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PAGE 1* • PLAINDEALER - TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 22. 197? EDITORIALS Federal Stealing The federal bureaucracy is stealing the taxpayer blind, and no one has the intestinal fortitude to halt the continuing theft. Too many votes are now involved-millions feed on the federal payroll today. On Oct. 1, three and a half million members of the federal bureaucracy, white collar workers and military employees, received another pay raise of more than 7 per cent. For a worker earning$25,000 that means another $l,750a year. The excuse for this action was that the raise keeps federal employees, pay at the level of private industry. Anyone who ever worked in Washington knows that isn't true, that federal employers can hire almost anyone away from his or her private employer. Not only is the pay usually better, but there is far more security and, in most cases, once on the federal payroll, employees can't be fired. They're usually set for life, with a fine pension on retirement, all sorts of benefits, special advanages, etc. A recent Commerce department study not only shows federal employees, pay is increasing faster than that of free enterprise workers but that the average is now approaching $20,000 (including fringe benefits)! The report shows the federal bureaucracy's average pay doubled in the decade between 1966 and 1976. In summary, there seems to be insufficient discipline and morality at the top to check this robbery of taxpayers' money and that of future generations. With the government running over sixty billions in the red this fiscal year, the federal government obviously doesn't have the money to boost salaries. think about old-fashioned economic truth these days, raises it own salaries, increases committee staff sharply, Few O the President raises his employees, etc., etc Where is it to stop? Human Nature The human race presents many puzzles to the student of human nature. We are not as much amazed at the ignorance which prevails among individuals as we are at the unwillingness of normal individuals to learn and use the brain nature liberally provided them. No. 2 in our catalogue of wonders is the ease with which comparatively ignorant persons give positive judgment upon people, issues and events. No. 3, if anyone wants to know, is a composite of two capacities in the human specimen. We marvel at the capacity of the average man and woman for goodness, and shudder at their capacity for evil. it out for yourself. Ronald Reagan The 160 Acre Farm Limit When angry farmers from California's Imperial valley drove their tractors to Los Angeles to confront a visiting President Carter recently, they weren't just whistling "Dixie." What has them up in arms is a recent federal District court ruling that would make a lot of them sell their farms and could make your trip to the super­ market seem like a visit to Fort Knox. "National Lands for People," a group of self-styled land reformers, asked for-and got - from the court, a decision to strictly enforce a 1902 law limiting to 160 acres-per-owner the amount of land that can receive federal irrigation. The story has its roots in the West's frontier days. The 1902 law grew out of the tension between large western lan­ downers such as the railroad and small-farm homesteaders who streamed west. Today, some 10 million acres in seventeen western states are irrigated by Bureau of Reclamation projects. Over the years, however, government interpretations of the 160-acre limit have resulted in groupings of land holdings so that larger, more efficient farms would be created. In one area, the Imperial valley, (which supplies a large amount of the nation's vegetables) farmers were even exempted from the limitation. They had built their own canal and when the Bureau of Reclamation wanted to build one, it got their agreement by exempting them from the 160-acre limit. Now, the federal government is k saying to those farmers, in effect, "Oops, we made a mistake." Outdated Law Under the court decision, the Secretary of the Interior must draw up rules based on strict interpretation of the outdated law. Farmers would be required to live within 50 miles of their 160 acres. Multiples may be held only by immediate family members. Other farms would have to be broken up and sold by lottery. " Agrarian land "reformers" For Your Information Dear friends. Our forefather* lived without sugar until the 13th century, without coal fire* until the 14th, without buttered bread until the 16th, tea or soup until the 17th, without gas, matches or electricity until the 19th, without cars, canned or froien foods until the 20th century. It seems we do have much to be thankful for. HAPPY THANKSGIVING PETER MJIJSTEN & SON FUNERAL HOME McHenry, Illinois 385-0063 For A Safe Thanksgiving Poor weather, road and driver conditions can