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PAGE 8 - PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY. MARCH 25, 1983 Editorial PLAINDEALER"> Opinion Graduation Standards For a variety ©Lieasons, U.S. schools in recent decades relaxed standards. By the sixties, a crisis had resulted. Thousands in most states were graduating from lower and secondary schools without having mastered the basics. Employers were finding the high school students couldn't write, or even read well. Permissiveness-students choosing easy courses, a lack of discipline in schoolrooms, and other factors contributed. There was not enough homework; there were no minimum standards. With European schools and Russian and Japanese schools turning out truly educated students, competent in math, science, languages, etc., the danger was obvious. The United States stood to lose out in the business and industrial world in the new age of electronics and computers-because too many American high school and college graduates had been insufficiently educated. . The trend began to swing back to traditional, basic courses and discipline in the seventies. It Continues and it is encouraging to note the increasing attention given the problem by state legislatures, school administrators, teachers and concerned parents. Graduation requirements have been recommended by the governor's special commission on secondary schools in Florida. Among other things, the commission suggests all students have four years of English and three of math and science. Such a requirement is very much in the students' interest. Other states without minimum graduation requirements are also moving in this direction, rightly so. State Of The States A recent national survey showed that every one of the 50 states is having to economize or cut its budget. States like Texas and Alaska still see good surpluses but they are lowering and the future is grim if the economy should continue to sink. Other than those two states, others which have done better than most are Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. Even in these states there has in many cases been some juggling of funds, or borrowing from surpluses, etc., to avoid deficits. Some also show a zero balance, which would not have been good enough a few years ago. In summary, those 12 states with real surpluses show a collective black ledger of $1.9 billion. Red ledgers in 22 deficit states total $5.8 billion. As expected, California and New York, have the largest deficits. California's may total over $1.5 billion-and the state is currently having trouble selling its bonds. The message to voters is clear--leaders and members of legislatures who have the courage to hold the line on spending and eliminate waste and extravagance needed today in every state. .,S1a MS rs r n HELP FOR EYES - This dramatic photograph is an example of what can happen when tissue is made available to the Illinois Eye bank. The eye on the left was cloudy due to a disease of the cornea and to the right, one can see the circular area where a corneal transplant has made the eye clear. In 1982, 428 corneal transplants were performed in Illinois, but unfortunately, more than 300 people are still awaiting a transplant. This waiting time can last from six months to a year. To receive a uniform donor card, write the Illinois Eye Bank at 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, 111., 60604 or call (312) 922-8710. March is Save Your Vision month, J Establish Arson Hotline | • Effective since March 1, local fire and police departments will have direct and immediate contact with qualified professional fire and arson investigators 24 hours a day. "By calling 1-800-252-2947." Jack H. Carter, state fire marshal, said, "local fire and police department officials can reach the State Police Command center, which will im­ mediately contact the OSFM division of Arson Investigation Duty agent." The 1-800-252-2947 toll-free number is the Arson Hotline, which also is available to the public to report arson or suspicious fires. The new procedure, a revised procedure of Operation Start (Statewide Tactical Arson Response team),, was developed cooperatively by OSFM and the Department of Law Enforcement "Successful investigation and prosecution of a suspicious or in­ cendiary fire." Carter pointed out, "depends on prompt response, careful collection and protection of evidence and professional examination of witnesses and the crime scene. "Until our trained and qualified special agents were available," he added, "a suspicious fire became an unknown because professional in­ vestigators were not available or were involved in other crime in­ vestigations." The benefits of the new system are said to be the utilization of a central dispatch system on a 24-hour basis by dialing one telephone number; better control and provision of needed services: immediate contact with a qualified arson investigator; and a data base for forecasting and fulfilling future fire-arson investigation needs. Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) Washington - Here's how area members of Congress were recorded on major roll call votes March 3-9. HOUSE Social Security--The House passed, 282 for and 148 against, and sent to the Senate a bill (HR 1900) designed to keep the Social Security system solvent at least until the mid-21st century. The least controversial section of the bill would raise at least $135 billion for the Social Security trust funds over the next several years in order to eliminate the short-term deficit. ' In part, the short-term solution would accelerate already-scheduled tax hikes, curb and delay beneficiaries' cost-of-living increases, and make Social Security mandatory for members of Congress, federal judges and new federal civil servants. The most disputed section of the bailout addresses the staggering post-2000 deficit expected because lengthening life spans combined with dechmiig birth rates will make Social Security top-heavy with beneficiaries. The bill seeks to solve the "demographic problem chiefly by gradually raising the retirement age from 65 to 67, beginning in 2000. Supporter Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., called the bill a compromise that "evenly distributes the pain that is the price we must pay for reform." Opponent Michael Barnes, D-Md., objected to including new federal workers PLAINDEALER~> Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (Tho Ploind*oUr invito* tho public to um thli column m on oxprostion of thoir viow» on BwbfoctB o# fonorol in- t«rott in our community. Our only roquott it thot tlio wrttori fl»o lifnotwro. full oddroii ond phono numbor. Wo otk too thot ono individual not writo on tho tamo tubjoct moro thon onco o month. Wo rotorvo tho ri§ht to doloto ony mat*rial which wo contidor libolout or in obfoctionoblo totto.) in Social Security, saying this means "federal retirement would become the single greatest disincentive to joining federal Members voting yes favored the Social Security rescue plan. service. Voting no: Philip Crane, R-12. Age--By a vote of 228 for and 202 against, the House adopted a Social Security amendment (to HR 1900) that in the next century will raise the retirement age for full benefits above the present 65 years. Between 2000 and 2017, the age will rise gradually to 67 years. Early retirements still will be permitted, but at the expense of sharper benefit reductions than now apply. The amendment, originated in committee by Republicans but backed mi the floor by many Democrats, posed the key philosophical and political dilemma faced by the House - whether to save Social Security by emphasizing the old approach of higher payroll deductions that upset taxpayers or a new approach of structural change that antagonizes beneficiaries. Supporter William Thomas, R-Calif., said "the basic problem...is that the American people's demographic pattern has changed." Opponent Bill Richardson, D-N.M., said "the cold hard fact is, this amendment calls for a cut in benefits for future retirees." Members voting yes wanted to gradually raise the retirement age next century. Voting yes: Philip Crane. Tax--The House rejected, 132 for and 296 against, an amendment (to HR 1900) to eliminate the 21st century Social Security deficit by raising the payroll tax in 2010. Employees and employers each were to absorb a .53 (point-five- three) percent tax hike on toj Supporter Thomas, O'Nei in America for the generation that has gone before them. Should we change the tradition? I say no." Opponent Bill Archer, D-Tex., called the payroll tax hike "just another Band- aid. Members voting yes wanted to eliminate the long-term Social Security deficit with higher payroll taxes paid by employers and employees. Voting no: Philip Crane. Jobs--The House passed, 324 for and 95 against, and sent to the Senate a bill (HR 1718) appropriating $4.9 billion to create an estimated 1 million temporary jobs in the public sector. The bill also provides humanitarian relief for victims of the recession who are destitute, special funding of health services, and outlays for mass transit, home insulation for the poor, job training and other programs. Supporter William Ratchford, D-Conn., called the bill "a signal to 12 million unemployed Americans, Americans on the edge of despair, that finally in Washington there will be the beginning of a movement that will put Americans back to work." Opponent Norman Shumway, R-Calif., said "public works are a wholly inadequate way of fighting the problem of unemployment..this legislation will not have a direct impact on unemployment for a minimum of 18 months." Members voting yes favored the bill creating public-sector jobs. hmi SENATE Flying--By a vote of 50 for and 42 against, the Senate failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed to ratify an international treaty on damages oaid as a result of airplane crasehs. The U.S. thus rejected the so-called Montreal Protocols drafted in 1975. The rejection was a victory for the trial lawyers' lobby and a defeat for the airline lobby. The treaty limits airline damage awards to crash survivors and relatives of victims to $320,000 per plaintiff, /frtiile establishing essentially a' "no-fault" assumption unless it can be proven in court that "willful misconduct" by the carrier caused the crash. While giving up the chance for higher awards, U.S. plaintiffs would be freed of high legal fees and time-consuming trials in foreign courts. Supporter John Danforth, R-Mo., said that without the treaty American travellers or their'survivors would be left at the mercy of foreign courts. Opponent Ernest Hollings, D-S.C. said it was wrong to deny by treaty the chance of American plaintiffs to obtain large damage verdicts. Senators voting yes wanted to ratify the Montreal Protocols. ' Alan Dixon, D, voted no. Charles Percy, R, voted yes. BB GUN