Escaping American politics

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.

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Moment of truth: A confounding presidential election year

Originally published in Utah Business.

By the time this column is read, the 2016 presidential election will be in full gear. Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina will be a fait accompli or thereabouts. No longer will voters be able to settle for entertainment and cheap talk. It’s time to vote.

If you are like me, you find the 2016 presidential election absolutely confounding. One need to look no further than to the remarks made by Gov. Nikki Haley in her official Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address. Instead of focusing her criticism on the Democratic Party, she challenged the front runner of her own party: “During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation.”

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Civic grace in political elections

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.

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The Point of the Mountain is beginning to boil

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.

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Five Things to Watch for in 2016

Originally published in Utah Business.

I’m looking forward to the excitement of the coming year. From global happenings to local challenges—and a presidential election year—there’s a lot to keep an eye on in 2016.

Summer Olympics in Rio

The spirit of the Olympic flame burns bright in Utah, and we look forward to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer. It’s bound to be a remarkable international celebration of sport as images of Copacabana Beach and the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado are beamed around the world. Unfortunately, the Brazilian economy is suffering from its worst recession in over three decades and many wonder whether the country will pull off a successful Games.

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Mourn with Those Who Mourn

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.

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Decision Time in America

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.

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Predictions for the New Year

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:

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Celebrate and sing praise for a better future

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.

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Inspiration from “Olene”

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.

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Writings and Reflections