From Sam's Blog: A Thanksgiving Message from Sam Granato, candidate for United States Senate

During this season of gratitude I need to send out my appreciation for you as members and supporters of the Utah Democratic Party. Your support of our campaign for United States Senate is truly at the top of my list of things I am grateful for during this time of reflection.

As I spend time traveling around our great state, I am continually impressed with your integrity, straightforward thinking and vision.

As I reflect on this Thanksgiving holiday and its history, one of the most important aspects of this tradition is it began as a gathering of people from different cultures and backgrounds who came together in a spirit of humility and gratitude for one another and for the obstacles that together they were able to overcome. The vision they portrayed, which laid a foundation for our country, is the same vision I bring to serving the residents of Utah. The same cooperation and work ethic shown by the pilgrims and Native Americans is essential as we strive to move forward and restore common sense to the current political atmosphere.

I give thanks for the example set by those settlers of nearly four centuries ago and to the amazing examples I see from each of you.

I was blessed last night to enjoy the company of my wife, our four children and seven grandchildren as our family gathered early so all of us could be together to give thanks and enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner. I shared with them my love and appreciation for the continued joy within our home and my wish for yours. Together we can overcome obstacles and work to instill a feeling of strength, integrity and peace so needed during these uncertain and too often difficult times.

I look forward to meeting with you over the coming year and hearing your thoughts, aspirations and ideas. Again, I am full of gratitude and love for the great State of Utah and the wonderful people residing within her borders. May you each experience much happiness and many blessings this holiday and always.

Sincerely,

Sam Granato

Candidate for United States Senate

Nikki Said, "Remember the tax revolters of the late 1970s? Like today's conservatives,...

Found on Nikki's facebook: "Remember the tax revolters of the late 1970s? Like today's conservatives, they promised us tax relief and virtually every state in this country embraced the trickle down snake oil they were selling by "cutting"taxes. Now, low income Americans pay more than 10% of their income instate and local taxes and the wealthy pay 5.2% of their income. That went well, didn't it?"

What Ever Happened to the Good Times the Tax-Cutters Promised?

You don’ have to dig particularly deep, in the United States today, to find some striking similarities between today’s virulently anti-Obama “Tea Party” crowd and the media darlings who birthed the “Tax Revolt” phenomenon back in the late 1970s.

The Tax Revolters burst onto the national scene amid an inflation-battered economy. They blamed “big government” for what ailed America, and they offered a simple remedy: cut taxes. Lower taxes, they promised, would get average Americans back on track.

The Tea Party zealots have, like the Tax Revolters, also coalesced in tough economic times. They attack “big government,” too. They even make the same promises about taxes.

But the Tea Party types, so far at least, haven’t scored any early political success...

More here!

Congratulations to the 2009 MLS Champions, ReAL Salt Lake!

RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando was instrumental in getting his club to MLS Cup 2009. (Getty Images)

Party Lines - Will SLC’s policy on discrimination influence the Legislature? By Todd Weiler, Davis County Republican

I support Salt Lake’s non-discrimination ordinances as they concern the right of people to have a roof over their heads and to work free of discrimination. According to the LDS Church’s statement read at the meeting, “the city has granted common-sense rights that should be available to everyone, while safeguarding the crucial rights of religious organizations.” The Church supported the ordinances because “it is fair and reasonable and does not do violence to the institution of marriage. [The] church believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree – in fact, especially when we disagree.”

It is too early to know what impact the Church’s statement will have on the Legislature, but I suspect that many lawmakers will remain weary of passing any bills that grant special protections based on sexual orientation.

Conservatives do not want to elevate homosexual rights to a “suspect classification” under the law, which would entitle them to extra protections. When allegedly discriminatory laws are challenged, courts must determine whether to apply a “rational basis” or “strict scrutiny” standard of review. If a court applies the lenient rational basis standard, the law is presumed valid and upheld if it bears some relationship to a legitimate interest. Under the more stringent strict scrutiny, however, the law is presumed to be invalid. So it is much easier to get a law struck down if the court applies strict scrutiny.

In the past, courts have determined that gender, religion, and race were all suspect classifications. Gay rights activists have been working overtime trying to get the courts to recognize sexual orientation as a suspect class, which would lead to laws defining marriage as between a man and a woman to be struck down.

Before Proposition 8, the California Supreme Court applied strict scrutiny to the California Equal Protection Clause and struck down a law that prevented same sex marriages. It determined that the marriage statutes made a distinction based on sexual orientation, which requires additional protection. Finding that homosexuals had been subject to past discrimination, the court held that sexual orientation is a core part of personhood and has no bearing on whether someone can be a productive member of society. California was the first to conclude that sexual orientation is a suspect classification triggering strict scrutiny.

By supporting the two ordinances, the Church made good on last year’s promise to “not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.” It may have also stolen some of the thunder from news anchor Reed Cowan’s upcoming movie about the Church’s activism against gay marriage.

The Church is attempting to walk a fine line that respects fundamental rights of all people without affording a special legal status to homosexuals. Only time will tell if it is successful.

