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Show Volume XV Issue III The Ogden Valley news Page 17 January 15, 2008 Letters to the Editor LETTERS cont. from page 2 truck developed a severe oil leak. While we are trying to get it fixed ASAP, we are down to one truck. Additionally, equipment seems to break at the most inopportune time. While out of town recently, my wife called to inform me that our personal snow plow had broken and our driveway was snowed in. Invariably and frequently, when snowblowing my walks, the shear pin always seems to shear at the wrong time with half of the job remaining to be completed. Well, the town is no different, and on Wednesday afternoon while down to one truck, the blade on the good truck broke. Our road crew had to stop plowing for a couple of hours to weld and repair the blade so they could continue their long, grueling, and thankless day. Additionally, the truck became stuck in the deep snow on several occasions. I mentioned putting things into perspective. We are a little spoiled because, for the most part, we are used to dealing with large amounts of snow and have grown to expect that it will be whisked away by 10:00 a.m. In 1987, while attending college in Prescott, Arizona, we received 24” of snow overnight! While not unusual for Prescott to receive snow, the depth was much more than the city could handle and the entire town was shut down for three days. We lived on a secluded, hillside road that was definitely not one of the main thoroughfares. Needless to say, ours was one of the last roads to be plowed as the main arteries had to be cleared first. In 1996, I spent November and December in St. Paul, Minnesota. While Minnesota is certainly used to the frigid temperatures and even snow, we were bombarded with 24” overnight. Once again, it took a couple of days for the Twin Cities to dig out. If you have made it to the end of this commentary, I thank you. But more importantly, wave and thank the road crew today as they deposit another wind row on your freshly blown drive; they face a monumental task that seems to be never-ending. And please know that clearing your road is a top priority. Most importantly, check on your neighbors and make sure they are okay and not in need of any assistance, supplies, or help clearing their drive. Thanks for your patience and understanding. What are the building blocks of that powerful and life sustaining edifice haphazardly called the community that, sadly, the powers to be, through globalization, are hell-bent on destroying? My words, my thoughts, my life, are, in themselves, just an infinitesimal piece of that all encompassing puzzle called life, as is my feeble and ignoble attempt at gaining a foothold on what it’s all about. If anything is ever going to change for the better, each individual needs to step up and be counted. Everyone has to be honored, has to be given their little corner of the world, their community . . . a home. How we are going to go about doing this is anyone’s guess. I suppose a presidential race is as good a place to start as any. With the stratification of the nation’s once proud work force—from those at the bottom pulling themselves up to put food on the table to those at the top sinking so low as to make a living feeding off a never ending reservoir of underlings—just about settled, a little agitation, if only out of principle, could net us a shark. The best way to see through and break up the drone of the present made-for-TV singsong called a presidential race is not to get caught up in it; to use a little hindsight; to try and come to terms with how our current bottom-feeder President suckered us into believing he was a Kingfish. George W. Bush, 2003, just before Labor Day, single handedly, through a stroke of his pen, did irrevocable damage to the time-honored man-hour by changing the Wage and Hour Law. Even more incredible, nothing short of a miracle, is how a wannabe Naval Aviator was able to rise up in the ranks to do more for the salvation of mankind—warding off the devil’s own advocate who, because of former U.S. policy, became a player—than any other glorified human being save the Savior. For a turnabout to have successfully pinned the tail on the donkey without first getting kicked in the teeth took some doing. Now it is 2004, going down the home stretch running neck and neck with democratic incumbent John Kerry. Tipped off by an insider, CBS’s Dan Rather attempted to rein in the heavily backed, tried and true republican corporate ringer by soiling his past track record. Following a photo finish, the gilded New York Times squashed overwhelming evidence that the race was fixed with its front-page headline: VOTE FRAUD THEORIES, SPREAD BY BLOGS, ARE QUICKLY BURIED. End of story—it was also the end of Rather. The axe came down swift and hard under the guidance and heavy-handedness of media giant Viacom Corp; CBS had no other choice but to fire their former star. Here was the rub: going back to the beginning, when our Commander-In-Chief was still a fledgling, his daddy, the Gov, nudged his aspiring son out of the nest and into a “coveted pilot spot” in the Texas Air Guard ahead of thousands of others in the ghastly Vietnam War. Some of those he aced went on to make the ultimate sacrifice. Then, as if all this wasn’t bad enough, rumors began to surface to the effect that to show his appreciation for having suc- cessfully dodged the draft, our belated beatnik would simply fail to show up for duty. Not to worry. Through another stroke of luck, the missing in inaction son’s waywardness couldn’t be substantiated because his Air Guard duty records had simply vanished into thin air. When asked pointblank if he had in fact gone AWOL during the war, a cocksure President crowed, “Ask my Commander.” Another fluke! His Commander had long been deceased. But pay no heed, the running of a country, a party line, a religious affiliation, prestige, (you name it), all can come before human dignity and integrity. Why couldn’t more patriots with firsthand knowledge of the Bush’s illegal activities have come forward and possibly thwarted a second term of presidential charades? Never mind, the Class War with all of its preeminent distractions continues on forever. Banners will be waved; a fly-by-night fly-boy will go down in history for having gone above and beyond the call of duty; for having done his duty with a heart full of song; and for having made the rich filthy rich. And the poor, who will always be looked down upon as being feebleminded and lazy, ironically have their own rallying cry: We all have work, let no one shirk, put your shoulder to the wheel. And what will ever become of a strident “War President” once the white flag has been raised and Onward Christian Soldiers put an end to their marching? Somebody