Hell No Way Day!

Tomorrow at 12:00 PM Democratic Chair Wayne Holland Jr. and Vice Chair Rob Miller will support Governor Jon Huntsman, Congressman Jim Matheson, and Senator Orrin Hatch as they stand together in the fight to keep 44,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste out of Utah. The PFS plan is to store this waste just 50 miles upwind of downtown Salt Lake City.

Governor Huntsman will offically declare Friday April 28, 2006 "No Way Day".

The Utah Democratic Party encourages you to attend a press conference that is being held at the State Office Building auditorium behind the Utah State Capitol at noon.

We would also like to encourage all Utahns to write letters to the Bureau of Land Managment (BLM) opposing BLM approval of a transfer facility needed for transportation of the nuclear waste casks, and the storage of nuclear waste in Skull Valley.

Private Fuel Storage LLC (PFS) plans to build and operate a high level nuclear waste facility for up to 40 years on the Skull Valley Band of the Goshute Indian Reservation. This site is less than 50 miles from downtown Salt Lake City and poses some serious concerns.

To begin construction, PFS must obtain a required permit to build an intermodal transfer station on federal land to transport the waste to its final destination. At Senator Hatch’s request, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has re-opened the public comment period on the PFS proposal, indicating that it could deny rights of way that PFS needs to construct the site should BLM determine the site is not in the public’s interest.

The deadline is May 8 — less than a month away — to make our voices heard and convince the BLM that transporting waste to Skull Valley is not in the public’s interest. Please take the time to learn more, write a brief letter or e-mail the BLM before the above deadline. To see a sample letter, look to the attachment.

Areas of concern we want you to know about:

1. Public safety: External events could cause credible accidents involving the facility.

2. Transportation: Containers of spent nuclear fuel rods will be transported not by train, but by 18 wheel trucks along our highways to a transfer station visible from I-80.

3. Terrorist target: We live in a post 9-11 world and such a facility could potentially be a target for sabotage.

4. Permanent location: After it’s here, trying to move it somewhere else will be even harder.
5. Property Depreciation: The Utah Realtors Association found that people believe that property values could decrease if the PFS facility is built.

6. Economic impact: Business relocation and headquarters decision could be impacted by even just the prospects of a terrorist or accidental incident.

7. Military readiness: Threats to military training readiness may negatively impact Hill Air Force Base that contributes $2 billion annually to Utah’s economy. Skull Valley is only seven miles away from Dugway Proving Grounds and 19 miles away from the Utah Test and Training Range.

8. Bad location: An F-16 fighter plane crashed over the Great Salt Lake last month. Accidents happen and will unfortunately continue. The nuclear waste will be sitting in a flight corridor of some 7,000 F-16 flights every year.

PLEASE CONTACT THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Contact: Pam Schuller
E-mail address: pam_schuller@blm.gov
Fax number: (801) 977-4397
Send letters to:
Bureau of Land Management
Salt Lake Field Office
2370 South 2300 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Thank You

"ABSOLUTLEY NO!"- SLCSPIN
"we can at least be united on this ONE thing"- The Senate joint leadership statement
"Everyone from Orrin Hatch to libbies like me agree"- Jen's Green Journal
"If it is safe enough for us to store it here, it is safe enough to store it in the Great Lakes."- Obiter Dicta By Steve
"Even Orrin Hatch understands "- One Utah
" We've had more than our fair share of this mess already"- Eric Hamilton's Reality Check
"I’m probably still living with the effects of Chernobyl"- Part of the Plan
"This seems like lunacy to me that it's even an issue"- This Divided State
"There goes the neighborhood — maybe quite literally!"- Reach Upward
"This is about life"- Media Relations
"the half-life of a biodegradable golf-ball in the West Desert is about 144 days and that's a lot shorter than the half-life of a spent nuclear fuel rod"- Utahania
"This may be the last best chance to stop the high-level spent fuel rods from coming to Utah"- Utah Democrats
"This would be awful"- Utah Conservative
"It doesn't matter if you are a Republican, Democrat, Green, Libertarian, a Constitutionalist, or Apolitical" - The World, According To Me

Thanks to Ethan and everyone else I stole from in putting this post together.

Not In My Backyard!

Crashing The Gate with Sober Bob

Not only did Bob write a better article, he took notes.

Check out, Crashing The Gate on Bob Aagard's Blog, The World, According To Me.

Are you sure you're sober Bob?

Two Parties, Two Different Messages
From Tuesdays Davis County Clipper

Democrats Motivated for Brighter Future

Republicans Take Aim at Their Own

Both articles appeared in Tuesday's Davis County Clipper and were written by Tom Busselberg.

I have always believed that Democrats do their best when motivated by optimistic pursuits. That optimism is back, its real, and its catching on.

