O:9:"MagpieRSS":23:{s:6:"parser";i:0;s:12:"current_item";a:0:{}s:5:"items";a:25:{i:0;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-7439993194792691565";s:9:"published";s:29:"2012-02-24T16:06:00.001-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2012-02-25T16:35:56.915-05:00";s:5:"title";s:5:"HB363";s:12:"atom_content";s:1465:"House Bill 363 is a bill which would allow Utah Schools to drop sex education classes, and prohibit them from teaching about contraception if they choose to keep sex education classes at all. &nbsp;Research shows this is not the direction we ought to be moving.<br /><br />I understand the reasoning, that we don't want to give young people the impression that we approve of them becoming sexually active at young ages, or outside of marriages, but we have got to put the practicality and health and safety of our young people ahead of our ideology. &nbsp;This bill is a message bill, and the message it sends is that our ideology matters more than our youth. <br /><br />There are going to be young people who have sex before we'd like them to. &nbsp;By not even talking about it, not only are we not preparing them to be responsible when they choose to have sex, but we're not even giving them tools to wait for sex either. <br /><br />I'm deeply disappointed by the vote our state house has made today, and encourage everyone to contact their senators and ask them to vote no on this bill. &nbsp;It's a mistake, and we owe our youth better.<br /><br /><a href="http://kinseyconfidential.org/new-study-raises-more-questions-about-abstinence-only-sex-ed/">Here's a great article</a>&nbsp;on why Abstinence Plus education is the most effective. &nbsp;Send the link to your senator, and let your House representative know that you're disappointed by his or her vote.";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/7439993194792691565/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=7439993194792691565";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7439993194792691565";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7439993194792691565";s:4:"link";s:49:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2012/02/hb363.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"4";}}i:1;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-7068120256170481536";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-05-24T12:59:00.000-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-05-24T12:59:44.811-04:00";s:5:"title";s:12:"Isle of Hope";s:12:"atom_content";s:3062:"My Mister and I inherited some tickets to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Woman/dp/B0007GAEGC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=theli066-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Celtic Woman</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theli066-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0007GAEGC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />&nbsp;concert on Saturday night, it was an evening of beautiful music (although I have to laugh at how people cheered when they started singing "Oh Danny Boy", you would have thought Dave Matthews had just launched in to "Satelite" or something...).<br /><br />One song, I found particularly touching, in light of our current immigration issues:<br /><br />Isle of Hope<br /><br />On the first day on January, 1892,<br />They opened Ellis Island<br />And they let the people through<br />And the first to cross the threshold<br />Of that isle of hope and tears,<br />Was Annie Moore from Ireland<br />Who was all of fifteen years<br /><br />Isle of hope, isle of tears,<br />Isle of freedom, isle of fears,<br />But it's not the isle you left behind<br />That isle of hunger, isle of pain,<br />Isle you'll never see again<br />But the isle of home is always on your mind<br /><br />In a little bag she carried<br />All her past and history,<br />And her dreams for the future<br />In the land of liberty<br /><br />And courage is the passport<br />When your old world disappears<br />But there's no future in the past<br />When you're fifteen years<br /><br />Isle of hope, isle of tears,<br />Isle of freedom, isle of fears,<br />But it's not the isle you left behind<br />That isle of hunger, isle of pain,<br />Isle you'll never see again<br />But the isle of home is always on your mind<br /><br />When they closed down Ellis Island<br />In nineteen forty-three,<br />Seventeen million people<br />Had come there for sanctuary<br />And in Springtime when I came here<br />And I stepped onto it's piers,<br />I thought of how it must have been<br />When you're fifteen years<br /><br />The thought of a young teenage girl leaving her home and traveling by boat all the way to the US, to escape the hunger and desperation of a country plagued by the potato famine and religious and political violence, arriving in a country full of opportunity and challenges, makes me think of all the people who face starvation or violence in their home countries today, and who want more for their children. &nbsp;There are many arguments surrounding immigration, but I think that they're just excuses for the fear we feel over cultures we don't understand. &nbsp;There is no US culture. &nbsp;We're made up of people who came here from all over the world, and we should embrace the unique cultures brought by new immigrants. &nbsp;If there are concerns surrounding immigration, we should address those directly instead of passing laws to make the lives of immigrants more difficult and more dangerous.";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/7068120256170481536/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=7068120256170481536";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7068120256170481536";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7068120256170481536";s:4:"link";s:56:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2010/05/isle-of-hope.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:2;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-7979529537075534432";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-03-19T19:55:00.002-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-03-19T19:59:40.787-04:00";s:5:"title";s:20:"A White House Garden";s:12:"atom_content";s:570:"Thanks Q for sending me this link...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/19/AR2009031902886.html">"The 1,100 square foot garden will include 55 kinds of vegetables, including peppers, spinach, and, yes, arugula. (The list of vegetables is a wishlist put together by White House chefs.) There will also be berries, herbs and two hives for honey that will be tended by a White House carpenter who is also a beekeeper. The chefs will use the produce to feed the first family and for state dinners and other official events."</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/7979529537075534432/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=7979529537075534432";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7979529537075534432";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7979529537075534432";s:4:"link";s:62:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2009/03/white-house-garden.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:3;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2330962727714853728";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-02-19T13:39:00.005-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-02-19T16:05:51.246-05:00";s:5:"title";s:19:"The Greatest Threat";s:12:"atom_content";s:1309:"<font color=green>Dear Senator Buttars,<br /><br />You may think that <a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705285940,00.html?pg=2">gays are the greatest threat to America</a>.  I disagree.  <br /><br />Hatred and divisiveness are greater threats.</font><br /><br /> <i>What is the morals of a gay person? You can't answer that, because anything goes. So now you're moving toward a society that has no morals.</i><br /><br />Why doesn't senator Buttars understand that just because someone's morals are different doesn't mean they don't have any?  I don't understand why people are gay.  I'm not, so it doesn't really make sense to me.  However, I do understand how it feels to love and to want to be loved, and I can't imagine being told that loving the person I do is amoral, and that the person I love and myself can't have any protections against being thrown out of our home or fired from our jobs, or the ability to provide health insurance for each other, because our love doesn't count somehow.<br /><br />It's easy to focus on things that make us different, but maybe we could be a little more understanding if we focused on the things that make us the same.  <br /><br />There is no "Gay Agenda" other than to be treated like everyone else.  I'd like to know who's behind the "Hate Agenda".";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2330962727714853728/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2330962727714853728";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2330962727714853728";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2330962727714853728";s:4:"link";s:59:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2009/02/greatest-threat.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"22";}}i:4;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-1757271764365883079";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-02-10T00:08:00.005-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-02-10T13:58:25.381-05:00";s:5:"title";s:30:"Woods Cross Power Plant Update";s:12:"atom_content";s:2161:"<a href="http://daviscountydemocraticparty.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-landmark-for-south-davis-county.html">Davis County Democrats Blog urges us to get involved to stop the West Bountiful Petcoke Plant</a><br /><br />Zions bank is backing the project, so if you bank at zions, email Zions Bank CEO scott.anderson@zionsbank.com and let him know that if they support the petcoke plant in west bountiful you will take your business elsewhere.  <br /><br />If you look around on the site I linked to above, you'll find a page with a whole bunch of contact emails.  <a href="http://www.ccgpearl.com/petcoke/Who_to_Contact.html">Here's</a> a direct link.<br /><br />Clean air and healthy lungs are not something to sit back while things play out.  Make your voice heard.  This is our community, and every voice makes a difference.<br /><br />There may be some things that our legislature can do to stop the petcoke plant as well, Rep. Roger Barrus is sponsoring a <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5558106">bill</a> to put a moratorium in place that would give us two years before any new plants could be built, to buy us more time.  Contact your representatives and encourage them to support Rep. Barrus' bill.<br /><br />There's a <a href="http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE19/htm/19_02_010600.htm">Utah state code</a> which says that the state government can't enact regulations more stringent than federal regulations, and the petcoke plant meets federal regulations, however Rep. Becky Edwards has found that the state can set higher standards if it is documented that the federal standards are not enough to protect the health of utahns.  <br /><br />South davis county has a higher incidence of asthma than anywhere else in Utah, if that's not a sign that federal standards aren't enough, I don't know what is.<br /><br />Come to the state capital on Wednesday, February 25th at noon (come early, it should be crowded).  There will be media there, bring your children, and show that we want higher standards of air quality.  We want our children to be able to play outside, and breathe.  We will not allow corporate interests to override our health interests.";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/1757271764365883079/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=1757271764365883079";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/1757271764365883079";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/1757271764365883079";s:4:"link";s:74:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2009/02/woods-cross-power-plant-update.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:5;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-320510546312717837";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-01-21T17:54:00.003-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-01-21T18:11:10.430-05:00";s:5:"title";s:36:"Update on West Bountiful Power Plant";s:12:"atom_content";s:1596:"<font color=green>Update on Co-Gen Plant:  City Disapproval May Be More Difficult than Originally Thought <br />Recently, I announced with some confidence that our zoning ordinances would not allow us to approve a co-gen plant adjacent to the Holly Oil Refinery.  After further research I have discovered an old agreement that was signed with Holly before the city's most recent zoning ordinances were approved.  The agreement allows Holly to build a co-gen plant as part of a larger upgrade of the facility.  <br /><br />While we have identified several strategies that we can use to prevent the construction of this plant, my initial statement that our zoning ordinance provided sufficient protection was inaccurate.  I am confident that with the support of the Division of Air Quality and local State Legislators, we can prevent a co-gen plant from being built in West Bountiful.      <br /><br />Mayor James Behunin</font><br /><br />Doesn't look good.  It may be too late for contacting anyone but the West Bountiful Mayor:  Mayor James Behunin jbehunin@gmail.com<br /><br />Although I think it would be good to email all the other people on the list to tell them how stupid you think they are.  Look outside.  What in the world are they thinking?  It makes me want to swear.  This morning when I was at my 2nd grader's school, they announced that it was "another bad air day today" and told the kids with asthma or allergies to stay indoors and the rest of the kids to "not run around or breathe deeply while outside" (I told my son to stay inside- maybe he can avoid asthma or allergies?).";s:12:"link_replies";s:146:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/320510546312717837/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=320510546312717837";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/320510546312717837";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/320510546312717837";s:4:"link";s:80:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2009/01/update-on-west-bountiful-power-plant.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"3";}}i:6;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2386544995567778375";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-01-13T22:25:00.003-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-01-13T22:30:43.220-05:00";s:5:"title";s:66:"Statement on Proposed Plant by West Bountiful Mayor, James Behunin";s:12:"atom_content";s:2323:"<font color=blue><br />Recently, many residents have expressed concern about a co-generation plant that has been proposed for a site next to the Holly Oil Refinery in West Bountiful.  The facility would use the waste bi-products of the oil refining process to fuel what has been described as a "co-generation" power plant.  Some are concerned that the plant would increase air pollution in the area.  <br /><br />The proposed plant was first brought to our attention over a year ago.  Individuals representing a firm wishing to build the plant presented a set of conceptual drawings to the city.  Wendell Wild, the Mayor and a few members of the city council reviewed the plans and raised several concerns.     The most serious concern is the site's location.  It was proposed for a site that is zoned for residential and commercial use. A co-generation plant was not a permitted use at the proposed location.  An additional concern is that the city has worked closely with Holly Oil to preserve a buffer zone around the oil refinery.  To build a power plant in the buffer zone would go against all of our efforts to surround the refinery with a beautiful, landscaped open area.  Because no request for a building permit has been submitted, the city has not taken formal action to approve or deny the proposed project.  <br /><br />More recently, we have heard rumors that the Utah Department of Environmental Quality has granted preliminary approval for the construction of such a plant.  In response, a group of physicians have begun to organize a public campaign against the project.  They even predicted that the construction of the plant will increase the number of local  deaths due to respiratory illness.  Naturally, some of our residents have become alarmed by such statements.  However, residents need to know that it is a top priority for the Mayor and Council to protect the health, safety and welfare of the city's residents.  We simply will not permit the construction of a facility that would threaten the health of our citizens. </font><br /><br />If you haven't already, take a minute to contact Mayor Behunin to let him know you support his stance against the proposed power plant, and encourage him to continue to keep it out of our community.