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8 | AUGUST 4, 2022
HITS&MISSES BY KATHARINE BIELE @kathybiele
MISS: From Far-Right Field
It’s not newsprint anymore, but The Salt Lake Tribune gave front-page space to a far-right candidate with virtually no chance of winning the election. And yet, once again the media (we know who we are) promotes the most outrageous stories on their platforms. It’s not exactly clickbait, but it’s close. The story is about Jake Oaks, an Independent American Party candidate running for Utah County Clerk. To say Oaks is “confused” about the Constitution—whether it be the U.S. or Utah’s—would be kind. If he wins, Oaks has committed to denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which Troy Williams of Equality Utah notes that he cannot do. “Over my dead body,” tweeted Derek Kitchen, whose 2014 lawsuit helped establish nationwide marriage equality. Yes, this was a fun—if frightening—story to read, but the Supreme Court hasn’t come for marriage equality … yet. Meanwhile, the IAP has ballot access in only one other state than ours. If you think the Democrats have no chance of winning, the IAP has even less.
HIT: Low Liquidity
Well, since the government is unlikely to do anything reasonable about Utah’s water problem, it’s time to take it to the cheap seats. A “Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics Poll shows Utah residents are willing to step up in this urgent crisis,” the paper says. Half of the respondents say bring on incentives for water-wise use. Stunningly, 5% say there’s no need to worry. We know there is, of course. Not very many want restrictions with penalties for cosmetic water use and even fewer think water companies should charge higher rates. Good for the paper asking questions, but the 195 comments took the questions further. What about population, development, weird stormwater rules—oh, and agriculture use, which takes up the large liquid majority? As usual, the powers that be don’t want to mess with businesses, but residents are fair game—even if they won’t make much of a difference.
MISS: Hunger Games
The Utah Attorney General’s Office: a place where the fight against the federal government—and specifically Joe Biden—finds a home. The latest is an attempt to back out of an executive order to “prevent and combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation” for its various food assistance programs. Sean Reyes and 22 other AGs are suing the administration because of the regulatory chaos that will ensue. Or as Vanity Fair puts it: “22 Republican States Sue Biden Admin for Right to Discriminate Against LGBTQ+ School Kids.” You heard it right. Republicans appear poised to do their own damned discriminating. They don’t like the idea of updating policies and signage because, well, it’s just too hard. The ACLU says it’s really about having the right to deny lunch money to LGBTQ+ kids. Instead of “pray away the gay,” Utah wants to starve it away.
CITIZEN REV LT IN A WEEK, YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Be a Climate Ranger
Hey, did you hear that Sen. Joe Manchin finally stepped up to the plate to vote for climate action? The West Virginia Democrat agreed to vote for a $369 billion package of climate and energy programs. And you thought he didn’t care about the existential threat facing the planet! Now, through the UYES Climate Justice Training Program, you too can be part of the solution. Utah Youth Environmental Solutions is “perfect for young environmental justice leaders who are passionate about environmental issues and eager to support the climate justice movement.” This is a climate justice program for youth 14 to 18 years old. Be your own Greta Thunberg and make a difference. “Over the course of this program we will investigate the systems of oppression that cause and perpetuate the climate crisis, imagine possible solutions and alternative futures and practice tangible skills to support the movement in achieving climate justice.” It’s a lot, and it’s good work. Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake; Aug. 9 through Sept. 4; meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, free. https://bit.ly/3ONf9AZ
Volunteer for Equality
You were probably stunned when all four Utah congressmen voted to protect samesex marriage. Yes, you heard that right. But the LGBTQ community isn’t done. “We are working on securing LGBTQ rights across the state, and your help is critical to our effort.” When you volunteer at Ogden Pride 2022, you will be getting the community closer to that goal. You can help get attendees registered to vote before the important November general election, where voting does matter. There are more than 100,000 people who identify as LGBTQ in Utah— and many of them are of voting age. Equality Utah needs three or four volunteers for each of three four-hour shifts. Ogden Amphitheater, 343 E. 25th St., Ogden, Sunday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. Free/sign up at https://bit.ly/3Q6q4Ho
Tell Them What You Think
You live in Utah, so you have a lot on your mind. Why not tell your representatives what you think? There’s a lot to get exercised about—Utah’s abortion trigger law, the inland port, pollution, bullying, gun laws, immigration, inflation and so much more. All you have to do is show up at this Write Your Reps Workshop. Offkey Art will have “all the information and supplies (minus multiple computers) necessary to write letters, email or draft phone call scripts to use when contacting your local, state and federal representatives. That’s right, Mike Lee and Brett Kavanaugh, you’ll be hearing from us.” If you’re still unsure, they will have outlines ready to use and help you craft a good, persuasive letter. 824 S. 400 West, B128, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m., free. https://bit.ly/3Se3YEK
