Vouchers have not helped students learn

Eric Jacobson has done his reserch. What is his conclusion?

Conclusion: Voucher programs have demonstrated almost no academic benefits in other places. Will Utah be different?

Read the Standard Examiner's: Vouchers have not helped students learn

Hat tip: Education in Utah

Special Voucher Report for Ethan and other Utah Voucher Advocates

The Voucher Veneer
The Deeper Agenda to Privatize Public Education
By Ralph G. Neas

"A network of Religious Right groups, free-market economists, ultraconservative columnists and others are using vouchers as a vehicle to achieve their ultimate goal of privatizing education. Their embrace of vouchers reflects their view that to be successful, privatization must be achieved incrementally. The long-term goal is to make all schooling an activity supplied by private sources: for-profit management companies, religious organizations and home schools."

Happy Feet II

Starring Idaho Senator
Larry Craig

With Special Guest Star
Mark Foley

And Utah Congressman
Chris Cannon
as Penguin Pete the precocious page

Coming soon to a theater near you!

Will Democrats be blamed for failure in Iraq?

I was listening to the weekly Shields and Brooks segment on The News Hour with Jim Lehrer last Friday evening, and heard a disturbing theory. Syndicated columnist Mark Shields said he'd heard rumblings that the Bush Administration has a specific political reason for continuing to push the troop surge in Iraq. The story goes like this:

There are two facts out there. First, it is certain that the troop levels in Iraq will drop dramatically by next spring. This will not be due to any political decision, but will be a foregone conclusion because the manpower to maintain troop levels past that point simply does not exist. Even with the multiple rotations and hardships the Administration has forced on our active duty and reserve soldiers, we have reached the end of our rope. The numbers simply aren't there. The Army is broken. (Heaven help us if we need troops elsewhere in the world the next few years!)

Second, the Administration is convinced that Iraq will explode into complete mayhem when we leave.

So, according to Shields, here's the plan. The Administration will keep pushing for high levels of troops in Iraq, even though they know maintaining these levels is impossible past spring. Then, when they are forced for logistical reasons to pull them out, they will do so, and blame the pullout on the Democrats. When the Iraq blows up (right before the 2008 election), the Republicans will say, "We told you so. We were just on the threshold of victory, but the Democrats forced us to cut and run - and they've lost the war for America and wasted the sacrifice of our soldiers", thereby foisting the blame for the worst foreign policy disaster in American history onto the Democrats.

Think Mark Shields is being paranoid? Then explain why, after four years of scrupulously avoiding any parallels between Iraq and Vietnam, President Bush last week abruptly changed course and is now openly comparing Iraq and Vietnam, calling attention to the chaos in Vietnam when American troops pulled out. I've certainly heard more outrageous political rhetoric come out of Sean Hannity's mouth than this would be, if it came to pass. The story certainly has a Rovian flavor to it.

I think Democratic leaders better be a little more vigilant on this subject. We need to make sure the Republicans and the Administration are held responsible for this fiasco. They can't be allowed to weasel their way out of this one.

What a Wonderful Idea!

Crandall Canyon, area miners may consider unionizing
Non-union status is subplot in Crandall mine disaster
By Nate Carlisle
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune

Gov. Bill Richardson at the Utah Democrats Jefferson Jackson Celebration

Gov. Bill Richardson at the Utah Democrats 2007 Jefferson/Jackson Dinner

Utah Democrats mourn loss of Weber County Treasurer

Utah Democrats offer their condolences to the Post family on the passing of Randell Post and her husband Doug. Both were killed in a tragic automobile accident on August 21st. Randell was recently elected as Treasurer of the Weber County Democratic Party. Her family reminded mourners to "vote for a Democrat" in lieu of flowers in her obituary. The entire Post family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Randell Sue Furnis
Born in Westwood, California on Sep. 10, 1949
Departed on Aug. 21, 2007 and resided in Plain City, UT.

Randell Sue Furniss Post passed away on August 21, 2007 after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. She died next to her loving husband, Doug. She was born on September 10, 1949 in Westwood, California to Fred and Mary Furniss, the youngest of five daughters.

She grew up in Ogden and graduated from Bonneville High school. She spent some time attending Weber State Collage, but she would say most of that time was spent sleeping on the campus benches. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She married J. Douglas Post on May 14, 1970 in the Logan temple.

Randy held several part time jobs throughout the years, but her life’s work was to be a mother, she raised 8 children, of whom she was very proud. Every one of her children would say she was their best friend. She instilled in them a belief that they could do anything. She also had a role in raising several neighborhood kids as well as various girlfriends and boyfriends along the way. She accepted everyone she net and was a friend to all. Many hearts are broken at her passing. Randy, like her mother before her, loved to cook. No one could make things taste quite like mom. Like everything else though, food was a tool to bring her family together.

She was politically active throughout her life, and everyone she met knew; she was a Democrat. She was an intellectual who relished staying up late discussing political issues with her family.

As an active member of the LDS church, she was a student of the gospel and loved teaching it. Members of her seminary and gospel doctrine classes were blessed by her perspective and understanding.

She is survived by her four adorning sisters: Kay Tiner, Diann Ellis, Vicki Jackson, and Penny Phillips.

She is also survived by his children, Zach (Lori), Zeke (Rachel), Rael (Shelly), Jordan (Paul), Samantha (Andrew), Eli (Melissa), Simon (Alyssa) and Tony, as well as 11 grandchildren. She was happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren.

They are her legacy and the only one she ever wanted.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary.

In lieu of flowers, vote for a Democrat.

Born in Westwood, California on Sep. 10, 1949
Departed on Aug. 21, 2007 and resided in Plain City, UT.

Congressman Jim Matheson speaks at the 2007 Utah State Democratic Convention

Rep Jim Matheson speaks at the 2007 Utah State Democratic Convention

Check out other convention speakers by clicking here!