<br /><br />Email: jbehunin@gmail.com;    Phone: 801-560-3944";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2386544995567778375/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2386544995567778375";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2386544995567778375";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2386544995567778375";s:4:"link";s:79:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2009/01/statement-on-proposed-plant-by-west.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:7;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-8238672343381740840";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-01-12T15:17:00.006-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-01-12T15:47:23.310-05:00";s:5:"title";s:18:"I enjoy clean air.";s:12:"atom_content";s:4509:"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DA5O45PUpQQ/SWuluK4qPqI/AAAAAAAAAsA/xq9TccOqUQg/s1600-h/Utah-Moms_logo_184x90.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 90px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DA5O45PUpQQ/SWuluK4qPqI/AAAAAAAAAsA/xq9TccOqUQg/s320/Utah-Moms_logo_184x90.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290504399891349154" /></a>This time of year it should be especially obvious that it would be irresponsible to allow even more pollution.  For our health, and the health of our children, lets all take a few minutes to write/call/email and let the powers that be know that we don't want more pollution.<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.utahmomsforcleanair.org">Utah Mom's for Clean Air</a>:<br />Here are Five things you can do to help stop the proposed Petroleum Coke plant in West Bountiful: <br /><br />1. Attend the Division of Air Quality Public Hearing, Tues., Jan. 13, 6:30 pm<br />DEQ Auditorium (Room 101), 168 N. 1950 W., SLC<br />Show your support by voicing your opinion or just showing up.<br />(If you need help formulating your ideas, communications Ph.D.student <br />Brenden Kendall is happy to help. Email: brenden.kendell@gmail.com.)<br />It is critical that we fill the auditorium to show the depth of public concern.<br /><br />2. 2. Submit your comments to the John Jenks at the Division of Air Quality by Jan. 15, 2009.<br />Email: jjenks@utah.gov.<br /><br />3. 3. Write or call Gov. Hunstman and your state legislators stating your opposition to the petcoke plant.<br /><br />Locate your legislator on the <a href="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=1121980&subscriberid=66809869&campaignid=318430&linkurl=http://www.le.state.ut.us/house/DistrictInfo/newMaps/State.htm">interactive map for Utah House seats</a>. and the <a href="http://www.utahsenate.org/perl/distmapal.pl">interactive map for Utah Senate seats</a>.<br /><br />Send correspondence to the Governor at<br />Governor John Huntsman, Jr.<br />Utah State Capitol Complex<br />350 North State Street, Suite 200<br />P. O. Box 142220<br />Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-2220<br />801-538-1000<br />800-705-2464<br /><a href="http://governor.utah.gov/goca/form_governor.html">Gov. Huntsman's Email form</a><br /><br />4. 4. Send an email to Mayor James Behunin of West Bountiful: jbehunin@gmail.com. Even if you don't live in West Bountiful, pollutants from this proposed plant will affect you if you live along the Wasatch Front and he needs to hear from you.<br /><br />5. 5. Write a letter to the editor to one or more local newspaper(s). <br /><font color=green>Like coal, petroleum coke is not a clean source of energy. We need to be investing in clean, renewable energy, such as wind, solar and geothermal, all plentiful in Utah.<br /><br />Consolidated Energy says their plant will contribute just a little more pollution, but it is time to draw the line and reduce the pollutants in the air we breathe. The pollution from this plant would be the equivalent to putting 10,000 additional cars on the road.<br /><br />The one million pounds of pollution from this plant will permeate the Salt Lake Valley for the next 50 years. The heavy metals from its smokestack will land on every carpet, counter top, playground, garden, and swimming pool and end up on the hands of every child.<br /><br />This plant is especially dangerous to our children because of the many tons of toxic chemicals and heavy metals called "HAPs" (Hazardous Air Pollutants) that will be emitted. Even the Utah Department of Environmental Quality that is preparing to approve the permit admits that no amount of exposure to HAPs is safe. Even trace amounts of HAPs can cause genetic damage, cancer, brain damage, and metabolic and reproductive diseases. The unborn are the most at risk.<br /><br />This plant is not needed to keep your lights on. Rocky Mountain Power has not asked for this plant and you may not even receive any of its electricity. While your family's health will be put at risk, you will receive no benefit or compensation.<br /><br />More pollution in the Salt Lake Valley has a negative economic impact. It discourages new business, stifles existing businesses like tourism, and hurts your property values.<br /><br />The pet coke will be imported from other states. The plant will collect this refinery by-product from throughout the West for incineration here.<br /></font>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/8238672343381740840/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=8238672343381740840";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/8238672343381740840";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/8238672343381740840";s:4:"link";s:61:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-enjoy-clean-air.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"7";}}i:8;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-5347158749222154059";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-12T12:07:00.005-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-12T16:51:06.984-05:00";s:5:"title";s:37:"Change comes slowly, but it does come";s:12:"atom_content";s:2528:"<a href="http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction">Elder Wickman</a>:<i> If you have some legally sanctioned relationship with the bundle of legal rights traditionally belonging to marriage and governing authority has slapped a label on it, whether it is civil union or domestic partnership or whatever label it’s given, it is nonetheless tantamount to marriage. That is something to which our doctrine simply requires us to speak out and say, “That is not right. That’s not appropriate.”</i>  <br /><br />I can't find a date on that interview, but I know it has been around for at least a year, probably more than that.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-votes">On November 5th</a>:<i>Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches. </i><br /><br />From the <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/lds/ci_10952932">November 11th Tribune</a>: <i>Just last week, Elder L. Whitney Clayton stated the LDS Church does not oppose 'civil union or domestic partnerships</i><br /><br />I haven't been able to find a transcript where Elder Clayton stated that, so I wonder if that is an exact quote, or if it is an interpretation of the previous paragraph I quoted which talks about rights for same sex couples that the church doesn't oppose.  Either way, the church seems to be softening it's stance.  <br /><br />Edit:  <a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,705260852,00.html?printView=true">Here's</a> a link to the Des. News article: <i>He said in general, the church "does not oppose civil unions or domestic partnerships," that involve benefits like health insurance and property rights. That stand was outlined in a statement the church posted on its Web site earlier in the campaign.</i><br /><br />I'm glad to see that Equality Utah wants to find common ground rather than point fingers.  Even though they as a group have to be feeling discriminated against, they are taking the high road, which I appreciate.  <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/lds/ci_10952932">Stephanie Pappas</a> stated: <i>While we disagree with the LDS Church's position on Proposition 8, we respect that their position is based on the guiding principles of their faith.</i>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/5347158749222154059/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=5347158749222154059";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/5347158749222154059";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/5347158749222154059";s:4:"link";s:80:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/11/change-comes-slowly-but-it-does-come.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:9;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-7308526155023889985";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-07T19:46:00.002-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-07T19:49:20.032-05:00";s:5:"title";s:17:"My Mom is Awesome";s:12:"atom_content";s:372:"Who knew she had a bit of snarky-ness in 'er.