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Show Volume XIX Issue XIX The Ogden Valley news Page 3 August 15, 2011 Editor’s View Guest Commentaries Are Parents Endangering the Lives of Whose Job Is It? The proper role of government and services for others. This is where we went By Lonnie D. Crockett, Ph.D. wrong in America. We somehow got steered in Their Overweight Children? The road to proverbial hell is paved, they say the wrong direction by feeling we were “enti- By Shanna Francis I read with interest an article in the Salt Lake Tribune on July 13. The title of the article, from the Associated Press, asks, “Should Parents Lose Custody of Obese Kids?” The obesity epidemic in the U.S., which is also impacting the lives and health of America’s children, has exploded. Today, according to the same article, approximately 2 million U.S. children are extremely obese, which leaves them at risk for Type 2 diabetes, breathing difficulties, and liver problems that can potentially kill them by the time they are 30 years of age. The article quotes David Ludwig, and obesity specialist at Harvard-affiliated Children’s Hospital Boston. He states, “The point isn’t to blame parents, but rather to act in children’s best interest and get them help that, for whatever reason, their parents can’t provide.” He adds that state intervention “ideally will support not just the child but the whole family, with the goal of reuniting child and family as soon as possible. That may require instruction on parenting.” Too often parents are saddled with the blame for anything that goes wrong in a child’s life. When it comes to overweight or healthcompromised children, how much blame should be shouldered by parents, and how much upon food producers and the food industry and a highly sophisticated marketing industry, which, together, have drastically altered and reshaped the symbolism and culture of food and food consumption in this country? Do you remember when a treat really was a treat, because it wasn’t a daily occurrence? And ice cream and/or soda pop were for special occasions only, such as holidays and birthdays? You probably won’t remember—unless you’re over 50. Today, America’s children are being bombarded by high-caloric “treats” and soft drinks, in many cases, on a daily basis—from school teachers and leaders; church groups and their teachers and leaders; organized community groups and their leaders, such as coaches and scout leaders; and even from peers, babysitters, parents, and grandparents. The surprise shouldn’t be that almost 2 million children are severely overweight, but that more children are not, yet, morbidly obese. The organized church I am affiliated has incorporated lessons on health and nutrition into its curriculum for all age groups; however, sadly, what it teaches has not found its way into the community’s culture. The food of choice for most cookouts and refreshments at meetings for youth and young adults, activities for primary-aged children, and church-sponsored adult and family dinners is still that which relies on fatty, heavily sweetened and/or processed ingredients. Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain foods are too often the exception versus the norm. Instead of discussing the merits of taking children out of the home for health and safety reasons, let’s enlarge upon the discussion of how to change the culture of food, diet, and exercise in our homes; neighborhoods; and school, church, and civic communities. Utah Companies Invited to Join Trade Delegation to Global Clean Energy Congress The 2011 Global Clean Energy Congress is an inaugural event for companies and innovators to showcase unique, cutting-edge sustainable technologies that enhance current energy operations and prepare for future energy demands in a responsible manner. To be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada November 1-3, 2011, the conference’s theme is “Greening fossil fuels through technology, application, and integration.” Utah companies are invited to join Governor Gary R. Herbert, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and USTAR as part of the U.S. Commercial Service Trade Delegation. The delegation is in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada. Overall topics and exhibits will highlight energy efficiency, renewables, transportation, onsite energy, cleaner hydrocarbons, hydrogen, nuclear and optimized integration. Benefits of joining the Trade Delegation include: l Space in the Utah booth on the exhibit floor (booth sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development) l Access to industry contacts and business opportunities in the Canadian clean energy sector l One-on-one business meetings and appointments l Invitation to the U.S. ambassador-hosted net- working reception Free information seminar with presentations from industry associations Sessions at the Global Clean Energy Congress will focus on: Application of technology & innovations, Integration into market, Supply & demand, Security, Environmental, Water management, Policy & regulatory, Infrastructure, Operations & maintenance,Labor & training The cost to join the delegation is $1,200 per company, and the registration deadline is September 30, 2011. For more information, visit <www.globalcleanenergycongress.com> To register for the trade mission, contact: Paola Diaz GOED - International Trade & Diplomacy Office (801) 538-8714. <pdiaz@utah.gov> For general Canadian market information or trade mission questions, contact: Miguel Rovira Regional Director Americas (801) 538-8885 mrovira@utah.gov <www.business.utah.gov> For questions on Canadian energy market opportunities, contact Alan J. Walker USTAR (801) 585-9690 <alanjwalker@utah.gov> l NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST THE RELEASE OF FUNDS AUGUST 15th, 2011 HUNTSVILLE TOWN P.O. BOX 267, HUNTSVILLE, UT 84317 801-745-3420 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Huntsville Town. REQUEST FOR THE RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about August 31st HUNTSVILLE TOWN, will submit a request to the State of Utah, Department of Community and Culture, Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Community Development Block Grants Funds (CDBG) under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93-383) to undertake the project known as HUNTSVILLE TOWN LAND ACQUISITION for the purpose of acquiring the old Valley Elementary School property to build town maintenance sheds on. The total estimated cost of the project is $325,000. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT An environmental review for the project has been made by HUNTSVILLE TOWN and is available for public examination and copying at HUNTSVILLE TOWN, 7309 E. 200 S., Huntsville, Please call Gail at 801-745-3420 to make an appointment. Based on this review, HUNTSVILLE TOWN has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment and hence an environmental impact statement will not be undertaken under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). PUBLIC COMMENTS ON FINDING All interested agencies, groups and persons disagreeing with this determination are invited to submit written comments to HUNTSVILLE TOWN, P.O. Box 267, Huntsville, UT 84317 by the 30TH of August. All comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. RELEASE OF FUNDS HUNTSVILLE TOWN is certifying to DHCD that Mayor James A. Truett, in his official capacity, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental reviews, decision‑making, and action; and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that upon its approval, HUNTSVILLE TOWN, may use the CDBG funds and HUNTSVILLE TOWN will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other environmental responsibilities listed in 24 CFR Part 58. OBJECTIONS TO STATE RELEASE OF FUNDS DHCD will accept objections to its release of funds and HUNTSVILLE TOWN’S certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are made on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HUNTSVILLE TOWN: (b) HUNTSVILLE TOWN has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the HUNTSVILLE TOWN has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before the approval of a release of funds by the (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or (d) another Federal agency, acting pursuant to 40 CFR part 1504, has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures of 24 CFR Part 58 and shall be addressed to the Cheryl Brown, State of Utah, Division of Housing & Community Development, 324 South State Street, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, Utah. Potential objectors should contact Cheryl Brown at DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. James A. Truett/Huntsville Town Mayor Environmental Certifying Officer (who they is, I don’t know), with good intentions. I do not fault Liberals, Democrats and that ilk for wanting to feed the hungry, house the poor, and provide health care for everyone. No, not at all. Their intentions are only the best. They want all of the elderly to have lavish retirements, all the young to have scholarships and free education, every person to have the best health care—at no cost to themselves. The core of Liberals’ (mostly Democrats) arguments is that they want to have a fair society, and their critics (mostly Republicans and Conservatives) do not; they want to help, and their opponents like to see people go hungry, go without health care, go without an education, go without proper housing, and on and on. In fine, their opponents want to see people suffer. Liberals want the world to be filled with love, and compassion (who wouldn’t?) and the Conservatives want one of callous indifference, in which the helpless must fend for themselves, by themselves. Total hogwash. I’m as conservative as they come and I don’t want this kind of world and I don’t know of any of my compatriots who do either. A blogger, with whom I had a short conversation online, said, “Jesus was a Liberal. He fed the 5,000, [H]e healed the sick, [H]e……” I agree, He did do these things and commanded us to do the same. The difference here is that Liberals want to force people, at the point of a gun, to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, house the homeless, heal the sick, etc. There is a very big difference between what Jesus did and what the government is doing now. “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Yes, the government forces us to give our money to it and then that government “shares” it with others. Big difference here! Jesus said we as individuals should do it, not the government, by force, taking our money and doing it. Liberals claim they are pro-choice unless I want to use an incandescent light bulb, then they want government to force me to use their choice of light bulb, thereby denying me my choice. Yet, they are for choice . . . as long as my choice agrees with theirs. People tend to agree on rights, as long as that “right” (such as speech) agrees with them. There oughta’ be a law, they cry. The core of American Principles and Values are found in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution is the framework to guarantee them. Thomas Jefferson said that certain truths are self evident. What truths is he talking about? Well, they are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and government is to protect those rights. This does not mean the government is to provide any rights, which are really not rights, but goods and services. Many say we have the right to health care, housing, food, education etc., but these aren’t rights, they are goods and services. We have the right to pursue them and to obtain them, but we do not have the right to petition our government to force anyone to pay for these goods tled” to certain goods and services. When we couldn’t provide for them by our own “sweat of the brow,” we found ways of electing people who would promise these goods and services by passing laws forcing others to pay for them. Of course, Liberals’ efforts to provide everything for everyone are laudable but not in line with Liberty guaranteed by our Constitution. Having the government provide everything from cradle to grave has tradeoffs and we are seeing the consequences of just that way of thinking now with our tremendous debt crisis. The liberal Democrats get reelected year after year by promising more and more to their constituents. They present their bills before congress and then wait for their “entitled public” to throw accolades of praise in their direction, which propels them into the next election making more promises for the public to eat from the public largess. Then, as in Obamacare, the fine print of these bills is revealed and they are shocked and bewildered at the expense and conditions (such as rationing health care and deciding who shall live and be treated and who won’t). It’s then that they have a change in their attitude (sometimes). What were they thinking? We ask. Are they stupid? No, of course not, they are very aware of what they are doing and they have an agenda and that is to have more and more people eating out of the public trough, making them dependent on government for their very existence, which helps guarantee their reelection come election time. They (the Liberal left) want to put so much strain on the system that it breaks, causing a complete economic collapse where the government can then step in and “save” everyone. Walla! We then have Socialism where all will be as equal as slaves under the thumb of a totalitarian government. I cannot wonder how much longer we can go on in this country. Our economy is sick, our government is growing way out of control and getting larger with every passing minute. In the name of security, Americans are willing to give up their liberties and allow government to control every aspect of their lives. Good intentions are fine, but the road to hell is still paved with them. Without adequate means, good intentions are useless, but the proper role of government is not to force you and me to provide those means. Only We The People can change things and right the ship of our Constitutional Republic. Yes, we should feed the hungry, heal the sick, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless . . . . We should—not the government! Inspirational Thought “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” -- Benjamin Franklin |