add up to a triple threat to a safe Thanksgiving trip. Captain James M. Murphy, commander of the Elgin State Police district, said. ' It is unfortunate, and often tragic, that our first winter storms in Illinois sometimes hit during the long Thanksgiving holiday, when neither cars nor drivers are prepared to adjust rapidly to changing conditions." Murphy suggests that motorists get their cars ready for winter driving as a first step to planning a Thanksgiving trip. Those items that directly affect traction and visibility, such as brakes, tires, lights, defroster, and windshield wipers must be in first class mechanical condition to ensure safe winter motoring. When pavements are slippery, good tire tread is a must. Snow tires provide added traction in snow, but for severe snow and ice conditions, reinforced tire chains are far more effective. The state police suggest you carry them in your trunk in case you encounter deep snow or glare ice. Remember, except for rural mail carriers, metal tire studs are no longer legal for use oh Illinois highways. Drivers should clear snow and ice from all windows, including the side and rear windows as well as the windshield; good visibility is essential. Replace streaking windshield wipers and be sure the windshield washers have an adequate supply of anti-freeze solution. Motorists should get themselves ready before an out-of-town Thanksgiving trip. Get plenty of rest, schedule the trip sensibly so that you don't have to drive until your'e exhausted, plan to take a break or change drivers every couple of hours, and check the weather and road repents. Most of all, use common sense. If a severe winter storm is in progress, postpone or cancel your trip; you might avoid serious inconvenience or a tragedy. The Shuttle me . •• Offer "Circuit Breaker" Help such as National Lands for People base their thinking on two romantic, but shaky assumptions : 1) 160-acres is the magically right size for far­ ming. 2) there are plenty of families standing in line to operate such farms. When you consider that a tractor's price tag today can be $1000,000; a combine's $50,000 and a cotton picking machine $55,000, you wonder just how many families will be standing in line with a quarter-of-a-millin dollars just to turn the first spadeful of earth on 160 acres. It would be hard to find an agricultural economist today who believes that a 160-acre farm - at least in the arid West - can be practical or efficient. Other Kvils The land reformers also use a lot of indignant rhetoric about the evil of subsidizing the larger farms (most of which are farmed by families). They do not explain why it is not also evil to subsidize the postal service, airlines, steamship companies, subways and entire cities. An envirnomental impact report would help spell out the cost to consumers - as well as to the affected farmers - of the break-up of farms that excused the limit. But so far, Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus has refused to order such a report. Lawsuits to force one are ex­ pected to be filed momentarily, just as the Interior Department begins public hearings on the proposed acreage limitation rules. The next step is legislation in Congress to update the 1902 law, taking into account modern farming methods and regional dif­ ferences. Bipartisan support for such legislation is growing. That's encouraging, for land "reform," 160-acre style, is an idea whose time has passed by - 75 years ago. Skiing As Sport Skiing was treated as an of­ ficial sport initially in 1860 when the King of Norway awarded a trophy to the winner of a ski jum­ ping contest near Oslo. Sub­ sequently, the king appointed a committee to draft rules for an­ nual tournaments The two Senior Action cen­ ters of Lt. Gov. Dave O'Neal, located in Chicago and Springfield, will assist senior citizens and disabled persons throughout the state at no charge in preparing their Circuit Breaker rebate forms. Senior citizens and disabled persons living outside of metropolitan Chicago or in downstate Illinois can use the toll-free telephone number, 800 252-6565. Circuit Breaker is a state- funded rebate for Senior Citizens and disabled persons who are renters or tax paying homeowners. Lt. Gov. O'Neal said, "I am urging persons eligible to file for Circuit Breaker by Dec. 1, so they can avoid the last- minute rush in meeting the Dec. 31 deadline. "They will need to know what their Social Security and other income was for the years they \ wish to receive the rebate. If they do not know this in­ formation, the time to obtain it is now. It will take several weeks for social security of­ ficials to get this information for them." O'Neal said, "Seniors and disabled persons can apply for Circuit Breaker as far back as 1972, provided they were disabled or age 65 and over, and had an income of less than $10,000 including social security