Party Lines - Will SLC’s policy on discrimination influence the Legislature? By Rob Miller, Davis County Democrat

On Nov. 10, 2009, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints declared its support for nondiscrimination ordinances that will extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction. Moments later the Salt Lake City Council unanimously approved the measures.

Like the Church, I agree and embrace Salt Lake City’s new nondiscrimination ordinances. I also believe that Church spokesperson and managing director of Church Public Affairs, Michael Otterson, hit the nail on the head when he said, “I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree — in fact, especially when we disagree.”

Can you imagine how much more we could accomplish in government and politics if all citizens of the United States would embrace human dignity, in treating each other with respect, especially when we disagree?

When the Clipper gave us this topic not only did they ask if we agreed with the enactment of this new policy, they also asked, “Does it go far enough and what chance do you give it to pass in the Legislature?

Although I believe that the Salt Lake County Council has taken a giant step against discrimination for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender) residents in Salt Lake City, the passing of these ordinances is not enough. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Anything good is sharable”, and it is my hope that our state will take Salt Lake City’s example and make that example the model for statewide legislation. It is also my hope that our state will strengthen “hate crimes” legislation for its LGBT residents.

Unfortunately, a political insider’s poll conducted by Utah Policy.com that asked the question, “Given the LDS Church’s support of the Salt Lake City ordinance, will one or more of the Common Ground initiatives backed by Equality Utah, which advocate basic legal protections for gays and lesbians, pass the Utah Legislature in 2010?” shows that 58.8 percent of GOP insiders and 68 percent of Democratic Party insiders believe that these initiatives that were supported by then governor, Jon Huntsman, Jr. will not pass.

Of course things can change, and it is my hope that they will, but even with LDS Church support there are conservative groups like the Sutherland Institute, Standard of Liberty and the notorious America Forever who are attempting to confuse the issue by stating that the Church was being less than honest with its support by asserting that the Church’s statement was just an “Entity” trying to protect itself. I disagree with that accusation and I cannot understand how these “Entities” can look themselves in the mirror since I have never known Church officials to speak and not mean exactly what they have said.

By the way, this column is dedicated to my adopted aunt, Teresa Trujillo, the late Kirby Hook, and Bryan Horn, three people who have shown me great love, friendship and understanding throughout my life.

In my heart they are members of my family, and they just happen to also be members of the LGBT community.

Bob Van Velkinburgh responds to Todd Weiler's position on climate change

The following a response to Republican Todd Weiler's Davis County Clipper column titled, Is rising disbelief over global warming alarming or good?, was submitted by Davis County Democrat, Bob Van Velkinburgh. 

I know Todd Weiler and he is a pretty good country lawyer, but he is no scientist. Todd's article in the Davis Clipper, November 5, approaches the subject of global warming in a lawyer-like way. Quoting reputable journals and magazines is supposed to give credence to his argument that there is no such thing as global warming. Measuring temperature changes sixty years ago to support his idea of global cooling ignores the advancements in climatology technology. We cannot ignore the clearly evident changes we see in receding glaciers all over the world, the breaking up of the Antarctic ice shelf, and the dying coral reefs which are caused by increased acidity of our oceans (due to absorption of carbon dioxide). In 2001, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that the panel, consisting of hundreds of scientists and reviewers, "asserts with near certainty-more than 90 percent confidence-that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from human activities have been the main causes of warming in the past half century."

If nine out of ten doctors told you that you have cancer, are you going to believe that the one doctor who said you don't have cancer is right? Thus, if over 90 percent of the scientists polled confirm global warming and that it is caused by human activity, who are you going to believe? While Todd is entitled to his opinion, he is not entitled to his own facts. So Todd, don't quit your day job.

Bob Van Velkinburgh

Preview of this Thursday's Davis County Clipper "Party Lines" Column

"...but even with LDS Church support there are conservative groups like the Sutherland Institute, Standard of Liberty and the notorious America Forever who are attempting to confuse the issue by stating that the Church was being less than honest with its support by asserting that the Church’s statement was just an “Entity” trying to protect itself."

Check out the Davis County Clipper's "Party Lines" with Democrat Rob Miller and Republican Todd Weiler this Thursday. 

The Liberal/Conservative Scripture Test

On November 12, 2009  Paul Rolly wrote a column titled, The word 'liberal' in Utah statutes? Republicans to the rescue , where he explained a movement by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, and Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield to examine the use of the word "Liberally" in the Utah State Constitution.

On November 14, Mr. Rolly wrote another column titled, Eagle Forum may be behind urge to purge 'liberal' words from Legislature rules, where Paul said:

Now I'm wondering if the idea was channeled to the committee's conservative co-chairs, Sen. Howard Stephenson and Rep. Curt Oda, through Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzika.

The idea of potentially purging the word "liberal" from state rules and laws seems eerily similar to Conservapedia's "Bible Project," which urges volunteers to peruse the Bible for language promoting a liberal agenda.

I'm not making this up.

