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Show The Ogden Valley news Page 12 Volume XVIII Issue IV August 1, 2010 In Defense of Freedom By Colton Scott We often hear people speak of freedom. From our early childhoods, we have been taught that we live in a free country; we have the freedom of speech and are free to worship how we want. We should ask ourselves, “What exactly is freedom?” Why do we value it so much? The definition of freedom has meant different things to people in our history. To the colonists living in early America during the eighteenth century, freedom was the right to live and worship the way they wanted without the British government telling them how to lead their lives. To the slaves working in the south during the nineteenth century, freedom meant the emancipation of all those who were forced to live and die within the chains of bondage. What does freedom mean to us today? Thankfully, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States grant many freedoms to us that are impossible in other nations. We read that men “... are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (U.S. Declaration md.).” The Fourteenth Amendment also says that no State shall “... deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law (U.S. Constitution Amendment XIV).” These freedoms have allowed our country to become one of the greatest nations on earth. Our founding fathers, who had recently fled from oppression, knew just how valuable freedom was to mankind. They were willing to sacrifice all they had—indeed, they pledged “to each other [their] Lives, [their] Fortunes and [their] sacred Honor”— to defend freedom in their country, thereby setting a standard for all other nations to look up to (US Declaration md.). In American history, we have seen countless times when people were willing to lay down their lives so that they could achieve, or maintain, freedom and liberty. Sacrificing everything that one has is a serious matter, and to pay such a price, one must be sure of what he is getting in return. Would any man purposely give all that he has—even his life —in return for only a quick temporal gain? Common sense tells us no. Undoubtedly, he would make sure beforehand that what he was getting would be well worth the cost. All the men who have fought and died for us knew that freedom is not just a quick temporal gain. It is something lasting and important to every generation. Because of this great gift passed down to us, we enjoy the many blessings of freedom. World War II veteran and hero Bill Henderson said it perfectly, “We eat grapes from vineyards we did not plant, and I am enjoying a freedom that I did not earn, I owe it to past generations, all the way from Bunker Hill to Iwo Jima. I owe it to those men for the freedoms that I now enjoy.” We should do all that we can to defend this legacy of freedom and pass it on to our children by teaching them what our forefathers have done and what our responsibilities are today. Abraham Lincoln once said that the Declaration of Independence “[gave] liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time.” Thomas Paine, who, starting in 1776, published sixteen inspiring pamphlets known as The American Crisis, wrote, “Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” To be born into this country, and partake of its great freedoms, is a blessing that cannot be overestimated. We must raise our voices in defense of freedom. We have a duty to perform for our country. Ever reaching toward us is the hand that would tear away our freedoms and destroy everything that makes this country great. Today, we have many enemies within our borders, and even within our government, that seek to fundamentally change our nation. They wish to turn us away from the freedoms set up by our founding fathers in an effort to gain more control over the citizens of the United States. We must have vigilance, and stay alert. Ezra Taft Benson, former Secretary of Agriculture, asked, “Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound?” Thomas Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free... it expects what never was and never will be.” It is essential that the citizens of the United States are educated and informed of what is going on in the government. They must be willing to stand up and do what is right. A. Freeman, in a publication to the soldiers of the American army in 1775, wrote, “Never was a cause more important, or glorious, than that which you are engaged in. Not only your wives, your children, and distant posterity, but humanity at large, the world of mankind, are interested in it; for if tyranny should prevail in this great Country, we may expect liberty will expire throughout the world... He that is a soldier, in defense of such a cause, needs no title. His post is a post of honour... we have a glorious prospect before us, big with everything good and great.” Not only are soldiers needed on the battlefield in foreign nations, but they are needed on the battlefield of ideas in our own nation. We must have integrity, knowledge, and common sense in order for us to preserve this great heritage. Let us raise our voices loud and clear, for all the world to hear. We have a duty to perform, a legacy to pass on. Let us protect and defend freedom, not only for ourselves, but for future generations. Note: Colton Scott won Second Place in the North Ogden Kiwanis Club John W. Reynolds Freedom Essay Scholarship Contest for 2010. He is from Ogden Valley, and is home schooled. He is the son of Mike and Kara Scott of Ogden Valley. Maverik Customer Appreciation Day On July 30, Maverik Country Store in Eden will be hosting a customer appreciation day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be BBQ deals, samples, gifts, and drawings along with in-store specials and