Courage

Dear Utah Bloggers,

I want to apologize. I had completely gone off the deep end. But in this case it was a blogger who attacked me, instead of the message. Nobody really likes their personal life attacked, what they do for a living questioned, their education or lack thereof challenged.

When someone accuses you of being a thief, well I just lost it. It's not often, but when it happens, look out. As a completive player and coach I got rejected many a time, to the horror of my family and friends. Time solves most things, and usually I come back to earth totally embarrassed.

I apologize to you and your blog readers for not being a perfect person, I have many good qualities, but this is not one of them.

Respectfully,


Mark E. Towner,
The Political Spyglass

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Chris Dodd Spotlight on You Tube

Senator Dodd will join Governor Bill Richardson in Salt Lake City on July 14, 2007 at the Utah State Democratic Convention at Skyline High School.

For more details click here!

Hope v. Fear: The failure of the American Political System to deal with the issue of immigration reform

Regardless of the specifics of the comprehensive immigration reform bill (which would have evolved over time) today's vote in the U.S. Senate to end the debate should be considered as the failure of the American political system to deal with the issue of immigration reform.

The 46 senators who voted "yea" clearly stated that they want to work towards a solution by voting on Senate Bill 1639 (a bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes). The 53 senators who voted "nay" (including Utah's Senator Orrin Hatch) have clearly stated that illegal immigration and boarder security are not enough of a problem to deal with now. Basically they are saying, "we are unwilling to fix the problem!"

A "nay" vote was wrong if done for purely political posturing. It doesn't matter whether the bill simply was deemed too harsh on undocumented workers and their families, viewed the passage of this bill as a win for the current president, or concern about right-wing delegates who won't be happy, as Doug Wright said this morning, until every undocumented immigrant is taken to the town square and shot.

Either way the politics surrounding this issue is once again blocking any reasonable solution to a problem that the American public wants fixed.

Today's vote also proves that there are those in the Senate that are fine with the status quo, and de facto amnesty for those here illegally and those that employ them contrary to the intent of law, and lack of control at the boarder.

Utah State Democratic Convention 2007: Come one, come all!

The 2007 State Democratic Party Convention has been scheduled for Saturday, July 14th. This year's convention will be held at Skyline High School, 3251 East 3760 South, in Salt Lake City. Presidential candidates Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Christopher Dodd will be featured speakers. Caucus meetings begin at 8AM.

You are invited!

From Utah State Democratic Party Blog

Four branches of government and counting

Energy independence & cleaner air vs. more of the same

In defense of your neighborhood schools II

The Daily Herald awarded us the Buffalo Chip Award (double) for this one. Unfortunately they also made stuff up. That damn liberal press!

MANN COULTER?

I believe the reason Ann Coulter is so venomous is that she is not true about her real identity. She looks like a man dressed as a woman. Mann, be true to yourself!






That has gotta be drag!



See the Adam's apple?

Elizabeth Edwards confronts Ann Coulter

Ann Coulter's wish

Elizabeth Edwards confronts Ann Coulter

Kind of explains why we get comments like the one below

How do you really feel, anonymous???

"Politizing the state school board is one of the best things that the legislature can do for the state Utah.

By having candidates accountable to political parties and to voters, we can be assured of a school board that is accountable and law abiding, i.e. Listening to the attorney general.

Rather than having these hipping thinking, granola eating, al gore eco nut sun worshipers – who support educrats and unions sitting on the state school board – we can have a proactive citizens who obey the law, and respect the wishes of the voters of this state and the political parties that they represent and support parents – not those ingrained in the educational bureaucracy."

- Posted by anonymous on the Utah Amicus

nuf said.

Warren Buffett: Secretaries paying higher tax rates than super-rich

Quote from CNN piece:

"To emphasize his point, Buffett offered $1 million to the audience member who could show that one of the nation's wealthiest individuals pays a higher tax rate than one of their subordinates.

"I'm willing to bet anyone in this room $1 million that those rates are less than the secretary has to pay," said Buffett."

Just for fun

Submitted by Lisa Hildebrand

Hold Your Breath

Dick Cheney’s argument that the Office of the Vice President is not part of the Executive Branch may be a good thing. Maybe his office doesn’t exist at all. Maybe he’s not the Veep either.

Halleluiah! I think we should all just hold our breath and play dumb.

Kim

Jefferson & Jackson Celebration reminder: YOU ARE INVITED!

This year's Jefferson - Jackson Celebration is being held at This is the Place Heritage Park on July 13, 2007. Tickets are $65.00 per person or you can seat 10 people for $500.00.

The Jefferson - Jackson Celebration is held annually the night before the Utah Democratic State Convention which will be held at Skyline High School on July 14, 2007.

This years keynote speaker will be presidential hopeful Governor Bill Richardson

For more information on this event visit jjutah.com.

See you there!

From a new citizen action group in Bountiful:

We are getting organized to try and get curbside recycling set up in Bountiful. Every item recycled provides a double benefit. It is one less piece of garbage in the landfill, and it is one less tree chopped down or mine dug out to produce the items we need!