I have actually posted this before but due to Mr. Rolly's two columns I thought I might share this truth with my Conservative friends on Capitol Hill.

Simply follow my directions and let's see what we discover, together:

• Go to lds.org.
• Go to the search menu at the top of the website, hit search and then pick scriptures.
• Type in the word "Liberal or "Liberally" and hit search.

Did you notice how many times the word "Liberal" is used as in a positive context?

• Now, type in the word "Conservative" and hit search.

Did you notice that the word "Conservative" comes up with zero results?

Well, there it is folks, in the scriptures the word "Conservative" simply doesn't exsist.

So, what do you think of that?

Rep. Carl Wimmer says, "I won't run a bill that tells local communities and religious organizations to shove it, but if someone else does, count me in!"

From the Salt Lake Tribune: House Speaker David Clark, R-Santa Clara, said the press has been more active in talking about a possible legislative repeal than lawmakers themselves. But he said it would be "interesting" to watch how the church's statement moves public opinion.

"History has proven that the side of the issue [church officials] take has public-opinion sway," Clark said. "Public-opinion sway has a sway on legislators."

At least one legislator isn't swayed. Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, said he does not plan to run a repeal bill himself, but he would vote for one if someone else does. 

Click here to read: Salt Lake City adopts pro-gay statutes -- with LDS Church support

Photo: Paul Mero, Rick Koerber, and Rep. Carl Wimmer

President Obama at the Fort Hood Memorial

Rep. Wimmer's apology

On a earlier post titled, "You said it, I didn't..." I put up what I thought was a screen shot from State House Representative Carl Wimmer's twitter page.

Two of the tweets were from Rep. Wimmer's page.

One was not.

A State Party staffer received an e-mail shortly after the first two tweets were posted  by Rep. Wimmer.  Attached to this e-mail was a screen shot with a third tweet connected to the first two tweets where Rep. Wimmer taunted the State Democratic Party twitter account.  When I went to twitter to see if the screen shot we had received was real I could not find Rep. Wimmer's page.  I'm pretty new to twitter and I truly believed that Rep. Wimmer had locked me out like he had stated in his tweet to the State Party, but the truth is I suck at the Internets, and I separated his first and last name in the twitter search and did not find his page (BTW, Craig couldn't find it either).

Later that day I felt vindicated when the first two tweets from Rep. Wimmer disappeared from his twitter account. I was so sure that Rep. Wimmer had just pulled a "Shurtleff" I even called Paul Rolly and told him to have some fun with it, but after receiving a message from Rep. Wimmer, I wasn't so sure.

I contacted Rep. Wimmer on facebook and we agreed to meet and discuss what had happened.

After many days of trying to contact the graphic artist who had sent the e-mail to HQ I received a message that stated that she had manufactured the graphic, but that she had only meant it as a joke.

Well, the joke is on me. I should have covered my bases better.

A few weeks later I finally met with Rep. Wimmer who was very friendly and understanding when I explained what had happened, but even so, I still owe Rep. Wimmer an open apology.

Rep. Wimmer, I apologize and I am solely responsible, but even so, I still hope that Paul Rolly is gentle with me.

I know that the First Amendment gives me the Constitutional Right to say anything and/or make fun of any elected official I choose, but my personal integrity and honesty is more important to me than hiding behind that right when I have made a mistake and/or have made a false accusation.

That is why it is important to make my amends with Rep. Wimmer, and you .

BTW, Thanks mom.

Working Together

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Former Utah Senate Minority Leader, Scott N. Howell, to address the Weber and Davis County Democrats

Former State Senator and Democratic nominee for the United States Senate, Scott N. Howell, will address the Weber and Davis County Democrats this Saturday (November 14) at the Golden Corral Restaurant located at 988 Washington Blvd in Ogden, Utah at 8:30 a.m.

Scott will be accompanied by current U.S. Senate candidate Sam Granato.

This casual breakfast is open to everyone including the press. 

Not only is Scott a great speaker, but he has been a true friend and mentor, and I can assure you that this is a breakfast you won't want to miss. 

Hope to see you there!

Scott N. Howell Biography

IBM Policy Director/Executive, Public Sector

Utah State Senator (1990 - 2000)

United States Senate Candidate (Utah) 2000

Scott has been employed by IBM for more than 30 years working in various marketing and sales leadership assignments. Currently he serves as Director/Executive in IBM’s Public Sector, managing the Economic Stimulus (ARRA Legislation) Strategies for the U.S.

Previously he served as the Client Director for the State of California Public Sector, responsible for annual revenues exceeding $500 million. His responsibilities involve information technology and its relationship to governments and educational institutions worldwide to increase effectiveness and efficiency. By coupling his professional and political expertise, Scott is able to provide innovative, visionary, and practical solutions to the countless challenges posed by government/education infrastructure and processes. His ability to effectively communicate, work collaboratively and creatively have helped him to achieve significant success during his business and political ventures.