Josh Ewing, Candidate for House District 25, has a well done website for your inspection. To view Josh's website click here, or go to voteewing.com. You can also click on Josh or his logo. Other Democrats running for this seat include Joel Briscoe, Jack Gray, Chris Ferguson, and Christine Johnson. Two Republicans also running for this coveted seat are Kenneth Grover, and Martine Smith.

DailyKos Founder Markos Moulitas Zuniga Event

One Utah's Cliff Lyon has a post titled, DailyKos Founder Markos Comes to Utah?. The event was held at the Fiddler's Elbow's back porch. I enjoyed the time spent with fellow bloggers, Ethan Millard (SLCSPIN), and "The Man", Bob Aagard (The World, According To Me), as well as Cliff. I also enjoyed spending time with Sheryl Ginsberg, Jan Lovett, House Seat 25 candidate Chris Johnson, Lawrence Buehler, and Pete Ashdown's campaign manager, Brett Garner. I also met Greg Falice who is the guy responsible for ThankYouHarryTaylor.org.

Markos Moulitas Zuniga's oratory was well delivered and lively. He had some great points on party building, and I loved how he disassembled the "liberal press" myth. I also agree that candidates should not fear displaying the donkey on their campaign material. People respect those who are true to themselves.

There is one statement in Cliff's post that I need to take issue with. Markos may have inspired many of us, but he is not my leader. For me, that honor belongs to God, Mom, Clint Eastwood, Batman, and our family cat, Cowboy. Sorry Cliff, I hope you will forgive me.

Nate Oman Response: Why Gas Prices Are High

Actually, gas prices are high because global oil prices are high. Unlike the oil hike of the late 1970s, however, today's oil prices are a demand rather than a supply phenomena. What is driving up the price is increased global consumption. The surge here, however, is not from the United States but rather from India and especially China. These are two nations's whose populations dwarf the United States. As their economies grow they demand more energy and buy more oil, which drives up prices. China in particular is absolutely exploding economically, which is what is costing American's more at the pump. We have high prices because of supply and demand rather than Bush's and the Congress's refusal to institute what are essentially price controls.

The good news about the growth of the Chinese economy is that it is largely export driven, which leaves the Chinese with a huge amount of dollars. They are mainly using these to buy government securities, which is why Bush et all have been able to run huge deficits without an interest rate spike. In other words, high gas prices suck, but the Asian economic growth that is driving them is at least allowing American's to get cheap home mortgages. Of course, lower interest rates end up getting reflected in home prices, so it is not clear you get much gain out of that either...Real economics is much more complicated that dumb sound bites, isn't it?

Click HERE to visit Nate's site, Time & Seasons.

Tribute to Chance Mayne, Golden Retriever and Loyal Companion

Last week Senator Ed Mayne's loyal companion and duck hunting partner, Chance, a golden retriever, passed away. Chance was a rescued animal that was absolutely loved by Senator Mayne, and by looking at the photo above it is obvious that the senator was loved right back.

I was raised in a family that loved animals. My first dog, an Australian Sheep Dog named Cinco, has been gone for over two decades. What isn't gone is the love I share with him even to this day.

My daughter Abby, a confirmed animal lover, believes that when we die we get to be with all the animals we have loved, and I cannot and will not disagree. What I understand is like God, love can break through the barriers of time and space. No one we truly love ever really leaves us, they just change into spirit, and their memory keeps us company until that glorious day when we our reunited again.

I love you Ed, and it is obvious that Chance does too.

Ten Reasons Republicans Are To Blame For High Gas Prices

April 25, 2006 By: Phil Singer, DSCC

#1. When George Bush took office in January 2001, the average price of a gallon of gas was $1.46. Today, the price is $2.91, a 100 percent increase over the course of the Bush presidency. [AAA Fuel Gauge Report, 4/25/06]

#2. Under Bush’s watch, U.S. dependence on foreign oil has increased by nearly one billion barrels. [ EIA, U.S. Imports by Country of Origin and Annual Energy Outlook 2006]

#3. Senate Republicans killed a Democratic proposal to make gas price gouging a federal crime. Without making price gouging a federal crime, the federal government can only prosecute oil companies if they can prove collusion to control markets, a standard that is nearly impossible to meet. [S. 2020, Vote #334, 11/17/05; Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 11/18/05]

#4. The Bush Federal Trade Commission has looked the other way when it comes to price gouging. Even during Hurricane Katrina, when price gouging was rather evident, the FTC investigation "found no evidence of collusion among oil companies in the 2005 gas price surge.” [ San Francisco Chronicle, 4/25/06]

#5. The GOP Congress has ignored oil and gas monopolies: Since 2001, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee in charge of overseeing mergers, led by Mike DeWine,has held just one hearing - two years ago - to examine high gas prices.[ USA TODAY, 4/25/06; Judiciary Committee Hearing Schedule, accessed 4/25/06]