MISUSE "Editor: "I live in the village of Sunnyside. I am witing this letter to let the person who intentionally shot my 7 lb. poodle with a BB gun Tuesdayt March 15, to know the anguish it has caused our family. "First, I would like them to know that they are breaking the law. You may not shoot a BB gun within 300 yards of any home, including your , own. "Second, I would like to say that one must be in need of help to be malicious enough to take out frustrations on a 7 lb. dog. "I would last like the person to know the damage and suffering the action has caused both my poor little dog and my family. The BB that was shot lodged into his spine and at this time the dog's back legs are paralyzed. We can only hope and pray that with excellent medical attention and a lot of TLC, he might recover. Otherwise we will have to bear the burden of having him destroyed, which will break my children's hearts and also mine. "I would like to direct my feelings to all the parents of our comunity. "I want them to believe me, I am not against guns but I am against them being used improperly and I'm against them being used by children without adult supervision. I beg of them that if they or their children own any of these guns, they should at least make an effort to see that they are not used in a residential area where next time we might be reading about a child who has been injured. "Linda Sandell "154 Grandview "Sunnyside" PARKING CONSIDERATION "Editor: "I am a handicapped person. I have a car but must have someone drive it for me. "In parking at the various store parking lots I find that most of the time the handicapped sections are occupied by cars without handicapped stickers. I inquired of several store managers. Their reply was that they suppose the police take care of it. "One afternoon a policeman was sitting in a squad car next to a han­ dicapped section occupied by a car without a sign. I asked the policeman and he told me in very plain English that he had no jurisdiction. "I would like to know if these signs mean anything. If not, I will just forget about it. But believe me, it sometimes is a long walk to the store. "Paul Reardon" LIBRARY VIEWS "Editor: "The April 12 election will find trustees of our McHenry-Nunda library board to be voted on for public approval. Also on the ballot will be a proposition to increase the size of the area our library services. "The Library district boundary at this time includes only about 2,900 people. With the expansion request, many other adjoining areas would have the opportunity for having their own library, as opposed to being in an area that requires non-resident cards, for which patrons pay a yearly fee directly to the library. "Residents in the present district will have no increase in their tax bills if the expansion request is approved. With the new building finally a reality, our library will be more accessible and have the space to accommodate additional users. The more people in the district, the more programs and materials will be available to all. " A 'Yes' vote on April 12 will help your library to reach its full potential with no additional cost to you. "Margaret Karas" "Liars when they speak the truth are not believed." Aristotle "Worry is interest paid on trouble before it falls due." W.R. Inge Voting no: Philip Crane. TIPS Legislators State Senator Jack Schaffer (R), 33rd. 56 N. Williams St. Crystal Lake, 111., 60014 Phone: 455-0309 Springfield Phone: , 217-782-6525 State Representatives Dick Klemm (R), 63rd. 3 W. Crystal Lake Ave. Crystal Lake, 111., 60014 Phone: 455-6330 2045 Stratton Bldg. Springfield, 111., 62706 Phone: 217-782-8000 Ronald Wait (R), 64th 110 E. Second St. Belvidere, 111., 61008 U.S. Senators Alan J. Dixon (D) 230 S. Dearborn Room 3960 Chicago, 111., 60604 Phone: 312-353-5420 600 E. Monroe Room 108 Springfield, 111., 62706 Phone: 217-492-4126 United States Senate Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C., 20510 Charles H. Percy (R) 230 S. Dearborn Room 3892 Chicago, 111., 60604 Phone: 312-353-4952 600 E. Monroe Room 117 Springfield, 111., 62706 Phone: 217-492-4442 United States Senate Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C., 20510 U.S. Representative Philip M. Crane (R), 12th 1450 New Wilke Rd. Mount 60005 Phone: Prospect, 111. 312-394-0790 Family Tax Tips by W. G. Johnson, CPA The 1982 tax law provides an added incentive for in­ vestors in depreciable real e- state. Under the prior law, the depreciation, period for real property was as high as forty- five (45) years. The cost re­ covery period has now been reduced to fifteen (15) years, in an effort to simplify depre­ ciation rules and to stimulate investment. The new depreciation per­ iod, the ease of financing, and the availability of long term capital gain on sale are several reasons why many taxpayers are seeking tax shel­ ter and long term capital growth through real estate. Income producing proper­ ties often provide a positive after tax cash flow, while the property is increasing in value. It you h«ve a tax question, writ* to W.Q. Johnson. P.O. Box <38. Frankfort. Ky 40602 House Of Represen­ tatives House Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 McHenry County Office 56 N. Williams Street Crystal Lake, 111. 