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Show A The iplPOrt by Senator Orrin Hatch 'I love Utah' buttons Boy Scout troops, student groups, concerned citizens and tourists who visited me in my office in Washington, Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo or Cedar City often ask for the buttons I give out that say, "I love Utah." It's a popular sentiment. I've only known one visiter who disagreed with it; he asked if I had any buttons that read, "I love BYU." I told him, of course, that the buttons don't express collegiate loyalties; they refer to our state. "Oh," he said. He took one. It's easy, to be sure, to love our state. When my great-grandfather first came to Utah to settle the Ashley Valley near Vernal in 1878, he appreciated it for the qualities it offered that he couldn't find anywhere else. A century later, Utah's qualities still set it apart from every other part of America, and as we celebrate the 135th anniversary of its settling this July 24, those qualities bear reviewing. Utah is well known for the moral values our people hold. Settled, like our country, by those in search of religious freedom, Utah now is comprised of many people who, whatever their religious beliefs, still hold fast to kindness and compassion and concern. I have talked to many well-traveled people who have shared with me their delight at the helpfulness or friendliness they encountered while passing through our state. ( Perhaps related to our moral values are the qualities of independence and self-sufficienty, and a strong belief in the work ethic. Our people believe in working for what they get, and they reflect the joys and rewards that come from an honest day's work. The result is a wide and diversified economic base with industries that market products ranging from coal to computers, and a' state economy that's always stronger . than the national norm. Family values are important in Utah, and are evidenced by the exuberance and accomplishment of our youth, the commitment of our teachers and youth leaders, and the togetherness of the families that visit our lakes and resorts. It's good to raise children around others whose own children are their top priority. I also love Utah because it's beautiful. It is chock-full of aesthetic and cultural delights, both natural and man-made, from the flaming red cliffs of Lake Powell to the cultural magnificance of Salt Lake's Symphony Hall. Shakespearean festivals, temple pageants and art shows; hiking trails, canyon drives and postcard scenery all typify the aesthetic and cultural qualities that are part of our state. These are a few of the reasons why I love Utah. Your reasons may be different, but if you live here, chances are that you love it, too. |