Kudos for the Tribune’s recent Inside Voices column, “What’s happening in Minnesota has Utahns speaking out.” I first want to applaud Meredith Gardner and Sherilyn Stevenson of Mormon Women for Ethical Government for their excellent op-ed. Specifically, concerning the details in Minnesota and “accountability and clarity in immigration enforcement” — helping to express the transparency and lucidity perceived by the rest of our country and the world.
This is not easy for me to declare because I’ve spoken out quite boisterously in opposition to their church and the control it exercises over this state’s politics and the super majority they command. Unfortunately, they fail to recognize Utah’s continued support, almost unanimously, for the current administration and its policies, including DHS and ICE. I would normally find their dichotomy in faith and rule of law, with respect to our Constitution “almost” unbearable. After reading their op-ed, it has opened my eyes a bit to the possibility of a greater coalition.
Especially when MWEG announces, “We reject the premise that the violent treatment of citizens, legal immigrants, refugees and peaceful non-citizens is the price we must pay to protect the American people.” Along with, “We must be clear on the need to preserve states’ rights, human rights and due process for all.”
I would only add to their points the First Amendment to our Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Notably more today after Trumps’ DOI (Department of Injustice) filed charges against several journalists for interviews done inside a church.
Robert Hoff, Taylorsville
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