Have you heard.....

Today I heard a rumor about myself that had me rolling on the floor.  It concerned my possible future political campaign and what I would do if I was elected.  I am not going to share the rumor, because like many I have heard recently, it is so ridiculous.

I always wonder how or why rumors get started.  Is it because the truth isn't exciting enough, so something has to be made up?  Or would the truth reflect badly on the individual starting the rumor?  I don't like scare tactics in politics.  I have always felt that if a candidate resorts to scare tactics, it is because they don't feel that their ideas or proposed policies have enough weight or validity to persuade the electorate.  As human beings we are quick to act out of extreme emotion and fear is one of the strongest.  I have always found it better to not rush to judgement, but step back and try to look at the facts, read all I can and talk to the individuals involved if possible.

Here are the facts in regards to my running for any office:

1. The next general election is just under a year from now, actually it is 351 days from today.  The time to file for that election does not occur until July 2013.

2.  If I do run for office, and am elected, I can only propose ideas.  It takes a vote of the City Council to put any policy into place or to take any action regarding such.

3. Between now and July, I have Thanksgiving, an Eagle Court of Honor, Christmas, four family birthdays, a son to send on a mission, the Spelling Bee, the 4th of July, and Easter to plan for, not to mention field trips, concerts, athletic events, and all the other normal activities of a mom.  I do not have time nor the desire to be running around making behind the scenes deals with individuals.

3.  While at this time, I may be considering running for office, I know that there are a lot of good, honest, hard-working, qualified people in this community that may also choose to run for office.

4.  I feel it is the responsibility of every citizen to keep themselves informed of what is going on in their community.  We have heard a lot recently about the federal election, but it is really the decisions made by the city councils and the state legislators that will have the greatest impact on our daily lives.  (This blog post from Holly Richardson illustrates a change in law being considered by the legislature that illustrates my point: Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.)


So I ask, if you hear a rumor that concerns you about me or my family, come talk to me personally.  There are a lot going around out there and the ones that I have heard, I can tell you are definitely not true.  Who remembers the gossip game from when we were kids?  Same thing.

3 Nephi 11:29-30

29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
 30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things ashould be done away.

We can disagree, but we need to remain civil.  We need to look for what unites us and not just what divides.  It is then that we will find common ground and look for the best solutions.  We need to strive to do this in our homes, our families, our churches and our communities and to encourage our government representatives to do the same.

"Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people" ~ Gordon B. Hinckley (And the Greatest of These Is Love, Ensign, Mar 1984)

More Alike Than We Acknowledge

A few weeks ago, a friend noticed that I had commented on something by a local candidate.  My friend then wanted to know if I affiliated with the Democratic Party.  My response to her was that I do not consider myself a Democrat or a Republican.  I have registered as a Republican only because in Utah, the Republican Party has chosen to close its Primary Election process to anyone but Republicans and there have been many candidates I have felt strongly about and wanted to see succeed in the election process.


Much indeed to be regretted, party disputes are now carried to such a length, and truth is so enveloped in mist and false representation, that it is extremely difficult to know through what channel to seek it. This difficulty to one, who is of no party, and whose sole wish is to pursue with undeviating steps a path which would lead this country to respectability, wealth, and happiness, is exceedingly to be lamented. But such, for wise purposes, it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when victory more than truth is the palm contended for.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Timothy Pickering, Jul. 27, 1795

Last week, I watched with interest the Republican National Convention.  There was much said during the convention that resonated within me.  I appreciated the shared experiences of hard work, service, love of country.

I believe in the American Dream.  I am the great-grandchild of immigrants who came to this country for the freedom to pursue their religion.  My grandfather was a coal miner.  I have the same problems with my lungs that he did.  Luckily, I have the opportunity for medication and to live a life free of the coal dust that led to the pneumonia that killed him at the age of 43, three years younger than I am today.  I know how both my paternal and maternal grandparents worked to provide a better life for their children.

I grew up with stories of my father's experiences in the 82nd Airborne.  My husband served in the military for 12 years.  Many more of my extended family have served or are currently serving in the various branches of the armed forces.

I enjoyed listening to Ann Romney.  As a Mormon and a woman, we have more similarities than differences. I too have spent many hours at home with the children while my spouse fulfilled his professional, civic and religious responsibilities.

I have great respect for Mitt Romney.  That respect comes from living in Utah during the ramp up to and the execution of the 2002 Winter Olympics.  Coming so close after September 11, 2001, and with the scandal that surrounded the previous organizers, there was little expectation for a successful event and more a feeling that an epic failure would result.  There was even discussion of cancelling the Olympics that year due to concerns regarding security.  Yet at the end of those two magical weeks, IOC President Jaques Rogge stated, "People of America, Utah, and Salt Lake City, you have given the world superb games.  You have reassured us that people from all countries can live peacefully together."  To me, Mitt Romney showed that even in the face of daunting opposition and doubt, he could lead a team that would get the job done.

