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Show 4 OPINION Pace 2 August 13. 2002 -- Uintah Basin Standard wwwJbarryscartoanaxom Become a Mover and a Shaker! action items forour communities? That probably depends on individual lifestyles and ideals, but there are plenty ofcauses just waiting for a When a group of people unite for a common cause, almost anything is possible. Case in point ... Ute Tribe leaders and parents who process of the impacted the decision-makin- g their opinvoiced Uintah School District They ions, fought for something that was importantto shaker and a mover to come along and turn them into realities. For some, it may be the formation of a Duchesne County recreation district, a skate- them, and...voila... the establishment was beaten. At least for thetime being. West Junior High will remain in tact Another case in point, the annual UBIC festivities. They are only possible because board park for children, or perhaps a way to entice economic development to the county. Maybe there are educational issues, orades ire toll-frfor the formation of a basin-wi- communities come together, pool their resources, exercise the spiritof volunteerism, and then throw one heck of a good party. And its calling area. A group effort and a cooperative spirit have brought about changes intheUintah Basin that have enhanced the quality oflife here, but there is always more to be done. Similar future endeavors will only make life here even better. The old saying is true ... The whole is greater than the sumofitsparts."Want to make a difference in your world? Get involved in a cause and experience die awe ofmaking things de absolutely free. There are many other examples that could be cited where something is accomplished by many that could never be accomplished by one. We should all learn this valuable lesson: we can't afford to sit idly by. We need to get involved in a cause thats important to us and see it through to its fruition. What do we need to focus on as priority ee U 8.4 v : i. happen. UBET Telecom being a year, holders, lawmakers, the molia or the far more concerned about aooring po- public at large. litical pointa, than on working out a One of our local newspapers noted plan to cover the exorbitant and rising the Utah Medical Insurance Associacosts of prescription drugs. tion had declined to answer questions Eatimatea indicate that there are about their rising rates this year to EDITOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Basin nearly 86,000 Medicare recipienta in Utahs physicians. Could it be that Standard welcomes and encourages cov-- UMIA's own website shows then ia Utah without prescription opinions from readers in the form of erage. These folks and r community not a problem with too many medical letters to the editor. Letters may be pay a big price because of this. Evi- malpractice lawsuits in Utah? utilised to express opinions or The UMIA opened 394 new claims dence is that many recipients are comments, to highlight outstanding forced to make terrible deciiuona, such for medical malpractice and closed individual an service of or organization, as not eatingor utilizinghigh interest 380 claims during the year 2000. Of or any other worthwhile purpose. credit cards and payday loans to pay the claims closed, 32 involved a Letters may not be used to replace Cards for required prescriptions. Others rely settlement payment to patients; 68 of Thanks, or to list sponsors, on their children and other relatives closed without a payment to the pato contributors a or participants for support. Some end up in the hospi- tient! Of the closed claims in 2000, particular event or purpose. Lfc 1 lRS tal or in expensive, extended care five went to trial and were all defense MUST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR health facilities. verdicts in favor ofthe physician. The LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN To remedy this potentially devas- coat to defend these five claims waa LEGIBLY, SIGNED. AND INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS AND PHONE tating financial and social burden, $634,600. The average coat for the NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR. Letters Congress must set aside partisan poli- five claims was $127,500 with the low will be published unless they contain tics and act now to put a universal, being $34,900 and the high at libelous or defamatory statements. We accessible, affordable, and reliable $213,000. reserve the right to edit letters and to Insurers have imposed huge rates prescription drug benefit in Mediwithhold a name by request if the nature care. I assure you, the 180,000 mem- hikes on businesses and professionals, letter is positive. Letters may be of the bers of AARP Utah will do all we can like doctors, three times in the past 30 submitted to the Standard office at 268 to flex our political muscle to ensure years. The cause is always the same: a S 200 E., Roosevelt. Utah, 84066bythe that the Utah Congressional Delega- severe drop in investment income for deadline published (normally tion strives to represent all of us not the insurance company