It didn't help. But then, I am, in Sutherland president Paul Mero's words, a person with "more politically progressive ideals," who "most likely, will disdain the resolution." I guess that also sets me apart from, again in Mero's words, "those of us with more traditional ideals, who most likely will embrace it."

Mero started peddling this proposal last fall to every legislator, mayor, and city and county council member in the state. It's only seven paragraphs long. You may have heard about it. It recognizes a family headed by a married male and female as the "fundamental unit of society." That fundamental unit should also own a home marked by among other characteristics, "material abundance and broad self-reliance." In this fundamental unit, women are "envisioned" as "wives, homemakers and mothers," while men are "husbands, homebuilders and fathers."

(Unfortunately, there is no wiggle room for those who move between both models - progressive and traditional. If I believe the government has no place in telling me my role in society or encouraging me to build "material abundance," but I cleave only to my husband, adore my children and cook up a heckuva family meal several nights a week, am I good, bad or simply trying to do my best?)

Sutherland's fervent wish is that every governmental body use its resolution as the spine of public policy. Politicians should start thinking of the natural family as "infrastructure" - every bit as important as roads and public safety.

The only local government willing to bite was the Kanab City Council. And boy, have they been bitten back. Travel guide guru Arthur Frommer called for a full-out boycott of the city. Motel managers have complained of fewer bookings.

Every other municipal government in Utah has either ignored the pitch or run from it faster than a crazy, sticky aunt at a family reunion.

And why? Because city and county councils are in the business of delivering services. They pick up our garbage, bond for libraries and recreation centers (which by the way, do great things for enriching families of all kinds) and make certain our mosquitoes are abated. Go to your next city or county council meeting and see for yourself. It's all the good council members can do to make sure they don't get left holding the bag for construction of a professional soccer stadium.

None of this has stopped Mero from whirring into high sales-pitch mode. Thus, the 26 pages of "clarity regarding the document," which has been bestowed, again, on all local governments. What could possibly need clarification? Perhaps that strange reference plucked from the Book of Psalms - that we should recognize "homes as open to a full quiver of children." Homes with a full quiver are "the source of family continuity and social growth."

It should go without saying that whatever number fills my quiver may not be the same for you. My quiver was satisfactorily filled some time ago with two children. The neighbors up the street have filled their quiver with four. My aunt and uncle absolutely crammed their quiver with nine.

I'm quite sure none of us wanted local governments telling us how and when to fill our quivers. But keeping streets plowed and books on the library shelves? Definitely family friendly.

hmullen@sltrib.com or 801-257-8610