This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
It's predictable that Gov. Gary Herbert would "lay responsibility at the feet of President Obama," ("Utah governor blames Obama's lack of leadership for shutdown ," Tribune, Oct. 3) and then embattled Attorney General John Swallow would crow about the obvious failings of the federal government and how the state saved the day ("National Parks episode shows state better at managing public lands," Opinion, Oct. 15).
To their credit, they pointed out how states can indeed work with the fed to alleviate problems.
However, perhaps their effort would have been better spent picking up the phone and calling their friend, Sen. Mike Lee, who, as the author of this entire debacle, not only ignored his hallowed constitutional law but also knew full well that implementation of his idea would have a huge negative effect on Utah's tourism.
Or perhaps they should call Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Rob Bishop, who also had full knowledge of the implications of a shutdown on our state.
Remember, fellow Utahns: The shutdown was not an issue of the fed vs our state; it was ideologues willing to do anything — including sacrificing constituents' incomes — to get their way.
Tom Diegel
Salt Lake City