In 2003 Scott completed a year of Harvard Executive Education to become an “IBM Certified Professional.” In 2006 Scott completed the IBM certification and became a “Master Deal Maker.” MDM was taught at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Scott served in the Utah State Senate for three terms, eight of these as the Senate Democratic Leader. With his effective leadership, Senator Howell used his unique combination of legislative and professional skills to streamline government through effective technology implementation. Through his leadership and influence, Utah became one of the first states to utilize online government services through portals. Vehicle registration and the use of digital signatures for online documents became a reality for the state. A "lifelong learner" advocate, Scott capitalized his business skills, focusing on creative solutions to the challenges of education. He championed the cause by passing legislation to bring millions of dollars of technological equipment to the classroom, to reduce class size, and to include kindergarten as an integral part of the public school curriculum. His unique skills were utilized on other critical issues such as health care, transportation, public safety, and tax reform. Legislative committee assignments included Health and Human Services, Education, Government Innovation, Transportation, and Olympic Sports Authority. Senator Howell served as the ranking member of the Executive Appropriations Committee responsible for fiscal appropriations of Utah's $800 million annual budget.

Internationally, Scott is a “Smart Communities” advocate, working to shape the future of the world’s community governments in today’s global technology revolution, having consulted with governments of Australia, Japan, Italy, Latvia, and China.

National memberships include the Harvard Policy Group at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, the United States Internet Council (Board Member), and the Democratic Leadership Council. Scott also served as an officer in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and was nominated to and attended the Darden School of Business (University of Virginia) education program for leaders and “rising stars.” While in Utah, Scott served on the "2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee". In 1992 he was appointed as a Board Member to the "Intermountain Health Care" organization and served until 2002.

In 2007 Scott was appointed as a Trustee to the Board for Sutter Health. He also serves as the President of the Granite Bay High School Lacrosse Organization and is a Director on the GBHS Booster Club.

Scott's verbal communication skills and ability to connect with large audiences keep him in demand as a popular guest speaker at numerous Technology/Government conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Scott Howell’s entire life has focused on strengthening his business, community, state, and country. His past has taught him compassion and an awareness that assistance can only be rendered through effective, long-term solutions, not quick fixes. While serving in the Senate, he rapidly acquired a reputation as “the master of constituent services”. Genuinely caring for others he tirelessly worked to assist his constituents in finding solutions to their challenges. Quality organizational skills, the ability to build consensus, promote teamwork, and implement problem solving solutions, distinguish him as a "Top Performer" in business and political climates.

Scott attended Dixie State College in Southern Utah on a football scholarship, and he graduated from the University of Utah in Political Science. He and his wife, Linda, are the parents of four sons. Among the many positions and titles that Scott has achieved, the one that he cherishes most is "dad".

 

My pal Milt has left the convention...

Milton Earl Saathoff 10/10/1923 ~ 11/4/2009 Milton Earl Saathoff, age 86, passed away on November 4, 2009 in Salt Lake City.He was born on October 10, 1923 in Magna, Utah to Stephen James and Susan Ann White Saathoff. Milton graduated from West High School in 1940. He served two years in the U.S. Navy aboard a Destroyer in the Pacific.He was an active member of the Democratic Party and a Lobbyist for the Senior Citizen Group and AFL-CIO Retirees for many years. Milton was a Past Master of Wasatch Lodge No.1, 32º KCCH Scottish Rite Mason, York Rite Mason and a Noble in El Kalah Shrine. Milton is survived by his wife Beverly of 60 years, daughter Susan Tanner-D'Amico (Dan), grandsons David Tanner, Robert Langford, and Tyler Simons, sister Dorothy Jameson and brother Aaron. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kristine and two sisters. Masonic Funeral services will be conducted by the officers and members of Wasatch Lodge No. 1 at Evans and Early Mortuary at 574 East 100 South at 12 Noon on Monday, November 9, 2009. Viewing will be from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2009 and one hour prior to services. Interment is at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery, 3115 East 7800 So. (Bengal Blvd). Arrangements entrusted to Evans & Early Mortuary.

From Andrew McCullough's Blog - The Tea Party Crowd (Really isn't the Tea Party Crowd)

"I attended a "tea party" event this summer in Salt Lake. I had been promised, as Libertarian Party Chair, that I would get to speak. Then they changed their minds; but it was not the simple anti-tax rally that I had hoped it would be. It was filled with the kind of narrow minded propaganda which we hear every day from Shawn Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Senator Chris Buttars. These are not my people, and I was not comfortable there. One speaker actually quoted the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which makes all people born in this country natural citizens. The comment brought loud boos from the anti-immigrant crowd, who accused the speaker of being stupid or crazy. Well, guys, that is what the Constitution says -- read it for yourself. No amount of yelling can change that. "

To read Andrew's entire and interesting post click here!

"Alcohol and Pregenacy Don't Mix" Video from Yesterday's Press Conference

DABC Chairman Sam Granato - Part One

Dr. David Sundall - Part Two

Dr. Susan Lewin - Part Three

Terra Daniel - Mother of a 5-year old adopted daughter with FASD - Part Four

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff - Part Five


Zoe Robbins - Part Six

DABC Chairman Sam Granto - Part Seven

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's comments at today's DABC, "Alcohol and Pregenacy Don't Mix" press conference

 Tomorrow, I will have the entire DABC press conference posted on this blog, but I thought I would post Utah Attorney General  Mark Shurtleff's comments tonight due to the timely nature of his message and recent events.  