We are having an organizing meeting at 7:00 on the evening of Thursday June 28th at my home at 954 East Millbrook Way, Bountiful, and hope to get as many interested people there as possible

We have some background work we need to do if this is going to be a successful effort, including starting writing some letters to the city council, finding other likeminded people who will come help out, and doing some background work regarding the other communities nearby that have successful recycling programs, so that we sound organized and well prepared when we approach the city council to ask them to consider it. This meeting is to organize ourselves to get these things done.

I think (but am not yet certain) that we may have a reporter from the clipper there, so I am really hoping for a good turnout.

I know there are some who would like to be involved, but would be unable to come to the meeting, and anyone in that category can just let me know. I have started an e-mail account that anyone can write to, to let me know if they are interested in helping out at bountifulrecycles@yahoo.com. Or they could give me a call at home at 294-6854.

We have a nice ad in the clipper on Tuesday and Thursday of this week that you can go look at if you want.

Thanks,

Ray Ward M.D.-Ph.D.
954 East Millbrook Way
Bountiful, Utah 84010
801-294-6854

My two cents

Inspired by my friend, Utah Conservative.

It is unfortunate that there are those in the United States who would try to spin Mitt Romney's membership in the LDS faith as a negative and as a reason to not elect him president. Many of us in Utah want our faith to accepted throughout the USA as a Christian religion, and we are concerned about the religious prejudice that still haunts our faith throughout America even in these modern days.

So why are so many of us outraged when there are those in our country who attack our religion for political gain? Simply said, because it is wrong to do so. Time and time again LDS political leaders, both Republican and Democratic, have proved that they are both capable and competent. We have had several past and present Utah Democratic elected office holders who are revered by Utahns regardless of their party affiliation, and yet there are those in Utah who continue to demonize and demoralize competent candidates as something less than worthy to hold public office just because their conscience compels them to run as Democrats.

Even Mitt Romney has stated that a single-party system is not good for politics, and yet for too long a majority of Utah voters have declined to even consider great Democratic candidates (and very often better candidates) because of their own religious and/or political prejudice based on the misperception that Democratic values and LDS values don't mix.

A former employer once told me that when we point a finger at someone else it is generally wise to realize that there are three of our own fingers pointing right back at us. I often forget this lesson especially when it comes to an issue that has dominated the pages of this blog over the last six months. But please realize that my passion for this issue (vouchers) has never been for me a partisan issue, but is truly something I see as a bad policy for a state that rates 49th in per-pupil spending, and because I believe that building a second to none public education system that serves all children should be our common goal. Just because I hold tight to this belief doesn't mean that my view is unworthy of consideration simply because I am a proud Utah Democrat. If the truth be known I have been working just as close with Utah Republicans on this issue as I have Democrats, and yet Republican office holders and leaders have tried to paint the opponents of this issue as "Liberals", "union thugs", "educrats", and "Democrats". It is true that every elected Democratic legislator opposed vouchers, but all this shows is that Utah Democrats are truly the Party for the majority of Utahns when it comes to this most important issue.

Maybe more people in our country would be more tolerant of our LDS faith if LDS voters in Utah were more tolerant of their more than capable and competent Democratic friends and neighbors who choose to belong to a organization that has a great history of providing ethical public service to the citizens of Utah. Maybe when that happens we will truly understand what it means to reap what we sew, and maybe we can learn to work in a manner that is more pragmatic for the common good of all Utahns.

I am a proud Utah Democrat and I'm glad to be here with you.

With every best wish,

The Utah Amicus

Vote Against...

Private Academy Vouchers

Introducing Steve Olsen's New Book

In 2006 First Congressional District candidate Steve Olsen published his beliefs in a small booklet entitled “Why most Utahns are Democrats, but just don’t know it yet.” The booklet was a hit, and continues to be distributed at events like this weekend’s Democracy for America training in Salt Lake City.

Steve Olsen has now expanded upon his ideas in a new book, “Why you may be a liberal (and why that is okay): The political conversion of a Mormon Utah bishop.” This book is available for purchase at lulu.com.

Steve Olsen doesn’t shy away from tackling the difficult issues. He demolishes the notion you can’t be a good Mormon and a good Democrat while simultaneously and courageously taking on issues like taxes, fiscal responsibility, poverty, choice, the environment, and foreign policy.

Don’t let the title deceive you. While Mormons may find this book particularly interesting because they share a common background or beliefs with Steve Olsen, this book offers a perspective Democrats, independents, and even Republicans will find interesting regardless. Olsen provides thoughtful moral arguments for positions often used to divide voters that should give even the most die-hard Republican pause.

Steve Olsen’s passion for the Democratic Party and what it stands for is contagious. His coming out story as a Mormon Democrat will provide comfort to countless Mormons out there that find themselves uncomfortable with the Republican Party’s marriage with the Christian right or a neoconservative foreign policy that has significantly eroded America’s standing in the world. I highly recommend “Why you may be a liberal” to every thoughtful voter considering contemporary problems facing Utah and America, regardless of party affiliation.