Scott Matheson to lead investigation into mine disaster

Governor Huntsman listens as Scot Matheson talks about the new Minning Safety Comission Thursday afternoon in the Governors Office. (Rick Egan/Salt Lake Tribune)


State probe
Huntsman lashes at the mine boss for being insensitive to the grieving relatives
by Glen Warchol

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. created a Utah Mine Safety Commission on Thursday, headed by former U.S. Attorney Scott Matheson Jr., to conduct its own investigation of the Crandall Canyon mine tragedy.

The announcement came a few hours after Huntsman publicly chastised the mine's co-owner, Robert Murray, for "unconscionable" behavior toward the six trapped miners' families.

Murray previously accused the governor, who had ordered inspections of Murray Energy's other Utah mines, of "playing politics" with the disaster that likely killed six miners, then killed three rescue workers.

The Mine Safety Commission will report back this fall on ways the state can ensure the safety of its miners. That might include expanding the state's role in mine safety inspections, Huntsman said. The state turned inspections and enforcement over to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration in 1977.

"We want to do everything we possibly can to ensure the state will be there when it comes to safety and support for our miners and their communities," Matheson said.

Huntsman acknowledged the state's probe will be one of many into the disaster.

The chairman of the U.S. Senate committee that oversees workplace safety Thursday called on the Labor Department to produce extensive documents relating to the Crandall Canyon mine.
Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations subcommittee has called in MSHA chief Richard Stickler for questioning and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who heads the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has asked Labor Secretary Elaine Chao for documents related to safety at the Utah mine.

"What makes the [state mine safety] commission's work unique is that our task is to focus on the state's role - what the state can do to be as effective as it possibly can in securing the safety of our miners and mining communities," Matheson said.

Earlier Thursday at his monthly news conference on KUED-TV, Huntsman lashed out at Murray for what he called callous treatment of the mine victims' families leading up to his announcement that the men were likely dead and would have to be entombed in the mountain.
"There ought to be some modicum of respect for their human dignity and what [victims' families] are experiencing," Huntsman said.

Although he avoided using Murray's name, Huntsman made it clear his criticism was aimed at the outspoken chief executive of Murray Energy. "I'm not going to get into the mine owner other than to say I thought the way the families were treated was unconscionable and they deserved better."

Murray has said Huntsman's push for an independent state investigation of the tragedy was a political ploy.

"No one is playing politics with this situation," Huntsman responded. His appointment of Matheson, his Democratic opponent in the 2004 election, shows mine safety transcends politics, he said.

Huntsman said Utah Mine Safety Commission is similar to a panel appointed by West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin after the Sago Mine disaster in 2006 that killed 12.

Huntsman called Manchin within hours of the Crandall Mine collapse.

''He has offered to make available people and information and his list of things that worked and those that didn't,'' Huntsman said. "I will continue to consult with him."

Davitt McAteer, former director of MSHA who led Manchin's post-Sago review, said West Virginia's involvement has been fruitful.

"It's been a positive step," McAteer said. "In fact, I think there is a more aggressive effort to adopt standards related to telephones, communications and chambers - at least that."

Rep. Brad King, D-Price, said the commission will likely have to reach outside the state for mine safety expertise. "It's been 30 years since the state has been doing mine safety, there's probably few experts left."

One of the commission's members, Sen. Mike Dmitrich, D-Price, who is a mining consultant, said the safety record of Utah's coal mines has been good until the Crandall accident.
"I think we can mine coal safely," he said.
---
* ROBERT GEHRKE and JUDY FAHYS contributed to this report.

Utah Mine Safety Commission
* DENNIS O'DELL, Safety and Health Director of the United Mine Workers of America
* HILARY GORDON, Huntington mayor
* JOE PICCOLO, Price mayor
* SEN. MIKE DMITRICH, D-Price
* REP. KAY MCIFF, R-Richfield
* DAVID LITVIN, Utah Mining Association
* JAKE GARN, former U.S. senator

Why we need government regulation

It’s been a tragic month in my little community of Plain City.

On August 3, two of my ward members, Paul and Connie Short, were returning from a family vacation with their daughter Angie, their son-in-law Justin, and their little eight month old grandson Hudson. Just south of Island Park, a Hummer crossed over the line and hit them head on. Connie and her little grandson were killed, and Justin and Angie were grievously injured.

On August 21, Doug Post and his wife Randy were heading to Ogden on Highway 89 when a Chevy Tahoe crossed into oncoming traffic and hit their Toyota Prius head on. Both were killed instantly. Doug and Randy left eight children, including their youngest son who had been in the mission field only six weeks. Some of you may know the Post family. I officially became a Democrat in the Post’s living room while attending my first neighborhood caucus meeting in March 2002. In addition to being respected, long time Plain City residents, both were devout Democrats, and had held Democratic cottage meetings in their home for years. Randy was elected last April as treasurer of the Weber County Democrats. They were very dear friends.

In addition to the obvious, eerie similarities between these two tragic accidents, there was another that was not so obvious. In both instances, there was a mismatch of the front bumper heights. This resulted in severe injury and death to the lower vehicles, and only minor injuries to the drivers of the vehicles with taller bumpers. It wasn’t just vehicle size, either; Paul was driving a 4x4 Dodge Club Cab that was just as heavy as the Hummer. The main problem was bumper height mismatch.

Since I work in the automotive safety industry, I know a little about this problem. A search of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website on the problem of bumper height mismatch indicates they are “studying the issue”. Although no problem is simple, even a third grader could tell you accidental injuries and deaths could be reduced if bumper heights were more uniform on vehicles.

We were discussing the Island Park accident at work the other day, and one of my co-workers surprised me. This guy is about as conservative as they come. But in response to this accident, he exclaimed with a great deal of passion, “They ought to charge the NHTSA regulators with manslaughter”. I looked at my friend with shock; it’s not something I would have expected him to say. I asked him, “What about the ‘limited government’ thing you keep talking about”. His response: The Constitution clearly gives the government the right to regulate interstate commerce, and highway safety falls into that category. He was fervent in his belief that the NHTSA regulators were complicit in the deaths of Connie and her infant grandson.

