This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

- Civil unions for all: Gay couples should have equal rights - Salt Lake Tribune Editorial

Although gay marriage is not an issue on which to hang a presidential election, it's worth noting the differences between the Republican and Democratic platforms on that subject.

The Republicans, at their national convention last week, enshrined discrimination as a guiding party principle. Their platform supports denying the civil rights of marriage to gay people and would allow any state to refuse to recognize gay marriages performed in others states or countries.

By contrast, the platform adopted by the Democrats at their convention this week states: "We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference."

The Democratic Party has the right idea. [Read the rest ...]

- What platforms say about parties - Denver Post Editorial

Voters are wise to pay more attention to platforms than to the packaging from political conventions.

- The Democrats' turn - Ogden Standard-Examiner Editorial

... Like the Republican convention, it will be the renewal of an iconic part of Americana. We salute those Utahns, from all parties, who made the effort to become state delegates and cheer on their parties at the conventions.

- Time for people to take elections away from parties - St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial

Americans heard a lot about the Founding Fathers during the Republican convention last week. The Founders' names are sure to be dropped this week as the Democrats meet. But James Madison and George Washington said a few things you didn't — and won't — hear at national party gatherings.

Both men repeatedly warned of the danger to our republic inherent in the growth of political parties.

"The arts of electioneering will poison the fountains of liberty," Madison wrote. ...

- This week, Obama must fight back - Los Angeles Times Editorial

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are pinning the election on the proposition that Obama has been a disappointment. The president must explain how his second term would be different.

- Texting while driving often proves to be a deadly combination - Deseret News Editorial

- California lawmakers dash for global warming cash - Orange County Register Editorial

- Time to be rid of I-5's northbound HOV lane - (Portland) Oregonian Editorial

(Note, that's I-15, not I-15)