<br /><br />(well, I knew, I just don't see it often)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.clippertoday.com/pages/full_story?page_label=news_letter&id=346560-Letters-Vote-brings-higher-taxes&article-Letters-Vote-brings-higher-taxes%20=&widget=push&instance=secondary_stories_left_column&open=&">Letter to the Davis County Clipper</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/7308526155023889985/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=7308526155023889985";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7308526155023889985";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/7308526155023889985";s:4:"link";s:61:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-mom-is-awesome.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"3";}}i:10;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-4802781044579350126";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-05T21:44:00.003-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-05T22:06:50.873-05:00";s:5:"title";s:28:"Emotions from the SL Tribune";s:12:"atom_content";s:1083:"<font color=blue>Amusement</font> (with a pardon to my Mister)<br /><br />From the comments on <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10902365">this</a> editorial:<br /><i>Utah is no longer the reddest state in the Union; that honor now goes to, I believe, Idaho (whose new state slogan is "Utah's Slow Cousin To The North"). </i><br /><br /><font color=blue>Disgust</font><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10898120 ">Letter to the Editor</a><br /><br /><i>Overheard on the FrontRunner commuter train the day before Halloween: "There are so many non-LDS in our neighborhood - in fact, we're the minority - that our ward decided to sponsor a trunk-or-treat." <br />    Would someone please give me the scripture reference where Jesus teaches fear and intolerance? </i><br /><br />and finally....<br /><br /><font color=blue>HA HAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHA</font><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10907640">link</a><br /><br /><i>"As he tries to bring us closer to socialism," Chaffetz warned, "I will be a strong voice in opposition."</i>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/4802781044579350126/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=4802781044579350126";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/4802781044579350126";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/4802781044579350126";s:4:"link";s:68:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/11/emotions-from-sl-tribune.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"5";}}i:11;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-3850878936644941916";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-05T12:42:00.002-05:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-05T12:47:55.607-05:00";s:5:"title";s:28:"Congratulations to My Mister";s:12:"atom_content";s:483:"Congratulations on running a clean campaign, and working so hard.  Congratulations on the 3742 people who believed in your honesty, dedication, and desire to make a difference.<br /><br />I am so proud that you were willing to step up, and get involved.<br /><br />I love you Mister.<br /><br />(I'll also add a congratulations and thank you to Becky Edwards.  It has been a pleasure, where so many campaigns get nasty, you were above that, which I think says good things about you.)";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/3850878936644941916/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=3850878936644941916";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/3850878936644941916";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/3850878936644941916";s:4:"link";s:72:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/11/congratulations-to-my-mister.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"5";}}i:12;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2584735227373529385";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-29T14:26:00.004-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-29T14:54:55.887-04:00";s:5:"title";s:24:"God needs more democrats";s:12:"atom_content";s:8305:"Thanks to <a href="http://bobaagard.blogspot.com/2008/10/elder-marlin-k-jensen-on-being-lds.html">Bob</a> for this article.  (I've shortened it quite a bit, for the full article see <a href="http://bobaagard.blogspot.com/2008/10/elder-marlin-k-jensen-on-being-lds.html">bob's blog</a>.)<br /><br />If this was applicable in 1998, it's even more applicable today. <br /><br />Here's also a <a href="http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/1.360017">link</a> to an article from the UofU's Daily Chronicle, originally published in 2004.  I've linked to it before, it's a good one.<br /><br />Dan Harrie, Salt Lake Tribune, May 3, 1998<br />10/27/2008 05:51 PM MDT<br /><br />On May 3, 1998, the Salt Lake Tribune reported the following interview with Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Jensen, at the time a member of the Church's Public Affairs Committee, was "designated by church officials to respond to The Salt Lake Tribune's request for an interview on the topic of partisan imbalance in Utah and among LDS members."<br /><br />The LDS Church, through a high-ranking leader, is making its strongest public statement to date about the need for political diversity among members, while expressing concerns the Republican Party is becoming the "church party."<br /><br />"There is sort of a division along Mormon/non-Mormon, Republican/Democratic lines," says Elder Marlin Jensen, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. "We regret that more than anything -- that there would become a church party and a non-church party. That would be the last thing that we would want to have happen."<br /><br />Jensen said major national political parties may take stands that do not coincide with teachings of the 10 million-member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but that should not put them out of bounds for members....<br /><br />-- The LDS Church's reputation as a one-party monolith is damaging in the long run because of the seesaw fortunes of the national political parties.<br /><br />-- The overwhelming Republican bent of LDS members in Utah and the Intermountain West undermines the checks-and-balances principle of democratic government.<br /><br />-- Any notion that it is impossible to be a Democrat and a good Mormon is wrongheaded and should be "obliterated."<br /><br />-- Faithful LDS members have a moral obligation to actively participate in politics and civic affairs, a duty many have neglected.<br /><br />...Jensen, who was called as a general authority in 1989, said high church officials lament the near-extinction of the Democratic Party in Utah and the perception -- incorrect though it is -- that the GOP enjoys official sanction of the church....<br /><br />"One of the things that prompted this discussion in the first place was the regret that's felt about the decline of the Democratic Party [in Utah] and the notion that may prevail in some areas that you can't be a good Mormon and a good Democrat at the same time," Jensen said.<br /><br />"There have been some awfully good men and women who have been both and are both today. So I think it would be a very healthy thing for the church -- particularly the Utah church -- if that notion could be obliterated."<br /><br />The idea that Mormonism and Democratic Party affiliation are incompatible traces back to the early 1970s, when LDS general authority Ezra Taft Benson, who later became church president, was quoted in an Associated Press interview as saying it would be difficult for a faithful member to be a liberal Democrat.<br /><br />Church officials later claimed the comment was taken out of context, although the AP stood by its account.<br /><br />Jensen said concerns exist on two levels about the unofficial linkage of the Republican Party and Mormon Church.<br /><br />One is the fear that by being closely identified with one political party, the church's national reputation and influence is subject to the roller-coaster turns and dips of that partisan organization. Also bothersome is that the uncontested dominance of the Republican Party in Utah deprives residents of the debate and competition of ideas that underlie good government.<br /><br />"There is a feeling that even nationally as a church, it's not in our best interest to be known as a one-party church," Jensen said. "The national fortunes of the parties ebb and flow. Whereas the Republicans may clearly have the upper hand today, in another 10 years they may not."