Something Garrison Keillor wrote applies here. “The government is there to do battle with those who would sell you cars that are firebombs or TV sets that cause cancer in small children or vitamins that make hair sprout on your palms or hamburgers made from deceased Springer spaniels. Every year the bank examiners come around to look at the books and make sure the president of First Texas Trust isn’t siphoning your money to his account in Geneva – how did the Republicans manage to make this an issue? You can’t suddenly change the rules to suit yourself. You can’t stop the train and kick off the people you don’t like. You can’t tower over people and roar and screech and spray saliva on them. You can’t prey on the preoccupied and slip in a 2% surcharge on the electric bill and thereby filch a billion dollars a few cents at a time. You can’t sell bad meat or water down the beer or charge 25% interest. You can’t put a quarter in the collection plate and take a dollar out.”

Our nation is less safe, less clean, and less fair today than it was eight years ago because people have been running things that are ideologically opposed to “regulation”. We obviously must be vigilant against unnecessary regulation, and I’ve always thought it would be a good idea to review every regulation passed after a few years – and kill it if it isn’t doing what it was intended. On the other hand, what is government for, if not to create a set of fair ground rules for us to live by that will hopefully make life a little more fair and predictable? Although “might have beens” are never certain, a little more oversight by the government might have saved some precious lives in my grieving little town of Plain City.

Anna's new look

Our second daughter Anna is turning five this next week. Last night she went to visit her aunt Merlyn. Merlyn is a very generous person who truly enjoys picking out and purchasing clothes for our young children. She enjoys it so much that she usually needs two or three opportunities to distribute her gifts.

Anna came home last night with a bag of clothes that she couldn't wait to try on for her daddy. After her fashion show Anna decided that she should sleep with her boots on. Somehow we were able to convince her that she could wear her new clothes the next day.

This morning I came out of my office to find out that Anna (who never wants to get dressed, and who likes to sleep in) was not only up, but was also dressed.

I think the smile on Anna's face says it all.

They grow up so fast.

Best quote from yesterday's special session

"They don't even know how to spell equalization..."

Rep. Jim Gowans
Legislative District 21

Bush moves to keep kids uninsured

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland today called on Utah’s Republicans in Washington - Bob Bennett, Chris Cannon, and Rob Bishop - to stand up to President Bush who would make it harder to enroll children in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide.

The Washington Post and New York Times reported today that under a new Bush administration policy directive, states “must first ensure that the child is uninsured for at least one year” prior to enrolling a child in a state children's health program, and have to prove “that at least 95 percent of children from families making less than 200 percent of the poverty level have been enrolled in the children's health insurance program or Medicaid,” which as the Washington Post notes, “no state has yet managed.” [Washington Post, 8/21/07]

The New York Times cited testimony from state officials who made it clear the Bush policy “could cripple their efforts to cover more children and would impose standards that could not be met.” [New York Times, 8/21/07]

“Our children should not go one day without health care, let alone one year,” said Holland. “The American people deserve leaders who understand the importance of getting children the health care they need when they need it. During last year’s election, Democrats promised to stand up for America’s families, and they’re keeping that promise. The time has come for Bush Republicans to stop standing with the President and join Democrats in fighting for the people and children of Utah.”

Last month Democratic senators and congressmen - including 2nd District Congressman Jim Matheson who helped write the bill - voted to renew the state children’s health insurance program and improve it to make coverage available for more children in middle income families in Utah.

The Bush administration’s new policies follow a presidential veto threat of the renewal of the program, and will have a chilling effect on states trying to provide coverage to more children who would qualify for coverage under the new Democratic legislation.

Democrats commend Huntsman’s efforts to investigate mine disaster

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Democratic Party applauds the initiative of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. in laying the groundwork for an independent panel to investigate the Crandall Canyon Mine tragedy and make recommendations to ensure mine-worker safety in Utah.

“Gov. Huntsman should be commended for his efforts on behalf of the miners and their families,” said Wayne Holland, party chairman. “This is a time when Utah Democrats and Republicans can stand together to do what needs to be done to prevent another tragedy.”

Members of Utah’s congressional delegation did just that when they voted unanimously for the MINER Act of 2006 (Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response). In a speech last year, Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson, who represents Utah’s mine country, called the legislation “the first substantial overhaul of nation’s mining laws in almost three decades and is an essential step to remedying the many health and safety shortfalls facing coal miners today.” Utah’s Republicans echoed Matheson’s sentiments when they voted to enact the bill.

However, the House Committee on Education and Labor released a preliminary report in March that said the Mine Safety and Health Administration under Richard Stickler has been too slow in implementing the MINER Act. Stickler has been in charge of MSHA’s safety oversight at the Crandall Canyon Mine since the mine’s collapse on Aug. 7.

“We are concerned about Stickler’s ability to hold mining companies truly accountable,” said Holland. “He has maintained a high profile throughout this ordeal and appears concerned. But given his track record, we can only disagree with Sen. Hatch when he characterizes Stickler as ‘very competent.’ Hatch says Stickler has done his best. Well, his best has not been good enough for nine Utah miners and their families.”

I'm glad Bob is back!

Even if he won't admit that he went off and got married.

Come on Bob, fess up! You shouldn't be embarrassed that she's a Republican, and/or even worse, that she is related to Bob Murray.

The World, According To Me

Utah Republicans Support Puppy Torture

Henry's Law -- Taking JM Bell's proposal one step further

False Values

Parents for Choice in Education Eat Babies, or Rovian Tactics From PCE

Alright, Alright, Alright Alright Alright! Hey! -- Where I've been (this is the one where Bob tries to tell us that he didn't get married)

Utah's Chris Tunis goes to Washington

By Chris Tunis

These are some observations on our family’s trip to Washington D.C. running from August 4 to August 11, 2007. My main impression is that one could spend a month in Washington and not see all the sights you wanted to see. There is just so much history and culture that it’s impossible to get around to observe everything in a week. Yet, I think we did fairly well, as you will see. Going back to D.C. convinced me that people are really working hard in government, and that those government employees do have their constituents in mind. One doesn’t always get that impression at home. Another impression is that every American should feel at home in Washington. It is each American’s city. As a result of us paying taxes, most of the exhibits and tourist locations are free, so Washington is really an inexpensive place to visit. A final general observation is the District is kept incredibly clean. The sanitation workers do a good job making sure of that.