#6. The GOP Congress has turned a blind eye to holding executives from the nation’s richest oil companies accountable. In November, when executives from the nation’s richest oil companies testified before the Senate Energy and Commerce Committees, Republican leaders refused to force them to testify under oath. [Cantwell Release, 11/8/05; CNNMoney, 11/9/05; Fox News, 11/17/05, CNN 11/17/05]

#7. Republican lawmakers who crafted the 2005 energy bill showered billions in tax breaks on oil and gas companies that that they later testified under oath they do not need. [Bloomberg, 7/29/05; Video Clip of March 2006 Oil and Gas Hearing, available here]

#8. In December, Senate Republicans – with Cheney casting the tiebreaking vote – adopted a budget package that included $20 million in cuts to Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. [Vote 363, 12/21/05; House Budget Committee, Democratic Caucus Analysis, 12/22/05]

#9. Oil and gas companies are constantly lining the pockets of Washington Republicans and GOP candidates. In the 2004 election cycle alone, the oil and gas industry contributed more than $20 million to Republican candidates and incumbents. In the 2006 cycle, this number has already topped $6 million. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 4/24/06]

#10. The White House’s failure to properly plan for the war in Iraq has caused a disruption in the pre-war supply of 900,000 barrels of oil a day from Iraq, the largest single supply disruption that is leading to spikes in the price of oil. [CERA, 4/24/06]

Download a PDF of this release.

Bob Aagard, "The Man"

Bob Aagard's The World, According To Me is another great blog site I read on a regular basis, and it just keeps getting better.

Here are some comments from my last post on Ethan Millard.

Bob said...
Just for the record, I'm not married to Dallas Nordstrom either...

Xanadu said...
But can you prove your not a woman Bob?

Ethan said...
You know, I'd like to meet this mysterious "married to Dallis Nordstrom".

Bob said...
Rob has photographic Evidence....

Ewww....that sounded bad.

The above is the photographic evidence I think (and hope) Bob is talking about.

Take a peek at The World, According To Me ,by Bob Aagard. Consider it Highly Recommended by The Utah Amicus.

SLCSPIN'S Ethan Millard in the Deseret News

SLCSPIN's Ethan Millard is in the news again, this time in the Deseret News.

However it was The Utah Amicus that first proved that Ethan is not the most connected woman in Utah politics.

Now it is Ethan himself who is putting to rest the rumor that he is not married to Dallis Nordstrom, a truth I can testify too. Ethan is not only a happily married man (and to a woman), but also the father of future blogger Elliot.

Now who are we going to speculate about?

Good job Ethan!

John Marlor Says:

What is the deal with paying next weeks price for gas that was purchased last week? Bush ...good for the economy; whose economy! ??? Bush gets elected, oil is about 30 bucks a barrell and gas was $1.50 a gallon. Now oil is $75.00 bucks a barrell and gas$ is 3.00 a gallon.

Rep. Allen Wants Your Help In Preventing A High Level Nuclear Transfer Facility in Tooele County

Please send an email to help prevent a high level nuclear transfer facility near I-80 in Tooele County. If the transfer facility is stopped, we may stop the open air storage of casks containing high level nuclear waste in Utah's west desert. The proposal is reckless and not in the public interest.

The proposed storage site sits just 40 to 50 miles upwind from the heavily populated Wasatch Front and adjacent to an Air Force practice range. Why authorize something that would needlessly endanger so many people * us and our families? The federal government has failed to develop a comprehensive policy for dealing with spent nuclear waste. That needed plan should include consideration of utilizing the spent nuclear rods. Until that is resolved, keep the stuff where it is and don't penalize Utahns. Please write and express your concerns to pam_schuller@blm.gov and do it today!

Your involvement can make a difference.

Rep Sheryl Allen
District 19

Open Letter to Members of the Utah Public Employees' Association

I'm Don Miller, Democratic Candidate, Utah House of Representatives, District 75, and I'd like to give UPEA members a few reasons to endorse and support my candidacy.

As a former public employee, I worked for the US GAO, the congressional watchdog agency, I understand completely the pain of pay and benefit takeaways. Retired federal employees these days are acutely aware of the saying: "Injury to one group of employees is an injury to all, if not now, later."

I agree with Rep. Davis Hogue, HB 213 was a slap in the face, not just for public employees in Utah, but to public employees nationwide. All public employees understand what it is like to have pay and benefit promises broken and your work devalued by your legislative employers and how that carries over to many different areas of your life.

As a former total quality management facilitator and an issue area manager for general government programs, I know that the most important resource available to any entity is its human resources. I also know that Utah governmental departments have an outstanding reputation because as UPEA's web site aptly proclaims: "Utah Works Because You Do."

I'm appalled that the Utah legislature shortchanged your pay and benefits again this year despite a billion dollar surplus, and instead chose to pursue a $90 million tax cut for businesses and the CEO class, while planning to increase taxes for the middle-class and retired citizens.