News Release: “Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix” New Campaign to Begin in Liquor Stores Across Utah

State of Utah
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL

NEWS ADVISORY


  Julia A. Robertson          Doug Murakami
Program Manager, Pregnancy Risk Line    DABC Alcohol Education Director
Utah Department of Health        Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
801-538-9161      801-977-6820
jrobertson@utah.gov       dmurakami@utah.gov
 
    
“Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix”
New Campaign to Begin in Liquor Stores Across Utah

WHAT:  The DABC, the Departments of Health and Human Services, and the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice have collaborated with the Utah Fetal Alcohol Coalition to raise awareness and reduce the number of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy.

The new campaign includes: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders education cards in English and Spanish placed in all state liquor stores throughout Utah. Liquor store brown bags will also feature the message: “Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix.”

WHY:  Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects in the United States. It increases the risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which includes fetal death, heart defects, facial changes, severe low birth weight, short stature, and brain damage that leads to learning and behavioral problems.

WHO: Speakers include:
      •  Conducting:  Sam Granato, Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
      •  Dr. David Sundwall, Director of the Utah Department of Health
      •  Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, father of adopted children with FASD
      •  Terra Daniel, mother of a 5-year-old adopted daughter with FASD
      •  Dr. Susan Lewin, University of Utah pediatrician who diagnoses FAS and FASD
      •  Zoe Robbins, Director of Nursing for Cottonwood Treatment Center

The next post has video from this press conference. 

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff just announced on facebook that he is suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate

From AG Shurtleff's facebook page:


Mark Shurtleff: Today I suspend my US Senate campaign due to family concerns. I appreciate all the support you have given. http://bit.ly/2xWLZh

From Mark's website: 

Today, I am announcing the suspension of my campaign for the U.S. Senate. This announcement comes with sorrow because I do want to serve my country, and I do believe both political parties have put this nation in grave danger by spending so foolishly that our children and grandchildren will have a difficult time recovering.

I have chosen to take pause because my daughter’s health is very fragile.  She is struggling with emotional issues and has recently been placed in a treatment center.  Her recovery depends on the focus and energy we give her as parents over the next several months.  In the time since I announced my candidacy for the U.S. Senate, she has started experiencing severe mental health problems and is now in a treatment center. M’liss and I have been told by her doctors that we will be needed in numerous counseling sessions to give our daughter a chance of recovery.

Many of you know that I had a serious motorcycle accident a few years ago, and I would have lost my leg if I had not paused and taken the time to receive medical treatment to take care of it. I am not willing to lose my daughter, so I am suspending my campaign to care for her and my family. Most folks understand physical illness; it is my hope that people will learn how serious and dangerous mental illness can be.

I want to thank the thousands of supporters who have been by my side thus far.  I ask for your prayers for my family and specifically my daughter.  We don’t think our trials are any harder than rest of the world’s, but right now, we could use a little extra help.

To the citizens of Utah, rest assured, I will continue to do everything I can as Attorney General
to protect you against identity theft, internet predators and anyone who tries to bring harm to the children and families of this great state.

Sincerely,

Mark Shurtleff

Mark, you, your family and specifically your daughter are in my prayers.  

Vote

If you don't, you can't complain later.

Find out where to go.

Then go.

Now.

Go!

No! No! No! Don't care! No!

Party Lines: Do you think Christians are being deprived of freedom of speech?

We were actually asked, "LDS Apostle Dallin Oaks recently compared the current treatment of the Church as similar to what the Blacks endured during their struggle for civil rights, and was criticized by some for his use of the analogy.  How would you describe the current situation faced by the church?"

I'm not sure I answered the question, but the message is sound, and I want to acknowledge those who helped with this column, Todd Taylor, Patrice Arent, Karen Hale, Wayne Holland, and Sam Granato.

By Rob Miller - Democratic Party

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, member of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently made news by comparing the current treatment of church members who supported California’s Proposition 8 in the 2008 election as similar to what African-Americans endured during their struggle for civil rights.

Regardless of what one thinks about whether the analogy was apt, about the underlying issue of marriage rights, or Elder Oaks’ main thesis that freedom of religion is under attack, there was some wise counsel about how to be civil when debating matters of public concern.

Elder Oaks said that one should “speak with love, always showing patience, understanding and compassion toward adversaries.”

Elder Oaks counseled that one shouldn’t be deterred or coerced into silence by intimidation, but that an individual should insist on his or her constitutional right and duty to participate in elections and debates.

Elder Oaks said that should be accompanied by “a right to expect freedom from retaliation.”

Elder Oaks counseled that we should be wise in one's political participation, including the framing of arguments and positions in respectful ways.

