The Deseret Morning News and the Leadership Principle
Two days after the Deseret Morning News announced its takeover by the Republican Party and the appointment of the Republican State Chair as its new editor, today's headline trumpeted the glories of Utah's current Attorney General, in its lead article. The article was accompanied by photos of Mr. Shurtleff "at a pro-war rally," and in his crusade against polygamy. According to the article, Shurtleff is not considered a "pure" Republican by many, and has irritated his own constituency by taking some unpopular positions -- including against Amendment 3 in 2004, and for "hate crimes" legislation. It is true that he is an interesting, and often surprising man. Before we all give in to hero worship, however, we must be aware of the realities.
The article starts by telling us of a recent "family council" called by the current Attorney General to help decide whether he would once again run in 2008. His family was decidedly against it; and he will most likely run anyway. So much for "family values." The ending of the article tells the real story -- that he would like to serve in the U.S. Senate once either of the elderly Republican incumbents leaves. And, of course, our current AG relishes the spotlight, so he will be well positioned for the opportunity when it comes.
As a former Young Republican State Treasurer myself, I never thought I would attend an anti-war rally. I was proud to do so, however, when Salt Lake City's Mayor called for one to greet President Bush this past summer. We all know now that the war in Iraq was based on lies, and continues to be supported by more lies. What kind of man addresses a "pro-war rally" when he knows those things? What kind of man invites former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to speak to a fund-raising dinner in light of Ashcroft's championing of the Patriot Act and torture? Mr. Ashcroft's "spy on your neighbors" program was the butt of many jokes, but is not really all that funny.
For the record, I agree that the leader of the FLDS church in southern Utah has abused his flock, and that he is a dangerously unbalanced man. Nevertheless, prosecuting him for rape is both inappropriate and a dangerous misuse of the law. In his statements, the current Attorney General makes it clear that his distaste for one man is enough to make him bring the power of the State against a whole religious movement which, we must admit, is based on Joseph Smith's teachings.
While our present Attorney General received an award last year from the (gay) PAC, Equality Utah, he has not been a model of tolerance. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's office has filed "friend of the court" briefs in numerous legal actions seeking court approval of religious based morality laws. He is a proud soldier in the "war on drugs," which has criminalized a whole generation of young people; the "war on pornography," which seeks to tell citizens what they can read and watch; and the "war on terror," which is largely an excuse to expand government powers to spy on its citizens.
If anyone has read through all I have said today, you know where I stand; and hopefully you know what to do. Help us get the Libertarian Party back on the ballot; and help me get organized and financed to oppose our present Attorney General when he runs for re-election. There is much to do.
The article starts by telling us of a recent "family council" called by the current Attorney General to help decide whether he would once again run in 2008. His family was decidedly against it; and he will most likely run anyway. So much for "family values." The ending of the article tells the real story -- that he would like to serve in the U.S. Senate once either of the elderly Republican incumbents leaves. And, of course, our current AG relishes the spotlight, so he will be well positioned for the opportunity when it comes.
As a former Young Republican State Treasurer myself, I never thought I would attend an anti-war rally. I was proud to do so, however, when Salt Lake City's Mayor called for one to greet President Bush this past summer. We all know now that the war in Iraq was based on lies, and continues to be supported by more lies. What kind of man addresses a "pro-war rally" when he knows those things? What kind of man invites former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to speak to a fund-raising dinner in light of Ashcroft's championing of the Patriot Act and torture? Mr. Ashcroft's "spy on your neighbors" program was the butt of many jokes, but is not really all that funny.
For the record, I agree that the leader of the FLDS church in southern Utah has abused his flock, and that he is a dangerously unbalanced man. Nevertheless, prosecuting him for rape is both inappropriate and a dangerous misuse of the law. In his statements, the current Attorney General makes it clear that his distaste for one man is enough to make him bring the power of the State against a whole religious movement which, we must admit, is based on Joseph Smith's teachings.
While our present Attorney General received an award last year from the (gay) PAC, Equality Utah, he has not been a model of tolerance. Under his leadership, the Attorney General's office has filed "friend of the court" briefs in numerous legal actions seeking court approval of religious based morality laws. He is a proud soldier in the "war on drugs," which has criminalized a whole generation of young people; the "war on pornography," which seeks to tell citizens what they can read and watch; and the "war on terror," which is largely an excuse to expand government powers to spy on its citizens.
If anyone has read through all I have said today, you know where I stand; and hopefully you know what to do. Help us get the Libertarian Party back on the ballot; and help me get organized and financed to oppose our present Attorney General when he runs for re-election. There is much to do.
posted by Andrew McCullough @ 5:20 PM
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