Update on Sam Granato

I was pleased to see that Ogden's Standard Examiner also endorsed Sam Granato for United States Senator from Utah. They also outline Granato's common sense approach to government as opposed to Lee's pandering to the extreme right. As with most Standard editorials it was accompanied by this Grondahl cartoon. Have a nice weekend!

You do have Free Speech but...

...do you really have to use it. KSL is reporting that the infamous Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas is coming to Utah. This church earned a national reputation for protesting the funerals of soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. In their announcement the church said that they will exercise their right to peacefully protest this young man's funeral. The last line says, "Thank God for IEDs". Frankly, this is sick.


Granted they do have their right of free speech, but choosing this venue to do so is twisted and disrespectful. We may have differing opinions about the wars and the decision to go to war, but that is no excuse for abusing this solders family and loved ones. The logic is the same for LDS General Conference protesters and the pastor who threatened to burn the Koran. You have the right to do it, but it still does not make it appropriate or acceptable.

Have some decency people!

The Moderate Voting Guide, Part 1

With the U.S. midterm elections only two weeks away...I have decided to let you all in on who I am going to vote for (or would vote for if I lived in that state). This is a tough decision for me because I have very rarely voted for Democrats, but frankly this year many Republicans scare me.

My first endorsement is going to Sam Granato, who is the Democrat running for United States Senator from Utah.

I have made it my disappointment over the ousting of Senator Bob Bennett in the Utah Republican Convention very clear. My support for Granato comes after much research and inner thought. Sam is a moderate Democrat who shares my views regarding illegal immigration and the Constitution. I am skeptical of candidates who feign love for the constitution, but are quick to want to reshape it in their own image. Lee has openly stated his support for adjusting the 14th Amendment and repeal the 17th Amendment (popular election of Senators).

Wasteful government spending is an issue will rear its head in the upcoming Congressional Session. Mike Lee has promised to bring in no earmarks to Utah. While this stance may be honorable among ideologues, it could hurt infrastructure development, higher education, and key defense jobs associated with Hill Air Force Base. All of these are crucial to Utah's economic future. If Mike Lee won't work for this needed federal spending. Then our tax money will simply go to larger states like California.

Sam is a small business man who has been active in the community. His co-chairman are Frank Layden and Mac Christensen; two trusted men in the community. Sam supports common sense solutions to our perplexing problems that are not extreme to any side. What Utah needs is not someone who can spew out campaign slogans, but someone who will work with both sides and represent the state well.

To read up on Sam Granato before the election check out these links:

Deseret News Bio

Salt Lake Tribune Endorsement

Campaign Website

The True American Spirit.

We all remember the pain and shock that we felt on the morning of September 11, 2001. It was one of the hardest days of my life. I was a sophomore in high school and sitting in my math class when another teacher came in and told us to turn on the TV. I watched in horror as I witnessed the second plane crash live into the World Trade Center and later the attack on the Pentagon. As a fifteen year old, I wondered what the future would have in store for me. I remember sitting in our family van, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's impromptu concert and have a sweet spiritual feeling that everything would be okay. I was proud of our president and our country for not giving in to hate towards all Muslims who should not be judged on the actions of a few.

Later I served a mission to Europe where I taught not only Swedes, but Iraqis, Iranians, Afghans and others from the Middle East. I saw the human impact of war and those who are disposed of their homes as part of the uncalculated consequences of combat. I experienced the sweet goodness of these humble people who fed us as missionaries and in many cases thanked us as Americans for disposing a dictator or a regime who slaughtered their relatives and countrymen.

After returning home, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Muslim students in student government at Weber State University. I am grateful for the support I received from the Muslim Student Association ranging from a much appreciated endorsement to being a guest at a Ramadan celebration.

In recent days, I have been repulsed and disgusted by the actions and rhetoric regarding the mosque (or more accurately the community center) near Ground Zero. I understand the sensitivity that many people feel regarding the issue, but if we do not allow this mosque we are cheating the ideals and philosophies of America. If we give into hate, we shame the ideals of the Founders and the memories of those who have given their lives to preserve our freedoms. Freedom is a precious and fragile jewel that can easily be lost through fear and intolerance.

Additionally I have been dismayed by the actions of a preacher in Gainsville, Florida who is promoting "Burn the Koran Day" on September 11. Granted his actions are protected through his First Amendment rights, his actions are distasteful, reproachable, and most importantly un-Christlike. Gen. David Petraus was absolutely right by warning this pastor that by doing so he endangers our own troops. It also might cause us to lose the most important battle: for the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.

Enough is enough. Let us commemorate September 11 by rejecting hate and embracing those who may believe different from us. It is what makes America great! It is what makes America free!

For all the grad students out there...

A cohort member showed this to me today. I was having a tough time convincing myself to chock down one more paper on monopoly theory and it put a smile on my face....Enjoy!

No More Seminary, really?

(from KSL.com)

The Utah's governors race heated up this week when religion was inserted into education policy. (It was just a matter of time for Utah). Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon proposed a number of education reforms. One that I absolutely agree with: adding additional math and science requirements for high school graduation. In our vastly changing world, these skills (along with excellent writing) are vital for success in the job market. A highly educated workforce is key not only for personal income, but also the state's economy as a whole. Sadly I think our high school graduates are given the wrong idea when the minimum requirement for graduation is 9th grade Geometry. Another worrisome statistic is that the average math ACT score for the entering class at Weber State University is 20.9 and at the University of Utah it is 23.4. Remember it takes a math score of 23 to be exempted from remedial mathematics. (Taking classes on the same level as beginning high school algebra).

Governor Herbert's response? We can't strengthen our graduation requirements because we would have to get rid of seminary. Really?! I am sorry governor but during my senior year, most of my class were taking Principles of Underwater Basket-weaving (not really, but classes from the same tier). I wonder if the Governor is truly worried about the religious education of high schoolers (he is the governor, not the state bishop) or about inserting religion in order to win reelection. Don't get me wrong, I love seminary, but we need to move ahead in pubic education or risk falling behind.

The governor continues, accusing his challenger of not caring about public education because he sends his children to a private Catholic school. Wait a second, wasn't the governor taking it upon himself to defend religious instruction? I don't know....I gave up trying to understand. It is an election year, of course.

Happy New School Year

Happy New School Year! Below is some advice on how to get good grades!