compounded Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.) All letters in prior years. The become property of the Uintah Basin just a select few. by under-pricinPhil Rieeen, State AARP President Standard. great stock market growth ofthe 1990s waa giving insurance companies great returns for their investments. Is corporate accountability Insurance companies andbigbuai-nesee- s for a chosen few? dont like lawsuits. They would prefer not to be responsible or accountable to the American Public. Dear Editor, Alter all the talk of congress hold- They are willing toi spend big money and exert all their influence on state Dear Editor, ing Corporate America accountable to To the person or persons who took their employees and you the con- and national legislators to change our the little solar light from our son sumer, our President in July gave a legal system. Restricting legal rights, while havCecils grave, that the Roosevelt pospeech in North Carolina advocating terrible consequences for many ing lice dept put there. severe limits on patients rights to sue innocent people, will do nothing to We know you are old enough to for unnecesHe stated the affordability of liability drive and a few other things. Every sarymalpractice. litigation has created a health improve The taw is there to protect insurance. time you close your eyes at night care crisis in America. not to shield those who the ao can't shines it injured, sleep. bright you hope Are lawsuits for medical malpracIt is beyond my imagination why some tice really the reason for insurance caused their injuries. The problem with malpractice is one would steal from the graves. There premiums increasing 30 in Utah? More than 98,000 people is just one guarantee sane day we will malpractice. What is really going on? Does it have die each year asareeult preventable all be in one. misdo with to and greedy If you need something that bad, I anything insurance companies? The' medical mistakes and we should work will help buy it Just don't rob the managed Utah Citizens Alliance has a binder to cure that problem rather than pungraves!! foil of information on this same sub-- ish tha vitima. If we really want to Beryl Gurr, Julie McArts and family ject gathered from the 1980s, again, punish the la wyers,letsmakehopitals less dangerous. blamingthelej system for increased responsibility and insurance premiums and calling for Tort Reform. It sounds like it was hot few. Keep partisan politics That accountability must extend off the press yesterday! out of medicare to insurance and medical corporations Each time insurance rates begin to and professionals complain alike, andthe public should see that it skyrocket debate prescription drug the insurance industry tries to cover does. LaRee Miller up its mismanaged andirial nr business Dear Editor, and the by blaming lawyers practices During the past few weeks, the system. Even though lawyers United States Senate voted on four and the notto are different approaches to provide pre- blame. legal systemoftenclearly succumb to Legislators scription drugcoverage to this nation's insurance industry pressure rather 40 million Medicare recipients. Unthan focusingon real solutions caused fortunately, discussion surrounding by the cyclical nature ofthe insurance each vote, and actions ofa majority of business. There is very little scrutiny Senators, appeared to follow purely of whats really going on by policy Dear Editor, The aqueduct over highway 40,: 7119 East of Roosevelt, hae iportedUn' Highs school spirit It wee recently Periodical postage paid at Roosevelt and Duchesne, Utah (USPS pern ted forthe 20022003 school year, P Published weekly at 268 S. 200 E. ..Roosevelt, Utah and it hae already been vandalised POSTMASTER: ; with Ute slogans and other things. Send address changes to the Uintah Basin Standard at This aqueduct shows Union spirit. 268 S. 200 E., Rooeevdt, Utah 84066-310- 9 When it is vandalized like that it just OFFICE HOURS: shows your weakness, that you have no 8:00 am. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, 9:00 s m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday thiu Friday. respect for others, or your school. You Fan: Phone arebeing childish. Sol ask whomever DEADLINES: ia doing it to please stop! And grow up For ell News, Legal Notices, Classified Advertising, die Deadline is Thunday at S pm. a little. We love our school. EDITOR: Lezlce E. Whiting PUBLISHER: Crei Ashby Julia Anderson partisan lines. Senators seemed to b 1 g - Theft of light from grave is despicable tgl I Upset by Uintah High slogans on highway aqueduct Uintah Basin Standard Inc. 646-90- S4066-310- thank the UBIC committee for all of their hard work in bringing it to us ADVERTISING: OFFICE MANAGER: Bonnie Fairish PRODUCTION: Matthew Evans Writeis; Aldoo Rachels, Theiena Morrill, Sue Collier Production; Colette Ashby, Andrea Harper, Valerie Winn, Matt Evans, Julie Nazer and Doris Bcrtoch UBIC Committee praised for their efforts CORRESPONDENTS: ALTAMONT - ; BLUEBELL - Shaaa 8; ROOSEVELT - Teresa Hannetoo LAPOINT HANNA - Tracy Roberts 848-341- 7; Lee Loertacher 434-397- 6; 4; MYTON - ; NoU NcMon MONTWELL Marlene McClure 247-237Mondi Taylor 333-473- 3; WHITEROCKS; DUCHESNE -TRIDELL; NEOLA Orinda Gee 738-263- 4. www.ubstBiidard.com ubsnewsubtanet.com Subscription Rates: Clip and Send to: Uintah Basin Standard 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 9 I I Name. Address City Ia the Uiatah Basin 1 Yr.S24-2Yr.S- , 37 Out of the Uintah Basin I 1 Yr.S36-2Yr.S- 56 I . Zip4 Cath or Check only. Sorry No Charge Dear Editor, I would like to thank Pat! andthe UBICcommittee fori daw. From the parade works, UBIC ia a great event that we all look forward to and enjoy every year and I dont think enough people realise that it is put together entirety by volunteers. The UBIC committee works all year long; on donated time and effort, to plan and coordinateaweek of entertainment and events for the residents of the Uintah Basin. I dont think anyone could understand how hard they work and howmuch oftheir time and service they give unless theyve been a part of the committee. Vernal Internet provider once again. Thank you also, to the businesses and individuals who donate money and time uid support UBIC. Without volunteers and these donations, UBIC couldnt take place. I know in directingthe Miss Uintah BasinPageantthisyear that it couldnt have been done without the wonder-fo- l people who so willingly donated their time and talents. I appreciated them'so much. I think its great to live in a place where so many people pull together to give something bad: to our community. AVemallnternet provider has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the UBET Telecom is illegally denying them fair access to its digital subscriber lines. Internet Works filed the anti-tru- st tawsuiton Friday, Aug. 2, inU-S- . District Court on the grounds that UBET engaged in exclusionary and predatory practices and price discrimination to seek a monopoly over highspeed access Internet services. According to the suit, UBET has claimed their digital subscriber lines were unavailable, yet at the same time were allegedly completing a DSL agreement with Ashley Valley Medical Center for use of their broadband Internet service. Broadband Internet tremendously speeds Internet connections and provides a faster digital connection for downloading computer files. The Vernal hospital u a former Internet Works client. Internet Works is seeking a preliminary injunction and restraining order to stop UBET from going for- ward with their broadband service plans until the case is resolved. They are also seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting UbET from inhibiting Internet Works DSL endeavors, andamonetary award that triples any actual damages to be determined at service sentfs Roosevelt shoppers to Vernal at times Dear Editor, We have appreciated articles encouraging shopping in Roosevelt We fey to aa much as we can. But, we find weoften need to shop in Vernal for the following reasons: 1. Prices. Mqjor brand gasoline isusu-all- y more expensive here. Groceries are too. 2. Availability. Soma items simply arent available here. 3. Customer service. We have met some very nice, responsive business people here. One man repaired our vacuum for nothing and another brought itto our home. Our insurance people are always helpful, particularly since a recent accident. An suto dealer ha been very helpful with re-call repairs. Our veterinarian has been great A storage facility manager west of town waa most helpfol getting us into the right size unit at the right time. We always receive pleasant service at a local book and office supply business. A carpet retailer is ing helpfol services as scheduled. Unfortunately, we meet too many people who dont care if we do business with them or not. They are cold and unresponsive, a situation all too often at grocery stores. Alumber dealer west of town could not break from sewing prqjects to price an expensive door for us. A glass and paint dealer acta as if we are a bother. A person sellingandinstallinggarage doors did not have time to order the right door, to show up at appointed times or to schedule changes. call aboutdetays Ha left the garage completely open. overnight when he discoveredhe' installing the wrong door. So, we go to Vernal. Customer service is by for the moat important reason. We would rather shop here. Per-- out-of-cou-rt suit until the companys attorneys have had a chance to review the alta-gations listed in the lawsuit. Two weeks ago UBET tasuedanews release announcing the. company would soon offer! seryicee to cua- tomers In the Roosevrilt, Vernal, Duchesne, Neola and Attamont exchange. The rataaae also stated that tha company plana to expand their DSL service availability Basin wide. from the front porch, ova1 mouths, still sputtering in mirth. It was too much, realty too much forboth of us. We didnt mean to be llrm Obviously the woman had been in serious discomfort - but her image kept wimrnlngarrwi hot mind and we d collapse in giggles. After all these yearslve wondered at Aunt Jen's reaction. Even weeks after the incident, she'd scowl in reprimand ifany of us spoke ofit. Laughter waa out of the question. Now I know