THUMBS DOWN: To Texas Governor Greg Abbott for exercising caution, opening the state of Texas, and removing mask mandates during a pandemic. We recognize a desire to get back to normal, but at least keep the masks on while you open up. This is not a good sign for Texans, and perhaps for all of us, who may be much wider with the COVID-19 virus.
THUMBS UP: To Provo’s Parks and Recreation Department, which was in the black through 2020 and even returned some money to Provo’s general funds. It’s no wonder they have achieved national accreditation and are in the top 2% of all civic recreation centers in the nation. Congratulations to Scott Henderson and his amazing full-time, part-time and seasonal staff.
THUMBS DOWN: To Utah County lawmakers Francis Gibson of Mapleton and Adam Robertson of Provo, who were the only lawmakers to vote against a bill to improve oversight at Utah’s youth treatment centers. Their voices came after multiple victims shared stories of how they were molested at Provo Canyon School, Turn-About Ranch, and other Utah facilities. Given that the bill has the backing of Provo Canyon School and other stakeholders in the troubled teen industry, the voices of Gibson and Robertson are confusing and unsettling.
THUMBS UP: To all of the Utah Valley High School girls and boys basketball teams who made it through the last week of action. There have been many great games and we look forward to these athletes pursuing their championship goals.
THUMBS DOWN: To the lack of perspective that seems to permeate so much life these days. Whether we’re talking about politics, pandemics, or the climate, it seems like we’re inundated with many national or global perspectives instead of focusing on the little things that affect us individually and as communities. The greatest satisfaction comes from positive effects on the people around you.
THUMBS UP: Whoever wrote that thumbs down immediately before this one. That’s so true. Two thumbs up to that person.
THUMBS DOWN: Go to Utah Jazz 1-3 on their recently completed road trip leading into the all-star break. It’s been a great first half for jazz – and the franchise will be well represented in the all-star game with Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and head coach Quin Snyder. Still, the 1-3 road trip was a disappointing way to end the first half – even if it appears that the loss of overtime against the 76ers brought Jazz to its knees on Wednesday. Refs will ref.
THUMBS UP: For Rainbow Day at BYU. The day is in no way a protest, but rather a group of students coming together to demonstrate their support for the LGBTQ + community. These members of the LGBTQ + community have it on campus as they are and hopefully they felt this love and support on Thursday.
THUMBS DOWN: To Facebook trolls. The Pleasant Grove Police Department carried out a massive drug bankruptcy last week that resulted in the department seizing mostly $ 30,000 worth of marijuana. When the department wrote about this on Facebook, many commentators were upset that there were still arrests going on over marijuana. That arrest would have taken place in a state where pot is also legal and where places like this alleged pharmacy may have resulted in minors getting their hands on the drug. The fact is, recreational marijuana isn’t legal in Utah and officials don’t make the laws, they just enforce them.
THUMBS DOWN: To Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, for literally the only vote against in all of Utah state law against Senate 124 Bill. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, blocks the parole of those convicted of murder who refuses to work with law enforcement to recover the remains of their victims. Surely one would think if there was ever a bill that every single member of the legislature could leave behind, it would be this one. But no. It was passed unanimously by the Senate, passed 70-1 in the House of Representatives, and was legally signed by Governor Spencer Cox last week. Oddly enough, Thurston said he was “concerned that the government is taking advantage of threats to continue denying someone the freedom to obtain confessions and evidence from those who have already been convicted and have paid their debts to society.” All is well and good, but this is where Thurston loses me: those seeking parole have not yet paid their full debt to society in full. Probation is not a right, but a privilege acquired through certain rules of conduct and expectations. Ergo, denial of parole for someone convicted of murder for refusing to cooperate in recovering the remains of his victim is not “taking someone’s liberty”, nor is the government forcing a confession. That logic would only make sense if the government could magically extend detention beyond the original length of the sentence for those who refuse to cooperate. Would you like to qualify for parole? Meet the requirements to be considered. I don’t want to cooperate … then do your whole sentence. Seems like a simple concept.
THUMBS UP: BYU students for celebrating LGBTQ + visibility on campus one year after the school made ambiguous changes to the code of ethics, including removing a reference to “gay behavior.” It’s great that the school is taking steps to make gay, queer and transnational students feel more secure on campus. But thumbs down to the anonymous #DecNat trolls who tried to stage a counter-demonstration and accused LGBTQ + students of protesting church teachings. While BYU and the LDS Church have made significant efforts in recent years to become more inclusive, #DezNat is a painful and ugly reminder of how much work remains to be done.
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