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Show What is your opinion? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject pertinent to southern Utah. While there is no restriction In length, we request good judgment and letters which are to the point. Anything ot a libelous nature or defamation of character must be avoided. Letters must be signed, but If the writer requests, his name will be omit. ted.Deadline for letters to the editor is Friday, 4 p.m. Editor: The Governor and Legislature of Utah are proposing to triple the tax on beer to raise money to fight drunk drivers. Under the proposal, liquor and wine would not be taxed. Utah's beer excise tax rate, which currently ranks 14th in the nation, would become the sixth highest. The tax rate on distilled spirits would remain 35th highest in the nation. This tax is unfair. It would actually encourage alcohol abuse by creating a price incentive in favor of distilled spirits. Thi3 substantial tax hike is not only directed to those few people who drink too much beer and then drive, but at the much larger number of Utahns who drink beer in moderation. Further, those light drinkers are being asked to pay the full cost of making the highways safer for non-drinkers who benefit equally from any reduction in accidents that might ensue. Its th? chronic heavy drinker who is the real problem on our roads. Instead of trying to punish every person who drinks beer, the Legislature should direct its efforts to stop the person who poses the greatest danger, the drunk drivers and since everyone stands to benefit from getting dangerous drivci off the road, I think everyone, not just beer drinkers, should share the cost. KimWinkel Hichfield i |