why, or at least here's a theoiy AuntJen didnt want to be the object of or any other kind of clownish activities. I guees she had a sense ofhumor, but she wouldn't be Aunt Jen howlall the louder. Dad took hold ofher arms and tried lifting her free of the chair frame, but her old bones couldn't take it, so he set the chair and AuntJen on their side, placed his big boot on her backside and pulled the chair free. That old girl was slow to get to her feet, though all the ladies rushed into help. She slapped away their arms pickedupher pocket bookand shuffled -- madefonofonthatdav. When the chairs fragile seat had collapsed the entire party exclaimed in fear, butonce we realized that Aunt out oftha kit My mother and I were watching , i . , i When Aunt Jen got her hindend stuck in grandmas kitchen chair she thought it was the end of the world. She hollered and struggled, wiggled down even further and ended up with her feet aticking straight up to the sky and her behind just an inch or two off the linoleum floor. None ofthe women folk could budge her ao my dad had to be called in, and ha was dawn the tanw working at the sawmill. By the time he arrived, shirt wet to his bock and sawdust flecking his face and upper arms, Aunt Jen waa moan ing in agony. I don't know how he kept a straight face. We couldnt hold back rcuatomer service tniningcourees. How nice it ia to be greeted with a smile; a pleasant May I help you?; timely, courteous follow-u- p on commitments; and a sincere "Thank for your business. We those who provide these amenities here in Roosevelt. Dana, Joan and Phil Johnson Dear Editor, I am against UBTA charging customer! that do not want a service for that same service. Even if it were a majority that wanted the service, let those who want the service pay for it and leave ue that do not want that same service alone. Read the remarks that came in the newspaper about this very thing "it will unite the Uintah Basin. WaitI Because we rive the phone company $6 a month for something we do not want nor use will unite us with those around u? Wow! This same thing has been done with me by this same company before. When the company started you could call every prefix in this company for no charge, I only used 454. Then all long distance. It did not 1 Thinking Out loud a shouldn't charge customers for service they don't use plaint also alleges that they have bean victims of ongoing billing problems ever since UBET purchased Qwest ' in the Uintah Basin service 18 months ago. I they were not billed 1 for several months i statements with numerous billing errors. The Internet company also maintains that UBET threatened to cut off their service unless they paid bill they attempted to rectify. Patrick Asckme, a Provo attorney retained hy Internet Works, said hta dientsjust want to be treated thirty by UBET and may be agreeable to an settlement. UBET Public Relations spokesperson Glenda Stewart said UBET officials would not comment on the law . Lack of customer UBTA-UBE- T trial. Internetworks federal court com- -' Rooeevelt-baee- d JilleEarl 722-41- sued by I change my phone bill at all fori did not use it. Then they did us the great service of charging us five dollars to again call anyone in the UBTA area, probably to "unite the Baain. It aim- ply raised my phone bill $5 a month for a privilege f did not need, use, nor want. Would it help eome in tha area? Indeed and great, work out a deal for them, but why charge ua that do Hot need nor want it? It is stealing! One more look. I have a card that allows for calls anywhere in the United States at three cents a minute, so I am now paying the UBTA for 166 min utesofcalling time every month which I have almost never used and do not went If we have had this privilege, that I do not want nor use, for ten years, I have payed $600 for 8200 minutesworthoftime that Icould not use nor did I need nor want Again, it ia stealing! If I did not have a computer, I would not beaUBTAmemberi I would have a Verizon cell phone only, and be able to call anywhere in the United States for way more time and cheaper than using a UBTA phone with their involuntary instated privilege, One more time, it is stealing, or robbery without even the need ofa gun. Dean Carroll helpless. Weahould have been thetic, companionate. Inal turned out that she was Lucille Ball and we the audience. Sometimes there are momenta in life wewiah couldbe done again. Thats one far me. Even a child cut make difference, change an outcome - even when adults ere misbehaving. ' This old world gives ua plenty to laugh at, hut it certainty wont be or peopta with bignoei Now there are certain people you may alwaya laugh at Peofde in turns, Itap, people with poodles cos-wft- , i10WBu2(wwteU fanny To ries ...like me (on occasion) OK foe! free to laugh you can laugh now. Well, maybe next week. In the story "New evidence inc of miming woman," in the July 30 edition ofthe Standard two incomct dates were given in regards to the unsolved murder of GuMarwreLfn Wayne D. Ferguson. According to fatuity member, Ferguson was last seen June 26, 1991 and. hta remains wen discovered Nov. 8, 1994. POOR |