Last night, I watched the opening of the Democratic National Convention.  Again, there were many things said that spoke to my heart.  Again I heard experiences of sacrifice and pursuit of the American Dream.  I respect Michelle Obama for her support of her husband, her choice to provide structure for her children and provide them with a "normal" life with dreams for what they can accomplish.  She too has a great story of choices, often not between good and bad, but between two good alternatives.  It is hard to be a mother and wife.

There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.

JOHN ADAMS, letter to Jonathan Jackson, Oct. 2, 1789


Both political parties have great ideas.  Members of both parties love this country and are passionate about wanting a better life for future generations.  The stagnation that we face today in moving this country forward comes from putting party membership above citizenship.

The role of government was defined by the Preamble to the Constitution.  Like many of my generation, I learned those words and were reminded of them each Saturday morning as we watched cartoons.

It is time that our elected members of Congress and the President stop the political rhetoric that is dividing the people of this nation.  The two major parties need to become reconciled as George Washington wished (...the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them. GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Thomas Jefferson, Jul. 6, 1796).  Our politicians need to remember that they represent "We the People".  As individuals, we are aware that at the end of the day what we have in common is more important than our differences.  Focus by our leaders needs to be on the common goal and not the next election.  If they are not willing to do the job, then we've got to let them go.

Something to Think About

I recently served on a committee that was tasked with making a recommendation regarding a future course of action. Another individual who sat on that committee made a statement that a week later I still find very profound - (to paraphrase, since I didn't write it down exactly) As we ponder our recommendation, we need to acknowledge that our decision will have the potential to impact the lives of individuals.  This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

This got me wondering how often do our elected or appointed officials take the time to consider the impact that their decisions or recommendations will have on the lives of the many individuals unknown to them and not just how a decision will benefit a few?  And more importantly, how often do each of us take the time to thoughtfully consider how our decisions will impact the lives of others?

Life on Facebook

In January on my family blog, I wrote of learning of life's tragedies through social media or main stream media in a post entitled Death, Facebook and Media.  At the time, that post generated comments from those who had been through that experience and the difficulties it created for them.  Let's be honest, there are some images we never want to see and have burned into our memories.

This month, I have experienced another side of this coin as a family drama has been playing out on Facebook.  I have often heard the euphemism "Don't air your dirty laundry in public."  Well my extended family's laundry has been waving for all to see.

Through this experience, we have watched family members brought to tears as individuals who are not even involved felt the need to comment.  We have seen the collateral damage of pain experienced by others who did not deserve or need this added burden.  We have seen statements made for the sole purpose of hurting a specific group or individual with no consideration beyond their own desire to cause pain.  Bridges of trust and support have been burned and will take a long time to rebuild, if ever.

Needless to say, it has been a rough month and as a result, family or not, our little home has chosen to "unfriend" those involved so that we no longer have to witness the "drama".  For my own part, as I tried to talk privately with the individual involved, I wish I had heeded the words of Thumper, "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say nothing at all."  I should have remembered that you cannot have an open discussion with an individual that does not want to listen.

Also this week, two other items were brought to my attention that are along these same lines.  A dear friend posted as her status how hard it was for her to constantly see posts of children and animals who have been harmed.  A comment was made that even though individuals are trying to create awareness, it does come to a point where you will block those images either by skimming over the posts of the individual or by actually blocking the individual.

The second instance was a post made on our City's Facebook page of an event our community had participated in.  It was meant to be a positive and informative post.  Unfortunately, one individual felt the need in multiple comments to recite all his perceived grievances with the City.  In reading his comments, I recognized how ill-informed the individual actually was.  I have been attending City Council meetings for several months now and have yet to see him there.  Maybe if he had taken the time to attend those meetings or to speak with a council member, mayor or City Administrator, his statements would have been more accurate.

Social Media as a whole is a great tool for reaching individuals, informing, reconnecting and helping us find common ground.  Whether on a personal level or a public level, there is a need to be respectful, thoughtful, and considerate of others.  If you are unwilling to say it to an individual directly, you should not post it online.

The Price

“What win I if I gain the thing I seek; a dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy? Who buys a minutes mirth to wail a week, or sells eternity to gain a toy? For one sweet grape, who would the vine destroy; or what fond beggar but to touch the crown when with the sceptor straight be strucken down.”
       ― William Shakespeare, The Rape of Lucrece

The first time I heard these words spoken, their power resonated in my very soul.  Each day we are asked to choose how will we behave.  Our decisions have consequences.