<br /><br />..."The Democratic Party has in the last 20 years waned to the point where it really is almost not a factor in our political life," Jensen said. "There is a feeling that that is not healthy at all -- that as a state we suffer in different ways. But certainly any time you don't have the dialogue and the give-and-take that the democratic process provides, you're going to be poorer for it in the long run."<br /><br />There also are more immediate, tangible costs, he said.<br /><br />Jensen blamed the Republican monopoly for contributing to Utah political leaders' inability or unwillingness to grapple with long-range planning issues. He pointed to the lack of state leadership on issues of open-space preservation and land-use planning....  "There are probably issues like that environmentally, educationally that we'd really benefit from if there were a more robust dialogue going on. But we've lacked that and I think we've suffered somewhat because of it."<br /><br />..."This is the second dramatic time in the history of the state when forceful signals have been flashed from church headquarters calling on Mormons to choose up political sides more evenly," said J.D. Williams, retired University of Utah political scientist.<br /><br />Williams compared Jensen's public pronouncements to the church's attempts in the 1890s to divide congregations up evenly among the two major political parties....<br /><br />Jensen also referred to the 19th-century splitting of congregations along partisan lines, when the territorial People's and Liberal parties were abandoned in favor of national party affiliations.<br /><br />He repeated an anecdote told by prominent LDS Democrat Oscar McConkie about his father's recollections of a church leader telling a congregation during a Sunday morning meeting to "sign up to be Republicans."<br /><br />At that time, Mormons favored the Democratic Party because it was less stridently anti-polygamy than were Republicans.<br /><br />When members of the flock returned for an afternoon session, the Republican sign-up sheet remained blank, Jensen said. "Brothers and sisters, you have misunderstood," said the church leader. "God needs Republicans."<br /><br />"And Oscar said his father would wink and say, `And you know, Oscar, those damned Republicans think they've had God on their side ever since,' " Jensen said....<br /><br />"We need to develop a tolerance -- so we don't demonize people that we have a disagreement with," Peck said. "It really was the church leaders' position on abortion and the Equal Rights Amendment [in the 1970s] that was the death of the Utah Democratic Party, because it became a litmus test," he said.<br /><br />Pro-choice and, more recently, gay-rights stands of the national Democratic Party have helped Republicans paint the donkey-symbol party as taboo.<br /><br />Jensen said it is time for LDS members to take a broader view of political affiliation.<br /><br />"We would probably hope that they wouldn't abandon a party necessarily because it has a philosophy or two that may not square with Mormonism. Because, as I say, [parties] in their philosophies ebb and flow," Jensen said.<br /><br />"You know, the Republicans came very close last time to bringing a pro-abortion plank into their platform. That was maybe the biggest battle of their [1996 national] convention," he said. "Which shows that if you're a pure ideologue, eventually you're going to have trouble in either party."<br /><br />"Everyone who is a good Latter-day Saint is going to have to pick and choose a little bit regardless of the party that they're in and that may be required a lot more in the future than it has been in the past. But I think there's room for that and the gospel leaves us lots of latitude."";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2584735227373529385/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2584735227373529385";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2584735227373529385";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2584735227373529385";s:4:"link";s:68:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/god-needs-more-democrats.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"3";}}i:13;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-693688981022178641";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-24T10:41:00.008-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-24T12:09:12.635-04:00";s:5:"title";s:82:"All of these things are just like the other, all of these things are just the same";s:12:"atom_content";s:1473:"<a href="http://cityweekly.blogspot.com/2008/10/hey-voters-remember-private-school.html">Salt Blog</a> has provided a nice kick-in-the-pants to remind us of the senate and house members who voted for vouchers.  The list is not comprehensive, the Salt Blog says their list is of the voucher ring leaders.  You can also look at the Utah Leg. sites for <a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2007/status/hbillsta/hb0148.002s.txt">Senate</a> and <a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2007/status/hbillsta/hb0148.001h.txt">House</a> votes on the voucher bill.<br /><br />Lest you think I've become a one issue voter (If I had, the issue would be health care anyway), I'm not recommending voting against any of these people soley because of their vote for vouchers, but rather to use their voucher vote as an example of their arrogance as a representative.  They decided that they knew better than us, that they didn't need to listen to us, and that we were so stupid that we'd continue to vote for them even after they demonstrated such a lack of regard for our will.  <br /><br />Here are the Davis County legislators who voted FOR vouchers and are up for reelection:  <br /><br />Roger Barrus (House district 18) <br /><br />Kevin Garn (House district 16)<br /><br />Curtis Oda (House district 14)<br /><br />I'm sure that these men are all good people, I'm sure that they are doing what they believe to be their best in representing us, which is one reason why it's time for them to step aside.";s:12:"link_replies";s:146:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/693688981022178641/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=693688981022178641";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/693688981022178641";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/693688981022178641";s:4:"link";s:83:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/all-of-these-things-are-just-like-other.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:14;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2686058738087600090";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-15T14:28:00.005-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-15T14:36:55.488-04:00";s:5:"title";s:9:"Arrogance";s:12:"atom_content";s:1290:"Sometimes it seems that politicians get a little full of themselves.  Especially when they feel they can't be beat.  I'd encourage even the most staunch republican to consider voting for Morgan Bowen this year.  Rob Bishop states clearly who he represents, and it isn't you or me.  I've met Morgan Bowen as well as his wife.  They are good people.  Morgan genuinely wants to serve Utahns and represent us in congress.  Let's send Rob Bishop the message that he isn't irreplaceable, that he must be accountable for his lack of true representation (I was going to say honest, but he's been quite upfront about who he is accountable to).  Lets look beyond party affiliation and vote on the issues that matter.  Republicans and Democrats haven't always been enemies as we seem to have become.  We were meant to compliment each other and share different sides of an issue.  <br /><br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h1gTlvKpblk&border=1&color1=0x6699&color2=0x54abd6&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h1gTlvKpblk&border=1&color1=0x6699&color2=0x54abd6&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2686058738087600090/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2686058738087600090";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2686058738087600090";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2686058738087600090";s:4:"link";s:53:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/arrogance.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:15;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-4211205566723175586";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-14T16:53:00.002-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-14T16:56:28.234-04:00";s:5:"title";s:19:"Quote of the day...";s:12:"atom_content";s:668:"“You don’t have to be a Democrat to understand that government works better when there are two vital  and participating parties.  