CONFLICTS-OF-INTEREST

A friend pointed out to me that a conflict-of-interest is considered taboo in government, except here in Dixie. This is profound. An example that stands out is the interconnectedness of real estate and city/county officials.

The good 'ol boys of St. George have made a name for themselves - without naming names. Cronyism and inappropriate decisions should be exposed and challenged publically.

Divided loyalties can create unsavory, harmful situations. Even the appearance of potentially questionable motives is bad enough. An official, elected or not, must recuse himself from actions and decisions which might affect an honest carrying out of responsibilities.

As was printed here a few weeks ago, the Director of Homeland Security - Michael Chertoff - is a citizen of both Israel and the United States. It's an unacceptable condition at any level of government.

We shouldn't stand for it.

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Hot News Bits

* President Bush visited Albania and was received like a hero. They like his demands that neighboring Kosovo be granted independence. Muslims dominate both regions, so that explains that.

* Two men fell to their deaths at Zion Park last week. Very tragic, but this would be a scandal with million dollar lawsuits if the park belonged to private concerns.

* Financial disclosure reports released on Friday revealed that seven justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are millionaires. A couple of them have more than 25 million. These money chasers also dominate the Senate. Certainly, a majority of senators are what we all would like to be: MILLIONAIRES. Could their riches color their thinking? Is wealth a conflict-of-interest?

* The renowned Boeing folks are being sued by Amnesty International for their part in arranging those CIA torture flights - at least 1,000 of them - to torture sites in Europe.

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Meetings & Events

* Classes on Feng Shui for men only. You' ll be surprised to learn how moving the tv just 10 feet can change your life. Starbucks on Thursdays at 7 PM.

* Important! Good 'ol boys meet to discuss land deal 217. Back room at Slippery Slope Saloon.
Same time and place.

Help Wanted

Volunteers to work in stores, hospitals, offices, and other demanding establishments. Great pay (personal satisfaction.)

For Sale

Scale. As is. Seems to be stuck on 268. Make an offer. Call Susan at Weight Watchers.

Twenty-Years-From-Now News

Governor Dan McArthur vows to fight the latest Divine Strake (number 17) and will set up public hearings soon.

Personals

* Nice woman would like to meet nice man, if that's not too much to ask. Write Box 111, Ivins.

* Me: messy, moody, mean. You: cheerful and financially secure. Call without delay - 699-4856