And, finally, Elder Oaks counseled us to be careful never to support or act upon the idea that a person must subscribe to some particular set of religious beliefs in order to qualify for a public office.

To these points, most Americans who desire civil debate of public issues will most certainly agree.

This is not just a California problem. Many Democrats and progressive voters are hopeful that these particular remarks by Elder Oaks might be taken seriously in Utah.

Progressive candidates and their supporters have felt the sting of many instances of intimidation and retaliation from members of the majority party. There has been vandalism. There have been job losses. There has been denial of services. The Salt Lake Tribune has documented far too much of this over the years. And, just days after Elder Oaks’ speech, Sen. Orrin Hatch threatened violence on his constituents to “kick them in the teeth.” He had previously denigrated political opponents as “nutcakes.”

Elder Oaks spoke with courage about his point of view. I am going to follow his lead.

Unfortunately, there is disrespectful commentary nearly every day on KSL Radio. Sean Hannity’s program, which airs for three hours every weekday afternoon, does not show “patience, understanding and compassion toward adversaries.”

KSL Radio certainly has a right to air any programming it chooses. And, Sean Hannity certainly has a right to say whatever he wants to on his program.

However, it is my opinion that this program coming from this source undermines our community in just the ways Elder Oaks admonishes against. KSL Radio can do better and serve our community better if it were to produce more thoughtful, respectful, compassionate and understanding programming on public issues.

We can only hope that Elder Oaks’ remarks produce additional introspection and better action from all sides of every public debate.

The Davis County Clipper's Party Lines: Do you think Christians are being deprived of freedom of speech?

By Todd Weiler - Republican

Having just re-read the text of Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ remarks last week to the students at BYU Idaho, it struck me that a critic would have to stand upside down and shut one eye to see anything offensive in them.

Instead, the liberal media has misquoted and taken Oaks out of context. If you were to rely solely on media reports, you would believe that Oaks equated the 2008 persecution of California Mormons with the 1960s treatment of southern blacks.

But in an address exclusively about religious freedom, Oaks referred to gay marriage as an “alleged civil right” and used the backlash over Proposition 8 as one example of how people have been intimidated merely for exercising their right to vote, as follows: “[T]hese incidents of violence and intimidation are not so much anti-religious as anti-democratic. In their effect they are like the well-known and widely condemned voter-intimidation of blacks in the South that produced corrective federal civil-rights legislation.”

The analogy was limited to the fact that in both instances, anti-democratic voter intimidation methods were employed.

Oaks never suggested that “the vandalism of church facilities and harassment of church members by firings and boycotts of member businesses and by retaliation against donors violence” was on par with the violence and intimidation that was directed at blacks in the South.

Instead, Oaks used the civil rights analogy to emphasize that society has already judged that people should not be punished simply because they chose to participate in a democracy. “These incidents were expressions of outrage against those who disagreed with the gay-rights position and had prevailed in a public contest,” Oaks said.

Oaks suggested that people can learn to disagree without meanness and contention. He maintained that differences should be civilized and consistent with constitutional principles.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Obama-loving, liberal-leaning Keith Olbermann on MSNBC. Olbermann single-handedly proved Oaks’ point when he nominated Oaks for a bronze medal in the “worst people in the world” award. Olbermann suggested that because Mormons were on the wrong side of integration and polygamy, Oaks should “shut the hell up” on subjects like gay marriage.

But Oaks said it best: “[W]e must not be deterred or coerced into silence by the kinds of intimidation I have described. We must insist on our constitutional right and duty to exercise our religion, to vote our consciences on public issues and to participate in elections and debates in the public square and the halls of justice. These are the rights of all citizens and they are also the rights of religious leaders.”

Oaks is right on.

When churches or their members speak out on public issues, they have a right to expect freedom from retaliation. People who seek one public policy or another are not violating the constitutional mandate to separate church and state. Faith and religious principles promote good morals in a democracy, which improves the democracy.

God is Love

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

BREAKING from Sam Granato for United States Senate, "Senator Bennett: A Day Late and A Dollar Short"

Sen. Bennett: A Day Late and A Dollar Short

A Time to Every Purpose: Planning & Implementation

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – Legislation sponsored by United States Senators Robert Bennett (R-UT) and David Vitter (R-LA) would require the Census Bureau to amend questionnaires for the 2010 census to include a question to determine legal status and citizenship.

According to Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Chair of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, the Bennett-Vitter Amendment would be a “financial challenge that borders on… a nightmare.”

“Anyone who has been involved in a construction project can tell you that the budget is blown when changes, additions, and deletions are made to the plans once the actual building process is underway. This business principle is apparently lost on Senator Bennett. I had thought better of his business skills,” said Sam Granato, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

The Census is a highly coordinated process which has over 700,000 staffers and costs $14 billion. The amendment would waste hundreds of millions of dollars because the Census Bureau has already printed materials, trained workers, and coordinated the nationwide canvass. The Bureau would not have time to test whether the question would be answered truthfully or whether it might cause people to refuse to participate in the counting process leading to a less accurate census and more reliance on statistical samples for future public appropriations.