games for the kids. There may even be a money booth. Maverik is excited to announce some new items to their location. They will soon carry diesel fuel and will be offering Redbox Movie Rentals. The Redbox movies may be picked up and returned to any of their locations. In addition, they already offer exchangeable propane tanks. The Maverik Country Store is located at 5100 East 2500 North in Eden. For more information, call 801-745-3800. Northern Utah Trail Series Begins The Northern Utah Trail Series was founded in 2009 to showcase the superb trails and amenities of the Ogden area. The first year will feature four races ranging in length from 5km up to a marathon. These races are for all levels from first time trail runner to seasoned trail veteran. The second year will have five races including a 50km and will become Utah’s largest trail running series. By the third year, it is hoped each race is filled to capacity becoming a regional destination for serious trail runners and beginning talks with USA Track and Field to host a National Trail Running Championship event. The race schedule for 2010 will be: August 14 Wolf Mountain, 5k & 10k September 18 Trail Marathon, Bonneville Shoreline October 2 Wolf Mountain, 10k & 20k Registration is still open for the all races at www.northernutahtrailseries.com. For more information email cmannersrun@hotmail.com or call 801-675-2742. NUTS is very excited to host this unique event and hopes to share a passion for trail running with others. The Northern Utah Trail Series is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will donate all proceeds to trail maintenance, repairs and creation. Learning about Burning The next time you are sitting around the campfire for s’mores or flipping hamburgers at a family cookout, make sure the kids are kept out of harm’s way. “Fire is a mysterious attraction for kids,” says Dr. Michael Kim, emergency-department physician at American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH). He has treated dozens of young people with burns caused by this traditional summertime activity—and not always from the most obvious situations. He remembers treating a toddler who walked onto the hot coals of a barbecue pit in the backyard shortly after a cookout. The parents thought the coals had been put out, but the boy ended up with a second-degree burn on his foot. “Kids younger than four years old are at higher risk for injuries caused by campfires and barbecue grills,” says Kim. “Parents with children that age must supervise, supervise, supervise to make sure accidents don’t occur.” Kim has seen other situations where older kids became burn victims—including, for example, a teenager who got too close to a barbecue grill while starting a fire with lighter fluid. “The explosion caused by the accelerant gave him a second-degree facial burn and singed hair,” he says. “He had to be treated in the burn unit.” Kim says parents should educate their kids on the dangers of fire, and keep them away from materials used to make barbecue fires such as matches and lighter fluid. Dr. Greg Rebella, also a pediatric emergency department physician at AFCH, says all burned materials should be doused with water, sand, or dirt so they are cool to touch and will not burn skin. “Never let your young child play near a firepit, and do not assume that coals are no longer hot, even if you do not see a flame,” he says. Kim says age-old remedies, such as applying butter, will not help a burn. “Run cool water over the injured area and cover with a clean dry sheet,” he says. “Do not put anything else on the burn. If the burn involves the face, head, hands, feet, or genitals and/or the child is in severe pain, call 9-1-1. When in doubt, call your doctor for advice or go to the hospital for an evaluation.” Laura Warburton Natural Hoof Care Practitioner Phone: 801-458-2997 E-mail: Barefoot@ourbigworld.us Bare Essentials Hoof Care, LLC Hoofin’ It Naturally to Happier Horses Authorized EasyCare dealer - home of the Easyboot and the revolutionary Glove A CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Burger Fundraiser was held on July 17 at the Valley Market to raise money for supplies in the event of emergency in Ogden Valley. Pictured above but not in order are Darla Weston, Kay, Ted, and Wayne Hillstead, Karen and Jaime Montgomery, Mary and Robert VanScoyk, and Lonnie Crockett.For more information, or if you would like to make a donation, email <whillstead@msn.com> Ken Turner SOLD! (801) 940-9000 DestinationEden.com 6961 Durfee Creek Way, Liberty ELKHORN Sold in under 90 days. Looking to Sell? Now is a great time to list your home, please give us a call for a free market analysis. www.tourogdenrealestate.com ! D L SO HIDDEN OAKS LOT Beautiful .60 acre building lot complete with approved plans in Hidden Oaks. Minutes to three ski areas, Pineview lake and Wolf Creek Resort. Scrub oak, two Streams and 360 degree views! $149,000 MOOSE HOLLOW 903 Luxurious Moose Hollow condo / end unit. This condo is offered fully furnished with spectacular views of Snowbasin and Pineview lake. 1600 sq. ft. 3 bed deluxe / 3 bath. $269,000 MOOSE HOLLOW 404 Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary, Middle School, and High School Great opportunity to own at Moose Hollow. This three bedroom condo has a jacuzzi located right outside the back door and great valley views! This condo is in excellent condition and is being sold fully furnished. Blair Lierd (801) 388-1925 $199,000 Brandi Lierd 801-388-8423 Providing a challenging, college-focused education in the proven tradition of Catholic schools, for the families of the Ogden Valley. We want to teach your children! For information on our program, financial assistance, tours, or application, please call Daniela Quintana at 801-814-8192 or 801-393-6051. |