This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The column by George Pyle and the op-ed by Aimee Winder Newton (July 17) produce contrasting perspectives on Utah politics.
Pyle, using national comparisons, laments the state's emphasis on business friendly practices over quality of life, using comparisons regarding "pollution, anti-discrimination, access to health care," etc.
Newton lauds state-based control of our children's education, allocation of transportation funds, provision of health care (meaning, I assume, strangling Medicaid). Her essay speaks to enhancing the climate for profitable business practices but is silent on the quality of life problems mentioned by Pyle.
Her failure to mention quality-of-life bespeaks her one-sidedness. Most Utahns support a viable business climate and the jobs it brings, but additional jobs for Utahns must be accompanied by better funded schools and a healthy climate in which to live.
Pyle asserts that we could do better; Newton touts Republicanism and seems satisfied with the status quo.
If Republicanism and Newton survive the vial, fascist odors of the Donald Trump revolution, my hope is that the Republicans can do better, perhaps in a more people-friendly way.
Richard H. Keller, M.D.
Salt Lake City