Our first full day was Sun. Aug. 5. We parked our rental car in Union Station, which at one time was a hub for east coast train travel. Union Station fell into disrepair in the seventies, but was renovated in the 80s and now is not only a destination point for Amtrak and the local Metro trains, but includes three levels of mostly upscale shops and restaurants that could satisfy anyone’s taste. What must be the world’s largest food court is on the bottom level. A nine-screen movie theatre is also on that level. The architecture of Union Station, like much of Washington, is ornate and impressive. One of the world largest clocks hangs in the Main Hall.

We took a bus tour on Sunday which stopped at, among other places, Arlington National Cemetery. We saw the eternal flame flickering at the grave of President Kennedy along with the gravesites of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and former Senator and Cabinet Member Robert Kennedy. We also stopped at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and viewed the changing of the guard. How any of those Marines can pull guard duty for a half-hour in full uniform on a hot and humid afternoon is something to admire. Experiencing Arlington made me imagine the stories behind the lives of the 310,000 military men and women buried there...Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Also on Sunday, we toured the Lincoln Memorial. I could just imagine Martin Luther King looking out at the masses and delivering his “I had a dream” speech. We also spent time at the Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial, which honors those who contributed from every state and U.S. territory. I was more impressed with the World War II Memorial with its vast space and the waterfalls in the middle. We concluded our Sunday in D.C. driving in a light rain around the tony Georgetown area and through the campus of Georgetown University.

We started Mon. Aug. 6 at 8:30 a.m. with a tour of the Library of Congress. I had no idea it was two buildings, the Jefferson and the Hamilton buildings. Our tour took us through the Jefferson Building, with the highlight being the American Treasures display. That included artifacts such as the items in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets the night he was shot, newspapers announcing the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor and several rooms dedicated to entertainer Bob Hope’s memorabilia. The Hope videos made me recall what a comedic sense of timing Bob had. We even saw the film clip from the movie where Hope’s theme song “Thanks for the Memory” debuted. After the Library of Congress, we walked a short distance to the Supreme Court. That building was lined with impressive sculptures and paintings of past associate and chief justices. Monday afternoon, thanks to Amaia Kirtland of Congressman Matheson’s office, we secured a tour of the U.S. Capitol. While the House and Senate had just wrapped up their latest session the previous Friday, there still seemed to be plenty of activity on the Hill. Intern Seth Ensign, a BYU student, served as an excellent tour guide for our small group of five(myself, my wife, our 17-year-old daughter, my mother-in-law and her brother). I didn’t realize we could take underground passageways from the House Office Buildings to the Capitol. The view inside the Capitol Rotunda was amazing. I have never been to the Sistine Chapel, but these painted walls and backdrops must rival the best work done there. We viewed the sculptures of Brigham Young and Philo Farnsworth, representing Utah. Each state has two individuals depicted in full-length sculptures. We then went into the House Chamber. From the second level gallery, it seemed much smaller than television makes it look. Seth pointed to the U.S. flag draped behind the Speaker’s chair, noting it looked rumpled, but appeared fine when captured by TV cameras. All hats and baseball caps must be removed from in the House Chamber out of respect for the body. That reminds me of one other impression of Washington in general that is probably obvious. It’s that security screenings are a way of life in D.C., and sometimes they occur more than once in the same building.

Tuesday, Aug. 7 began with a tour of the Washington Monument, which was the first attraction we lined up when we booked our trip. It was a stifling hot, humid morning, but we didn’t have to wait too long before taking the elevator up for the 10:00 a.m. run to the observation deck, which is 500 feet up. The monument itself from base to its apex is 555 feet. I had forgotten two different types of marble had been used to build the Monument. They started with one kind, but Congress ran out of money and suspended the project for over 20 years. With funding in place, they resumed at about one-fourth of the current height, using a different quality of marble. From the observation deck, you can see for 30-40 miles into Virginia and Maryland as well as the District of Columbia. Although it’s not very far, we hopped a cab from the Washington Monument to the White House, since we had to be there by 11:15. The White House was everything I had expected it to be. It was elegant. It was beautiful. It said “America” to me. We were allowed into the East Wing where the walls are lined with photographs and portraits of past Presidents and First Families. I felt very comfortable in the White House and shook my head at why it took me 51 years to visit. We also dropped in at the White House Visitors Center, which was quite informative. Tuesday afternoon, we spent some time at the Smithsonian complex, which I learned were 16 different museums and galleries. We stopped at the midpoint of the National Mall and gathered in the spectacular view with the Washington Monument at the West and the U.S. Capitol on the east. We spent the afternoon at the National Air and Space Museum. Personally, I could’ve spent an entire day there and still would’ve come back for more if I could. We saw detailed exhibits on NASA’s history…from the Mercury program to Gemini and Apollo and to the Space Shuttles of today. Seeing how small the Gemini capsules were makes one wonder how anyone could fit, let alone function in there for any period of time. We saw exhibits on the history of rocket science, on space foods, and on the U.S.-U.S.S.R. space race of the 50s and 60s. With the Museum of American History closed for the second straight year for renovation, about 150 items have been moved to the Air and Space Museum. Those were some true highlights of American culture like Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker’s chair, Abraham’s Lincoln top hat, Jacqueline Kennedy’s ball gown, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, and Seinfeld’s puffed shirt.

We stayed out of Washington on Wed. August 8, traveling to Baltimore on what was that city’s hottest day in eight years. The official temperature at the airport was 102, but in the Inner Harbor, where we spent the afternoon, the high was 106. Throw in 60-70% humidity on top of that, and you have an ugly weather day. Our trip to Baltimore led us to Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner. I hadn’t realized that Fort had been used to hold Confederate prisoners during the Civil War, one of whom was Key’s grandson. It also served as a military hospital in World War I. The rest of the day was spent visiting the Baltimore Basilica, which was the first Catholic Church in the U.S.; shopping; dining and attending the Orioles baseball game against the Seattle Mariners that night. The Mariners won 8-4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a wonderful tribute to baseball.

