Quoting Gov. Spencer Cox, as cited in the Deseret News, “I can’t wait for the opening ceremonies in 2034 (like 2002) to showcase Utah values and our commitment to building family and community.” That raises questions I, and perhaps many others, have for you, Gov. Cox.
How do you define Utah values? Are you living up to those standards right now? I ask because you recently crossed the line from tacit support to a full-blown endorsement of Donald Trump as the GOP candidate for president of the United States. This tells me that you support a candidate that is a convicted felon, was found guilty in court of sexual assault of a woman and of defaming her — twice! Ongoing Trump court cases include his leadership in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, the classified documents case in Florida, and the election interference case in Georgia. Oh, and Trump’s comment about being a dictator on day one, and his love of Putin, et al, seems decidedly un-American to me.
As for current events closer to home that directly involve you and your actions, you just signed a 2034 Olympics contract that applies pressure to stop congressional investigations into Olympics doping scandals. That just has a bad smell to it. You have also signed laws that appear to me to further marginalize LBGTQ+ individuals. And let’s mention your utter and complete failure — twice! — to investigate the then-head of the Utah National Guard regarding reports of sexual harassment as well as threats made towards Guard members. That makes it sound like you don’t respect or support the rank-and-file members of the Guard.
Are these examples I’ve listed in line with your view of Utah values? Those appear to be the values you are living now. Personally, I have no interest in that version of Utah values so it is my wish that they are not on display for the world in 2034. You’ve got plenty of time before then to examine your own moral code if you so choose. Meanwhile don’t assume that the rest of us see Utah values in the same way, much less know what you mean by that statement.
Vicky Hall, Salt Lake City