“We cannot afford to place the efforts made already on the scrap heap for the political convenience of career politicians. Senator Bennett, there is a time to every purpose. There is a time for planning and a time for implementation. The time for planning for the 2010 census is over. The time for implementation has begun. I will be happy to put your idea on the table for 2020 at the appropriate time.” Granato added, “If the Republican Congress and President Bush had addressed immigration reform in a timely and responsible manner earlier this decade, this census issue would be mute. Lack of respect for the taxpayer’s money and the inappropriate and untimely use of polarizing issues is why Utah needs fresh leadership in Washington.”

Kids

Found on facebook: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Trailer HD (Heath's Last Film)

"This is the trailer for the upcoming film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, in HD ... Heath Ledgers last film.

With some of the most well known stars in the film industry, this cast will blow you away."

-buffy5295

Davis and Weber County Democrats love Mayor Peter Corroon!

This last Saturday Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon addressed the Davis and Weber County Democratic Breakfast Club at Granny Annie's Restaurant in Kaysville.  One thing that was certain was the Davis and Weber Democrats who attended were unanimous in their support for Mayor Corroon, and the possibility that Peter may run as our candidate for governor in 2010.

Utah State Democratic Chair Wayne Holland and United States Senate Candidate Sam Granato were also in attendance to show their support.

The Davis and Weber Democratic Breakfast Club meets every second Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m.

Next month's speaker will be Senate Minority Leader Patricia Jones.  The breakfast will be held in Ogden at the Golden Corral Restaurant located at 988 Washington Blvd.

The press and general public is invited!

Above Photo - (Top Row) Theresa A. Sheffield, Weber Vice Chair LaFray Kelley, Jamie Nagle, Mayor Peter Corroon, Rep. Neil Hansen, U.S. Senate Candidate Sam Granato, Weber Chair Steve Olsen, (Bottom Row) Rob Miller and State Democratic Chair Wayne Holland. 

GO PETER!

The rumor is...

Utah State Democratic Party Chair, Wayne Holland, and United States Senate candidate, Sam Granato, are coming to tomorrow's breakfast at Grannie Annie's Restaurant (286 N 400 West in Kaysville) in support of Salt Lake County Mayor, and potential gubernatorial candidate, Peter Corroon, who will be addressing us tomorrow.


The breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., you are invited!


Photo from the Utah Freedom Memorial website.

A CALL TO ACTION: President Obama on winning the Nobel Peace Prize

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

On winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Some thoughts on water by Sam Granato, candidate for United States Senate

WATER - A MAJOR ISSUE FOR THE 21st CENTURY

The biggest issue in Utah for the next thirty or forty years is likely to be water. Water laws are obsolete. We use too much water to grow alfalfa. Water systems are old and broken. We waste almost as much water as we use. Discussions about water should include the following concepts:

First, we should stop saying we live in a desert. We do not live in a desert. Most Utahns live in high mountain valleys that happen to be near deserts. The state may receive only five inches of annual rainfall in its desert areas, but we receive as much as fifty inches of water in the mountains -- more than New Orleans, for example. Even in Salt Lake City, our annual rainfall exceeds that of San Diego.

Second, our problem is not a lack of water, but a lack of political will needed to gather, store, and distribute water. Our political leaders should be telling us not about conserving water but about plans to improve water systems. Visionaries brought us the Central Water Project and other developments. We need the same kind of vision with regard to new plans for capturing, storing, and distributing water. Giant reservoirs may no longer be acceptable, but that doesn't mean we can't improve existing reservoirs, develop new capture/storage methods, and greatly improve distribution systems.

Third, we waste millions and millions of gallons of water that could easily be used for farm irrigation, golf courses, and non-culinary purposes. Treated wastewater can can be made as safe as we want it to be for relatively little cost. with a little investment, treated wastewater can be used as a secondary water system for large-scale watering. Already, some areas of the state use a second water distribution system for watering lawns and so on; i.e., Davis County. Political leaders should be promoting ways to use water two or three times instead of just once.

Fourth, water conservation is a good thing, but over the long term, trees, bushes, and green grass are even better. Every tree we lose for lack of water, every bush we eliminate, and every green blade of grass we sacrifice increases pollution and contributes to global warming. Only green leaves can produce the oxygen we must have to survive. And only green leaves can filter the dirty air we generate and turn harmful carbon dioxide into beneficial molecules. The end result of so-called "xeriscaping" may may be lower water consumption but higher air pollution. The more people you have, the more trees you need.

Fifth, when government increases water rates thinking it will reduce water consumption, the negative side effects outweigh the benefits. Higher water rates punish the poor and reward the rich. If you earn $50,000 a year even the highest rates affect only a small portion of your budget. But if you earn $30,000 a year, landscape watering becomes one of those luxuries you can do without. That means the living environment for the poor deteriorates, while the living environment for the rich improves. Deteriorating landscapes in low-income communities help add to social unrest and crime.

Sam Granato approves this message

We're Number 37!

A Paul Hipp Sing-A-Long!