Thursday, August 9 took us into Virginia to Mount Vernon, where the elegant mansion has been restored to appear as it did in 1799 in the final year of George Washington’s life. The mansion and museum include much of the original furniture. We toured the gardens and twelve of the building surrounding the mansion, each with a different function. The museum there has some state-of-the-art interactive displays, and we viewed some captivating 10-15 minute films summarizing the contributions Washington made to the development of this nation. There were more people than I expected, visiting Mount Vernon. That evening, we ran into thundershowers on our way back to our hotel in Laurel, Maryland. That signaled the end of the oppressive heat for the rest of our trip.

Our family spent three hours the morning of Friday, August 10 going through the Holocaust Museum. I had been warned by several people before I left Salt Lake how powerful it was, and they weren’t kidding. One can only imagine the suffering the Jews went through at the hands of the Nazis and to see it in photographs and films brings it home. I will say, while the exhibits were outstanding, those managing the museum need to organize the flow of foot traffic better. They allowed too many people into the main exhibit at one time, and you couldn’t get close enough to some of the display areas. From there, we walked to the Natural History Museum to see impressive gems like the Hope Diamond and the Tiffany Diamonds. The ladies in our group were quite impressed. That evening, we participated in a nighttime tour which started at the Jefferson Memorial, continued to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial and ended at the World War II Memorial. All were outstanding. I was more impressed with the F.D.R. Memorial than the others in my party. It makes tremendous use of water in its displays. 21 of Roosevelt’s quotations are imbedded into the Granite walls. There is also a statue of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt that serves as a nice tribute. We really didn’t get a good view of the names of the dead enshrined on the Vietnam Memorial since that area is not well lit at night. Conversely, the Lincoln Memorial is beautiful highlighted by lighting in the evening as is the WWII Memorial.

Since we weren’t scheduled to head back to Salt Lake from Dulles Airport until 5:30 in the afternoon, we spent the morning of Saturday, August 11 at the National Archives. It’s amazing that documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta have been maintained for all to see. Presidential Speeches are also available for viewing, and I took advantage of that. Again, I wish I had more time there. On our way to the airport, we stopped at Georgetown for more shopping and lunch, thus concluding our terrific week in the D.C. area.

I cannot wait to get back to Washington to take in more sights. We weren’t able to make it to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or the National Cathedral, Ford’s Theater or the National Museum of Native Americans. Another spot I would like to tour when it opens is the Newseum. One of our tour guides informed us it opens next year as a tribute to the news media who have covered Washington through the years. I come away from D.C. thinking the city is truly an American treasure.

Chris Tunis is a longtime Utah radio sports personality who was seven times Utah Sports Caster of the year. He is currently the publisher of the Wasatch Front Focus for the Enterprise Newspaper Group. Chrisand his family are residents of Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

New Website for the Davis County Democrats

We need to turn away from the myth we have free-market health care

23 August guest editorial in Ogden's Standard Examiner

That's it, Enough Said!

RALLY FOR HENRY, AGAIN

If you would like to be on the "Rally for Henry, Again" Committee e-mail your contact information to utahamicus@aol.com

The inevitable result of too much power

SALT LAKE CITY – The chairman of the Democratic Party of Utah responded Wednesday to a report from the Utah State Auditor that found several misuses of public money at the Mountainland Applied Technology College, most of which illegally benefited former campus president Robert Brems and the Utah Republican Party.

“When you have had unchallenged power in place for too long, arrogance and abuse of power is the inevitable result,” said Wayne Holland, chair of the Utah Democratic Party. “That’s especially the case with Republicans in Utah County.

“Curt Bramble is a leader of the Republican Party. He knows it’s against the law to spend public money to get people to vote for your side. But it doesn’t seem to matter. Utahns are starting to ask how these people can be held accountable.”

Go Henry!

Henry is my buddy who was tortured by Marc C. Vincent because Vincent was jealous of Henry. When Vincent attacked Henry with a leaf blower Henry lost an eye. In another episode of torture Vincent baked Henry in an oven.

Luckily Henry survived and as you can see he is also a sweetheart.

Today the Utah State Legislature is re-visiting Henry's puppy torture bill. I like and agree with what JM Bell had to say about this legislation.

Let's hope our State legislature does what is right and votes to make heinous acts of torture on our animal friends and family the felony it should be (the first time ).

I love you Henry, and thanks for the kiss.

Play Ball!

Davis Demos and GOP to battle on the ballfield

SYRACUSE — Davis County Democrats and Republicans will take to the diamond Saturday for their second annual softball game.

The contest will begin at 7 p.m. at Syracuse Founders Park, 1500 S. 1900 West in Syracuse.

Davis Republicans chairman Ben Horsley said the game was a big hit in 2006. In that game, the Republicans soundly beat the Democrats in a defeat not unlike election night for partisan offices, Horsley said.

But Davis County Democrats chairman Richard Watson said the game was tied until the last inning, when the Republicans took a 10-run lead.

"It just wasn't right," Watson said.

This year, Watson said, he is looking for some heavy hitters to join his team. Horsley said his team is nearly full.

For more information, call Watson at 801-540-3146 or Horsley at 801-529-4387.

UDP News Release: Support sought for ‘home away from home’ for families of vets

SALT LAKE CITY – Safe, comfortable, and affordable housing for families of veterans being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS) may soon become a reality, but only if Utahns demonstrate their support, said John Forsman, chairman of the Veterans Caucus of the Utah Democratic Party.

The medical center’s Salt Lake City campus is one of 10 recommended sites for construction of a VA Fisher House, which would provide home-away-from home accommodations.

“This is one of those projects that the whole state can get behind,” said Ray Bachiller, chairman of Fisher House/Utah.

“Many of our returning service members need intensive physical and occupational rehabilitation,” said Brian Westfield, VASLCHCS acting director. “Locating a Fisher House on our medical center campus will enable our patients to focus on their treatment and permit them to receive the full benefit of our extensive world-class care.”

The VA Fisher House will be a 21-guest suite, 16,000 square foot, two-story home, located on the southwestern portion of the medical center campus. The facility will include common kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious dining room, living room with library, and toys for children.

