Baxter Bulletin from Mountain Home, Arkansas • 4

ditorials opinions: We really care Volunteers honored ART BUCHWALD and Situation Room, and Hindcn-burg, a Pentagon purchasing agent, said, "I walked into an airplane shop today and guess how much they were asking for B-l bombers?" People outside of Washington say that those of us who live here don't care what a piece of defense equipment costs. We care a lot. Just the other night a group of us were sitting around Harry's Bar "I told the GAO man to butt out, and it was none of his business what the actual cost of the B-l would finally be. I said we needed them as a stop gap plane until the Stealth bomber got off the drawing boards." "Good for you," Groton said. "The GAO bureaucrat claimed he worked for Congress and he was responsible for keeping defense cost in line, and while $7 billion didn't seem to be a lot of money, there was a principle involved." "What was the guy behind the counter doing?" "He was in tears.

He said it was unfair for anyone to expect him to build 100 bombers for $20 billion, and if he thought Congress was going to hold him to that estimate, he would have never bid on the planes in the first place." "I hope you took his side," I said to Hindenburg. "Of course I did. What do you think I am a whistle blower?" "So did you give the guy the order?" "I told him to go ahead and start tooling up, because I was certain even if he couldn't bring them in at the price promised, we'd dig up the money somewhere to get the job finished." "It was the only thing you could do," Groton said. "There isn't a man alive who knows what a B-l bomber is going to cost until he actually makes one." "What did the GAO guy do?" I asked. "He stomped out of the shop in a rage and said he was going to report me to Congress." "Big deal," someone said.

"Congress pays as much attention to the General Accounting Office as James Watt does to the National Audubon Society." Massbaker said, "Ten billion dollars." "Don't you wish it," Hindenburg replied. "The man who waited on me said he could not build one for less than $20 billion." We all whistled. "Of course," said Hindenburg, "those are 1982 dollars, but even so, I thought that was a lot of money. So I told the guy if he didn't come down in his price, I might only order 50. You know what he said?" Nobody in the group did.

"He said if I only ordered 50, I'd have to pay double, because it cost so much to tool up for a bomber, that he only broke even on 50, and his profit came from every one he built after that." "A few years ago," said Groton, "you could equip the entire Air Force for $20 billion." "Well, it's a different world now," said Hindenburg, "and you're lucky to get a hangar for $20 billion." "So did you order the planes?" I asked Hindenburg. "I was about to when some wise guy from the General Accounting Office came in and said he wanted to go over the estimates. You know how picky those guys can be. After he checked out the figures, he said, 'These planes are not going to cost $20 billion. They're going to cost $27 billion." "You mean," said Hellman, "he was making a stink over a lousy $7 billion?" Hindenburg said, "I couldn't believe it.

He actually embarrassed the plane builder in front of me by accusing him of making the estimate too low so he could get the contract." "What did you do?" Massbaker asked. Thursday of last week was a proud day for Mountain Home and all the volunteers who live in and around the town. Mountain Home was chosen as the oustandingtown in its population range in Arkansas for volunteer community activities. The award is a tribute to the residents of the town, and the efforts many make everyday to give a hand to someone else who is having a problem, or experiencing a temporary emergency. Bravo, volunteers! We know it's true that your volunteer work is outstanding.

It's pleasing, though, to receive the recognition from the governor's office. Mountain Home was chosen from a nomination submitted by the county coordinator for volunteer activities. Joyce Ashburn is a volunteer herself in doing this. Although she has another job, she is associated with the Governor's Office of Voluntary Citizen Participation insofar as she is given advice and some training through that office, and is a part of the statewide network of volunteer contact people. The nomination she provided for the town could not include all volunteer activities that go on here.

She reviewed a sampling of the volunteer activities, and let the Governor's Office small staff evaluate them. She asked for clubs and organizations to report to her on their activities, so that she would have sufficient information to make a nomination. The judges thought highly of such activities as the meals program, which operates with no government funds, the CARE-line, which is a hotline for persons with problems who need a sympathetic ear, a health screening program operated by a woman's club, and others. There are scores of activities the governor's office staff wasn't told about, and it's impossible, really, to list them all. But, volunteers, you make our town something special.

Congratulations. Political records examined The chairman of the Arkansas Democratic primary, Herby Branscum of Perryville, was quoted as saying last weekend that he doesn't care for the way two of the Democrats in the gubernatorial race are conducting their campaigns. The two are Jim Guy Tucker and Bill Clinton. We think Branscum is mainly referring to Jim Guy Tucker's reactions to advertisements Bill Clinton has placed on television. One of Clinton's ads said Tucker was absent from the House of Representatives a great deal of the time during his one term as Second District Congressman.

Tucker called foul, and said Arkansas voters would understand that he was absent because he was in Arkansas campaigning for the Senate against David Pryor, who won the race. Then, Clinton replied that Tucker likes to "dish out but doesn't like to take it. Then came the workfare-bill controversy. Clinton's campaign says Tucker voted against a workfare bill, which requires states to make welfare recipients register for work or forfeit" their behefitsTTucker said he'didn't vote against but voted against an amendment to it. Then, Clinton claimed credit for the Arkansas workfare program, and said it took 6,000 people off the welfare rolls, a figure Tucker disputes.