Hat tip, Wayne Holland

Don Gale: I'm obsolete, but life's too short for 'social networking'

"Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett want to be my Facebook friends. I'm flattered, but I would prefer they be my senators … and do something about the nation's problems besides voting "no." If Bennett wants to be my friend, he should have lunch with me. I'll buy. We'll go to Granato's."

Read Don Gale's, I'm obsolete, but life's too short for 'social networking' at deseretnews.com.

Published: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 12:03 a.m. MDT  

From USDP Blog: OSE OpEd - Snake Valley: Secret talks, quick deals and a sucker's bet

At some point during the past four years the Huntsman administration eagerly entered into secret negotiations with Nevada to create a pact to divide 132,000 acre-feet of water each year in the Snake Valley before the Southern Nevada Water Authority can stake its claim on 50,000 to 60,000 acre-feet for Las Vegas.

Governor Herbert seems determined to sign a Snake Valley Compact as soon as possible without regard for public input, reliable information about the amount of available water, or the consequences of over-allocating our resources.

The proposed deal is worse than gambling our inheritance away in Vegas before we can receive it, it is like writing a check at the Mirage casino without ever taking our chances at the table.

There is no potential prize for Utah. Utah water would leave for Nevada while we keep our fingers crossed each year for sufficient rain and snow to replace what we send across the border.

No Utah communities could benefit from this bet. The Utah Medical Association warns that the wages of this sin may be death. Ranchers and farmers, wildlife and plants, and downwinders along the Wasatch Front could end up paying the ultimate price when the water is gone.

A signing ceremony may be immanent. There has been a seeming rush. Last week the Snake Valley Research Advisory Council was summoned to a meeting in Baker, Nevada with little notice to the public or council members.

The process seems inverted. The draft admits to insufficient information to determine with precision the available groundwater supply saying research will be done during the next decade of planning for a 300-mile pipeline. Doesn't it make more sense to do the research first then agree on what to do with the water?
Additionally, the recession has hit Las Vegas hard. So hard that water demand has dropped and construction on what is referred to as a "third straw" to draw all the water Nevada is entitled to out of Lake Mead was recently suspended (Las Vegas Sun, Sept. 13, 2009).

It is impossible to make the case for rushing the Snake Valley Compact when southern Nevada water districts are postponing opportunities to withdraw water they already have at their disposal from Lake Mead.
Las Vegas clearly can live without Snake Valley water for a few years while we conduct the research needed to determine with more certainty what water resources exist on both the Utah and Nevada side of the border and how much can be safely pumped out for use in Las Vegas or elsewhere.

But there is more to consider. Utah will likely wake up one day to find Las Vegas has been taking water at an unsustainable rate. Vegetation in the valley has died ending farming and ranching. The National Wildlife Refuge at Fish Springs is drying up. Dust storms blow into the Wasatch Front from the West Desert containing mercury, carcinogens from 900 nuclear tests, and fungus spores that create potentially lethal infections.

Scientists with the Utah Geological Survey say a drop in the water table of more than 100 feet are likely to result leading to dust storms if there is pumping on the magnitude envisioned by the pact. The Utah Medical Association has warned that adverse health impacts may be widespread.

There is little indication the governor is taking these concerns seriously. The proposed deal promises only that "appropriate action" would be taken should the water drawdown prove harmful.

Would they really put a halt to the project after such massive investments? How quickly can we really expect ground water supplies to recover, if at all, in a place like Utah's fragile West Desert? How many more decades of fighting for compensation for downwinder victims will we have to endure?

This pact only pays lip service if there is harm, not real penalties in real dollars.

One last thing to consider as we gamble away our future water, covetous eyes are all around us. Southern Utah has talked about a pipeline from Lake Powell; legislator Mike Noel and his former colleague Aaron Tilton want vast amounts of Green River water for a nuclear power plant; Denver wants a pipeline from Flaming Gorge.

Cumulatively these projects, if all implemented, would consume hundreds of thousands of acre-feet. Can Utah afford to gamble away our water, and possibly our lives, with Nevada?

This guest commentary was provided by Utah Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland and published by the Ogden Standard Examiner on October 3, 2009.

Voter Registration Deadline Today

Are you registered?

Is everyone you know?

Well?

Sam and Snake Valley...

Protect our water, protect our people. 

What's your flavor?

Photos from the "New" Utah Republican Party website...

“This year is going to be defined by Republicans and conservatives by what we oppose.”

-Karl Rove 

Looks like the Utah Republican Party agrees with Karl based on the above photos they have flashing on the front page of their new website. 


Wow! This is something to be proud of. 

From The Salt Lake Crawler: Why not Frank for senator?

By Glen Warchol

News that Mitt Romney plans to support Gov. Gary Herbert's re-election is not half as exciting as beloved former Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden's endorsement of Democratic Senate candidate Sam Granato.

Layden hasn't lost his knack for rapid-fire patter:

"Can you hear me out there? I've been in front of more dead mikes lately than an Irish undertaker. . . .

Read Glen's entire post here!