Written by Craig Axford for Utah State Democratic Blog.

Ralph Becker Releases his Education Blueprint for a Great American City

Ralph Becker’s Education Blueprint for a Great American City Introduction

The core of every great city is a well-educated population. A world-class educational system attracts residents and businesses to our community, and it provides our young people with the tools they need to compete in a rapidly advancing, ever changing world. We owe our children the opportunity, the skills, and the knowledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most talented, well-rounded, and learned thinkers on the planet. If we are to make Salt Lake City one of the world’s great cities, we must aim for nothing short of a superior education system.

Establishing Salt Lake City’s educational prowess will occur through a strong partnership with the Salt Lake City School District and a specific focus on public education within Salt Lake City government. Building on the successes of family learning centers, medical clinics in some of our schools, and Youth City programs, Salt Lake City will embrace the diversity in our city and become known for educational excellence.

Salt Lake City must be a place where:

• Every student from every walk of life has the opportunity to envision and realize dreams
• Our teachers have the tools, the resources, and the flexibility to inspire our children to work hard and succeed
• Our school teachers and administrators are held to the very highest standards, ensuring that EVERY Salt Lake City public school provides students with the opportunity to achieve academic excellence
• The city’s policies regarding housing, public safety, transportation, and community development are coordinated with the objectives of the school district to ensure that we are using every available tool to enhance our children’s learning environment
• Our schools become the focal points and gathering places of our neighborhoods for children, lifelong learning, and a variety of community activities and services
• We celebrate and embrace the rich ethnic, racial, and economic diversity of our student population, and we welcome and learn from those who are new to our communities.

To build on our successes, Salt Lake City must connect our education system with city policy, civic life, the business community, the University of Utah, and other higher-education entities. We will do this through a groundbreaking commitment from Salt Lake City government.

The Becker for Mayor Education Initiatives

1. Mayor’s Office: Create a senior-level position within the Mayor’s Office called the Education Partnership Coordinator. This individual’s exclusive role will be to forge partnerships with Salt Lake City schools, help determine and coordinate Salt Lake City governmental policy and action, and work with the business community, state government, and higher education to match community resources with school needs. The mayor will also “go back to school,” periodically taking time to visit classrooms and teachers at work.
2. Mayor’s Monthly School Summit: I will arrange monthly roundtable meetings with high school and junior high school principals to better understand how city administration and policy can support their efforts in our schools.
3. Second-Language Proficiency: I will work with the school district to ensure that by the time every Salt Lake City student is 18 years old, he or she will be able to pass a basic proficiency exam in a second language. I will empower our rapidly growing refugee community to share the languages and cultures of their home countries, and involve them in our second-language proficiency program through an expanding dual-enrollment program that offers more language options each year.
4. Consensus Community Direction: I will work to move Salt Lake City to the forefront of public education in Utah and the Intermountain West. This will include meetings between the mayor, the city council, and the school board and superintendent as well as principals, teachers, and parents, to use creative approaches to address graduation rates, school events and calendaring, youth violence, the achievement gap, and how city programs and policies can better
support our public schools.
5. City Government Efforts: Building on the Youth City program, I will look to engage city departments in efforts to partner with schools to assist schools in achieving success. City employees will be rewarded for their ideas and volunteer participation in public schools. Approaches may include hosting and supporting read-a-thons, student art and music performances at city events and for local businesses, student achievement awards, honoring school staff, teachers and administrators, language and basic skills assistance, job shadowing, Youth City passes, and numerous other initiatives.
6. Business Partnerships: Whether offering computer equipment, direct participation in the classrooms, input on school programming, or financing specific projects, the city will build partnerships with local businesses to help provide opportunities for our children to learn and excel.
7. “Expanding Excellence in Education (E3)”: Every great city provides numerous opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Salt Lake City is no exception. I will work with teachers and the school district to ensure that every Salt Lake City school student can benefit from the innumerable extracurricular learning opportunities the city provides. From studying the ecology of our magnificent surroundings to experiencing the many educational opportunities offered by our first-rate museums and cultural facilities, to studying the art and architecture of our city and learning from the many world-class researchers, trade professionals, and business people, I will make it my goal to ensure that every student is inspired by the finest of Salt Lake City’s unmatched offerings.

Conclusion

As mayor of Salt Lake City, I will provide the leadership, ingenuity, passion, and focused efforts needed to position Salt Lake City’s public schools among the best in the nation. When it comes to the education of our children, the development and growth of our community, and the long-term vitality of our city, we must set our sights high, and we must continue this emphasis for years – even generations – to come.

A superior public education system will equip our children with the tools they need to compete anywhere in the world, and will also attract to our city the jobs and businesses that will enable our children to enjoy fulfilling careers close to home. Strong public schools and broad educational opportunities are the backbone of a healthy, empowering, and sustainable city. Under my leadership, Salt Lake City’s public education system will flourish as never before and will help Salt Lake City join the ranks of the great American cities.