For Democrats throughout the state, and apparently for Branscum in particular, this Clinton-Tucker campaign is a hard one. But, we think it is educational for the voters. A lot of people will make their decision in this race based on the advertisements the candidates are using. We don't really understand Branscum's statements about moving the campaign to a higher level. The records of the candidates running for office are now being examined, and you can be sure that each will dredge up the worst part of the other's record.

Then, the news media will give them space to refute what the other is saying. It's an established pattern. If the Clinton-Tucker dual upsets Branscum, then he should take heart in knowing that Monroe Schwarzlose the bachelor, retired turkey farmer candidate for governor in his party, is promoting a raffle to find a "first lady" for Arkansas if he is elected. That's probably not what Branscum wanted to hear, either. 9 I 1 writs' a little Off Center Louise Fleming history is found in strange places harjd, jjhas, provided for much of our own governmental system, along with our language and other cultural heritage.

And for years this nation has been our most dependable ally, through wars and other world crises. Given to considerable saber rattling on his own account, Alexander Haig for all his air time seems an unlikely prospect to play the dove of peace. But I hope in this instance he carries it off, and not because of face-saving. Diplomats, military experts and the average citizen have been agreed for a long time that the next world war could erupt in the Middle East. Who would have expected such a possibility as this? But then, who but a Middle European ever heard of Sarajevo, until the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire was assassinated.

Let's hope the Falkland Islands don't take a similar place in history. 'If i was Mrs. sajd I the middle-aged, soberly dressed Londoner questioned by a television reporter early on in the crisis, "I'd let the buggers have it." And by "it," I'm sure he didn't mean the Falkland Islands. This "city" man still seems to represent the majority British opinion on what, as of Tuesday morning, remains a stalemate between his na-tion and Argentina. And considering the alternatives, for once a stalemate has become good news.

A recent issue of Newsweek contains background information on the Falkland dispute. Any information gained from this article would have increased my knowledge of the subject, and I suspect a lot of Americans shared this blissful ignorance. Let's hope these islands off the east coast of South America soon return to their former obscurity. For some 20 years, notes News- diplomats of Countries have been seeking a peaceful solution. British -officials, faced with great logistical problems, know they can't successfully defend the Falklands against any determined effort.

The English public has also had to come to terms with cold, hard facts. After all, the loss of India was a far greater blow. But as the magazine points out, diplomats tend to become alienated from their own people, and the average citizen quite often has a truer vision of what is important. Britons old enough to remember Neville Chamberlain, or those who have read about the former prime minister's meeting with Hitler in Munich, know that dictators should not be appeased, or allowed to profit from aggression. The Falkland Islanders, meanwhile, have remained more British than the English.

They are as much opposed to being taken over by Argentina, channels, as through a show of force. And whatever action their army undertakes, it seems that Argentine civilians have no desire to live on the islands themselves. So unless a rational settlement is reached, England may be fighting a full-scale war to retain territory it really doesn't want to keep, for slogans like "We Falklander Britons never, never will be drive on the right side of the road." And Argentina may refuse to back down from the confrontation, in the name of national pride- or merely saving face. If war does come, there oughtn't to be any doubt about our sympathies. The Argentine government not only is totalitarian, but for years has offered a refuge for Nazi officials and other war criminals who managed to get out of Germany ahead of the Russian and Allied forces.

England, on the other Letters to the editor the Whitemores I was shocked to find there are only five people who give monthly or semi-monthly contributions, another five or six who give at Christmas time and very few volunteers to help with care and cleaning, (only two people in the last 10 years have helped more than four days). Every year the Whitmores have had to borrow to cover the slow months but that's impossible now with interest rates so high. I really don't know how they've managed these past years with so little help from us, the community they serve, and I know this year will be very hard unless more of us get behind them. They try so hard to find good homes for so many pets. Some are kept several months before finding the right home.

I'm sure if the people continue to give strays without donations and not have pets altered to slow down the number of unwanted pets, Pet Haven will have to keep fewer pets to place. Other years they've placed 75 percent, but I'm sure that number will be less this year as things look now. So please encourage our local residents to donate here, where we can go and see what is being done with the money instead of sending to charities out of state who spend more on literature and postage than Pet Haven makes all year. And it would help if people put rabies tags and I.D. tags on pets so they can be returned to their rightful owner if they stray.

Please urge everyone to report missing and found pets right away (Continued on next page.) six or seven, and declining) unemployment was over 7.5 percent and rising; and the national debt was crowding the trillion dollar mark. Federal taxes increased 424 percent from 1967 to 1980, and the budget had escalated even faster, with a deficit of $60 billion in 1980. The present administration was placed in office to reverse that trend, or at least to slow it down. The opposing politicians, and much of the media, are expending a tremendous effort to sabotage this mission without suggesting any viable alternatives. Their propaganda can and will undermine and destroy the confidence of our people.

