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As a Democrat, I support the decision of the Utah Democratic Party to bump the name of the racist, genocidal, anti-banker and autocrat Andrew Jackson from the party's annual gala ("No more Andrew Jackson for Utah Democrats," Tribune, June 17). Jackson's no example for anyone or any president. Throw him off the $20 bill, too.
But why rename the fundraiser after two Utahns who are only known by insider Democrats? That's dumb.
The party should keep Thomas Jefferson's name on its annual event. Yes, he was complicated, and a slave owner, but he also penned the notion that all humans are created equal, and that's an ideal that well defines the Democrats' aspirations, however imperfectly they realize them (just like Jefferson himself).
In defining a political party, go for the highest ideals and aspirations.
Allen Canfield
Salt Lake City