has to wheel all of those barrels of crude to the bank—giddy up, hee haw you stubborn old mule. It’s been a good month of Sundays, back when I was knee-high to an elder, since I’ve belted out Put Your Shoulder To The Wheel Push Along. Any readers likewise predisposed to a strong work ethic through church and song, past or present, should in no way take my ranting as being derogatory unless, of course, that other shoe fits. That said, the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers, now as then, brings with it more foreboding than any hope of a brighter future. Last but, surely not least, proper etiquette requires I acknowledge a well-to-do newcomer to the Valley; my own personal Marcus Wellby M.D. He is to be congratulated for his skills and powers of discernment. I must say, though, he is dead wrong in believing I fail to “recognize the seriousness of my illness [circumstances]” and I find it a little daunting that he suggested sternly that I stay on his meds religiously. Perhaps the good doctor has never come across the old adage that if you are not a part of the solution then you are a part of the problem. Perhaps he could be of better service downsizing his own, and others’ of that ilk, life-style so that impoverished natives, not so unlike myself, can continue to afford living in their rightful home here in the community. Who would I vote for in this presidential election? The one who has already been tried and is true—a war president who actually had to go to war, and who knows about all of its horrors. PRESCRIPTIONS cont. from page 1 discount prescription drug cards will help families who otherwise could not afford much needed prescription drugs.” “Membership Services Corporation and its industry partners are very excited to partner with participating local United Ways to get the FamilyWize card into the hands of families who most need the help,” said Dan Barnes, President of Membership Services Corporation. “The goal of the FamilyWize community service partnership is to deliver $50 to $100 million in prescription drug savings to people with no prescription drug coverage. These Cards can reduce prescripAdditional information about this protion drug costs by an average of 20% or gram is available online at <www.uw.org> more. Working with reputable and established charities, like United Way, is the best way to reach the people who really need to 4548 N 3150 E, Liberty, Utah save money on prescription drugs.” Sadly, some of that snow will have to end up in the drives of those who have spent all morning shoveling or snowblowing. While the drivers do a fine job of trying to not “bury” your drive, to a large extent, it is inevitable and the sad reality of living in our snow town. Equipment Failure When it rains (or snows), it pours, and Huntsville has been plagued with equipment failures. A little over two years ago, Huntsville purchased a used International truck from the city of Park City to supplement our newer Ford truck. Unfortunately, the truck has had continual problems. First the brakes, then a hydraulic line, then the brakes again coupled with rust and corrosion issues, and, most recently, the Richard L. Sorensen, Huntsville Town Council Pushalongs or Pushovers? Membership Services Corporation, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and its industry partners. Printing for one million prescription cards was donated by another Pennsylvania company, Independent Graphics of Pittston, Pennsylvania. “Too many American families have insufficient or no prescription drug coverage at all,” said Deborah S. Bayle, president and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake. “Healthcare costs are one of the top concerns for people in our community and the FamilyWize NOMADS cont. from page 1 KUT was formed in 2000 and has received numerous awards at music and folklore festivals in Kyrgyzstan during the past seven years. In the Kyrgyz language, The word “KUT” means spirit, soul, or life force. Tour sponsor Vista 360° is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cooperation between mountain people around the world. Based in Jackson Hole, Vista 360° has created a partnership between the Northern Rockies and Kyrgyzstan that includes cultural exchange, economic cooperation in the fields of art and handicrafts, training for cultural workers, and initiatives to use creativity to support sustainable development. Also from the Tien Shen Mountains of Kyrgyzstan comes an extraordinary collection of art and handicrafts, including oneof-a-kind wool felt rugs, embroidered wall hangings, toys for children, hats, slippers, and unique silk scarves with felt inlays. The collection includes both traditional Kyrgyz work and contemporary designs by Kyrgyz artists. This trunk show and sale—which can be enjoyed before and after the concert—features items rarely seen in the U.S., and benefits Vista 360˚ in their support and development of Kyrgyz artists and craftsmen. Tickets are $15, and seating is limited to 50 people. To reserve your seat, please email Marsha Rasmussen at marsharasm@ hotmail.com or call 745-0584. It will be an intimate concert so if you want a seat, please email your RSVP as soon as possible because when seats run out, we have to close reservations. Event organizers ask that you carpool if possible. Overflow parking must be along Moose Hollow Drive, rather than along the main road. Speak up for what you want . . . or Take what you get . . . . Take action today on urgent issues! For information on time sensitive issues facing Ogden Valley residents, your community, and your property, log onto www.Ogden-Valley.blogspot.com Please view on line petitions and add your electronic signature if you agree with VCRD position. Valley Citizens for Responsible Development (VCRD) Mail to: VCRD, P.O. Box 115, Huntsville, UT 84317 VALLEY ZONING ISSUES - NEW ORDINANCES – TAX INCREASES TAX INCREASES –IRRESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT TAX INCREASES –IRRESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT VALLEY ZONING ISSUES - NEW ORDINANCES – TAX INCREASES Kerry Fuller, Eden Price Reduced! $350,000 Happy New Year From Valley Interiors Ideal Location for Outdoor Enthusiasts! Simple Beautiful Affordable Let me show you how easy it can be to live in The space you dream of. Call Tina for your consultation today. 801 791 8368 Spacious floor plan with lots of upgrades. Vaulted Ceilings, Hardwood Floors, Tile, & Crown Molding. Large master suite & bath with Jetted Tub/Sep Shower. Laundry on main. Large covered deck with spectacular views. .63 acres. 3 car garage. Convenient to 3 ski resorts. Great fishing in Pineview Reservoir & streams. Near lots of camping & recreational areas used for snowmobiling & 4 wheeling. MLS #762730. Truly a nice home ready for you to move in. |