The appointment of Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman as ambassador to China is a political master stroke at the national level. Huntsman is clearly well-qualified, and the nation will benefit from his dedication and effort.

However, I doubt that President Barack Obama gave much consideration to what this does to the political climate in Utah. As someone who supported candidate Obama, this appointment is a disappointment.

Gov. Huntsman was the only moderate Republican holding statewide office, and he was able to tone down some of the more radical ideas of the Legislature. His loss is a significant reversal for those Utah traditional families that include gays and lesbians among their loved ones, and it is a serious step back in our struggle to advance the cause of equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in Utah.

My disappointment might be moderated if the actions by the Obama administration were consistent with Obama's election-year rhetoric on this issue, but they are not. Qualified members of the military service continue to be discharged for daring to live their lives with authenticity.

The struggle continues.

George Stoddard

Ivins