Promotions Committee

Join the Young Democrats of Utah for a night of camaraderie, food and fun at their 2006 Annual Convention. Participants will hear from US Congressman Jim Matheson and elect the group's new leadership for the upcoming year. All politically active young adults ages 18-35 are encouraged to attend. A reception with refreshments will follow. For more information, visit www.YoungDemsofUtah.org

At the last promotions meeting, someone came up with "CTP: Choose the Progressive." The reference is to the ubiquitous LDS CTR (Choose the Right) rings on the background of a protective shield. I like this one because it's playful and speaks to the local culture. LDS will recognize the symbol and will either be A) amused and come out of the closet to join us in our cause, or B) offended by a perceived sacrilege (it's not: it's pure Mormon kitsch) and not join us (we probably aren't designed for too-sensitive types like that anyway.)

Steve Olsen is the Democratic candidate for Utah's U.S. congressional seat currently occupied by Rob Bishop. His pamphlet titled "Why Most Utahns Are Democrats (but just don't know it yet)" is the most compelling and provocative argument I've read that Utah can become--if it isn't already--a bluer state.

Sensitive, conciliatory without being wishy-washy about what Democrats stand for (and can stand for), this pamphlet is possibly the one best hope we Democrats have of winning converts in the Beehive State.

It's been requested that I post my op-ed as a blog entry, so here it is in its entirety. I would appreciate any comments and suggestions.

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In 1999, a group of religious fundamentalists won election to the Kansas State Board of Education. In a 6-4 decision that year, the board decided to teach "science education standards that contain no mention of biological macroevolution, the age of the Earth, or the origin and early development of the Universe." As a result, only creationism was taught in Kansas schools, until the board reversed its decision in 2001.

But then in November 2004, the fundamentalists once again gained a 6-4 advantage on the board, and one year later, in a 6-4 decision, the board voted to replace the teaching of evolution with the teaching of an alternate theory called "intelligent design."

Unfortunately for all of us, it means that many students in Kansas will be left clueless about how the physical world really works, and will be left unprepared for the jobs of tomorrow that require such an understanding.

Thanks to David (whom I co-chair the Promotions Committee with) for posting his Op-Ed piece first! And, as promised--and decidely late--here is my grassroots Op-Ed piece. Look for more Op-Ed topics coming soon including: Intelligent Design, Poverty and Taxes in Utah, and Veteran Benefits. Please keep the comments on these coming!

Growing Grass: When a Country's Leaders Aren't Leading

Trapped in a web of political spin on every issue facing this country--at an unprecedented time in U.S. history--our political leaders are forcing us to face the facts: Americans need to actively participate in protecting our democracy or it will be jeapordized.

It’s old news that the tragedy of September 11 polarized this country when it should have brought us together. Bush’s campaign slogan, “I’m a uniter not a divider” is so ridiculous and overshadowed by our country’s real troubles that no one seems to bring up the absurdity of it anymore. But, now that the division is years old, what are we going to, as a country, do about our impasse?