Opinion

Utah business executives offered some specific advice for the Utah Legislature. The executives, who are pessimistic about their firms in the months ahead, want legislators to focus closely on business-growth policies and not waste time on so-called "message" bills that waste tax dollars as well as constituents' patience.

On that we agree. We don't need a resolution promising to save Utah from imaginary fears that liberals or the federal government will take away gun rights, or property rights, or insert cause here. We also add that legislators should not get Utah involved in long, costly court battles that the state would likely lose. Business wants Utah's Legislature to focus on the economy. Here are some suggestions from the executives, courtesy of Zions Bank's Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast:

(UNEDITED)Several years ago, my son, was racing BMX. At that time, they raced at 4th street park in Ogden. Jared(my son) and two of his other cousins became quite good, and received several trophies. Now, there is no BMX track in Ogden, and the closest one is out by 9000 South in SLC, and clear out west, RAD BMX.

(UNEDITED)How dare Ryan Jenkins write an editorial promoting the reading of the scriptures! Doesn't he know this is not a politically correct declaration? Is he unaware of the great and continuous push by many to teach that faith and reliance in the Supreme Being is out, faith in government intervention in all things is in? Is he suggesting the scriptures have answers to our problems, when everyone knows it's to the Politicians we must look for help? Where did Ryan Jenkins get this kind of moxie? Furthermore, how could the Standard-Examiner allow such a commentary to be actually printed? Isn't there some kind of law against this, or some extrapolation of a law such as that because prayers and statements of faith in God are not allowed in schools, then perhaps they should not be allowed in newspapers either, because some school children might get hold of and read it?

(UNEDITED)Are you ready for the next outrageous attack on the Tax Payer's pocketbook? Big Labor, after contributing hundred of millions of dollars to elect Liberals to congress, after giving themselves large six figure salaries, flying around in private jets, and staying in four star hotels, the big labor Unions are short of funds in their pension plans. They need 167 Billion dollars. Senate Democrat, Bob Casey and House Democrat Earl Pomeroy, supported by the Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, have introduced a bill to bailout these pension plans. No Senate Republicans have signed onto the bill. Unfortunately in the House, eight Republicans have joined with the Democrats to spend more tax money to bail out people who have made costly decisions. This is reportedly not a one time bailout, but would be an ongoing entitlement program funded by taxpayers, and would guarantee an annual benefit of $21,000.

(UNEDITED)People all over the country and in Ogden live behind bars as prisoners in their own homes because a few people in their community decide that being a gang member is a good career choice. The vast majority of inner city residents are denied their basic constitutional rights to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" by a small group of home grown urban terrorists. The gang problem is so bad inSouthern California no amount of money can move you into a neighborhood that does not have a gang problem. If gang member parents are raising their children to live "the life" then perhaps that is an issue DCFS needs to look into. Being a gang member or other criminal is a choice...the vast majority of the people that grow up and live in the same or worse circumstances do not become criminals...most people living in inner cities are good poeple trying to live a good life...they suffer under the oppression inflicted on them by our own home grown version of theTaliban.

(UNEDIED)So today my 7 year old son sat outside in the heat on the sidelines while his team played, he played 1 play... the entire 4 quarters and in overtime.. (1) Why is this? because he is small and not so good yet..and he has 5 coaches that all have sons on the team that are older and know more about football. Today im very ashamed to be a supporter of the Ogden Tigers. I had to bring my 7 year old home and explain to him why he did'nt get his 10 plays. Because to some people winning is more important then learning to work together as a team. and more important then a little boys feelings.

(UNEDITED)First of all I would like to than the Standard-Examiner for its coverage of the Take Back Utah Rally held Saturday, Aug.28 in downtown Salt Lake. However your editorial published Friday, Sept. 3 titled "Send in the helmets" did not reflect actual riding conditions on the trails. At the rally the speeds were less than 10 miles per hour and most of the riders I talked to wanted to be shown as actual people, not just heads in helmets. On the trail conditions are very different. Wearing a helmet is not only recommended, but is a life-saver as well.