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Time to get outa town. The Thursday papers had lists of activities for the Memorial Day holiday if you’re looking for something to do. We’ll be taking the holiday and won’t publish Utah Policy Daily on Monday.
Utah’s two heavy-duty legislative task forces, one studying tax reform and the other focused on Intermountain Health Care, held fascinating meetings Thursday. See newspaper story links on the right.
Reverse Discrimination
I live in Centerville, Davis County, in the older part of town. Although my neighborhood is more diverse than most people would guess, Mormon Republicans are clearly in the majority.
Despite this Republican domination, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to stereotype a whole class of people by saying that a Hispanic, Catholic Democrat could not do a good job of representing my neighborhood. I would be accused of bigotry, racism and discrimination were I to say such a thing.
And yet, Leslie Reynolds-Benns, a Salt Lake Council candidate from the Rose Park area, seems to be getting away with saying that a “white, Mormon Republican” (See Morning News story) can't represent her neighborhood.
She is clearly guilty of racial stereotyping and even bigotry. She rejects the capabilities and leadership potential of a whole class of people based on race and religious affiliation and she should apologize to the incumbent Council member, Carlton Christensen (who is that white, Mormon Republican she refers to).
Free Market Transportation
Since I published the little essay on Thursday about toll roads and public-private partnerships, I’ve had people ask me where they can get more information. One of the best sources of good information is the Reason Public Policy Institute, a public policy think tank “promoting choice, competition, and a dynamic market economy as the foundation for human dignity and progress.”
The Reason Foundation approaches highway building from a free market perspective and has published numerous articles and policy briefs on HOT lanes, tolling and public-private partnerships.
Casual Friday
Fishing Facts
Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start of the fishing season. Here are a few facts from a Harris poll and the American Sportfishing Association:
- Fishing is the most popular outdoor activity and fourth favorite leisure pastime overall (behind reading, watching television, and spending time with family).
- 44 million Americans fish recreationally; more people fish than play golf and tennis combined.
- California, Florida and Texas issue the most fishing licenses.
- Anglers spend $42 billion a year on fishing equipment, transportation and lodging.
- Recreational fishing supports 1.1 million jobs and generates $30 billion in wages.
- Of freshwater fish, bass, trout and catfish rank among the most popular; of saltwater fish, flounder, halibut and sea trout are the favorites.
The Key to Progress
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world," wrote George Bernard Shaw. "The unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
Late Night Humor
Conan O’Brien. Voters in Los Angeles elected a new mayor -- Antonio Villaraigosa. Voters admitted they only voted for Villaraigosa because they want to hear Arnold Schwarzenegger pronounce it.
Jay Leno. America continues to search for alternative sources of energy. Other companies now are making fuels made from corn and soybeans. This is amazing. You know what that means? Our cars will have healthier diets than we do. .... It was hot out today. It was so hot Saddam Hussein was wearing just a thong. You don't want to see those pictures. .... You know the toughest job in the world right now? Trying to sell Newsweek subscriptions in Afghanistan. ....The New York Times has had fake stories. CBS has had fake stories. And now Newsweek had a fake story. You realize the only one that hasn't had to print a retraction is the National Inquirer. .... In TV news, CBS has cancelled "60 Minutes II" which means Dan Rather is losing another job. I think they have an opening over at Newsweek so he might go there. .... CBS has [also] cancelled "Jag". They didn't want to, but Donald Rumsfeld closed their base. |
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