Originally published in the Deseret News.

In a clever piece of writing, the Economist magazine said Donald Trump is to public service what professional wrestling is to sport. The magazine’s writers characterized his candidacy as “a suspension of belief for escapists.” They are escaping a Washington, D.C., that doesn’t work anymore. I get it. With his nomination a near fait accompli and another toxic confirmation battle brewing over President Obama’s pick for the Supreme Court, many Americans are beyond belief and need to escape for a while. Fortunately, there are many other worthy escape plans.

Continue reading Escaping American politics →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” — Abraham Lincoln

The Republican Party calls itself the party of Lincoln. The GOP could learn a lot from Lincoln right now.

Lincoln governed during a time of extraordinary division. By the time he delivered his first inaugural address, seven states had already seceded from the union. He begged his countrymen to be touched by the better angels of their nature. He said, “We are not enemies, but friends.” Lincoln possessed civic grace.

Today, the Republican Party could use a little civic grace. The party reeks with division and incivility. What should be a grand discussion about ideas and the right vision for America instead resembles a kindergarten playground conversation of “My dad is bigger than your dad.” Even worse, conservative principles like limited government and free enterprise are lost in the rhetoric of building walls and inciting trade wars. I find myself yearning for something better.

Continue reading Civic grace in political elections →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

You can always tell when a pot of water is ready to boil. Hundreds of small air pockets begin to accumulate. Within seconds the tipping point occurs and the boiling begins.

While not a perfect comparison, a similar phenomenon is occurring at the nexus of Utah’s two largest counties. What locals call the “Point of the Mountain” is reaching an economic boiling point. The growth of Salt Lake and Utah counties are coming together. It’s the most significant change in Utah’s urban dynamics in a generation, and it presents significant economic opportunity.

Continue reading The Point of the Mountain is beginning to boil →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

I have struggled for the right words to capture my thoughts about the recent Handbook of Instruction Changes made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding same-sex couples and their children. The changes have created a flurry of emotions among members of the LDS Church.

Many appreciate the clarification and consistency. They know it’s important for the church to be in harmony with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Others, mostly younger, inactive Mormons, have chosen to resign from the church. Still other faithful LDS people have struggled to understand how this new policy can be reconciled with the love they feel for their gay children, brothers, sisters and friends.

My words will fail me as I try to adequately address the feelings of these groups in this column, but I will try to provide perspective that I hope, over time, will bring people closer together.

Continue reading Mourn with Those Who Mourn →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

Voting in the 2016 presidential election begins next week. The Iowa Caucuses on Monday will be followed by elections in 16 states over the next 30 days. It’s decision time in America.

Unfortunately, instead of having substantive policy discussions about which candidate can best lead our nation, many Americans are watching late night comedy shows with a Sarah Palin look-alike speaking in incomplete sentences. While I’ve had my share of laughs too, my stronger emotion has been one of agitation. I find these elections deeply troubling.

Continue reading Decision Time in America →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

I love the start of a new year, and 2016 promises to be a big one. The world will gather for the Olympic Summer Games in Rio, our country will elect a new president, and Utah will be the top tourism destination in the world, according to Fodor’s Travel. I looked into my crystal ball of world events, technology, sports and politics and have a handful of serious and fun predictions for the new year:

Continue reading Predictions for the New Year →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalms 98:4

Next week the Christian world will celebrate Christmas. I write this column from a Christian perspective with the hope that people from all faith traditions will benefit.

My favorite Christmas song is Joy to the World. I love it because of the profoundly hopeful message it shares with all who will listen. Written in the early 1700s, the song uses simple, yet vivid imagery to depict a world celebrating the arrival of a Savior. The music and lyrics are a declaration of hope for the future of the world, and at a much more personal level, for all of us.

Continue reading Celebrate and sing praise for a better future →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

The pages of this newspaper have been filled with tributes to our beloved former governor Olene Walker, who will be interred today in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. On the day of her funeral I wish to add one more voice to the chorus.

Others have commented on her mighty legacy of service to this state. To this I will only add an exclamation point. We are better and stronger people and live in a more prosperous and just state because of her extraordinary contributions.

The perspective I wish to add is extremely simple and, perhaps, more personal. It’s something Walker, or Olene, as she was called with affection, would want us to have on this day. She would want us to be inspired to lead better lives.

Continue reading Inspiration from “Olene” →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

We learned this week that Jackie Biskupski will be the next mayor of Salt Lake City. In an election that was hard fought and hard earned, Mayor-elect Biskupski shared an inclusive vision that inspired Salt Lake City residents. She has my admiration, respect and congratulations.

I’m not currently a resident of Salt Lake City, but I am a native Salt Laker, spend a considerable amount of time in the city and occasionally work professionally on city issues. I’d like to offer a perspective.

Continue reading Mayor Biskupski should provide statewide leadership →

Originally published in the Deseret News.

The Utah Jazz experienced a breakthrough last year when the franchise traded Enes Kanter and promoted Rudy Gobert to the starting center position. The Jazz have played better basketball ever since. The trade created an inflection point that produced improved chemistry and defense. The young team passed a threshold.

The Utah economy may be passing through a similar threshold and, like the Jazz, is competing at a higher level. The state has grown and invested. In the process, we’ve traded away our small size and are shedding our insular reputation. In a very real way we’ve been discovered.

Continue reading Utah’s threshold economy breaks through →