Utahns for Ethical Government Youtube Video

I knew you'd look for it, so I thought I'd post it here:



Gotta love living here.

Ethics in Utah Politics?

No way!

Yes, way.

Interesting article in the Deseret News today - this is a good one, no bs involved.

Has to do with a requirement of legislators and lobbyists that they take an online test of ethics. Imagine that. Did Buttars take it? The article points out that a majority of the body has not only not taken the test, but that there even is a test.

Anyway, while it's a requirement for legislators and their ilk, the general public (that's you and me) can also take the test. Legislative Ethics Training is produced by the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

Bonus: If you navigate to the test via the instructions provided by the Deseret News is this choice "Chose Wisely" entry (graphic at right).

This from the Department of Redundancy Department.

[Additional protip: If you're using a netbook, you may have to go full-screen to see the navigational buttons in the tests.]

Miscarriage of Justice?

The internet is all a-Twitter about a new bill in the Utah State Legislature concerning whether a miscarriage - in any form - can be considered as murder.

Click on that Twitter link above for interesting reading.

More at the Utah Legislature's website on House Bill 12.

Chris Buttars is an Alien

What the hell planet is he from?

Mr. Buttars, ever the one to come out of nowhere with a lame-brain idea, not to mention opening his mouth before thinking which seems to happen more than the legislature would like - see my commentaries from previous legislative sessions in 2008 and 2009 - has come up with a zinger this time.

From the Salt Lake Tribune:

"Contending 12th grade is a wasted year for most high school students, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, suggested Monday [February 1] that the state could save $102 million by compressing high school into three years. [He] outlined his proposal for members of the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee, dismissing 12th grade as a uniquely American tradition that is followed for reasons no one can identify. He acknowledged getting rid of it won't be easy."

Ya think?

One commenter on the Trib's website did acknowledge that Buttars should be commended on thinking outside the box; I, on the other hand, think that the residents of West Jordan (his home district) really need to consider thinking outside this box at the next election:

Chris Buttars Is Going To Love This One

It's already a forgone conclusion that Chris Buttars is a homophobe. That much is certain, considering events in recent Utah Legislative sessions. But this year, it's gonna hit real close to home.

On the other side of the Capitol from where Mr. Buttars sits, will be Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City, who will have another active role than just being a member of the Legislature. The lesbian lawmaker announced she's a surrogate mother, carrying a baby for two gay men from Salt Lake City.

Senator Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, says "I do respect any woman who will carry and bear a child for a childless couple ... It's my responsibility to show respect and love for one of God's daughters."

House Speaker David Clark, R-Santa Clara, agrees. "At the end of the day, it's the gift of life" that is important, he said.

The article from the Associated Press closes by saying "...Johnson said she doesn't think her constituents will react negatively to her pregnancy." Then again, her constituents are from the most liberal city in Utah.

Constituents aside, how one Senator in particular reacts is anybody's guess.

Stay tuned.