In the republican system envisioned by America's founders, (note the small "r" to differentiate the philosophy from a political party) citizens have an obligation to participate in their own security. That's why the Constitution includes references to the militia, for example.

There are years -- say, 1776, 1861, 1941 -- when the sleeping giant, the United States, wakes up from a long slumber. Americans are not easy to rouse, but when they are provoked the world better step aside.

Two recently released studies reveal there are sound reasons for feeling confidence about the well-being of children in Utah.

Utah County commissioners today are expected to increase their $94,692 annual salaries about 8 percent, along with the salaries of other elected officials. Given the economic realities their constituents are facing, this seems out of line.

Two fatal car crashes in Provo Canyon (U.S. 189) recently have raised the urgent question of how to make the winding road safer. It is imperative that state, local and federal authorities take immediate action to reduce risk on the highway.

Beehive to BYU Ad Lab students Blake Hadley, Matt Miller and Monica McGhie for winning an international contest for an advertising campaign -- the first U.S. team ever to cop the event's top prize. Their campaign for a sun-care product wowed the judges at the L'Oreal Brandstorm competition in Paris. The BYU team outclassed student teams from 38 countries, a testimony to their creativity and effort, as well as to the professors, faculty advisor Jeff Sheets and associate professor Kevin Kelly.

Buffalo Chip to University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics for losing the billing records of 2.2 million people to theft. A courier for a private storage company left the records in his vehicle while he worked a second job and went home. The box was stolen. The hospital system has to take some blame for fobbing the task off to a private company, and evidently failing to ensure the security of the records. Of all the crimes that citizens complain to government about, identity theft is at or near the top of the list. Anesthesia should be reserved for the operating room, but hospital officials fell asleep on the job.

Beehives to three local organizations -- Teleperformance USA, a company with a call center in Lindon; international charity Feed the Children; and Provo-based Community Action Services and Food Bank -- for teaming up to provide 16,000 pounds of food and supplies to 400 Utah County families. We salute their generosity and hard work.

Buffalo Chip to officials of the National Park Service who will be gathering in July at Snowbird. The confab will cost $1 million when the parks are strapped for cash, and will pull park superintendents away from their duties at the height of the vacation season. Our suggestion: They should all pitch tents in, say, Arches or Zion national parks after Labor Day -- and backpack in with their own provisions.

Perhaps we shouldn't be too quick to laugh at Kanab for its city ordinance banning bikinis, thongs, tiny Speedo trunks and other skimpy swimwear from its public swimming pool.

We are glad to see that Rep. Chris Cannon has introduced a bill to allow the president to cut red tape that currently blocks the development of oil shale deposits in Utah and other states.