Praise for Ralph Becker’s Education Initiatives

Doug Nelson, Chair, Salt Lake City School District Board of Education*: “Ralph Becker has been a powerful advocate for public education during his years in the Utah House of Representatives. The Education Blueprint he has prepared is yet another example of the priority he has placed on providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all of our citizens. The initiatives presented in the blueprint are positive steps to improve communication between leaders of our city and our public school system, increase the effectiveness of our efforts, and prevent duplicate use of scarce resources. For these reasons and more, I think the ideas contained in Ralph Becker's Education Blueprint will benefit all who call our city home, and help our society be better prepared for the future.”
Heather Bennett, Member, Salt Lake City Board of Education*: “I wholeheartedly support Ralph Becker's education platform and appreciate the thoughtful way in which he has developed his ideas and action plan. A creative and consistent partnership between the city and the public school district, especially one grounded in community consensus and extending opportunity to all our children, will help Salt Lake City achieve and maintain a superior educational system.”
Norma Matheson, Former Utah First Lady: “Ralph Becker's education platform will enhance the role of city leadership in supporting and expanding the educational opportunities in our Salt Lake City schools. His is the campaign to watch.”

*Both Doug and Heather represent themselves as individuals and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the SLCSD Board or administration.

Fred Thompson: Another Presidential Candidate “Born Yesterday?”

Written by Aaron Thompson

Recently Fred Thompson played the audience of the Tonight Show for a fool by allowing them a thespian crafted taste of the Republican Presidential process. Fred Thompson recently appeared to wet the taste buds of the obviously Republican host, the media and a few Republican cronies to simply let the Tonight Show viewers know that Fred Thompson is in "exploratory" mode to run for President of the United States.

However, the general American public wasn't fooled by Thompson’s Exploratory Presidential shenanigans and political posturing for a position on the Republican ticket in 2008. Fred Thompson like the character he played in the 1993 film adaptation of “Born Yesterday” is attempting the role of his life as he conjures up his thespian expertise to convince the general public that he is indeed a "Washington Outsider."

Unfortunately for Thompson the political intelligence of the American public wasn’t "born yesterday" as they understand that for decades he played the role of a Washington D.C. insider and lobbyist. Over the past few years Thompson earned $760,000 for effectively playing the lobbyist role on behalf of Equitas seeking to limit liability claims for asbestos related cases. As well Thompson played a significant role to the supposed working class hero when he hosted various fundraisers for the Scooter Libby Legal Defense Fund. When asked by Sean Hannity if he would pardon Libby, Thompson remarked with vigor stating, “Absolutely.”

In 1994 a New York Times article the movie industry characterized Thompson’s roles as “someone who can personify governmental power.” But can Thompson convince the American public that they need another Washington D.C. insider turned lobbyist, turned actor, turned civil servant to fulfill their dire needs? Can Thompson shirk the Washington D.C. insider image and play the facade of an outside the beltway President that wasn’t “Born Yesterday?”

A New Message

A New Message

This is the redesigned edition of The Message, an e-mail newsletter produced bimonthly by the staff of the Utah Democratic Party. It’s distributed far and wide to anyone interested in Utah Democrats and Utah politics.

We are hopeful it will evolve into a publication to unify the many diverse voices within the Democratic community and support Democratic officeholders and candidates.

These are exciting times for Democrats in Utah. Visists of the presidentials - Sen John Edwards two weeks ago and Gov. Bill Richardson and Senator Chris Dodd in July - reflect a changing political landscape across the West.

To contribute to The Message, call Bill Keshler, our Communications Director, at (801) 328-1212, ext 206, or send an e-mail to bkeshler@utdemocrats.org

Wayne Holland
Chair, Utah Democratic Party

Rob Miller
Vice Chair, Utah Democratic Party


Click here to view this week's newsletter!

Should we audit Judges?

What do you think.

Listen to the Tribune and leave the State Board of Education alone!

"It's been less than two months since the board defied the Legislature and the state attorney general by refusing to establish a school voucher program based on a bill designed to augment the original voucher bill, which was being contested. And the board's decision not to implement the questionable law has been vindicated by the Utah Supreme Court, which, in light of a successful petition drive to give voters a chance to repeal the original bill, wisely ruled that the Nov. 6 referendum would decide the fate of both bills.

But that may not stop the control freaks with the bruised egos in the Legislature from trying to exert their authority over the school board, and exact a measure of revenge next year. Already, a move is afoot to prepare bills that would strip the board of its power by allowing the governor to appoint the state superintendent of public schools, and to politicize the board by allowing political parties to choose state school board candidates."

Read the entire Tribune editorial, Political payback: Legislature should leave state board alone

Yes they can, and they did!

(Deseret News)"The State Board of Education cannot refuse to talk to us," said Senate President John L. Valentine, R-Orem, following a meeting Tuesday afternoon of top-level legislative bosses — the Executive Appropriations Committee.

But GOP legislative leaders decided to try to carry a big stick and talk softly to the 15-member, independently elected state school board, Valentine said. That decision came in a private meeting between Senate and House Republican leaders before the Executive Appropriations hearing, causing a public meeting to start 90 minutes late."

