Where would we be?

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Re "Endorsed by Utah, Earth Day poster contest sparks outrage" (Tribune, March 20):

The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining's public school Earth Day poster contest — "Where Would WE Be Without Oil, Gas & Mining?" — suggests opportunities for other state agencies to make sure their priorities don't get eclipsed by the distracting ideals behind other holidays.

The Utah Department of Commerce could sponsor this middle-school Christmas carol contest on "Where Would We Be Without Shopping Malls?"

The governor's International Development office could sponsor a Labor Day contest for the best fifth-grade essay on "Where Would We Be Without Overseas Sweatshops?"

Just before summer vacation, the Utah Legislature could sponsor a Fourth of July contest for high school valedictorian speeches: "Where Would We Be Without the Tyranny of the Majority?"

Scott Williams

Salt Lake City