benefits, at that time. He concluded, "My Senior Action centers stand ready to assist senior citizens and disabled persor s year-round, not only with Circuit Breaker, but any type of problem they may' have, such as housing, transportation, medicare and med ica id , nu t r i t i ona l programs, public aid, homestead exemption or other complaints." HERE AND THERE IN BUSINESS Present Hair Fashion Trends For Beauticians Licensed beauticians will be treated to a presentation of trends and fashions for 1977-78 when Riverside Beauty Supply, 2020 Rt. 120, McHenry, presents Anthony Sciciliano of Mount Prospect. His Dec. 5 show is limited to beauticians only, and accommodates only a few, so interested persons are en­ couraged to get their tickets early. Anthony Sciciliano has presented many shows throughout the state. He is a member of the Northwest Suburban Hair Style Body and also vice-president of Nor­ thwest Suburban Affiliate 47. Three models are needed who are willing to have their hair cut and styled. At the afternoon workshop, participants may bring a model if they desire. The show continues from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ask Volunteers For Courthouse Squares Planning Commission The Planning and Zoning committee of the McHenry County board will accept ap­ plications from persons in­ terested in being recommended for appointment to the McHenry County Planning commission. Application forms are available in the County board officers, Room 204, 2200 N. Seminary avenue, Woodstock, and should be returned there no later than Thursday, Dec. 1. Take a Number Sign in a busy bakery : "Keep your wait under control -- take a number." --TBSnrPBEsT-"- (The Plaindealer invites the public to use this column as an expression of their view on subjects of general interest in our community. Our only request is that the writers give signature, full address and phone number. We ask too, that one individual not write on the same subject more than once each month. We reserve the ^ \ right to delete any material which we consider libelous or in objectionable taste.) REVKN'l'E SHARING "Editor: "After attending recent City Countil meetings on Revenue Sharing, I am prompted to ask the following questions, and offer the following comments: "(1) Is Revenue Sharing really being spent to benefit the greater part of the citizenery or has it become a means to achieve goals, and programs, for certain groups and in­ terests? "(2) If the voting public, could have made the decision on how Revenue Sharing was spent, would there have been approval for • present allocations? "(3) As Revenue Sharing allocations are made solely by the City Council, do alderman really listen to voices of the people of their ward? Were alderman registering their own preferance, and that of their wards, or 'just going along'? " (4 ) I s t he re r ea son to hope the wishes and input of sub­ d iv i s ions , ne ighborhood organizations, can have any voice in spending of Revenue Sharing that affects them vitally? "The concept of Revenue Sharing is fine, if allocated wisely and fairly, if priorities are established and adhered to. "Priorities is the key word to keep in mind. Anyone who travels city streets, knows the pressing need for programs and funds to solve traffic problems immediately as well as the future. Citizens daily endure traffic snarls, and in­ conveniences, making it dif­ ficult. to shop in area stores, because of impossible traffic, and parking facilities. Some areas and subdivisions do not have adequate access roads. Could Revenue funds have helped to relieve these problems? "All residents do not have an adequate, potable, water supply, or fire protection. Recently, negotiations by the city, to purchase the Lakeland Park Water company, seem to be in limbo because of an unacceptably high purchase price. Likely the figure is too high, however, how do you put a orice on good, safe, drinking water and then plan to build a swimming pool? Secondly, the purchase of that water facility could decrease the cost of supplying water for the am­ bitious programs for Petersen park. The cost of providing water mains from the city, or drilling wells, can also be quite an expenditure. Could Revenue funds-have been helpful here and benefit more? "Programs to deal with It's difficult to walk over a man who refuses to lie down. Chinese Calendar The Chinese had a working calendar at least as early as the 14th or 13th century B.C. -- and perhaps much earlier. ARE YOU NEW IN McHenry Area? oooooooooeooooc. Do You Know Someone New? WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A ROYAL WELCOME TO EVERY NEWCOMER TO OUR AREA!!!!! CALL JOAN STULL 385-5418 w Tony rick Chuck Lewandowski LET S GET TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT LOW-COST AUTO INSURANCE. GIVE ME A CALL FOR THE FACTS ON LOW-COST HEALTH INSURANCE. I D