This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I read in disgust of the signing of the more restrictive DUI law. However, was anyone actually surprised? It's painfully backward that Gov. Gary Herbert now approves of 18-year-olds being able to carry concealed weapons, a group that arguably lacks the responsibility, yet he is comfortable hobbling those of us mature imbibers who indeed possess it.
His assertion that he planned to sign it along, despite numerous logical objections, speaks volumes of his sincerity. In one fell swoop, he has betrayed the tourism, hospitality and beverage industries, and given yet another black eye to Utah. One small step forward, and three giant steps back. No wonder we continue to be the laughingstock of the nation.
No, this was not about safer roads. This was about appeasing his nondrinking cronies and securing any potential future votes. How sad that the coward card had to be played. Perhaps his next bill will be to change Utah's motto from "Life Elevated" to "The Weirder, The Better."
Lon Wray
West Valley City