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Show Volume XXIX Issue XIII The Ogden Valley News Page 3 May 15, 2022 Letters to the Editor Thank You Mr. Reynolds I am grateful for John W. Reynolds’s article, “She Stood at the Door,” in the May 1 issue of The Ogden Valley News. Many of us are “standing at the door” to the same place, and we appreciate his preview of it. Sincerely, Barbara Berstein, Ogden Calling All Moderates! Attention self-proclaimed, political Moderates! I need to know who else out there often falls in the middle-of-the-road when it comes to political issues and campaigns. I need to make sure you know the very urgent necessity to get your voice out there and make it louder. Whether you are a “fiscally conservative, socially liberal” Moderate or an Independent whose votes are issue-driven, or someone who wants leaders who can reach across the aisle to work towards a less divisive government, please take note. Maybe, like me, you suffer from middle-child syndrome and can see the pros and cons to most sides of the issues and would like leaders who understand that most things are rarely black and white. Whatever reason for considering yourself a Moderate, you need to know what is happening. I was a first-time delegate for the Weber County Republican Convention in March, and then for the Utah State Republican Convention, and I was overwhelmed with disbelief and depression at the red wave of ultra-right, conservative sentiment blowing through those halls. The ultra-right gathered and activated to swamp our convention with delegates who were loud and proud (read rude) and cheering and voting for the far right-wing candidates, and actually booing for the candidates who were running against them. I did not hear in one speech or see a single brochure with the word moderate on any of the campaign materials… and I was scouring for it. Of course, in a party where senators and representatives lose favor in their own party if they show any understanding of the opposing party, it is clear that the words “Utah conservative” have to be a part of each candidate’s campaign. Since this was my first rodeo as a delegate, I was sitting back and looking for some leaders to help give my voice a sounding board—a booth? A speaker? A breakout meeting? A brochure? No. I found myself slouching in my seat and finding solace in the popcorn handed out by candidates, as I felt more silenced than ever. I felt like a Mike Lee fan-bus unloaded at Weber High during our county convention in March, and then felt like I had stepped into a Mike Lee rally at the state convention. I went to find my seat in the Mountain America Convention Center a half hour before the state convention was supposed to start, but the seats were filled with nondelegates, as the candidate canvassers and booth workers had filled the room with blue Mike Lee t-shirts. The row of Mike Lee shirts sitting behind me had one person with a delegate badge and the ladies were talking at full voice all through Becky Edwards’ speech. It was disheartening and infuriating. I know they felt emboldened by the attitude in the room. I did meet a few other people feeling equally discouraged. We agreed that the traditionally “mellow moderates” need to know what is happening and see this very real wave coming our way. We need to vote in the upcoming primary election, and we need to speak up. The upcoming Republican Primary on June 28 is very important. Anyone who has witnessed politics in Utah knows that our senators are decided with the primary vote. (Some will argue that Utah senators are decided at the Republican convention). We have not had a Democratic senator in Washington D.C. in over 40 years. If you are not a registered Republican, then you cannot vote in the Republican primary, but will be able to vote in the general election in November. Many of the far-right candidates are new to the game, have had very little experience in legislature or any governing position, but are backed by other politicians with similar ideals and the need to stack their team with newbies. They are generally attractive, well-spoken people who “love the Constitution” (Umm… which candidate doesn’t?), “want to protect our children,” and believe in liberty. Unfortunately, we already see how this phenomenon has pushed out very qualified and experienced candidates. At the Weber County convention, Joe Kerry, in his first-ever foray into public office, earned more than 60% of the convention vote, which meant that incumbent, Scott Hansen was ousted from the primary ballot. Kerry is supported by groups who are rallying to remove CRT (Critical Race Theory) from Utah schools. Although this issue is basically a bogeyman issue that is a hot button issue, it is easy to win approval when you are “protecting children and giving parents their rights back.” In the meantime, the issues that really are important to the health of our schools—teacher recruitment, teacher pay and per student spending—get pushed to the backburner. Scott Hansen, our current state school board representative is less flashy, with more experience and strong relationships with the community. In other words, the sound bite candidate pushed out the experienced, mild-mannered incumbent. This is in large part due to the onslaught of delegates they brought to the convention. I am somewhat encouraged by the historical phenomenon of convention delegates