LIKE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ON LOW-COST HOME­ OWNERS INSURANCE. I 'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU THE FACTS ON LOW-COST LIFE INSURANCE. °6j 'G4r> r'o» nmvMwn KNOW YOUR AREA-ROYAL WELCOME DOES IT BEST oooeoeoeoooocoocoeoooeacooc i Tony Pick Call us for Details 385^ AUTO HOME AMIRICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY • MADISON, WIS. S3701 [--OUR NEW LOCATION--- Corner of Crystal Lake Blacktop & Rt. 120, McHenry, III. vandalism would be welcome. Both city and private property is being destroyed/This is* very costly to the city in tax dollars, and equally disgusting and costly for homeowners. "At the Revenue Sharing hearings, representatives of the Lakeland Park Property Owners association and Mc- Cullom Lake Conservation club asked for a portion of Revenue Sharing funds to help with the rehabilation and dredging program now under way on McCullom Lake. The official position being taken by the city: Revenue funds could not, be allocated to a private lake. If this is true, how does the village of Island Lake get involved With programs to help Island Lake, which is, also a private lake, owned by the Island Lake Property Owners association? "Other lakes involved in s imi l i a r p rog rams a r e Wauconda's Bangs lake. William's Park Slocum lake, and many more. The old adage, 'where there is a will there is a way' likely applies here. "There is one fact being overlooked. McCullom Lake is a 245-acre natural lake, slowly being encircled by the city of McHenry. The lake is ex­ periencing loss of watershed, pollution, silting, as a result, and must have help if it is to survive. That same lake could make one great big swimming pool. It would seem to be a good time for all concerned people, to put aside negative, petty, feelings and see if together something can be done toward cooperation, and planning, development of land that will have an impact on McCullom Lake's watershed, silting and pollution. One such develop­ ment, now under construction, agreed to furnish a silting pond to minimize silting to Mc­ Cullom Lake. Suddenly the plans were changed, the slltinj pond filled ifi. and a home i being constructed on that si^ht silting to McCullom Lake • on. I "Is this the kind ol cooperation, and interest we can expect in the future? j "The failure of two school referendums recently left littles doubt that when the voting; public has an opportunity to express their wishes, they will do so decisively. If after careful! thought citizens would now support these school programs* for our youth, including con~J tinuing sports, how can wejfi believe there would be ap-j proval for present allocatio of Revenue Sharing funds? "Other villages, cities, ai communities are considering; the feasibility of using, and cos sharing, of present schoo facilities such as pools, tennis; courts, and other sport facilities. Duplication and © are reduced, the school districi could certainly benefit, some of the public's need woufi be met. "Just recently, the State of*£ Illinois received a $12,000,000* appropriation for fiscal 1978 to* be used for land acquisition* and recreation development,^ from the U.S. Bureau of out^j door recreation. Could notj some of these funds be applied* for to be used for park' development and recreation* facilities, thus freeing Revenue* Funds for other needed ser-i "Sincerely^ "Audis Bowlin * "4801W. Shore Drive ' "McHenry" i vices? How Come? 'i Rebuked by her mother for't having been cross and ill-tem- * pered, the teen-aged daughter * replied, "How come when it's J me, it's temper -- and when ® you.it'snerves?" EARL R. WALSH* JACK WALSH INS. Fire, Auto, Farm, Lit* Representing RELIABLE COMPANIES 4410 W. Rt*. 120, McHenry MS-M00 DENNIS CONWAY AUTO-LIFE-FIRE State Farm Ins. Co. 3319 W. Elm St. McHtnry, 111, MS-71II DR. LEONARD 80TTARI 10) N. Richmond Rd., McHenry Eye# examined • Contact Lento* Slatte* fitted Mon., Tuot., Thurt., Frl., 4-4 p.m. Tues., Thurt., Fri., 7-9 p.m. Sat.,9:Mto):00 Ph. MMIS1 or 3U-2M2 McHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES-SERVICE A RENTALS Mon-SatV-^:M Friday til 9:00 93 Grant St.. Crystal Lake Ph. 4S9-122* McHenry Telephone Answering & Letter Service • Answering Service • Car, Telephone & Paging Service • Complete AAimeographing & Printing Serivce • Typing & Photocopying Ph. 385-0258 OT32 W. Rt. 130, McHenry "GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE" CAUUt (815) 385-4810 Farm Equipment George P. Freund, Inc. Case • New Holland 4102 W. Crystal LakeRd. McHENRY Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 llRELU S RADIAL TIRES FOR -m ALL CARS i Europa Motors. Irtc 2318 Rte. 120 815-385-0700 • PATZKE CONCRETE* McHENRY • ILLINOIS FOUNDATIONS • FLOORS • SIDEWALKS FREE ESTIMATES: 015-305-9M7 815-385-5534 ConuMt! ML O.W at our quick quick-action copy cantor. 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