This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Utah has the morals and attitudes of a banana republic. Is there any aspect of government or business that isn't corrupt?
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has 19 agents raiding restaurants to "catch" those that serve alcoholic drinks before the patron has ordered food. This is not to prevent drunk driving, but to put the beliefs of Mormon legislators before the public and apply them to businesses.
Besides costing the business money, ruining patrons' bid for a relaxing evening out, and doing it all on the public dime, there is no benefit.
The Legislature gives $300,000 a year to pay Don Peay's Big Game Forever to lobby to keep wolves out of Utah. In turn, Peay gives some of that money back to legislators as "campaign contributions."
Similarly, our attorney general, John Swallow, allegedly offered "protection" from criminal investigation in exchange for "campaign contributions."
Local law enforcement has zero officers to catch illegal aliens in Utah, who reportedly exceed 100,000 in number. The police claim that enforcing federal immigration laws is a federal responsibility.
These scenarios of corruption are all costing us money, and there is no beneficial oversight.
Bill Revene
West Valley City