When elected you can be certain that I will fight to stop unwarranted tax cuts for businesses and the CEO class -- they need to pay their fair share -- and more importantly, I will fight tooth and nail to stop any additional public employee pay and benefit takeaways. I will also fight to increase your pay and benefits, especially when Utah has a billion dollar surplus.

By working together we can stop the single-party monopoly that is leading us to backward policies. Any amount contributed to the "Don Miller Election Campaign" is most appreciated. Not a dime will be wasted. Please mail your contributions to Jim Guard's attention at 803 Lizzie Lane, St. George, UT 84790. If you have any questions call me at (435) 627-2145 or email me at Don@democratsofsouthernutah.org.

SL County Democratic Hispanic Caucus Picks New Leaders

New Caucus Leadership includes (from left), Jennifer Mayer-Glenn, Gabriella Archuleta, Araveni Olivares, Angela Romero, Phil Bernal, and Argueta Daniel.

On Wednesday April 19, 2006 the Salt Lake County Democratic Hispanic Caucus elected new leadership. Phil Bernal (pictured left) won the Chair's seat by two votes in a close race with James Yapias.

The caucus also voted overwhelmingly to allow all caucus members the ability to vote in caucus meetings, as opposed to only allowing county and state delegates the honor. The argument being that this measure would help the caucus grow.

Avaveni Olivares was elected as Vice Chair #1, along with Jennifer Mayer-Glenn who won the Vice Chair #2 Spot. Angela Romero, the only officer to run from the previous administration will once again serve as Secretary. Gabriella Archuleta was elected to serve as caucus Treasurer, and Argueta Daniel will serve as the Sergeant at Arms. The term for each officer is one year, explained out going chair, Archie Archuleta.

Kudos, Chairman Holland

Utah State Democratic Chair, Wayne Holland Jr. was elected by other western party state chairs to represent them on the executive committee of the Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC).

The election took place at a meeting of the Democratic National committee (DNC) that is happening in New Orleans. It is the first major convention to be hosted in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.

The ASDC is the most powerful block of votes within the DNC. It represents 112 votes of the 435 member DNC. It was the endorsement from the ASDC that put Howard Dean over the top in his run for DNC Chair.

The ASDC is a major supporter of Chairman Dean's 50 state strategy to strengthen the Democratic Party across the United States, a strategy that has had a huge impact in Utah allowing the Utah Democrat Party to recruit the largest number of candidates in recent decades.

Congratulations Wayne, its nice to see that the other western chairs recognize your good works.

SALT COUNTY DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE CONVENTION

Salt Lake City, UT—The Salt Lake County Democratic Convention will be held this Saturday, April 22, 2006 at Highland High School located at 2166 South 1700 East in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Registration will begin at 7:30 AM with the convention being called to order at 9:15 AM.

There will be a County Central Committee meeting at 8:00 AM to confirm delegate appointments. There will be a separate meeting of Central Committee members from State House District 23 to nominate a person to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of State Rep. Duane Bourdeaux.

Salt Lake County Democratic Party Chair Megan Risbon announced that Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon will nominate the eight Democratic canidates for county offices that are unopposed.

Delegates vote to determine the nominees for State House Districts 22, 23, 24, 29, 38, 40, 42 and State Senate Districts 2, 7, 9 and County Council District 3.

“I am excited about the high quality of our candidates. This convention will showcase their talents and provide a successful launch of our candidates for this year’s election,” said Ms. Risbon. “The delegates have some good choices to make.”

SL County Democrats "Politi-Sauce Dinner”

Mangiare!
By Christine Johnson ~ Candidate, House District 25

What do you get when you combine hungry delegates and the candidates who want those delegate votes? You get Salt Lake County Democratic Candidates doing what they do best; serving the public. Thursday evening the nature of the service was not on the on the Hill, nor in the County Building, but in the cafeteria at West High School, where the Salt Lake County Democrats held their fundraising “Politi-Sauce Dinner”. While the Party provided the pasta, the candidates provided salad, desert and breadsticks. Each in abundance!

One couldn’t help noticing the extra sprinkle of political opinion with the cupcakes or nice dash of political humor tossed with the spinach leaves. The dynamics of a room full of Democrats is a sight to behold and relished.

Many of the candidates seeking the Party nomination on Saturday morning addressed the audience with Sim Gill getting perhaps the most enthusiastic welcome. Mayor Corroon and his family, as well as Representative Roz McGee, Senator Scott McCoy, Representative Ross Romero and Senate candidate Pete Ashdown mingled through the crowd while an accordion player provide the ambiance. The County Democrats put on a great event with silent auctions and even baseball tickets. Well done.

As the candidates addressed the crowd, it was abundantly clear that not only have we surpassed a thirty-year old record for number of candidates, but the caliber of those candidates is superior.