Fisher Houses are built through public donations and contributions from the Fisher House Foundation.

“If the community demonstrates strong support for a Fisher House by raising at least $500,000 in matching construction funds, the Fisher House Foundation will prepare a proposal for the approval by the Fisher House Foundation Board of Trustees. The proposal will include developing an architectural plan for the proposed Fisher House,” said Don Willis, Community Fund Raising Committee Champion for Fisher House/Utah.

The Fisher House Foundation will review the 10 newly recommended locations to determine sites for Fisher House construction in 2008 and 2009.

VASLCHCS treated 39,781 veterans last year, accounting for more than 400,500 outpatient visits and nearly 5,500 hospitalizations.

Contact:

• Ray Bachiller, chairman, Community Fund Raising Committee @ 801-430-8762 or bachiller1@aol,com
• Don Willis, Community Fund Raising Committee Champion, (801) 209-5765
• John Forsman, chairman, Veterans Caucus, Utah Democratic Party, (801) 560-5982, jfforsman7@xmission.com

Tom Barberi

I spoke too soon!

It is with a great degree of disappointment that I have to report that the plans for KALL returning to it's former self have been axed. The owners of KALL, Dave Checketts group, have decided they want to keep KALL an all sports station. I had been working with the management of Simmons Media, who will operate KALL, to revive KALL to it's former self. I was led to believe this was a done deal only to be informed now that it was not to be.

I want to thank all of you for being so supportive of the return of KALL and my show. I feel like I have let down a lot of people so know I will continue to work to get my show back on the air.

Deseret Morning News: Pro-voucher poll called 'despicable'

N.Y.-based surveyors tie referendum foes to gays

By Tiffany Erickson
Deseret Morning News
Published: Aug. 18, 2007 12:31 a.m. MDT

Education campaigns on both sides of the private school voucher issue are in full swing, with opponents and proponents racing to get their message out before the November referendum vote.

But some Utahns say the pro-voucher Parents for Choice in Education has gone too far and have digressed from the issue in a push poll conducted this week.

"Utahns will see through what amounts to despicable and desperate tactics," said Wayne Holland, chairman of the Utah Democratic Party in a statement released Thursday. "We urge both sides in the voucher debate to publicly renounce the use of push polling."

This week surveyors, who say they represent a New York City-based firm called Central Marketing, are calling Utahns and asking them to respond to such questions as: "If you knew that the same group that opposes vouchers, the liberal national teacher's union, aggressively supports same-sex unions, higher taxes and more government involvement, would you be very or somewhat more or less likely to vote for or against the Utah referendum?"

Leaders of Parents for Choice in Education said they use the polls to gauge public opinion for internal campaign purposes.

"It certainly does look like an attempt to change subject — I think they recognize that if the debate is about merit of voucher bill itself, then we win," said Lisa Johnson, spokesperson for Utahns for Public Schools and anti-voucher group made up of state leaders, the Utah Education Association and the PTA.

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Johnson said she has heard complaints about the surveys.

"When it comes down to it most people would rather see the money invested in public schools where 96 percent of the kids go and they really don't want this voucher program which is fundamentally flawed and really isn't going to help that many Utah families," she said.

But vouchers supporters say it is important for voters to understand the positions taken by they National Education Association, the entity that is driving the agenda of the UEA, said Elisa Clements Peterson, executive director of Parents for Choice in Education.

"Many Utahns would be shocked to know all the issues and positions that are promoted by the National Education Association, Peterson said.

"It's important for voters to understand that the UEA and the NEA take many position contrary to the average Utah voter such as promoting gay and lesbian rights, reproductive freedom or abortion rights and other things that many Utahns would be opposed to," she said.

For their part, voucher opponents say they want to stick to the real issue: vouchers. "We have one issue that we are concerned about, and that's vouchers, so questions that are tangential like that are not our concern," Johnson said.

The voucher program, which was approved by the Legislature this past spring, would provide Utah families with a private-school tuition voucher ranging from $500 to $3,000 per student based on the parents' income.

It also would appropriate $9.2 million for mitigation money to hold schools harmless for five years after a student leaves and goes to a private school.

The anti-voucher group Utahns for Public Schools successfully gathered enough signatures for a referendum that would allow Utahns to decide whether they want a voucher program. As a result, the law is now on hold pending a Nov. 6 vote that will determine if the measure will stay on the books.

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com

School Vouchers Make Sense?

Desperate school voucher supporters try to link voucher opposition to gay marriage

Parents for Choice in Education already running dirty tricks in voucher campaign

'Dirty' tricks begin in school voucher battle

Pro-Voucher Forces Get Pathetic

When Parents for Choice in Education calls...

Maybe it should be School Vouchers Make Scents!

What a great photo!

Utah Democratic Chair Wayne Holland Jr., Senator Barack Obama, and Katie Holland

Photo taken and submitted by Sheryl Ginsberg

What Happened Dick?

You actually had it right.

Cheney in 1994 on Iraq

Daily Herald: Former UVSC Republican will run for house as Dem

ALAN CHOATE - Daily Herald

Bryan Horn, the former president of the UVSC College Republicans, was working for a Democratic congressional candidate in the last election cycle. One night while putting out campaign signs, he saw other placards that read, "Vote your values. Vote Republican."

Those signs were ubiquitous by election day. And as Horn talked to people on behalf of his candidate, someone asked him, "Aren't you very offended by those signs?"

And he was, Horn responded: "I said, 'Actually, yes.' "

That began a process that culminates Saturday with an announcement that Horn, 25, will seek a seat in the Utah House of Representatives next year -- running as a Democrat.

"My mind had been made up during the '06 general (election)," he said. The Republican Party "is not the party that I love, that I'm used to."

Horn plans to challenge state Rep. Craig Frank, R-Pleasant Grove, for the District 57 seat Frank's held since 2003.

In doing so, he faces the uphill fight shared by all Democratic candidates who try to attract voters in Utah County, which consistently polls strongly Republican.

That's why he's starting so early.

"I'm just getting that head start so I can knock on all the doors," Horn said. "You've got to have the name recognition. I know my name is sort of out there. ... But among the general population, they wouldn't know me from a hole in the ground."

