INSIGHTS
Originally published in the Deseret News. “The game of history is usually played by the best and the worst over the heads of the majority in the middle.” — Eric Hoffer Eric Hoffer received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Ronald Reagan in 1983. Hoffer — the son of immigrant parents and a man who…
Originally published in the Deseret News. A lot has been written on these pages about the problems with Utah increasing the sales tax on food. I would like to offer a different perspective. I think there are far better ways to help low-income Utahns. Legislators would be wise to tax unprepared food at the same…
Originally published in Utah Business. America’s best immigration policy is a prosperous Mexico I’ve always admired Condoleezza Rice. I first met the former National Security Advisor and later U.S. Secretary of State during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games when she attended Opening Ceremony. A year later, in Washington, D.C., I was fortunate to visit with…
Originally published in the Deseret News. I revere the people of rural Utah. Eighteen years of public service in the Utah governor’s office afforded me many opportunities to travel to rural communities, meet the hardworking people, and appreciate the important economic and cultural contributions they make to the Beehive State. I also love outdoor recreation.…
This month’s report focuses on global and national economic conditions. The key points are these: 1. Global economic conditions are improving. 2. U.S. economic expansion is now the second longest in history. 3. Fiscal policy is back. 4. Tremendous public sector uncertainty. You can view the full presentation at this link: Utah Economic Report 2/14/17…
Originally published in the Deseret News. New York Times columnist David Brooks commented about the first few days of the Trump administration by coining the term, “A mean wind is blowing.” The saying stuck with me. Everything I’m feeling right now about my country is like a dark, ominous and disquieting wind.
Originally published in the Deseret News. Over the holidays I was introduced to the concept of “applied hope.” The idea is that we shape the future by starting with hope and then acting on it. The process of being hopeful and acting on our desires creates good outcomes. Over time, applied hope creates a better…
Originally published in Utah Business. I love the start of a new year and am typically filled with optimism as I contemplate local and world events. This year the realist in me takes center stage as I look forward with more trepidation and uncertainty, particularly concerning global affairs. While my crystal ball is foggy and…
Originally published in the Deseret News. An End of Year Prayer Like a lot of people, I have many thoughts on my mind as 2016 comes to a close. When thoughts turn to words, it can take many literary forms — a memo, an essay, a poem, lyrics for a song or even a prayer.…
Originally published in Utah Business magazine. The holidays are in full swing. Snow blankets our yards, lights illuminate our streets and homes, and songs of the season fill the air. This is a glorious time of year … with one exception. We spend too much time thinking about and collecting things. Every year around this…