60014 Phone: 459-3399 Less Energy A full freezer uses less en­ ergy than one that is half full. This is because a cold pack­ age helps keep the ones next to it cold. from HISTORY'S SCRAPBOOK DATES AID EVENTS FROM YESTERYEARS March 24,1882--Kock announced discovery of tubercu­ losis germ. March 25,1882--First public demonstration of pancake making, in New York City. March 26,1804--Congress creates the district of Louisi­ ana and the territory of Orleans. March 27, 1917--Seattle Metropolitans become first U.S. hockey team to win Stanley Cup. F o r Y o u r I n f o r m a t i o n Dear Friends, After * bereavement, it is suggested that the family move slowly in attending to various legal and financial matter. These will involve such persons as the attorney, banker, the insurance counselors, and their advice should be sought. After a'time, with better • emotional adjustment, wiser decisions will likely result. Respectfully, - fU.. PETER MJISTEN & SON FUNERAL HOME 18^006 3 ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? We Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Every Newcomer To Our Area 11! CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 305-5475 M tini wiicini _ MCHMKMII umss °fi£/G No A t IOm nut mtctm utMtui" ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Area-Royal Welcome Does It Best ww wawaw wnmmwwiFuwigwwuwinj m imnw nu mmm IUJJ w LLUJ mi« Servvce & pro Jessi° n al DifC ctory JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE i BONDS Fir*. Auto. Form, Uh Representing RELIABLE COMPANIES MIS W. Elm St., McHenry DBMS CONWAY AUTO. LIFE. FIRE State Fara IRS. CO. 3319 W. Elm Street Will JAMES NLMclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Persaaal ln|ury/Tri*l« Corp^H fl 11 o8 Wills/Probate Divorce-Real Estate Workman's Compensation 3434 W. Elm Street. McHenry II. For tipuliilnient phone: 3*5-2440 Farm Equipment ... George P. Freund, : Inc. Case - New Holland 4102 W. Crystal Lake Rd. McHenry Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES, SERVICE t RENTALS Man.-Set. *-5:30 Friday HI 9:00 93 Grant St., Crystal Lake Phone: 459-122* DR. LEONARD BOTTARi 1303 Richmond Rd.-McHenry Eyas Exomlnad Contact Lenses Giassas Fitted Mon., Twos., Thurs., Frl. 4 tpm Tuas.. Thurs.. Frl. 7-9pm Sat. 9:30-3 pm Phone: 3M-4IS1 or 3*5-22*2 McHENRY DENTAL CENTER DR. CJ. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WEGRZYN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL 8:30 P.M. S SAT. 385-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME JpjEOtfKTOOOWAgD^ • I R E L 1 I RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc. 2318 Rt*. 120 815-385-0700 SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 335-4300 FAMILY SERVICE ft MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302-G West Crystal Lake Rd.. McHenry, II. 60050 315-335-4400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 days a weak Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call 115-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-3640 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving tho federal government and not known where to call? And than been given tho runaround or referrals by persons'who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ton specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 300-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on probloms doaling with run-away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 300-424-9213 (Complaints about intorstato moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Intorstato Commorce commission.) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phono 300-424-9393 (Answors questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular modol has over boon rocalled. Valuable for thoso intorestod in buying a usod car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 300-252-2373 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 300-633-2666 (Oporatos five national linos. Answors inquires about or reporting on tho safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 300-523-2929 P.O. Box 1607, Rockville, Md. 20350 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun-powered hot-water system.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3530 Chicago, III. BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 335-2999. 24 hours Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St., McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Coun­ seling for youth and families. ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone: 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on go Ver­ mont regulations. MENTAL HEALTH 1-300-392-3900 Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staH wil answer your call. Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mental Health Service System. NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Office Bos 17400 Washington. D.C.. 20041 Phone (703) 471-0404 McHENRY COUNTY CETA OUTREACH CENTER 666 Russel Ct. Woodstock.il. 60093 (315)333-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCATION FOR THE RETARDED Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Phone: 344-1230 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS fS15) 455-3311 McHENRY COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL 300-892-3272 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES, INC. 800-942-3940 Free legal representation in civil cases to low income persons. Landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence or improper denial of benefits such as Social Security, Public Aid. Food Stamps, General Assistance 8 Unem­ ployment Insurance