Forgive me, I try and, will continue to stay out of the political arena on this blog, but, I read an article that just pushed me over the edge. I will return to writing my views on life in general... and mine in particular..once I get this out of my system.
Scott Jenkins (R), Plain City, is the Utah State Senate majority leader. He recently was one of four senators to oppose creating a property tax break for Utah National Guard Members who are called to active duty for extended periods of time stating: "..Well, I’m saying enough. I don’t want to pay for my own taxes, let alone theirs..." and this one: "..military members indeed sacrifice to serve, but they know that when they volunteer..."
Ya Scott, they volunteer, that's why we don't have a draft...Get it!!
SMH!...still!
Below is the link to the article and my email to him. If you agree with me, especially my Ogden friends, please re-post and join me in trying to encourage Mr. Jenkins to be more supportive of our troops.
The Story:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53521136-90/jenkins-taxes-saying-military.html.csp
My email to to Sen. Jenkins, I have yet to recieve a response.
Dear Sir,
I am writing you in regard to your objection and votes against SJR8 and SB116 to grant a property tax exemption to Utah National Guardsmen’s activated for 200 consecutive days or 200 days in a calendar year. It is my understanding that this measure will increase the average property tax by $1.06 on a $250,000 home. This exemption must be applied for every affected year.
I see that you served for seven honorable years in the Utah National Guard (UNG) so first, I thank and salute you for you sacrifice and service to your state and country. I also served eight years in the UNG and was proud to stand a post on a six month deployment with the 1457th Battalion (ENG) Bn. in Germany during Operation Desert Storm.
I find your rationale for opposing the bill very disappointing, especially since you, as a fellow former Guardsman, should be familiar with the sacrifices “We the people” ask of our all volunteer military. I find your rationale to be quite naive and disappointing, especially from one who served and wore the uniform.
My activation was for 6 month (193 days). Do you realize that, had this Bill been in place during my activation, I would not have received the Property tax exemption? So clearly, it is geared toward the Guardsmen that are called upon to make an extraordinary sacrifice for the state and country. Our state Scott. Our Country.
We as a nation need to have a serious discussion whether we truly value our pledge of “one nation, under god” or merely give it lip service. Warm feel good words are meaningless unless our actions demonstrate our commitment to that pledge. We are either in this journey together, as one nation providing for the common good, or on our own individually. I say we are in it together. You obviously embrace the other view.
Were you, as the owner of Great Western Supply, responsible for paying all the cost of the roads, power grid, sewer and other infrastructure put in place that directly benefits your business? You were not. We the people, as a community, funded these services for the benefit of all, including your business.
Do you pay the full cost of Schools, Firemen, Paramedics and Police officers that educate and protect your children, home and place of business? You do not. We, united as one, banded together and funded the services for all to protect and enhance our lives. The list goes on and on.
We, as “one nation”, created the armed forces for one purpose, to protect and serve our country from all foes. In short, war. When “We the people” decide to go to war as one nation, we all should share the sacrifice. The military is not just a job. It involves sacrifice. sacrifice from all, not just those individuals who put their lives on the line each day in foreign lands, Sacrifice from all, whether they agree with the war or not.
What have, “We the people”, sacrificed to support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? I say to you, nothing. Only our soldiers and their familes have. Perhaps if we all had shared more of that sacrifice, the wars would not have lasted 11 years and counting. World War 2 was less than 4 years (our involvement was 44 months) long in part because the entire nation made huge sacrifices.
Come on Scott, don't be cheap. Your selfishness not to sacrifice $1.06 (probably 75 cents, because you can itemize property taxes) to support the common good of our community is beyond the pale and you owe the citizens of Utah, especially our Guardsmen, an apology.
I live in Pleasant View will be placing this letter on my Facebook page, encouraging all in the Ogden Facebook community to join me in boycotting your business Great Western Supply until an apology is issued by you. Perhaps the united voice of a community boycotting your business will make you feel more appreciative of the sacrifices made each and every day by our military and their families.
Robert Fritch
Pleasant View,Utah
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