As we enter County Convention on Saturday, I hope that while we acknowledge healthy competition in races, we also acknowledge that we’ve come a long way and will yet go an even longer way to bring about the progress and change that Utah needs. Take time to sit and observe that progress in action. Note the number of attendees who care enough to become delegates, candidates and Party leaders and be proud to be a Democrat in Utah. I feel proud.

Christine Johnson

Peter Corroon, A Lesson In Timing

The other night I attended an open house at Energy Solutions's new office location. It was a well attended, standing room only event.

I was saying hello to Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon when all of the lights went out. It was at this point that Mayor Corroon said, "I think we need an energy solution!"

Timing is everything, and if anyone understands great timing it would be Mayor Corroon.

I'm still chuckling.

Summit County Convention
By Josh Ewing ~ Candidate, House District 25

If you had any doubt that Democracy is alive and thriving in Utah, all you needed to do was attend the Summit County Democratic Convention on Wednesday night. More than 150 people from all walks of life drove to the South Summit High School in Kamas to chose candidates for the County races and get the chance to meet with state and federal candidates like me.

I talked with farmers, students, lawyers, former county commissioners, and even one passionate Democrat who gave me a good “talking to” about one of my advertising clients. All of the Democratic candidates for the state House of Representatives in District 25 were in attendance. Of course, we were all working the room. In one of two truly Democratic counties in Utah, we have the rare opportunity to elect a strong Democrat, and the delegates are doing their duty to grill us the best they can.

But our campaigning was really a sideshow. Two contested races were in question: Summit County Auditor and Clerk. Incumbent Auditor Barb Kresser (an energetic, motherly, and obviously hard-working gal) faced a challenge from Ron Perry (an obviously intelligent and professional guy with lots of experience w/ appraisals). Ninety-seven delegates voted in the first round of voting, but could not pick a 60% favorite between the two – meaning a primary in June.

Three candidates faced off for the Democratic nomination to the office of County Clerk. Incumbent Sue Follett (who had been very helpful to me with getting past election results) faced a challenge from Cindy LoPiccolo (an accomplished municipal clerk who currently works for Park City) and Kent Jones (who lost to Sue the last go around by fewer than 50 votes). After the first round of balloting, the audience was shocked as Sue was knocked out of the race. A tight second-round ballot meant a primary between Jones and LoPiccolo.

As the delegates trickled out of the building talking local politics, the war in Iraq and everything in between, several of us candidates commented about “good ole democracy in action.” It may not always be pretty. And it certainly isn’t fun to be on the losing side. But you gotta agree… it sure is interesting some times…..and you have to have faith that the process will work and the delegates will put aside their personal preferences and elect the best person for the job.

Sanpete County Convention

By Christian Burridge ~ Candidate for Congress

When we went to the Sanpete County convention, it was like returning home. Marissa and I were married in the Manti Temple. Both of us are alumni of Snow College. It touched our hearts to see so many of our former professors and friends come out to rally as Democrats in a standing-room-only packed courtroom in Manti. My time in Sanpete helped shape my intellect and values which influenced my decision to run for Congress today. I think thriving cultural communities—like the ones in Sanpete—are a treasure in Utah. We need to stand up for the vital rural economies that provide the state with our agricultural needs. A big thanks to County Chair John Hales, Vice Chair Jill Hansen and everybody else for a great time. I was truly reminded that Sanpete County is one of the world’s best kept secrets.

Christian

Bill Hansen ~ Candidate, Weber County Commision

Bill Hansen was born and raised in Weber County and comes from a family who is well known for their dedication to public service Before serving a two year mission to San Jose California he spent his early career working throughout the Wasatch Front as a manager for a large restaurant chain. This gave him the experience needed for handling multi-milli on dollar budgets and problem solving. He currently serves the community working as a Sheriff’s Correctional Officer for Weber County and he has seen first hand the disastrous effects of crime upon our community. Bill fervently believes there are two sides to every issue and feels it is important to look at all the facts to make well informed decisions. He has been married for 13 years to Tracy and has two beautiful children, Bryce and Emma.

4th Annual
"Awakening Utah"
Walk for Suicide Prevention & Awareness
Sugarhouse Park April 22, 2006

Phil Riesen, candidate for House District 36, and Senator Scott McCoy, Senate District 2, will be speaking this Saturday April 22, 2006 between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm at the 4th Annual Walk for Suicide Prevention & Awareness at Surgarhouse Park.

When Mack Gift, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Utah asked me to be on his board of directors I was humbled. To have Phil Riesen's and Senator Scott McCoy's (who by the way was the keynote speaker last year) unconditional support for this event is an honor.

The event is being held the same day as the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention which starts at 8:00 am at Highland High School (which happens to be next door to the park).