Utah’s Republican leaders have all the power right now. They think they can do anything they want.  That’s why Republicans tried to strong-arm the voters on school vouchers.  It’ s why we’ve seen bribery, corruption, nepotism and ethics investigations involving so many Republican politicians this year.  Our lawyers are organizing to even up the game. Competition from a stronger Democratic Party will make all politicians more accountable. “<br /><br />--Jeffrey Eisenberg, Utah Democratic Lawyers Council (UDLC) President";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/4211205566723175586/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=4211205566723175586";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/4211205566723175586";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/4211205566723175586";s:4:"link";s:56:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/quote-of-day.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:16;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-189614685797712109";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-09T23:13:00.003-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-09T23:52:21.322-04:00";s:5:"title";s:19:"What's your Flavor?";s:12:"atom_content";s:1903:"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kool-Aid#.22Drinking_the_Kool-Aid.22">Wikipedia</a> says, <font color=green>The saying "Do not drink the Kool-Aid" now commonly refers to the Jonestown tragedy, meaning "Do not trust any group you find to be a little on the kooky side," or "Whatever they tell you, do not believe it too strongly."  Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly is famous for using the term in this manner.<br />Having "drunk the Kool-Aid" also refers to being a strong or fervent believer in a particular philosophy or mission — wholeheartedly or blindly believing in its virtues.</font><br /><br />It seems that all of us have "drunk the Kool-Aid".  We seem to feel so sure that our position is the only correct one, and that anyone who disagrees with us is either stupid, or uninformed.  We label people or ideas.  "Liberal", "Conservative", "Left-wing idelogue", "Right-wing", "Extremist", "Obstructionists", "Reactionaries".  All of these labels are used to insult those we disagree with.  They are used to divide us and pit us against each other.  <br /><br />Who benefits when we are so busy arguing with each other that we forget that every issue has more than two solutions?  How about instead of shutting each other down for voicing an opinion different than our own, we do as <a href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-21,00.html">President Eyring suggested in his recent conference talk</a>.  <font color=green>The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share.</font><br /><br />How about we stop with the labels meant to insult each other and spend a little more time trying to understand where the other person is coming from.  Maybe then we'll be able to fix real problems, like our broken immigration system, and the growing number of uninsured people and skyrocketing health care costs.";s:12:"link_replies";s:146:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/189614685797712109/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=189614685797712109";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/189614685797712109";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/189614685797712109";s:4:"link";s:61:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/whats-your-flavor.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:17;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2834034659767967588";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-08T18:17:00.003-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-08T19:25:46.333-04:00";s:5:"title";s:4:"Fear";s:12:"atom_content";s:2780:"Awhile back my son was playing with a friend, who said to him, "if you don't let me play with that, I won't be your friend any more".<br /><br />I recently read on a blog, "If marriage loses, our religious liberties are next".<br /><br />I dislike fear mongering in any form.  I've tried to teach my son to make choices because he wants to do what is right, based on accurate information, not because he feels threatened in some way.  Yes, sharing toys is good, but it is inappropriate for a child to threaten friendship over a toy.  How more inappropriate for an adult to use similar tactics.  However noble (or not, I'm not commenting on marriage amendments today, I'm just using that as an example of fear mongering) the message, if an argument can't stand on it's own merit, it needs a little more work.<br /><br />Too often we allow fear to determine our actions, fear prompts us to act hastily in situations where well planned decisions would serve us better.  The iraq war is one good example, we as a country were lied to and led to believe that an attack on iraq would protect us, and that failure to act immediately would lead to more terrorist attacks.  More recently, the concerns over the economy and the mortgage crisis had politicians telling us that a 700 billion dollar bail out was essential but we must act immediately.  I don't currently see any benefit from that immediate action, other than my portion of the national debt just jumped.  In both instances, we would have been better off to take a little more time, put a little more thought, and use a little more caution in gaining knowledge before committing to action.  <br /><br />Fear divides, knowledge and understanding unite and allow us to work together instead of breaking into "us" and "them".  Sometimes I listen to Sean Hannity while I'm driving in the car (don't ask me why, I find him very divisive and rude) if people like Sean Hannity are successful, they pit people who have slightly different ideas against each other and make us forget that we are capable of working together.  We spend so much time fighting each other, that we don't focus on really fixing the problem. <a href="http://theutahhornetsnest.blogspot.com/">Obi Wan Liberali</a> at The Hornet's Nest said it well:<br /><br /><font color=green>For fear is paralyzing. Fear causes one to search for scapegoats, not solutions. Fear can easily disintegrate into paranoia, finding enemies where they don't exist, and losing trust in allies you have a history with. And in the search for scapegoats that fear inspires, who knows what "them" are to wear that label? And pretty soon, we are again, the "Disunited States of America" where your standing as a citizen is subject to whether you fit within that "them" group or not.</font>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2834034659767967588/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2834034659767967588";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2834034659767967588";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2834034659767967588";s:4:"link";s:48:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/fear.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:18;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2670156351386784678";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-02T23:32:00.003-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-02T23:35:50.087-04:00";s:5:"title";s:17:"Kyle's website up";s:12:"atom_content";s:304:"Kyle's webpage is now up.  Check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.roberts4house20.com">Roberts 4 House 20</a><br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://aliberalmormon.wordpress.com">Derek</a> for all of his hard work.  It looks great.<br /><br />We'll be adding more to it over the next couple of weeks.";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2670156351386784678/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2670156351386784678";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2670156351386784678";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2670156351386784678";s:4:"link";s:67:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/kyles-webpage-is-now-up.