This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Is it not time for Sen. Orrin Hatch to decide who he represents? ("Time to reform government, cut spendingm" by Orrin Hatch, Opinion, Jan. 5).
Many Americans agree with Hatch that the recent fiscal cliff legislation did nothing to overhaul our broken tax code, and higher taxes may not solve our growing debt crisis. However, the American people have come to a parting of the ways with Hatch and his allies on where to cut government spending.
Strong majorities of Americans approve of Social Security, say the government should do whatever it takes to protect the environment and prefer universal health care.
Americans also strongly support reforming public schools, government assistance to the poor and raising the minimum wage. They also strongly favor increased federal funding for research on wind, solar and hydrogen energy and the National Park System.
When it comes to cutting government spending, most Americans want Hatch to use a thoughtful, humane approach.
Alden H. Laney
Salt Lake City