This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
As the Legislature's annual general session approaches, we can expect the customary initiative to punish one or more of Utah's patrons.
It would be hard to find an individual (Robert Redford) or institution that has done more to enhance Utah's worldwide reputation and tax coffers than the Sundance Film Festival. And yet the right-wing ideologues at the Sutherland Institute (an it's-too-dangerous-to-think tank) would have our politicos slap Redford and Sundance just because a film or two might offend local sensibilities ("Right-wing group protests Utah support of Sundance," Tribune, Jan. 13).
Sundance joins a long and distinguished honor roll of institutions (outdoor retailers, tourism industry, federal land managers, restaurateurs, clean-energy companies and advocates) who've been a great boon to Utah but are punished for their good deeds.
It's time for the folks at Sutherland to acknowledge that the kingdom of Deseret never happened.
David Lancy
Hyde Park