leaning right or left and that in the general elections, the more middle ground is reached by the larger voting population. I also understand that political issues swing right to left and back to right as a result of the frustrations of the day, but it is clear to me that we mellow moderates need to calmly, and collectively, speak up with our votes and our insight. Please tell me I am not alone. I am happy to hear your thoughts and try to answer any questions about the upcoming elections. My official job as a delegate is done, but my eyes have been opened and I hope to share what I have witnessed, and hopefully encourage everyone to vote. Melissa Lewis, Eden The Hummers are here! MOUTH OF OGDEN CANYON l MON-THURS 10-8 | FRI & SAT 10-9 | SUN 11-7 www.rainbowgardens.com l 801-621-1606 Feeders are bee and wasp proof. Glass bottles won’t leak or drip. 32 oz. Feeders Starting at $16.99 MOUTH OF OGDEN CANYON l MON-THURS 10-8 | FRI & SAT 10-9 | SUN 11-7 www.rainbowgardens.com l 801-621-1606 Editor’s View The Layered Value of Open Space By Shanna Francis Most of us studied ecology and ecosystems at one time or another. There are both micro and macro ecosystems. Planet Earth is one giant ecosystem. In order to functionally support humans, many of its prime natural systems need to be maintained and protected to ensure an economically viable and sustainable supply of clean, fresh water; clean air; and healthy open space to support smaller ecosystems and agricultural activity that provide a ready source of the food we all rely on but can rapidly evaporate when supply chain issues arise. Open space protects the natural ecosystems that protect our more obvious needs. For instance, one may not pay much attention to a variety of small but important wetland areas dispersed within a community; however, as they are, one by one, displaced by concrete and pavement, these wetlands—which act as a type of kidney filtration system for healthy water systems—can become severely compromised, both in accessibility, quantity, and quality. Who should care about wetlands? Everyone who depends on a clean, readily available supply of water. A wetland is just one of many systems that include a complex interwoven mesh of interdependent organisms—large and small animals and aquatic species, birds, important microbes, and flora and fauna, etc. In return, we rely on the plants that depend on these water sources and complex systems to maintain clean, fresh air. This is just one of many fundamental, most basic interdependent systems; there are thousands (if not millions) of others. A myriad of studies, articles, and books have been published that document the intricate and multifaceted interrelationship and interdependent mutuality of man and natural ecosystems. It’s imperative that we are mindful that lands that are permanently protected by communities contrib- ute not only to a healthier, balanced earth system— one that is now fighting an increasing imbalance leading to the negative impacts of climate change and species loss—but to the overall health of that community and those who reside therein. Lands that are protected by a permanent conservation easement help save critical habitats for plants and animals, and provide greater access to clean water, superior air quality, local food products, and natural areas—places to escape to from dense, gray urban centers—so one can relax and rejuvenate. Science has shown, definitively, that being in nature lowers blood pressure and heart rates and is good for the brain and nervous system. As Florence Williams points out in The Nature Fix, a 1964 study by behaviorist Paul Leyhausen showed what happens to cats in unnaturally crowded environments. They became more aggressive and despotic. A Norwegian study found that rats forget how to build nests and start eating their own. “In confined primates, hormonal systems get goofy, and reproduction can plummet…. Extensive reviews of the medical literature show a 21 percent increase in anxiety disorders, a 39 percent increase in mood disorders, and a doubled risk of schizophrenia in city dwellers. Urban living is associated with increased activity in the brain’s amygdala—the fear center—and in the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex, a key region for regulating fear and stress.” A Portuguese study found that “people living near industrial ‘gray space,’ as opposed to green space, reported ‘decreased use of coping strategies’ and less optimism. That last bit is not trivial; optimism is associated with healthier behaviors, lower triglycerides, and mental resilience. We could use some more resilience: globally, depression is responsible for more health years lost EDITOR’S VIEW cont. on page 8 Memorial Day Cemetery Schedule May 30, 2022 Each year on Memorial Day, the American Legion Ogden Valley Post 129 holds Military Honors Memorial services at four Ogden Valley cemeteries. The schedule is as follows: Liberty Cemetery 3900 N. 3500 E. Liberty 9:00 a.m. Lower Eden Cemetery (Meadow View) 5100 E. 2200 N., Eden 10:00 a.m. Upper Eden Cemetery (Mt. View) 5500 E. 2770 N., Eden 11:00 a.m. Huntsville 12:00 p.m. 5500 E. 100 S. Huntsville After the ceremonies, a potluck lunch will be held at the American Legion Post 129 at 1:00 p.m. in Huntsville located at 604 S. 7800 E. Please bring your favorite dish! For more information, call Clay Poulter at 801-391-0919 or 801-745-3802. |