During our last board meeting I imagined a large group of Salt Lake County Democrats walking from the convention to the Park in support of our two Democratic Candidates, as well as an organization that understands that we are responsible for each other (you know, pro-life).

As you can see, I have a very active imagination, as well as good intentions, but the reality of several hundred delegates taking even more time away from their Saturday, or from convention business may be on my part asking for too much. But then I think of all the personal time candidates like Phil and Scott give up to campaigning and legislating, which makes me think, "how can we not support Phil and Scott, as well as an organization that is making a difference for Utah families every day".

With that in mind I am inviting any delegate who has the desire to take a walk with me from Highland High School over to Surgarhouse Park at 1:15 pm and become a part of something beautiful. For more information read on.

4th Annual
"Awakening Utah"
Walk for Suicide Prevention & Awareness
Sugarhouse Park April 22, 2006

The Mental Health Association in Utah along with several community partners will host the 4th Annual "Awakening Utah" Walk for Suicide Prevention and Awareness. Our hope is that through this event, the Utah Community will "Awaken" to a new public awareness of suicide prevention and a pro-active commitment to life and living.

Reason Why the Utah Community should help "Awaken" Utah to a new understanding of Suicide Prevention and Awareness

An average of one person will commit suicide every 17.2 minutes in the United States alone.

Over 321 people commit suicide in Utah each year and the numbers are increasing.

Utah ranks 13th in the Nation in suicide rates.

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young men between the ages of 15 and 24 in Utah, behind accidents (1) and homicide (2).

60% of people who complete suicide have undiagnosed Clinical Depression.

Suicide rates have increased 256% in Utah since 1956.

"Awakening Utah" Walk for Suicide Prevention and Awareness is an event where the general public can be educated about suicide and where friends, parents, loved ones and significant other of suicide completers will have an opportunity to heal publicly.
* Please contact The Mental Health Association in Utah at (801)596-3705 for more information!)

Davis County Democratic Convention

The Davis County Democratic Party will hold their Convention on Saturday, April 22, at the Farmington Jr. High School located at 150 South 200 West in Farmington, Utah. The Convention will convene at 11:30 AM and adjourn at 1:30 PM. Election of delegates to the Utah State Convention will take place at this time.

The keynote speaker will be former candidate for Governor, Scott Matheson Jr.

Other featured speakers will be Pete Ashdown candidate for United States Senate, and Steve Olsen candidate for United States House of Representatives, District #1.

All elected delegates and democrats are urged to attend as well as the general public.


Please be aware that the time for the convention is 11:30 am, not 7:00 am as listed in the Davis County Clipper.

Dr. Kim Christison ~ Candidate, House District 68

Fifty-four years ago I was standing in the kitchen with my dad listening to the election night returns of the presidential race between Senator Adali Stevenson and General Dwight D. Eisenhower. I was four years old. The memory is vivid. There stood dad, six-feet two, decked out in his Highway Patrol uniform, shiny boots, shiny badge—he must be General Eisenhower I thought. The little red plastic Truetone radio would crackle and sputter and I was trying to make sense of what all those distant voices were saying. It must be important because dad had a look of worry on his face. It had something to do with Democrats and Republicans and his side was loosing. Yes, I could actually pronounce their names but had no idea who they were or what they meant. Man to man, looking dad straight in the eye I asked, "What's the difference between a Democrat and a Republican?" Dad's answer was quick and unequivocal: "Under Republicans," he said, "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Under the Democrats, everybody has a chance. Now son, I've got to get to work." A simple distinction and dead on target. If asked today what's the difference between a Democrat and a Republican I would say as certainly as did my dad, "Under Republicans, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Under the Democrats, everybody has a chance. Now, I've got to get to work."

To read the rest of Kim's story, and to visit his well thought out website click here!

Dr. Kim Christison
Theatre Arts Department
Snow College
Ephraim, Utah 84627
kimch@snow.edu
(435) 283-7480

The Grateful Millers

Easter Blessings, 2006

As another Easter holiday slips away, the Miller kids of Bountiful say, "thank you, and good day."

We are grateful for this day, and for this life, and as you look at my children you can see why I am so grateful to my wife.

I turned off my phone; no, I'm not jesting, just happy to reaffirm my gratitude for his liberal blessings.

Christian Burridge Website Link

One day you are a successful attorney with a young family living the American Dream. You are happy and content with your life when the phone rings and you are asked to run for the United States Congress. It has become so blatantly obvious that the current elected official in Utah's Third District has so shamelessly vandalized the public trust that Democratic leadership comes to you looking for an ethical, and qualified candidate who can once again bring dignity and true representation to the Utahns in the Third District.

Chances of another Democratic candidate running are slim, however, another qualified candidate does enter the race. Not only does this force a change in strategy, it also means that you will be spending even more time away from your wife and two young daughters. Is there anything you can do to help them prepare? Probably not, but that didn't stop Christian Burridge from taking his family on a trip to Disneyland.