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:19;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-3035383565721150009";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-01T14:30:00.007-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-01T14:43:41.662-04:00";s:5:"title";s:19:"New Item in sidebar";s:12:"atom_content";s:801:"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DA5O45PUpQQ/SOPDTCAp83I/AAAAAAAAAcU/8r32J3yzPLA/s1600-h/sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DA5O45PUpQQ/SOPDTCAp83I/AAAAAAAAAcU/8r32J3yzPLA/s320/sign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252256322168681330" /></a><br />You may have noticed the new image in my side bar- My Mister (Kyle) picked up his campaign signs- so if you live in district 20 and are interested in having one in your yard, email me.  aroberts@xmission.com<br /><br />His website will be up and running sometime this evening, but for now he's posting <a href="http://kyleroberts4house20.wordpress.com/">on his blog</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/3035383565721150009/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=3035383565721150009";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/3035383565721150009";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/3035383565721150009";s:4:"link";s:63:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-item-in-sidebar.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:20;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-2358901088866741887";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-08-13T23:14:00.004-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-08-13T23:29:12.585-04:00";s:5:"title";s:60:"A Very Interesting Discussion on the Same Sex Marriage Issue";s:12:"atom_content";s:420:"I like to see discussions like these where people stay so polite.  I really recommend reading this post- and all the comments.<br /><br />I personally have some major conflicting feelings about this issue, so I can't currently state how I feel one way or the other, but I did find the discussion in the link very interesting.<br /><br /><a href="http://ldslights.org/?p=284">The Gay Marriage Issue at Northern Lights</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/2358901088866741887/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=2358901088866741887";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2358901088866741887";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/2358901088866741887";s:4:"link";s:83:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/08/very-interesting-discussion-on-same-sex.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"19";}}i:21;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-6091711226466279023";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-08-12T14:57:00.007-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-08-12T15:42:46.568-04:00";s:5:"title";s:44:"Violent Opposition to the Plan of Salvation?";s:12:"atom_content";s:1193:"<a href="http://antipcinfidel.blogspot.com/">Anti-PC Infidel</a> (warning, his blog is a bit much for a moderate like myself- also you can't comment and tell him you disagree with him, so read it at your own risk) said something interesting to me on <a href="http://www.davidjmiller.org/equal-before-the-law/#comment-11353">Pursuit of Liberty</a><br /><br /><br /><font color=green>But hey, if you want to accept a political philosophy that is in violent opposition to the foundation of the Plan of Salvation, that’s your choice. Because I’m not a “liberal” (who are only liberal with their morals and other people’s money), I won’t try to rob you of your ability to choose between good and evil.</font><br /><br />This was interesting to me, that someone would think being a liberal* is in opposition to the "foundation of the plan of salvation".  <br /><br />Any thoughts?<br /><br />*(I actually consider myself  more of a moderate, but compared to much of Utah, his assumption that I'm a liberal is probably not too far off- although I can't think of anyone in Utah that I know for sure fits his specific definition of liberal, except maybe our current republican legislature).";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/6091711226466279023/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=6091711226466279023";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/6091711226466279023";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/6091711226466279023";s:4:"link";s:83:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/08/violent-opposition-to-plan-of-salvation.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"27";}}i:22;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-6452950753325368983";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-08-12T14:02:00.002-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-08-12T14:08:53.762-04:00";s:5:"title";s:40:"Recruiting a new generation of democrats";s:12:"atom_content";s:836:"As a child, I have very fond memories of attending the Davis County Democrats picnics, shooting water balloons at pictures of Bush Sr, thinking Michael Dukakis was the coolest man ever, and winning a cake at a Democrat fundraiser cake-walk.  I've said before that my dad used to give us a dollar if we said we were democrats.  As I got older I had to question all authority, before deciding for myself what I believed, or what group I was going to join.<br /><br />Recently, a good friend (who's name I won't mention, because she still thinks she's a Republican, and I wouldn't want to mess up her party standing too much :) ) was talking about politics with her son.  He asked what it meant to be a democrat, and she told him the democrats believe in taking care of each other, helping the poor, etc... <br /><br />He may be converted.";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/6452950753325368983/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=6452950753325368983";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/6452950753325368983";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/6452950753325368983";s:4:"link";s:82:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/08/recruiting-new-generation-of-democrats.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}}i:23;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-962233653604322268";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-08-11T12:09:00.004-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-08-11T12:20:30.855-04:00";s:5:"title";s:16:"Fight the Smears";s:12:"atom_content";s:383:"<a href="http://slcblues.blogspot.com">Bekkieann</a> posted this link in a comment on <a href="http://utahamicus.blogspot.com">Utah Amicus</a>.  I guess to combat all the silly email forwards circulating, Obama  created this website for people to find the truth.<br /><br />Enjoy...<br /><br /><a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome/">Fight the Smears</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:146:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/962233653604322268/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=962233653604322268";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/962233653604322268";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/962233653604322268";s:4:"link";s:56:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/08/fight-smears.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:24;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492.post-5691929275245759828";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-07-16T14:16:00.007-04:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-07-16T15:58:18.992-04:00";s:5:"title";s:18:"Why I'm a Democrat";s:12:"atom_content";s:8070:"A new reader, Carissa (welcome to my blog by the way...) asked me to make a case for being a democrat, since she didn't find my balance argument convincing, citing that there are too many mormons in Utah and that half of us should convert to catholicism.  I think that is different, because the church does not run the government (for the most part...I acknowledge that some will disagree).  I also want to note that in most cases, I typed my views before reading the entire party platform, so although there are some phrases that are the same, it wasn't intentional.<br /><br />A lot of the reasons why I have chosen to be a democrat have to do with my religious beliefs.  I believe that we were given the earth to live on and to be stewards over.  That means that we must act responsibly and conserve resources, avoid polluting and otherwise harming the earth as far as is possible.  I also believe that we were meant to enjoy the beauty around us and that there needs to be balance as far as land use goes.  My Mister, for example, loves to ride dirt bikes.  I think it's good that he is able to go out with his brothers and cousins and do something that they all enjoy together.  I also think (and he agrees) that he needs to stay  on set trails to protect the rest of the land.  The world is not his to ride rampantly over.  