Guest opinion: Only we can save our democracy
by Dr. Ellen Brady
Donald Trumpâs conviction on 34 felony counts was an important milestone for those who have waited since 2016 to see him held accountable for his overt corruption, criminality, and failure to uphold the Constitution.
We watched and waited, hoping that the Mueller investigation and report would do the job. Notably, it reported that Trump welcomed Russian interference in the 2016 election, but evidence was inadequate to support criminal charges of collusion. It did, however, document substantial efforts to hide evidence and obstruct justice. In spite of that, Congress failed to hold him accountable.
The criminally corrupt conduct continued, leading to two impeachments. Again, a heavily partisan Senate failed to remove him from office. Thus, for lack of moral courage, we missed two more opportunities to call a halt to the cascading culture of criminal corruption that surrounded not only him, but his entire administration, Congressional allies, and external advisors....
We have seen the price candidates and elected officials have paid for opposing Trump and his MAGA allies who were complicit in the criminal corruption. Worse, they are also spewing a hate-filled divisiveness of âus vs them,â seeking to quash the voices of all branded as âother.â But what would happen if our âleadersâ united in their opposition to this cancer, spoke out, and actually led? Church leaders. The Governor. Our Congressional Delegation. Our Legislature. City and County officials. Candidates. Might the curtain be pulled back and the Wizard exposed for the sham he is? Unfortunately, if past predicts the future, that seems unlikely. In the end, âwe the peopleâ must also speak. November is coming. We, the voters, can fix this and fix it we must. Vote. Vote for democracy, integrity, competency, and decency. The future of our country depends on it. Our lives depend on it. (Read More)
News Releases
State Auditor releases Grand County report on spending of tourism-restricted revenues
The Office of the State Auditor (Office) runs a hotline where it receives complaints about the improper use of public funds. The Office received multiple complaints alleging Grand County (County) misused tourism-restricted funds. Today, the Office released its audit report which contained five findings detailing misuse and misreporting of restricted tourism-related tax revenues. (Read More)
UVU student Sam Carson wins steer wrestling National Championship at College National Finals Rodeo
Utah Valley University (UVU) is proud to announce that Sam Carson, a student at the university, took first place in the steer wrestling competition at the College National Finals Rodeo held at the Ford Center in Casper, Wyoming, in a series of rounds from June 9-15. (Read More)
Mean centers of population and employment in northern Utah both fall in Salt Lake City
The mean center of population and employment in northern Utah both fall in Salt Lake City, according to a new analysis from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. This reflects the strong influence Utahâs Greater Salt Lake economic region, namely Salt Lake City and County, plays as the stateâs cultural, economic, and political heart. The region encompasses 86.7% of the stateâs population and includes nearly 90.0% of the stateâs employment.
The mean center of population and employment for the Greater Salt Lake region both fall within Salt Lake City. The regionâs population center is at 2100 South and Main Street in the southern portion of the Ballpark neighborhood. The employment center lies just a few blocks north, in Liberty Wells, pulled by the gravity of downtown Salt Lakeâs employment. (Read More)
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