Most times, the individual bears the consequences of a decision. But as John Donne said, "No man is an island."  Just as a pebble cast into a pond will create ripples or a seed blown blown in the breeze can be the start of a field of flowers, so may our decisions have unknown results.

Often times, I have heard the argument that as human beings we are in control, that we are the best judge of the situation, that rules or laws are only there as suggestions or guidelines and are provided as a reference in our decision making process.  The match lit with disregard for current conditions, the picture posted online as a harmless joke, the private sale of a weapon to one who would not be able to purchase it otherwise, the driver weaving in and out of traffic above the posted speed limit or the attitude that 'if it is best for me then it is alright' is where this false thinking leads.

Governing bodies are asked to use their discernment to pass rules that will establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote general welfare, and secure liberty.  These same bodies rely on the knowledge, input and support of their constituents in the formation of these rules and in the upholding of the rules once established.  To not be involved in this process is a choice, to disregard the results of this process is a more serious choice.  The consequence of disregard of established rules is the pressure on governing bodies to make stricter rules, to increase punishment for violation of rules and to establish a system where violators will be held accountable.  Unfortunately, as rules become stricter, it becomes too easy for the innocent to accidentally fall victim in violating the same rules that were established to protect them.

This summer, I witnessed this process occur on a small scale.  Our daughters participated with a swim league designed to provide experience to those who want to improve their skills and compete at a recreational level.  The league was made up of seven teams within the tri-state area.  In past years, it has always been fun and light-hearted with jokes and cheers all around.  This year, a different attitude was taken by a couple of the coaches.  These coaches stated that to them, winning the end of season trophy was the most important thing and they would do whatever was necessary to win that trophy including disregard of the understood operating rules of the league.

By the end of the year, coaches were not speaking to each other, trust among teams had been lost, swimmers no longer wanted to participate, the league was split in two with one team unsure of where it will fit or be welcomed and a written set of rules that will need to be signed by each parent next year before their child can participate.  The real victims in this situation were the children.  Many were left discouraged, camaraderie between teams was lessened and options for improvement in skill were limited.  The decisions and actions of a few, impacted many for years to come.

Above all the laws that can be passed by man, Christ has provided us with the greatest laws:


And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Mark 12: 30-31


As a society the price we pay to insure domestic tranquility in all its forms and levels would be lessened if we would follow these two greatest laws or remember to heed the Golden Rule: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.  

Light the Fuse on Fireworks Restrictions

You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.

Tonight at the La Verkin City Council Meeting, the mayor and council unanimously passed a resolution limiting the discharge of fireworks to the City's main park, Wanlass Park.  While this may seem like a minor decision to some; in a community that feels strongly about property rights, the decision by the council to limit fireworks is sure to be a controversial one.

I strongly support this decision and was impressed with the minimal amount of discussion this issue required.  Mayor Wilson stated it was the shortest discussion ever had on the issue.  Our councilmen exercised great judgement in recognizing that the combination of the current dry conditions our community is facing this year and the decision by the State legislature to allow aerial fireworks and the wind gusts that the area has been experiencing are all a combination for potential disaster.  Councilman Jensen stated that he clearly supports personal property rights, but felt that it was in the best interest of the health and safety of the community to limit fireworks to a contained area.

Last year, while watching a fireworks show in the neighboring community of Hurricane, we watched the hillside in that community blaze from stray sparks from the show.  This was not the first time we had watched a hillside burn as the result of professionally discharged fireworks.  The Town of Springdale experienced the same thing several years ago and it prompted that Town Council to do away with the Town's 4th of July Fireworks Display and limit fireworks within the Town to residents on the ballfield.

But last year, we were not able to leave the flames behind and return safely home.  Shortly after getting our daughters to bed, my oldest daughter started yelling that our hillside was on fire.  Sure enough, neighbors shooting off fireworks in the street had caused a section of the hillside to start on fire.  Luckily for us, there were plenty of neighbors ready with hoses to put it out, but it was a very terrifying night for our family as it brought back memories of when fire had spread up that same hillside the year previous and destroyed our home.

Fireworks will never go away. And manufacturers and distributors will continue to lobby the legislature to continue to minimize communities ability to limit this business.  I want to be clear that I enjoy fireworks, both the professional displays and the kind you can set off yourself.  But like anything else, common sense in use needs to prevail.  So I applaud tonight's decision by the La Verkin Council.  It may not be the popular choice, but it is the right choice for this year and I know that my children will sleep better because of it.