Christian also has a well done website up and running which you can go to by clicking here, or on any of the photos on this posting.

My only question is why didn't I think of this first?

Millard County Democratic Convention

By Christian Burridge
Candidate for Congress, Utah's 3rd District

On Tuesday April 11th my family and I traveled down to Delta for the Millard County Convention. The drive down was beautiful. Jim DeWyze was a great host.

I had a great time meeting with the delegates and county officers. I learned a lot about the concerns of the people in Delta, Fillmore, and Holden. One large concern is the water issue out in those western counties. We need to help the residents keep their water in the aquifers and not let it get sucked down into Las Vegas. I appreciate those individuals who took the time to discuss the issues with me. I also enjoyed meeting with the candidates who are running for state and county offices.

Christian Burridge

Undocumented Immigration - A Utah Perspective

By Lee Martínez

Emotions surrounding undocumented immigrants are unsettling even within the Hispanic/Latino community. What is different about the Utah perspective is that Utah Latinos have unsuspecting allies. Despite conclusions formed from news media, most Latinos desire, indeed intend, to be law abiding and respectful residents. Latinos may be more likely to have personal connections to undocumented immigrants. This makes us more likely to see the gray in what for others is a black and white contrast of right or wrong. Ironically, undocumented immigration to Hispanics is similar to the issue of polygamy in its relationship to the dominant culture and religion of Utah.

Until 1848, what is now Utah was part of the northern region of Mexico. At the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico was forced to sign over the northern half of its territory to the United States. The treaty stipulated protections for Mexicans left in what became U.S. - my families among them - and those with relatives on the other side. The treaty allowed free and unrestricted travel back and forth for these people. Other provisions included protection of language and culture, but that is fodder for another article.

Over the years, free and unrestricted access continued until the United States unilaterally imposed restrictions to protect her borders. Today, given our cultural, linguistic and religious similarities, Hispanics are more likely than the majority population to know Latino immigrants and thus, some in undocumented status. Being closer to the issue allows us to see the human side of this issue to a degree others may not.

I agree with the need for the U.S. to protect her borders and how we accomplish this, both issues for another article. Similarly, this isn’t an attempt to rationalize why those who follow the rules, apply for citizenship, and wait their turns, should be set aside while dealing with “amnesty” for undocumented immigrants. These are all legitimate issues but for other discussions. I want to deal with why more Utahns should better understand the human side of this issue. I hope during this holiday season of bounty for some, all would take the time to consider these thoughts.

When the original Mormon pioneers settled in Zion, they settled in northern Mexico and brought with them the practice of polygamy. While most in the western world condemn this practice, many Utahns have historical ties to it. Some have family members or know friends who practiced or still practice polygamy. Many current leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are descendants of polygamists. As a result of the government’s heavy-handed enforcement of its federal laws, many Mormons hold contempt for the federal government. Early church leaders were persecuted, prosecuted, jailed and shamed. In short, many Mormons could and can see the human side of that issue while still recognizing the illegality of the situation.

Over time, official Mormon doctrine modified with respect to polygamy. Not all from pioneer stock, though, are unanimous in their understanding or acceptance of the new doctrine. Indeed, when former-Governor Leavitt stated he believed polygamy enjoyed certain First Amendment protections, he received both a backlash of criticism and some support. Polygamy, though, is illegal and those who practice it are, well, illegal. Like undocumented immigrants within the Hispanics population, polygamists represent a small percentage of former Mormons.

There is no unanimity among Hispanics on the undocumented immigration issue. Some Hispanics have roots in what is now U.S. that predate the Plymouth Rock pilgrims. Hispanics have served this country in every war or conflict, since. More recent immigrants have come through an assortment of means, mostly legal. Still others, a minority, came via clandestine means through whatever means it takes. Most come to work, live, buy homes, and invest in their futures and those of their children.

We understand the rules, the laws, and the rule of law. Whether we agree with U.S. immigration laws, we accept it as the law. We also, however, more readily see and accept the positive sides immigrants possess, in part, because we know many of the faces. We see those who demonstrate positive aspects of hard work, sacrifice, humility and, above all else in Latinos households, family.

Like our Mormon counterparts with polygamy, we see the effect of families torn apart in the U.S. version of “apartheid” or “ethnic cleansing”. Many of us see, talk with, and personally know people who come to work, are law abiding, but who are slandered for not taking sufficient care to manicure their lawns while working two or three minimum wage jobs. They, and we by extension, are further slandered for squeezing too many into one home to assist with bill and home payments. Too few, though, complain about the low wages they receive that create these situations. Instead, some focus on parents who don’t seem to care for their children because they don’t attend P.T.A or community council meetings. What critics most often prefer to focus on are those immigrants who drift into the public light. This is much like the outspoken, civilly disobedient polygamists that others see as representative of a Utah that is, in reality a minority, and no longer doctrinally acceptable by the official church or the state.