The politicians mounting this offensive are motivated by partisan considerations, and will not voluntarily offer any assistance to assure the success of this administration's effort. Ideally, and for a secure economic future, the proposals advanced should be accorded bipartisan support. One can only imagine the economic devastation if the trends of the past 15 years are not reversed, and the reckless squandering of this nation's resources is not ended. Sincerely, Emerson L. Stickford Support Pet Haven There are a few facts I'm sure most people aren't aware of that concern the only animal shelter we have in this area, Pet Haven.

They get state or county funds and the only city using the refuge for a pound on a regular basis is Mountain Home. When discussing finances with ties, I feel I am qualified to respond to Maynard's misinformed statements. First, the NRA has not denounced mandatory sentences for criminal use of handguns. Fact: the NRA advocates much stricter mandatory sentences for the criminal use of any firearm not just handguns. The NRA wants to see the criminal pay for his misdeeds yet not hinder and harrass the law abiding citizen.

Should we have stricter more severe punishment for drunk drivers or should we make buying and owning a car harder and more costly for the average citizen? Next, the NRA does not advocate the uncontrolled sale of machine guns. It seems to me Mr. Maynard knows little, if anything, about the policies of the NRA. an organization of over two million members, with state senators and representative, doctors, lawyers, university professors, ministers and state and federal law enforcement officers on the board and as members. Even the President of the NRA is a retired U.S.

Border patrol agent with a distinguished record. All, people who believe in law and order and the constitution and want it upheld. Yet Mr. Maynard is willing to publicly slander this upright organization. In my profession and activities I have been in contact with many of the leading defense and security training facilities and experts.

Not one of these professionals suggest using a rifle or shotgun loaded with rock salt to defend life or property. Quite contrary to Maynard's ideas. Mr. Maynard also states he is not helpless without a handgun because he has a rifle. What do the old, the handicapped, and frail people do to defend their life and home if they can't heft a rifle or can't stand the recoil of a shotgun? Did you forget these people, Mr.

Maynard, or do they not count? Many of my customers have been in the position where only a handgun was controllable by them. Some had only one arm or hand. The honest, law-abiding, well informed citizen does not wonder whose side the NRA is on. They wonder about the misinformed, unthinking person who publicly spouts lies as truth and false information as fact. Kenten Hunnell, owner Ken's Gun Specialties, Wasp Shooting Systems, Lakeview Support Administration A careful review of your coverage in the April 14 issue of the Democrat Rally failed to reveal any substantial bits of wisdom, unfortunately.

The politicians present continue to voice the usual bromides. The only exception was the analysis of this nation's situation by J. Fred Jones. One must agree with his conclusions. The declining economic trend was evident and pronounced long before the present adminis-tration came on the scene.

The prime interest rate had escalated to 21 percent (now 16); inflation was in excess of 15 percent (now (Letters to the editor on any subject of public interest are welcomed for publication in this column. Letters should not be more than 500 words in length, and should be typewritten, if possible. Letters for publication must be signed, and no names will be withheld. Letters are subject to editing for length. Editor.) More hydro power A question on energy for the Coop: Why couldn't a dozen or more genrators be installed below our hydro dams in the tremendous force of current that's there when the gates are open.

I wonder how many turbines could be stuck in the side of a 100-foot-long concrete tunnel at each outlet, or would this be too simple? There's already a concrete tunnel below our earthen dams for a spillway. While you're at it, stick a few in those. Just curious. John A. Powell On the White River at Route 2, Box 178B Mountain Home Says writer misinformed I would like to respond to the letter of Jim Maynard that was in the April 9th "letters to the Editor." As a life member of the NRA, one with voting privileges as to policy, and as a manufacturer and distributor of self-defense, survival combat equipment used world wide by the leading law enforcement and security training facili TLUc Baxter Bulletin "Arkansas' Largest Weekly Newspaper" Mountain Home, Baxter County, Arkansas 72653 Established 1901 Published Seml-Weekly James R.

Fraser Publisher Janet Nelson Charles Howard Advertising Director Jimmy Bentley Pressroom Foreman MEMBER OP THE ASSOCIATED PRESS -Tho Associated Pre entitled oodutivoly to tho not tor republication el at local newt printed ki the newspaper, as fl AP news dtipttches. Republication rifhts on ai other matter herein Managing Editor Wayne E. Cay Business Manager Th Barter SutrtMl (USPS pubftined Mmi oiookly on Wedneedeys and ndn by Barter County Newspaper, Inc, 11 West 7 Street Mountain Hon. Aft 72653 Sub-utuuun Retm: 1900 par veer Baxter and ad-(oMnf counties; 11400 per rear ohowlioio. Secend-lees pottefje paid at MouhIjoi Home Aft.

POSTMASTER: Send address chances to (ho Vtntor Buftitfn, P.O. Drmvr Mountain Horn, 771 Member of the Arkansas Prete Association. Affiliate member of th National Neerepapor AiMKifrtotn. Wednesday, April 28, 1982.