It looks like they can refuse to talk to you President Valentine, and for good reason. Not only has Republican leadership brought this voucher curse on the people of Utah at an inappropriate time, but they have also become jealous of their power, and cannot be trusted with the public education system in Utah. Thank goodness we reelected Chairman Burningham, a true public education hero.

Unsafe at Any Rate

by Elizabeth Warren

If it’s good enough for microwaves, it’s good enough for mortgages. Why we need a Financial Product Safety Commission.

It is impossible to buy a toaster that has a one-in-five chance of bursting into flames and burning down your house. But it is possible to refinance an existing home with a mortgage that has the same one in-five chance of putting the family out on the street—and the mortgage won’t even carry a disclosure of that fact to the homeowner. Similarly, it’s impossible to change the price on a toaster once it has been purchased. But long after the papers have been signed, it is possible to triple the price of the credit used to finance the purchase of that appliance, even if the customer meets all the credit terms, in full and on time. Why are consumers safe when they purchase tangible consumer products with cash, but when they sign up for routine financial products like mortgages and credit cards they are left at the mercy of their creditors?

The difference between the two markets is regulation. Although considered an epithet in Washington since Ronald Reagan swept into the White House, the “R-word” supports a booming market in tangible consumer goods. Nearly every product sold in America has passed basic safety regulations well in advance of reaching store shelves. Credit products, by comparison, are regulated by a tattered patchwork of federal and state laws that have failed to adapt to changing markets. Moreover, thanks to effective regulation, innovation in the market for physical products has led to more safety and cutting-edge features. By comparison,innovation in financial products has produced incomprehensible terms and sharp practices that have left families at the mercy of those who write the contracts.

Sometimes consumer trust in a creditor is well-placed. Indeed, credit has provided real value for millions of households, permitting the purchase of homes that can add to family wealth accumulation and cars that can expand job opportunities. Credit can also provide a critical safety net and a chance for a family to borrow against a better tomorrow when they hit job layoffs, medical problems, or family break-ups today. Other financial products, such as life insurance and annuities, also can greatly enhance a family’s security. Consumers might not spend hours pouring over the details of their credit card terms or understand every paper they signed at a real estate closing, but many of those financial products are offered on fair terms that benefit both seller and customer.

But for a growing number of families who are steered into over-priced credit products, risky subprime mortgages, and misleading insurance plans, trust in a creditor turns out to be costly. And for families who get tangled up with truly dangerous financial products, the result can be wiped-out savings, lost homes, higher costs for car insurance, denial of jobs, troubled marriages, bleak retirements, and broken lives.

Consumers can enter the market to buy physical products confident that they won’t be tricked into buying exploding toasters and other unreasonably dangerous products. They can concentrate their shopping efforts in other directions, helping to drive a competitive market that keeps costs low and encourages innovation in convenience, durability, and style. Consumers entering the market to buy financial products should enjoy the same protection. Just as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) protects buyers of goods and supports a competitive market, we need the same for consumers of financial products — a new regulatory regime, and even a new regulatory body, to protect consumers who use credit cards, home mortgages, car loans, and a host of other products. The time has come to put scaremongering to rest and to recognize that regulation can often support and advance efficient and more dynamic markets.

To read the rest of this article click here!

To check out Democracy A Journal Of Ideas click here!

Post 796

The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Saxton quits race for SLC mayor

Even with her promise that she was in this race for the long run KSL announced today that Nancy Saxton has dropped out of they race for Salt Lake City mayor.

(KSL News) Nancy Saxton has dropped out of the race for Salt Lake City mayor.

Saxton says her run for mayor wasn't going the way she wanted it to, and she's decided to run for a third term on the city council.

She says there are some big issues facing the city, and she has more of a passion to work on those issues from her position on the city council.

Saxton says, "I would like to thank all those who have supported me during my campaign to be the next mayor of Salt Lake City. I am excited to seek reelection as Salt Lake City Councilwoman.

AMNESTY

wordsfromhome

News Release: Utah Democrats welcome presidential candidate, Connecticut senator to Salt Lake City

Dodd joins Richardson in an unprecedented show of support for Utah Democrats

SALT LAKE CITY – Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland announced Friday that Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd, a candidate for president of the United States, will speak at the party’s organizing convention on July 14.

Dodd will address the convention immediately after a speech by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, another Democratic presidential candidate.

The visits reflect an unprecedented level of recognition of the Utah Democratic Party and the growing political significance of the West. Cal Rampton, a three-term Democratic governor of Utah beginning in 1964, could not recall two Democratic presidential candidates ever attending the same state convention.

“These are exciting times for Democrats in Utah,” said Holland. “Visits from the presidentials – Sen. Edwards two weeks ago and Gov. Richard­son and Sen. Dodd in July – reflect a changing political landscape across the West. Nevada, Arizona, Montana and Idaho are turning a sage-colored shade of blue, and Utah will not be left behind.”

Dodd is Connecticut’s senior U.S. senator. He chairs the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees America’s financial institutions.

