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Show Wake Up, So. Utah Lovers! Just this morning two other coworkers co-workers and I were getting ready for work and the topic came up about what we are going to do for a job after the sawmill closes down. In our decision we jokingly said, "Oh, there are a lot of jobs out there, all we have to do is to find them." Then a more serious matter was brought up: Look what's going to happen to our little city if the mill closes down and families start moving mov-ing out. At least half of the businesses busi-nesses will have to close their doors. What about the schools? There are going to be teachers out of work, too. Our hospital in town is already struggling to keep its doors open. If the mill goes down, what's going to happen to it? Well, hell, we all know that Wayne Owens has that all taken care of. Wayne will tell all of his friends the back-packers, tourists, and anyone else who visits his wilderness area, that they've just got to get sick so that they can visit our little hospital and keep it going. Ha! Fat chance of that. You know, guys, this could be quite serious. Here we are with the only hospital within an hour's drive of our county. It is a nice facility with three very good doctors and most any equipment needed to help make you well. What's going to happen to all the old folks around the county when the hospital closes? I'll bet Mr. Owens and his supporters have this all figured out, don't you think? By this time our discussion really real-ly took on a serious note. One of my co-workers said, "Well, we can always find another job in another place." Then a real nice guy, I think he likes Wayne Owens, or maybe he just doesn't give-a damn said, "Oh you guys, it's just another town, so what if it dies?" Well, you know what? This isn't "just another town," and this isn't just another county. This is the place where I was born and raised. This is the land where my ancestors settled in 1854. They fought for and worked hard to develop this land so that their children and grand children could live here forever. You know what? I don't think I want to leave this town after all. This is my birthright and no "fanny-packin" cow killer" or "bought-off politician" is going to take it away! How about the rest of you silent southern Utah lovers? Do you want to live here or do you want to turn our land and resources over to a small bunch of do-gooders who have only their own best interest in mind and not the interest of the good people who live here. Let's get together and let these people know how we feel before it's too late. I love this country more than they do. How about you? Now's the time to write your Congressmen and Senators. Tomorrow To-morrow may be too late. Wallace R. Veater Panguitch |