UFOs, Pink Flamingos and Free Speech

I believe there should be a part of society that conscientiously works as a ‘critical partner’ of the government.
-- Dewi Rana Amir




I have been watching with great interest the happenings in the little town of Apple Valley.  For those of you that are unaware of what's happening, you can link to an article in the Salt Tribune that does a pretty good job summarizing all the activity here.

Throughout this process, the Town of Apple Valley has shown both the best and the worst that can epitomize a democracy.  The worst are the threats, intimidation and name calling that occur so often when tempers flair and individuals act out in the heat of moment or in fear.

But the best far outshines the worst.  A group of citizens felt that their needs were not being met and their opinions, ideas and concerns were being disregarded by their elected officials.  This group of citizens came together and began to take action.

Throughout history, whenever a group wishes to express their disillusion with their government, these citizens have found ways to utilize the media to draw attention and rally others to their cause.  Our founding fathers distributed pamphlets, delivered speeches and composed editorials for the newspaper.  Couriers were employed to spread the word from town to town.  During the Civil Rights movement, television and radio were effective in bringing awareness to the cause.  Who today does not have an image of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial telling the country of his dream or the Freedom Riders being dragged from busses?  Today groups promoting change utilize the social media tools of Facebook, blogging and YouTube to spread the word and to let the world know of their cause.

Yet still the most important element to any change is the individual.  No matter the technology, it is the grass roots effort of the individual; going door-to-door, gathering together to debate or to demonstrate, taking the time to become educated on the issues, signing a petition and showing up to vote that empowers change.

The citizens' group of Apple Valley have done an excellent job in spreading their message.  They have a spokesperson in Jake Dumpling, a scarecrow with his own Facebook profile, who offers sometimes cutting commentary on the events in the community.  They have a symbol in the pink flamingo that is prominently displayed in the yards of residents who support disincorporation and the need for change.  The words pink flamingo has become an acronym for the cause:


P - Political
I - Incumbents
N - Not
K - Keeping
F - Formal
L - Legal
A - Agreements
M - Must
I - Investigate
N - Necessary
G - Governing
O - Operations

An alien landing site has been established with extra-terrestrial visitors being invited to stop on by.  And a series of videos entitled Apple Valley UT Take Back Our Community has been recorded and posted.  

While much of this may seem tongue in cheek, the concerns of the citizens were heard and enough signatures were gathered on a petition to have a judge rule that a vote could occur.  Tomorrow is the day determined by the Town to hold this important vote.  The election judges are in place.  The ballots have been printed.  The time and location have been set.  Now it is up to the residents of this community to show up.  I look forward to the results of this example of the principles of democracy that are so important to each of us.

Civic Duty As a Tithe

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.
Benjamin Franklin


When I was a little girl my father taught me about tithing.  I remember the lesson well.  He taught that the Lord has asked us to return a tithe.  This tithe was to be not only monies given to the church, but included time as well.  He explained that we had been blessed to be born in the one country that would allow us to have true freedom and  as recipients of that blessing we owed a tithe to insure that others would have the same blessing.  Just as we donate our time in church service, we should donate time in community service.  As a history teacher, he taught us that this country was founded on the service of others.  Our founding fathers gave up much of what they had and endured many hardships so that we could enjoy the freedom that is so often taken for granted.

My childhood is filled with memories of my parents giving back to the community.  My father served on the planning commission and the city council.  He served in the State Legislature and most recently as Mayor.  He and my mother also served on many community committees that helped organize events in the small town where I grew up.  My mother played the piano for a community singing group and our home was often filled with their voices raised in song as they practiced.

Other of my earliest memories include sitting in the living room listening to my father and my uncles discuss politics and who needed help in the community, helping my father campaign, taking meals to people, helping build homes in the community, taking produce from our garden to individuals, etc.  I remember one summer when there was a family in the neighborhood that was struggling and the mother had decided to start a home preschool/ daycare.  Even though my mother was a "stay-at-home mom", we soon found ourselves enrolled in the program. And yes, it was fun.  I remember learning to sing Frere Jaques, drying grapes to make raisins and drinking coconut milk.  From their example I learned that while a town may be made of individuals, a community looked after one another.

As I have applied the lessons learned as a child to my life as an adult, my world has been expanded exponentially.  I have been able to meet people that I would not have met otherwise and now consider my dearest friends.  I have gained experience that I would have had in no other way.  Opportunities have been opened for me that I could not have imagined as I looked for ways to return my tithe.  Just as I treasure the memories of service that I have from childhood, my grown children can relate stories from their own childhood where they have worked side-by-side with us on a community project and these times have allowed us to grow closer as a family.

Our family has lived many places across this country.  As we have embraced each new town, the same lesson I learned as a child holds true - A community looks after one another.  Each of us have a responsibility to find a way to serve in our community; to offer a tithe of ourselves.