Frank was appointed to the seat and was unopposed for re-election in 2004 and 2006. While Horn's kickoff "seems a little premature," Frank said, he welcomes having a challenger.

"I've encouraged a couple of other people to run against me in the past," he said. "It's good for the process. Hopefully, this will bring more people out."

Still, he noted that only a small percentage of voters in his district are Democrats: "It seems to pose little threat."

Horn has been in the public eye a little bit in the four years he's lived in Utah.

In 2005, Horn helped organize a "Protect the Pledge" rally at Utah Valley State College that featured Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and several GOP lawmakers from Utah County. It was in protest of a court ruling saying the addition of the words "under God" turned the Pledge of Allegiance into a religious statement that ran afoul of the constitutional ban on government promotion of a certain religion.

He also worked on the GOP congressional campaign of John Jacob. It was only after Jacob lost the Republican primary last year that Horn when to work for a Democratic candidate.

Though he does have differences on specific issues with Frank, Horn also said he wants to challenge the idea that Republicans will always win in Utah County.

He understands the roots of that belief firsthand.

"I unfortunately fell into the trap that so many do, that you can't be a good Mormon if you're in another party," Horn said. "The GOP here for some reason has instilled this fear in citizens that if you don't vote Republican, you will lose your job, you will lose your church calling, you will lose your family.

"I would like someone to explain why. The glorious thing about our country is that we have a multiparty system."

Horn said school vouchers are "so wrong for Utah" and predicted that voters will reject the proposed program at the polls later this year. He also said he favors legislation that would recognize and protect domestic partnerships.

"I don't think there's any Republican in the state who's even close to supporting on this issue," he said.

Frank, meanwhile, labels himself a supporter of school vouchers "and any other choice mechanism." He voted in favor of both the voucher bills that passed the Legislature earlier this year.

He also said he'd oppose recognition of domestic partnerships: "I'm a staunch supporter of the conservative principles of the traditional family."

Bryan Horn campaign announcement

7 p.m. Saturday

Cascade Social Center

800 North in Orem near the mouth of Provo Canyon

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.

President James E. Faust has gone home

Salt Lake Tribune: James E. Faust, second counselor to LDS President Hinckley, dies at 87

Deseret News: President James E. Faust dies at 87

Deseret News: President James E. Faust timeline

Standard Examiner: LDS Leader Faust dies at 87

LDS.org: President James E. Faust Passes Away

JM Bell: LDS President James E. Faust passed away last night

Centerville Citizen: James E. Faust -- A liberal in the best sense

Utah Democratic Party: Press Release

ksl.com: President James E. Faust Passes Away

WTOPnews.com: LDS President James E. Faust Passes Away

HULIQ.com: LDS President James E. Faust Passes Away

Associated Content: Senior Mormon Leader James E. Faust Dies at Age 87

Deseret News: We shall not see one like him again

kutv.com: LDS Second Counselor James E. Faust Dies At 87

ABC4.com: James E. Faust, member of LDS First Presidency passes away at 87

Fox13: LDS Church Official Faust Dies at 87

Deseret News: President James E. Faust timeline

LDS Church News: President James E. Faust Dies at 87

Deseret Morning News: The measure of a great man

DNews: President Faust's biographer recalls quiet but wise man

DNews: Pres. Faust's loving public persona was just the same as his private one

DNews: Pres Faust funeral set for Tuesday

DNews: Timeline: some important events in the life of President James E. Faust

DNews: Funeral arrangements for President James E. Faust

DNews: Leader had 'Rich. righteous life

DNews: Elder Ballard remembers President Faust as 'example'

DNews: President Faust served more than two decades on Deseret News Board

DNews: Officials mourn President Faust's passing

DNews: Political and legal figures give praise

DNews: Newspaper board remembers service

DNews: Remembering President James E. Faust

DNews: Video: Biography of President James E. Faust

DNews: Pres. Faust funeral set for Tuesday

DNews: Quotes from the ministry of President James E. Faust

DNews: Thousands gather to say farewell to President James E. Faust

Salt Lake Tribune: James E. Faust: LDS leader lead a life of devotion and faith

James E. Faust - 1920 - 2007

My favorite LDS Democrat has died. God bless him.

*********

James E. Faust, the 87-year-old second counselor to LDS President Gordon B.Hinckley, died today. He was 87.

James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidencyof the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died today.Church officials say the 87-year-old died at 12:20 a.m. He reportedly passed away surrounded by his family.

Church officials say he died of "causes incident to age." Faust had served in the church's governing First Presidency since 1995,and had been a general authority of the faith for 35 years. He had previously served four years as an Assistant to the Twelve (the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest presiding body) before being appointed a member of the presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy(other senior leaders in the Church) on 1 October 1976. His most recent assignments include vice chairman of the Church Board ofEducation; the board of trustees of Brigham Young University; the Welfare Services Executive Committee; and Deseret Management Corporation.

He was born 31 July 1920, in Delta, Utah. He participated as a member ofthe University of Utah track team in 1938 and ran the quarter-mile and mile relay. His college career was interrupted first to serve as a missionary forthe Church in Brazil and later by World War II, during which he served inthe U.S. Army Air Corps and was discharged as a first lieutenant. In 1948 hegraduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's and Juris Doctor degree. He began thepractice of law in Salt Lake City and continued until his appointment as ageneral authority of the Church in 1972.

He served as a member of the Utah Legislature (Democrat) from 1949 to 1951, as an advisor to the American Bar Journal, and president of the Utah Bar Association in 1962-1963. U.S. He received the Distinguished Lawyer Emeritus Award from the Utah Bar Association in 1995. In August of 1997, he received an Honorary Doctors Degree of Christian Service from Brigham Young University.