Dodd has been called the “Children’s Senator” because of his advocacy for children and families. Dodd formed the first Children’s Caucus in the Senate and spent seven years working to enact the Family and Medical Leave Act that has helped 50 million working Americans never have to choose between the job they need and the family they love. A longtime supporter of early childhood education, he also authored and enacted landmark child care legislation, was named “Senator of the Decade” by the National Head Start Association and has secured funding for federal research into autism and outreach efforts aimed at mothers who give birth prematurely.

Dodd’s reputation for independence, vision, and effectiveness extends to even the toughest issues. Even before the tragedy of September 11th, he recognized the importance of America’s first responders, authoring and passing landmark legislation that has provided more than $3 billion to help towns and cities hire, equip, and train firefighters.

In the aftermath of the disputed 2000 presidential election, Dodd authored the Help America Vote Act which has been called the most important voting rights legislation since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. And he has long championed bringing fiscal discipline into the federal budget-making process, introducing a “pay-as-you-go” budget proposal early in his Senate career and co-sponsored the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings deficit reduction legislation.

The public is invited to hear the two speeches, which are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at Skyline High School, 3251 E. 3760 South, in Salt Lake City. The event is free and open to the public.

Breaking: Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd is coming to Utah

Utah Democrats will be visited by not one, but TWO Democratic presidential candidates at this year's state convention.

Today it was confirmed that Senator Chris Dodd will be joining New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson at this year's convention which is being held at Skyline High School on Saturday July 14th.

Stay tuned to The Utah Amicus for more on this exciting news.

Clayton Abrams is the Hollady Hero!

Before we moved to Bountiful Michelle and I lived in Holladay, Utah and attended the Winder Fifth Ward which is where we met Jill and Gordon Abrams. We lived on the west side of 1500 East and the Abrams lived just a few houses over on the east side of 1500.

By some twist of fate Gordon and I ended up working together at a retirement community and formed a friendship that is still strong two years after we both left the company. The other day Gordon called me and explained how his son Clayton had pulled a younger boy out of a flaming trash bin.

Clayton Abrams has always been the type of kid who sticks up for others, and he has always been the type of person who is interested in expanding his horizons. When I read the following story in the Deseret News I was surprised by the emotions that came over me once I realized how serious this situation could have been if Clayton had not been there to react as quickly as he did.

Please take a minute to read the story of a true hero who just happens to be a friend of The Utah Amicus. Great work Clayton, and may you be forever known as The Holladay Hero!

Deseret Morning News, Thursday, June 14, 2007
Scout rescues boy from flaming bin

Quick action by 11-year-old credited with saving boy's life

By Pat Reavy
Deseret Morning News

An 11-year-old Boy Scout is being called a hero after he pulled a small boy out of a burning Dumpster Tuesday, more than likely saving his life.

"Another minute or two and he would have been dead," said Scoutmaster Gordon Abrams, father of Scout Clayton Abrams. "I don't know how the kid survived."

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Paul Jaroscak concurred that the young boy in the Dumpster is alive today thanks to Clayton's quick action.

"For this Scout to run over there ... reaching in and grabbing him and pulling him to safety with flames coming out ... it's heroic," he said.

The incident began just before 8 p.m. Tuesday at a church near 1400 East and 4000 South. The door to a supply closet was left open and a 7-year-old boy, who was at the church while his brother was attending a Scout meeting, wandered off and found some matches.

The young boy, who has a fascination with matches to the point that his parents won't keep any in their house, began lighting some matches and burned small holes in the carpet, Gordon Abrams said. An adult walked into the room and saw what was happening, prompting the boy to jump out a window, scale a chain-link fence and run off, he said.

Damage to the church was estimated at only $180, Jaroscak said.

The people who saw the boy assumed he had run home. A few minutes later during the Abrams' Scout meeting, however, the Scouts opened a window to let fresh air in the room and started smelling smoke from outside.

That's when Clayton noticed out of the corner of his eye that smoke was coming from the Dumpster in back of the building.

"I just said, 'The Dumpster's on fire, the Dumpster's on fire,"' Clayton said.

Clayton ran outside with a few other Scouts while his father ran down the hall to call 911. It was while the young Scouts were outside, about 12 feet away from the Dumpster, that Clayton heard something he was not expecting.

"I hear this, 'Help, help, help me, somebody help me.' I thought, 'This can't be good,"' he said. "It scared me."

At that moment, Clayton, who ironically had just been working on the first-aid portion of his merit badge, said the adrenaline kicked in and he ran to the Dumpster without hesitating.

Flames were shooting 3 feet from the top, and thick black smoke was billowing out. The Dumpster had two lids — one was open and had fire shooting out, and the other was closed.

It was from the closed lid that Clayton heard faint cries for help. Despite flames coming out of the top and the fact that the metal Dumpster was very hot to the touch, Clayton said he lifted the lid with one hand and started to put his other hand inside.

"I reach in and something grabs my hand," he said. "He was red. He was screaming. It was really burning hot."

Partly from the adrenaline and partly because the child in the Dumpster was so small, Clayton was able to lift the boy out with one arm.