The Utah D. Platform says the following: <br /><blockquote>Natural Resources:  Utah Democrats seek to ensure the protection of public health and create a legacy of clean, safe air, soil and water, and a sustainable and balanced plant and animal wildlife population... We place great value on conserving our diverse natural resources and public lands that belong to all the citizens and future generations...Utah Democrats support the protection of wilderness with the right of access to use it responsibly as well as acting to help preserve critical wildlife habitat. Multiple uses of the public lands in sustainable ways are encouraged. </blockquote><br />I believe that we have a duty to care for those who are not as fortunate as ourselves.  I don't believe in perpetual welfare, and think that we need to help people learn to help themselves. I think our current welfare policy makes it nearly impossible for anyone to overcome their current circumstances, creating the cycle of poverty.   The state platform says...<blockquote><br />Utah Democrats believe that all Utahns should labor to the best of their abilities to  provide  for themselves and their families. In return, employers should pay a decent, life-sustaining wage and appropriate benefits or taxpayers unfairly end up subsidizing those employers who  fail to meet these standards... Utah Democrats support programs for low-income working families that break the cycle of poverty, reward industry, promote self-sufficiency, support parenting, and encourage <br /> families to stay together. We also believe that government must continue to provide assistance to the low-income disabled and elderly members of our society who cannot provide for themselves. </blockquote><br /><br />I think that laws which attempt to push those in the country illegally to other areas are cruel and ineffective.  I think that people should be here legally, but that our policies have created the current mess.  I think that there needs to be away to allow those here illegally to pay a fine, or do some kind of community service, and then allow them to get work permits.  The state platform says:<blockquote>Utah Democrats strongly affirm that people who are in the United States should be here legally. We strongly encourage Congress to adopt humane and compassionate policies that control our borders while providing for a viable worker immigration policy that respects the contributions of these workers to our economy and their families and children, many of whom are United States citizens. This policy must not lead to programs of exploitation with employers engaging in a pattern and practice of recruiting undocumented workers, and must include whistleblower protections. We abhor the demonization and politicization – with undercurrents of racism – that has inhibited rational, fair-minded debate of the issue. <br /></blockquote><br /><br />As far as health care goes, I think all people should have access to healthcare, and that medical bills should not be causing people to file for bankruptcy.  While I have no problem with doctors making a good wage, I think a health care system based on making profit is reprehensible.   From the state platform: <blockquote>Utah Democrats seek solutions to our ongoing healthcare crisis. We affirm that accessible healthcare is a civil right; no person should be denied access to basic and adequate healthcare. It is a national disgrace that the United States lags behind every other developed country in caring for the medical needs of its citizens. It is unconscionable that thousands of Utahns suffer or even die only because they lack access to adequate medical care and that those numbers continue to rise. </blockquote><br /><br />I don't think that prayers in schools are appropriate, and it always seems weird to attend a government type meeting and have people pray first.  I'm okay with it as long as all religions are allowed to participate equally, but I would prefer a moment of silence where people can pray or not according to their religion.  I like what the state platform says about it...<blockquote>Utah Democrats believe that the constitutional principle of separating church and state maintains the rights of all Americans to worship how, where, and what they may. <br /> </blockquote>  We don't need to ban the practice of religion in public, we just need to be respectful, especially in utah, of people who do not share in the predominant religion.<br /><br />It seems that there are two issues which keep most utahns from affiliating with the democratic party.  Same sex marriage, and abortion.  Same sex marriage isn't likely to be an issue in Utah any time soon.  We already have a state constitutional amendment defining marriage, and I think the only way it might become an issue is if the federal government forced the state to change, in which case, it wouldn't matter what party you affiliated with.  With abortion, I think we should do more to educate (Our current sex education isn't working, and I'm not sure if we could do more to teach parents how to talk to their kids, or if public schools need to expand their program) and prevent, then there would not be so much demand for abortions. I personally think that abortions should only be considered in cases of rape or incest, where the woman did not choose to put herself in the position where she might become pregnant, or in cases where the life of the mother is in danger, and I know many utah democrats feel the same way.  The Utah Democratic party has a big tent that allows for differing views.  The state platform says: <blockquote>Utah Democrats believe in a comprehensive approach that protects reproductive freedom while fostering personal responsibility and education for thoughtful and moral decisions about sexuality, childbearing, adoption, and parenting. </blockquote><br /><br />I know people who are locally democrats, but still vote for republicans nationally because of those two issues.<br /><br />I'll end with a quote that I think exemplifies the problems with our lopsided government:  The state Republican party platform says: <blockquote>We demand honesty, integrity, morality, and accountability of our public officials. We will work to expose and stop corruption.</blockquote>  Because of the inbalance, we have dishonesty, lack of integrity, immorality, and zero accountability in many of our public officals.  There is no one to keep them in check, and I really think they've become power hungry and are abusing that power.<br /><br />I also recommend reading<a href="http://media.www.dailyutahchronicle.com/media/storage/paper244/news/2004/04/14/Opinion/Im.A-Democrat.Because.Im.A.Mormon-659584.shtml">This</a> article.";s:12:"link_replies";s:148:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/5691929275245759828/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=16899492&postID=5691929275245759828";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/5691929275245759828";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/5691929275245759828";s:4:"link";s:59:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/2008/07/why-im-democrat.html";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"38";}}}s:7:"channel";a:13:{s:2:"id";s:34:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16899492";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2018-10-06T04:45:05.479-04:00";s:5:"title";s:27:"Reclaiming My Inner Pioneer";s:42:"link_http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed";s:50:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default";s:9:"link_self";s:62:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/-/Politics";s:4:"link";s:52:"http://isagoodone.blogspot.com/search/label/Politics";s:8:"link_hub";s:32:"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/";s:9:"link_next";s:103:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/16899492/posts/default/-/Politics/-/Politics?start-index=26&max-results=25";s:11:"author_name";s:5:"Alice";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02784160644947020521";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:9:"generator";s:7:"Blogger";s:10:"opensearch";a:3:{s:12:"totalresults";s:2:"77";s:10:"startindex";s:1:"1";s:12:"itemsperpage";s:2:"25";}}s:9:"textinput";a:0:{}s:5:"image";a:0:{}s:9:"feed_type";s:4:"Atom";s:12:"feed_version";N;s:8:"encoding";s:5:"UTF-8";s:16:"_source_encoding";s:0:"";s:5:"ERROR";s:0:"";s:7:"WARNING";s:0:"";s:19:"_CONTENT_CONSTRUCTS";a:6:{i:0;s:7:"content";i:1;s:7:"summary";i:2;s:4:"info";i:3;s:5:"title";i:4;s:7:"tagline";i:5;s:9:"copyright";}s:16:"_KNOWN_ENCODINGS";a:3:{i:0;s:5:"UTF-8";i:1;s:8:"US-ASCII";i:2;s:10:"ISO-8859-1";}s:5:"stack";a:0:{}s:9:"inchannel";b:0;s:6:"initem";b:0;s:9:"incontent";b:0;s:11:"intextinput";b:0;s:7:"inimage";b:0;s:17:"current_namespace";b:0;s:4:"etag";s:70:"W/"91479b3041bf487051cd19c724d70cfb7d5f826bcd648fd13b5cb95738441e1f"
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