He was honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the University of Utah in 1999, and was awarded the Honorary Order of the Coif at Brigham YoungUniversity in 2000. In 2002, he was given the Marion G. Romney Distinguished Service Award by Brigham Young University Law School, and he was awarded an Honorary Doctors of Law degree by the University of Utah. President John F. Kennedy appointed him to the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights in 1962. In 1998 President Faust received a Brazilian national citizenship award- an honor given to only a select few world leaders -- and was awarded honorary citizenship of the city of Sao Paulo. Married to the former Ruth Wright of Salt Lake City, they are theparents of two daughters and three sons. They have 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, called Faust a "great asset to this community."He was a compassionate man and a great teacher," said the congressman,who is on the scene of the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster. "This is a great loss."

Mission Acomplished

John J. Marlor
1918 ~ 2007

John K. Marlor and I first met in 1989. We have been on many great adventures together and we have shared a almost two decade obsession for playing video games with, and against, each other. The one time John was actually beating me at Super Mario Cart he had a heart attack.

Over the years I was fortunate enough to also get to know John's mom, dad, children, girlfriends, and pound puppies.

John's father was given an honorable discharge after eight months of service in the Army so he could enlist into the Army Air Corps during the second world war to serve as a plane mechanic.

John J. passed into eternity just hours before his wife Ruth's birthday so he could give her an early birthday present.

John Junior Marlor was also a life long Republican.

He will be missed.

John J. Marlor, 88 passed away August 6, 2007 in Salt Lake City, UT from incidents resulting from a stroke.He was born in Magna, UT on December 21, 1918 to John and Eunice V. Marlor. Served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Married Ruth Louise Kinney in Salt Lake City, UT on September 14, 1946.

John worked for John Deere for 17 years and then for Arnold Machinery until retirement. Volunteered at the LeeKay Center (Division of Wildlife Resources) giving over 10,000 hours in volunteer service. He was an avid outdoorsman especially when it came to fishing. He loved a great cup of coffee in the morning and an even better Scotch in the evening.

John is survived by his son, John K., Salt Lake; daughter Tammy Fife (Ken), Sandy; sisters Vivian Jacobsen, Helper; Jean Hunt, Kearns, and Beverly Elmen, Kearns; grandson Jason J. Marlor, Pennsylvania, and granddaughter Jamie N. Marlor, Maryland. Preceded in death by brother Keith, and wife, Ruth. Viewing will be held Thursday August 9th from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Friday at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 So. Highland Drive Salt Lake City. Services will be held Friday August 10th 2007 at 2 p.m. Graveside tribute immediately after services.

Congressman Jim Matheson Says Mine Rescue is His Focus

Salt Lake City, UT-Congressman Jim Matheson issued the following statement regarding the mine rescue operation underway in Emery County, Utah:

"Families and friends of the trapped miners still don't know the outcome of their loved ones. I remain focused on ensuring that all conceivable efforts are made to locate the men. After meeting with the families in Huntington yesterday, and speaking personally with the Mine Safety and Health Administration secretary, I am confident that the experts are leaving no stone unturned in this regard. I will return to Emery County Thursday and I expect to be updated at that time. The people of Emery County are an inspiration to all of us, as they come together to support each other during this difficult event."

You missed a lot if you missed the Utah Democratic JJ Celebration and organizing convention

From The Message of Utah Democrats

Utah Democrats gathered for a weekend to remember on July 13 and 14 to hear presidential candidates Bill Richardson, at the annual Jefferson & Jackson Celebration, and Chris Dodd, at the state organizing convention.

If you weren’t there you missed a chance...

• To see Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson,Peter Corroon, and Rocky Anderson endorse Bill Richardson.
• To meet the person who could possibly be the first native Utahn to live in the White House: Jackie Dodd, who grew up in Orem and met Chris Dodd skiing in Park City.
• To hear a goose-bump-producing rendition of the national anthem performed by Melissa Burridge.
• To hear our congressman, Jim Matheson, explain how elections DO MATTER, at least when Democrats take charge.
• To understand, first hand, what global warming really means (Al Gore, we always knew you were right!).

This year’s Jefferson & Jackson event was held at This Is The Place Heritage Park. It featured New Mexico governor and presidential hopeful Bill Richardson as keynote speaker. Richardson, who has long supported Utah Democrats, attended two receptions before he led a procession down the hill and addressed 700 of the party’s most faithful.

Richardson’s oratory received cheers and standing ovations. The SRO crowd seemed energized by his vision for a re-United America.

The Utah State Democratic Convention the next day, July 14, at Skyline High School featured Connecticut senator and presidential hopeful Chris Dodd as keynote speaker – although his wife, Jackie, and their kids threatened to steal the show.

State Party Secretary Xavier Hermosillo called the convention to order at 10:00 a.m. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon presided until delegates unanimously re-elected Chairman Wayne Holland Jr. I was also re-elected.

Former Salt Lake County Chair Megan Risbon was elected treasurer to replace Bob Jurek, who served the party tirelessly as he crisscrossed the state to build a stronger party.

I want to thank all those who attended the JJ Celebration and convention for their commitment and understanding.

We are also grateful to our staff and the volunteers who made these events successful.

The next two years will be exciting. Wayne and I will need your continued support as we build a stronger Democratic Party of Utah.

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and Governor Bill Richardson

Mike Bills and Governor Richardson

Phil and Peggy Bernal

Sunni and Aaron Thompson

Ralph Becker and Keith Christensen

That's how to do it!

Senator Fred and Ila Rose Fife

Archie Archeletta as Father Escalante

Rod Decker ambushes Governor Richardson

Gov. Richardson with the Hermosillo Family

Roger and Sara McConkie

Gov. Richardson and Suzanne Benitez

Wayne and Katie Holland

Gov. Richardson, Nichole Adams Dunn, and Max

Megan Risbon

Scott and Robyn Matheson

Former Congressman Bill Orton and Rep. Phil Riesen

Walking down Main Street

UDP Chair Wayne Holland Jr.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon introduces Gov. Richardson

The best presidential stump speech I've heard so far

Rep. David Litvack

SLCSpin's Ethan Millard and Emily

JM and Brenda Bell

Jackie Dodd

Van Arthur and Bethanie Newby

UPD Developmental Director Tika Beard

Jody, Colt, and Maggie Smith

Adam Ford, Zell McGee, Rep. Roz McGee, and me

Thomas Jefferson, Emily Hollingshead, and Andrew Jackson