Clayton was not injured. Jaroscak said the 7-year-old boy suffered a first-degree burn on his arm but was otherwise unharmed. He did not suffer any smoke inhalation, he said.

Clayton credits his father for teaching him how to react to emergency situations and not be afraid. He noted that the Scouting program also taught him the danger of playing with matches. He said Wednesday he was just glad the young boy was OK.

"It felt good to save him. His brother is a really good friend of mine," he said. "I'm just glad he's not injured. It was really scary."

E-mail: preavy@desnews.com

Reprinted with permission from Pat Reavy

Tiny Dancer: Abby's Second Dance Recital

Last night our family drove to Weber State University to watch our oldest daughter perform in the Clytie Adams School of Ballet's 2007 summer recital titled Holiday Dreamin'.

As I mentioned last year, the Clytie Adams School of Ballet is well known for their professional presentations, but this year's performance was a bit more exciting thanks to Clytie Adams who stopped the show on two separate occasions. Once to accommodate a young lady whose late arrival kept her from being in the video, and a second time to help a parent understand that no flash cameras means no flash cameras! Everyone realized pretty quick that Clytie doesn't mess around.

The recital began with a tribute to Valentines Day that was performed by Zensho Gushiken and Kate Robinette. Both dancers seemed to set the stage for the evening but most impressive was the graceful Mr. Gushiken whose feet never seemed to touch the floor during his two performances.

The recital continued with tributes to St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, Easter, the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the best dance of the night was performed by the five and six year old class with their tribute to the 4th of July titled Lollipops. Even Anna who wasn't old enough to attend last year agreed that Abby's class was the best.

Although Abby's performance only seemed to last for a few seconds the memory of watching my oldest daughter dance with her class on stage to the live music of the New American Philharmonic is a memory that Michelle and I will certainly cherish forever.

In ending I would like to thank all of the dedicated instructors and students who made this event a great success, as well as the woman who has built the best ballet studio in Utah, Clytie Adams. You truly have built something wonderful.

Enjoy the photos!

Mr. Zensho Gushiken

Abby with her proud mama

The only moment that Anna actually sat down

Grandpa Steve and Grandma Judy (my mom)

Sisters Anna and Abigail with Cousins Audrey and Adam

Our Tiny Dancer

Join me at The Gateway - Angela Bingham in concert

Anybody who knows me probably also knows that I have a sister who is a fantastic jazz singer.

Angela Bingham, who now lives in New York City, was a Salt Lake City jazz performer for years before making her move to the big apple two years ago. Before she heads back home, she will be giving Utah jazz music lovers one more opportunity to hear her wonderful voice.

Join us on Thursday, June 14, 6:00pm at The Gateway

Twilight Series

Angela will be performing with Steve Lindeman's band.

Click here to listen to Angela sing "Everything I Love"

Visit Angela's website.

Come, come, come! It's going to be a fabulous evening.

War on Words: Is Big Money Buying Your Vote?

Is the Infamous Frank Luntz Working for Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney?
Written by Aaron Thompson

If you are unfamiliar with Frank Luntz you probably just haven't been in tune with the Poli-Geek bible or glued to the television set within the last decade. Frank Luntz is a pollster with a power for words. He is the author of some of the most influential political terminology over the past decade that you will find intertwined within the following sentences.

With calculated statistical backing coaxing the comfort levels of the American public on how they view candidates, their platforms and the words that they choose, can Republicans ever really be understood as Compassionate Conservatives? Do they really stand behind their rhetorical Death Tax versus Estate Tax, Tax Relief versus Tax cuts, Climate Change versus Global Warming, or support a Contract for America. So goes the War on Words. The Republican Party has a newly financed foot soldier doing Romney's image work.

Check out how the war of words is being won with the power of “big” money. Unlike Rovian political tactics I will let you have an independent mind to decide what is Fact and what is Fiction. See below.

Luntz: Romney the Winner: Is Luntz Working for Romney?!


PBS The Frontline See Chapter Five “Give Us What We Want:” Testing Language That Persuades

Luke Garrott Fundraiser Announcment

Come join the friends of Luke Garrott in putting the Art back into politics making local government democratic again.

Come help Luke celebrate his candidacy for Salt Lake City Council District 4 and raise a buck or two to cover campaign expenses.

at ORANGE
" a state of mind, just this side of downtown"
Lounge/Fusion Cuisine/Gallery

Thursday June 14, 2007
6-8:30PM
533 South 500 West
801-433-3399

$30.00 SUGGESTED DONATION

Click here for your invitation

Click here to visit Lukes's website.

From Jenny Wilson: Join Jenny for a Barbecue!

Put on your flip-flops and join Jenny Wilson, next mayor of Salt Lake City, for a summertime celebration in the city.

Join us for a casual evening. Great BBQ, drinks, and entertainment with Kurt Bestor.

What: BBQ with Jenny

When: Thursday, June 28th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm - Performance at 6:30pm
Where: Gallivan Center, 239 South Main, Salt Lake City
Cost: $100 per person or $1,000 per table of ten

Click here to download the invitation.

