Thoughts from a Utahn on strengthening the economy, building community, and promoting civil society.

RECENT INSIGHTS

Too Much Ego in Politics Detracts from Seriousness of Noble Callings

By Natalie Gochnour | 08/07/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. “I come to you at a strange time in American politics.” Well-known journalist and author Cokie Roberts expressed this sentiment in a speech this week in Salt Lake City. Thursday night’s debate underlined this statement. A full one year and three months before Election Day, 10 Republican candidates squared…

America, Drugs, and the ‘Power of the Dog’

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/16/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.” — Psalms 22:20 The escape of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman from a maximum security prison in Mexico is the stuff of movies. The kingpin of the Sinaloa Cartel escaped through a mile-long, lighted and ventilated…

Broken windows Utah

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/07/2015

Originally published in Utah Business. Most people are familiar with the “Broken Windows” theory of solving social problems. In a nutshell, it says to pay attention to little problems because they are a precursor to bigger problems. If a broken window is left unrepaired, then passersby will conclude nobody cares. Over time, more serious things…

Patriotic grace blends gratitude for citizenship, a sense of responsibility and a representation of high ideals

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/03/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. I love the word “grace,” but, like most people, I don’t normally associate it with patriotism. Over the past several years, that’s changed. The tragedy of September 11 and the unity that followed, the controversial wars, the bitter entanglements in Washington and the national funk we’ve been through —…

Utah represented at International Paris Air Show

By Natalie Gochnour | 06/15/2015

Originally published in the Deseret News. The International Paris Air Show is the largest and longest-running aerospace trade show in the world. For over 100 years the aviation industry has been gathering here to showcase the latest technologies in aviation and connect customers with suppliers. Charles Lindbergh landed his historic 1927 flight at this airport. This…

Utah and Salt Lake City Policy Innovations

Athena Remarks

Here are reasons why Utah should host another olympics

Christmas reminder: Success in life depends on human kindness

Finding peace in God’s love

Singing my mother to heaven