Both communities, though, have so much to offer our society. Both have already given so much. While some choose to open their eyes and hearts, others can only see one perspective. In the words of Spanish proverb or dicho: “Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.” (Eyes that don’t see, a heart that doesn’t feel.) Many wish both issues would just go away. But neither will, not so easily. Yet, knowing our shared experience, I’m left to wonder why many Utahns criticize one experience with a hard heart while turning a blind eye to the other.

I admire and appreciate the willingness of various state leaders who demonstrate compassion in their efforts to work with and understand the complexity of both issues through sensitive, progressive ideas. These leaders deal with the issues in realistic, humane methods, not suffering victims to be further victimized. I’m hopeful that in time, the body will catch up to the wisdom of those leaders, especially considering how much we really have in common. Yes, we all understand what “illegal” means. We further understand that child brides, like children of undocumented immigrants, aren’t at fault. What I don’t understand is why some address the illegality question in stark, black and white terms, but then, in reference to only one group. My hope is that we all work to understand the humanity in both complex situations.

A simular article orginally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, November 15, 2003. Watch for more from Lee Martinez on The Utah Amicus.

Don L. Miller Says:
Candidate, House District 75

If Utah adopted the proportional -vote idea and discarded the winner-take-all Electoral College system, Democrats would have a reason to campaign in Utah during presidential elections. Democrats would have a chance to at least win a proportion of the Electoral College votes -- in 2004, with one-fourth of the votes, Kerry would have won one of Utah's five electoral votes.

If democrats campaigned here, the GOP couldn't afford to completely ignore Utah. Providing a reason for both parties to campaign here is a great reason for adopting the proportional voting idea, which is also inherently fair and democratic. Utah would again be involved in Presidential campaigns. What a great idea!

But GOP Party Chairman Joe Cannon, reportedly believes that with proportional voting, no presidential candidate would ever campaign in Utah. What does he think is happening now?

Don L. Miller

Another General Joins Anti-Rummy Brigade

By Helen Kennedy

Daily News Staff Writer

"The extraordinary 'Revolt of the Generals' continued yesterday with a fourth high-ranking senior military leader calling for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's head."Retired two-star Maj. Gen. John Batiste, who commanded the Big Red One - the Army's 1st Infantry Division - in Iraq until November, said Rumsfeld must go for ignoring and intimidating career officers. ..."'I believe we need a fresh start in the Pentagon. We need a leader who understands teamwork, a leader who knows how to build teams, a leader that does it without intimidation,' said Batiste, a West Point graduate who also served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and is now president of Klein Steel Service in upstate Rochester."'When decisions are made without taking into account sound military recommendations, sound military decision-making, sound planning - then we're bound to make mistakes,' he said."To read the entire article, click HERE.

What do four United States Generals know anyway?

"Let's Get It Done!"
Duchense County Democratic Convention

I was immediately welcomed to the convention by Duchense County Chair, Roland Uresk, a man who has been Duchense County's Chair for 25 years. Not only is Roland the Deputy County Attorney for Duchense, he is also running for Senate District 26, a seat that is also being sought by Duchense reident and Democrat, Laird Hamblin.

Within minutes I met House District 54 Candidate, Daniel Drew. Daniel's Democratic roots run deep. As a child he was involved in his grandfather's campaign for the Utah State Legislature. He worked on Bill Orton's campaign during his senior year in high school, along with many other campaigns while in college. Daniel, who currently teaches eighth grade students, believes that our current Republican majority in the Legislature is not listening to Utahns who overwhelmingly want increased funding for education.

The first candidate to speak was Joe Summarell who is pictured above. Joe is running for Duchense County Commission Seat A. It was Joe's statement, "Let's get it done!" that set the tone for the day.

Fred Mauerman, candidate for Commision Seat B, recieved a thunderous ovation when he held up the name plate of the Republican commisioner who Mauerman is determined to replace.

Merv Gustin is the current Sherriff of Duchense County. He is also the only elected Democrat in the county since their county clerk decided to run as a Republican to avoid campaigning. Merv explained how proud he is of his staff at the Sheriff's office, and of their team accomplishments. He is defianely a man who understands the importance of teamwork.

All the candidates presented themselves well, but the star of the convention had to be Pete Ashdown who arrived in his mobile campaign headquarters (pictured below). Not only did Pete steal the show with his oratory, he also proved that he is a smarter man than I by wearing his cowboy shirt, jeans, and boots. On the drive up I realized that I should have worn something other than my suit, or that I should have at least brought a change of clothes so that I could better explore Duchense from more than just my car seat.

I want to thank Roland, the candidates, and all of the attendees, and new delegates for putting on a inspiring convention, which by the way also included a much appreciated and well prepared lunch. All that is left to say is "Let's Get It Done!"