If you'd like to be a table captain, or to RSVP, please contact us by June 22nd at rsvp@votejennywilson, (801) 828-8253, or download the RSVP card here.

We hope you can make it!

Also, as with every Saturday, we will be walking door-to-door to spread the word about the great mayor Jenny will be. If you have some time, we'd love to see you.

What: Walking with Jenny
When: Saturday, June 16th, 10:00am
Where: Ensign Elementary School, 775 12th Avenue, Salt Lake City

Please call Lauren from my campaign for directions or questions at (801) 809-0929.
Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

The Wilson for Mayor Team

Click here for Jenny's Website

Make History With Utah Democrats

Join Utah Democrats at the 2007 Jefferson Jackson Celebration!

www.jjutah.com

Milton Friedman: Why America should legalize drugs

Does this mean PCE will start a group called, Parents for Choice in Drug Legalization?

FYI: From Parents for Choice in Education

Vote in KSL online Voucher Poll

KSL's Doug Wright Show has an online poll on vouchers. Be sure to go to http://www.ksl.com/?sid=&nid=399 and vote YES for vouchers.

Thank you for your support!

Parents for Choice in Education
8 East Broadway, Ste 730
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

www.ChoiceInEducation.org

FYI: Just in case your told that Utahns want vouchers based on polling.

Whose government, Mr. President?

Unlike many Democrats, I have a hard time believing President Bush is a bad guy. Ideologically challenged, yes, but I was raised with the idea that most people are good and your should give them the benefit of the doubt. I've always felt that he's a nice guy that is simply wrong on the issues.

Sometimes, though, it's hard to keep that optimistic spirit. Today was one of those days. In responding to a reporter's question about the upcoming Senate vote on Attorney General Gonzales, the President was quoted as saying:

"They can have their votes of no-confidence but it's not going to make the
determination about who serves in my government."

Whose government, Mr. President? I was always taught that the government belonged to we, the people.

Although one might argue that this is simply another example of President Bush's famous difficulty with the English language, it appears to me to be yet another sign of the stubbornness and hubris that is the chief hallmark of this administration; yet another sign that the man secretly thinks he is "King George".

The remark may have been a slip, but it was at the very least a Freudian slip.

Speaker Curtis, listen up!

Curtis refuses to listen to the people
By Wayne Holland

In his column (June 5), Doug Robinson refers to House Speaker Greg Curtis as "Mr. Twenty" in reference to the speaker's narrow 20 vote victory last November. Most of the remainder of his column is dedicated to why "Mr. Twenty" is so willing to buck the will of his constituents on issues like vouchers and the Real Salt Lake stadium deal in spite of his obvious growing unpopularity.

Robinson concludes Curtis' willingness to stick his neck out on issues unpopular with the voters, particularly vouchers, is an indication he is attempting "to make someone happy." Otherwise, his actions "make no sense." I respectfully disagree. Curtis' actions make perfect sense when you take into account the arrogance that comes with a long stretch of single-party dominance. This dominance itself, perpetuated through the nation's most egregious example of gerrymandering, institutionalizes arrogance and unaccountability.

Since the voucher referendum received sufficient signatures to be placed before the voters, we have seen more arrogance on display than at any time in recent memory. Within days of telling the State Board of Education they must implement a voucher program "immediately" on the grounds "All legislation is presumed valid until it is stayed or overturned by a court. ...," Attorney General Mark Shurtleff announced he had sent Utah's gasoline retailers "a letter well over two years ago that I wasn't going to enforce (The Motor Fuel Marketing Act)." Apparently our attorney general is of the opinion he gets to decide for himself which laws need to be reviewed by the courts and which ones he just gets to ignore.

Utah Democrats have joined with some Republican legislators to support letting the people have their say on vouchers. In a letter sent to the governor's office on June 6, House Minority Leader Ralph Becker and Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich endorsed a plan offered by two House Republicans to repeal HB174 until the voters have spoken. "In the event that the referendum fails, the Legislature can then re-enact HB174."

This is a fair solution that forces both sides of the controversial voucher question to defer to the voters. Unfortunately, arrogance and ideology continue to trump people power in Utah's Legislature. What the people decide is beside the point for Speaker Curtis, Sen. Bramble and others more committed to vouchers than the citizens of Utah they are sworn to serve.

In signing the referendum petition, Utah voters said "yes" to the democratic process and should demand their leaders do the same. This November Utahns will have the opportunity to say "yes" to public education, and we deserve legislators who are willing to hear us when we do.
Utah's Democratic legislators are willing to set aside their views on the voucher question and allow the people to be heard. Speaker Curtis, Sen. Bramble and others have made it abundantly clear they intend to ignore the will of the people regardless of the outcome of the vote on the voucher question. Utah's Constitution recognizes the people as a co-equal branch of state government. We deserve legislators who are not too arrogant to defer to the people when they exercise their rights through the referendum and initiative process. "Mr. Twenty" would do well to remember that come November 2008 voters will remember his refusal to listen to them.