share my car, my house, my bedroom HIGH and even my bathroom with someone VALLEY else - my purse is it. Ladies have all types of names for NURSERY them: a clutch (without a handle or WHERE GOOD GARDENS BEGIN strapl.ahandbag bag (shortened version), puree, and pocketbook. Call it 295 North First West Roosevelt, Utah what you will, theyre all the same. VfsStiH Hava Soma FOLKS BUY OUR It's a womans personal portion of VERT NICE GERANIUMS pace and you can put anything you ROSEBUSHES want in them. Anything. BY THE DOZENS TOP CRUDE FUSTS Ive seen stuff come out of purses that has amazed me. Once I saw a little dog poking its head out of a ladies purse, but I ddnt cany live animals in mine. Ive seen whole bags Mam Bavin War TOMATOES RlK)SI-.VI'.L- Teresa llannston ALTAMONT ; BLUEBELL - Shana Lee Locrtscher 454-397- 6; HANNA LAPOINT Tracy Roberts 848-541-7; Marlene McClure 247-237MONTWELL - NoU Nelson MYTON - ; 3; Mondi Taylor TRIDELL; NEOLA WHITEROCKS; DUCHESNE Orinda Gee 738-263- 4. Subscription Rates: In the Uintah Basin 56 Name. Address. ZipiA. Cash ar Cheek only. Sorry No Chirgt COUNT EM! MANY FAVORITES tad AND lav W8fMifJWK7l j PEPPERS HOT AND MILO ONES ON FASCINATINN COLORED ONES Ttaf'rsfustsirswl n High Valley Notes something was missing. It was the amito. Im aura aha took it with her and was smiling wherever she was, bocauao ono seldom saw Verda Mao Mortensen without a smile. And I'va known her a long time. Sines she expressed appreciation, more often than most others, for my small weekly writings, K is fitting to mention her here. Here waa a life of miles, even through hardship. It was chronicled and, aptly portrayed at the funeral, as a celebration of her life. And done in a warmly dignified manner. Weli miss our smiling friend, along with the Joy of her music. But how blessed we are to have experienced her friendship. And to joyfully anticipate seeing her again. CMOS Ed Rowley I know I Yr.S24-2Yr.S- 37 Out of the Uintah Basin Yr.S36-2Yr.S- . edtheenvelopelthoughtmaybc this precious menage might be the last letter my father ever writes. I ' . often write to him to express my gratitude and thought that he had finally reciprocated. I read expectantly as he detailed his latest bingo adventures total offour times. He did mention me once when he pointed out that I didnt like bingo. After a little reflection 1 decided the actual words didn't have to be there for me to know that his effort to write this last letter in his shaky hand surely indicates he is proud of me. I think I recall the laBt time I rode my favorite mare across the desert, and then the last time my grandson rode her after she was too lame to hold my weight comfortably. Even though we didnt know this would be Heidis last outing, Tyler wore his Superman suit, I sported a tutu, and his mnther was decked out in an Arabian outfit. We laughed as we trotted and cantered across the desert on Heidis last hurrah. After this day of reflection I am goingto try to be more diligent and try to make everyday more memorable. In the BPW scrapbook the ladies have a poem: As long as we have memories, yesterday remains, as long as we have hope tomorrow awaits, and as long as we have friendship, today is beautifoL Subscribe Now! 435-722-51- 31 low-inco- COUNT EM! CORRESPONDENTS: 1 pre-bedti- : Thinldng Out loud high-intere- st BafMa fea TOMATOES Production; Colette Ashby, Andres Harper, Valerie Winn, Matt Evans and Doris Bcinoch City 'P'k if! bill as he lingered over his second cup of coffee after a delicious chicken and dumplings dinner at Bishops Cafeteria in Rockford, Illinois. Years later I took my aging parents for a ride around the beautiful Mount Nebo Loop near NephLAtaview area Dad struggled to the rail to gaze at the panoramic scene that stretched lesslybefon us and reminisced about his belovet Montana mountains. Surely when he left those Montana peaks years ago he didnt know it would be the last time he would see the scene that symbolized his birthplace. We stopped at the Family Tree restaurant in Santaquin that evening for dinner, and alter our meal my mother and I waited for our aging patriarch to shuffle slowly to the door, engagingother diners in conversations along his way. Our roles reversed as I waited patiently and she Aimed anxiously, worried his pace and conversation were bothering the other patrons. Now I realize that this was most likely the last restaurant dinner I will eqjqy trawith my parents after a dition of dining out with them, and I am sad it has ended. Divorce is probably the greatest source of lasts. About ayear ago my friend Dave (Hey Dave, I finally got your name in the paper, and it may be the last time!) and I drove a half hour to our favorite gourmet restaurant. The Blue Canoe, which was located 'near the beautiful and intriguing 'Snake River in Idaho's desolate Owyhee county. We were dismayed to find the quaint establishment closed because the owners had divorced. We thought oftheir little girl who we had watched evolve into a gracious hostess as she eagerly helped her parents over the years. How many lasts did she and her parents have together just prior to the devastating decision that changed their lives and the lives of so many others? Sometimes traditions slip away unnoticed until years later. Asl tucked ( arent any passes to amusement parla that havent already expired. Bui theyve used ever pkiy in the book k sneak a peak. Hey mom, do you have any gum.; Can I use your Chap Stick? I need lunch money. r Theyre right behind me the sec ond I open it, looking over my ghoul der straining for a peek inside thi shrouded contents. j" But, they ca nt look. The only thinj they can do is fetch and carry, nothing else. Trained-u- p from babyhood anr scolded for working the latdr the; '; know better. I've noticed that some ladies aren ; quite as strict about kids nosing arounr PETUNIAS PRODUCTION: Clip and Send to: Uintah Basin Standard 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 9 By uum CollieK jS& Dear Editor, After reading Debbie Cluyburn's Th Mu$ingof an Outback Eskimo low-inco- choice, these delegates should repre- my grandson into bed last night I tried to recall the last time I tucked my son into bed. I'm sure a graphical analysis would find two lines intersecting at the no more tuck in print which symbolized the day when I was too exhausted from work and household chares to climb the stairs to his second floor bedroom and he was too old to holler at me for his Goldie Hawn song and dance ritual. Why cant you rrad to us like other moms? he used to ask beseechingly. Yesterday I received a rare letter father who is an from my Archie Bunker act alike. Even as 1 ' gsttssaraa:; assrtasssaa 5 police. I wondered If the saetssssasst dies use their handbags to hold stuff that they don know what to do with. They have a stray sock in there, junk naif, ishampoo samples and broken jewelry. You can spot them because one shoulder ia lower than the other from all that extra weight theyre carryingsround. My purse ia not a mystery, though my children believe it is. I guess its the lure of the forbidden that keeps them interested. If you them, they might guess that I keep candy bare, one hundred dollar bills and Lagoon tickets in there. Nope, candy bars melt, I cant keep two dollars let a lone one hundred in there, and there t AJ hopeftilly coordinate with our shoes' Ive been shopping fora new summe . bag; but nothing has inspired me s for. The purse Im looking for must b big enough to hold all the essential! but small enough to allow both it am toy hips to fit through doorways. I have the right strap length am separate compartment for lipstid andacompact, and be of neutral shad and cost less than ten bucks. And wouldnt mind ifthe words No Tree passing wss emblazoned across it ii nice bright red color, to farther driv home the point that a womans pure is her own private spdcel . POOR C |