Utah COVID-19 Mask Requirement Status

Background

Perhaps one of the most politically divisive topics that emerged through Utah’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the urging, suggesting and mandating the public to wear a face covering or mask. At the onset of the pandemic the general public purchased (or hoarded) available masks, leaving store shelves empty. Originally, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) did not make any strong recommendation for face coverings, and even questioned the effectiveness of masks against the spread of COVID-19. Greater emphasis was placed upon social-distancing, frequent hand washing, and use of hand sanitizers and other good hygiene practices. 

Within about a month of publishing the original guidelines by the CDC, a change of course was promulgated where the use of masks or face coverings was espoused as a primary defense against contracting and spreading COVID-19. Utah’s government leaders embraced this revised recommendation from the CDC and began “recommending” the use of masks in public places or in locations where social distance would be hard to be maintained. However, public adoption of the mask-wearing was generally slow to be adopted. Few, if any large retailers (other than Costco and later Harmons Grocery Stores) took the initiative to require face-coverings before entering their stores. Generally, the remainder of the State of Utah, and especially the rural parts of the state, were extremely lax in mask-wearing.

Government Intervention

With the relatively low case counts, and low person-to-person infection rates, Utah moved its color-coded guidance level from ORANGE (Moderate Risk Phase) to YELLOW (Low Risk Phase) for most of the state. Under the Yellow phase the “Utah Leads Together Plan” provides the following recommendations for mask wearing:

While wearing face coverings has proven to be somewhat effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, they will not completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Therefore, sound judgment, physical distancing and hygiene practices are important principles that must accompany appropriate use of face coverings

• Face coverings (e.g. mask, scarf, gaiter, bandanna) worn in public settings where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain

• Change or launder cloth face coverings after each day’s use

• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

Unfortunately, it was perceived by government officials, upon moving into the Yellow phase, that many of Utah’s citizens became lax in their observance of previously developed social-distancing observance and the wearing of masks. Almost immediately, Utah began to see massive spikes in COVID-19 infection rates.

In response to the rising trend, many local governments decided to take it upon themselves to request approval from Governor Herbert to allow them to adopt local health department orders requiring the use of masks. As of today, mandatory mask orders have been approved by Governor Herbert for Salt Lake County, Summit County, Grand County, and the City of Springdale. However, it is believed that none of these local governments have any intention of enforcing these local orders, but rather have placed the burden upon local businesses to remind, insist, or require that their customers wear masks within their businesses. Additionally, Governor Herbert has required that masks be worn within State Buildings but has declined to issue a statewide mandate, drawing much criticism from Democrats, moderate Republicans, and medical professionals.

Public Education

On Thursday, July 9, 2020, Governor Herbert held a press conference and ordered that all students, teachers, staff, or visitors that enter into K-12 public schools, public charter schools, or buses for these schools will be required to wear masks. This order has been criticized by some as an attack upon constitutional liberties and parental rights. In order to help facilitate these efforts, the State of Utah has acquired massive quantities of masks, which will be distributed throughout the state to school districts. Meanwhile, parents are evaluating alternatives for their children, while considering health and mask wearing concerns. Plus, the ever-changing school scheduling is a significant element in parental decision making on this subject. 

What’s Next

Governor Herbert and the executive team will be meeting this week with legislative leadership to discuss the topic of a statewide mask order. During the bi-weekly Economic Recovery Task Force Meeting on July 13, 2020, Speaker of House Brad Wilson (who is unquestionably a supporter of mask-wearing) laid out a plan to focus the state’s efforts on key COVID-19 response factors. However, Speaker Wilson stopped short of recommending a mandatory mask requirement. When challenged on this point, it was his position that mask-wearing should remain voluntary, not mandatory. Based upon this position, and previous positions recommended by President Stuart Adams of the Utah State Senate, it is believed that a statewide mandatory mask requirement is not likely to be adopted by Governor Herbert. 

Various organizations are increasing efforts urging Utah's to wear masks. For example, Deseret Management (owner of KSL TV and Deseret News) are pushing the challenge articulated by Editorial Editor Boyd Matheson for Utahns to spend the next 55 days wearing masks in order to scale back the virus by Labor Day. 

However, if case counts explode, as seen in nearby states like Arizona and California, it may be difficult for Utah to avoid political pressure to adopt a statewide mandate. Such efforts are already being led by Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Chris Peterson, who called for a statewide mask mandate during a press conference this morning. 

How did Cox win, and what was the impact of COVID-19?

Utah’s unprecedented primary election, conducted in the middle of a global pandemic, provided some remarkable results. We take a look.

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Utah’s unprecedented primary election, conducted in the middle of a global pandemic, provided some remarkable results. We take a look.

How did the young upstart Spencer Cox from Fairview narrowly defeat Jon Huntsman, one of Utah’s most famous politicians ever, from a prominent Utah family? Any lessons to be learned?

Pignanelli: “Never ask if a campaign is winnable, because the question is not answerable. No one can predict the course of the future. Completely unforeseeable shifts in the tide of events can result in campaign victory.” — Elizabeth May

Spencer Cox’s campaign is frequently described as a David versus Goliath battle. But the Hebrew warrior is famous for just one successful hurl of a rock while the Lt. Governor achieved a series of important feats on his path. Thus, I suggest Cox is a modern-day James Braddock. This “Cinderella Man” rose from impoverished obscurity by defying the odds — and experts — to world heavyweight champion. (The movie of his life is great.)

Over many years Cox developed a strong presence in social media. This helped him obtain signatures for the primary ballot placement, with volunteers and not paid professionals. This was a huge deal and a loud signal for what was to come. The well-respected Sen. Deidre Henderson agreed to be his running mate. Then Cox/Henderson defied expectations of everyone — including their supporters — by overperforming with delegates at the state convention. Along the way, financial contributions were diverse and many. These accomplishments indicate consistent momentum.

While deeper research is needed, an unexpected lesson is unaffiliated and Democrat voters who switch party registrations generally follow the trajectory of the Republican vote. This was manifested in a number of races. (So, protests by GOP activists may be unwarranted.)

Cox’s operatives used 21st-century technology but reaffirmed a traditional rule of campaigns — develop your strategy and never waver from it. Cinderella stories in politics are entertaining yet require intense planning and effort.

Webb: I must admit that I didn’t think Cox had much chance when Huntsman got into the race. I underestimated the genuine affection Utah voters have developed for Cox. Most Utahns just really like the guy, and that allowed him to withstand three strong opponents and criticism over the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also benefitted from the competent management for the last several years by Gov. Gary Herbert, who endorsed Cox.

Some observers have said Huntsman would have won had the election been only between him and Cox. I don’t believe it. I think Greg Hughes and Thomas Wright took more votes from Cox than they did from Huntsman. Without them in the race, Cox still would have won.

As I’ve mentioned previously, I would have been happy with any of the four candidates as governor. It would have been exciting to have Huntsman, with his experience, global relationships and vision, return to lead the state. But, assuming Cox wins in November, I believe he will be an excellent governor and take Utah to new heights.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the election?

Pignanelli: All four candidates excel in public presentations, especially former Gov. Huntsman, who possesses rock star charisma. But the pandemic denied the contenders these important campaign opportunities. Consequently, Cox’s social media presence (already a crucial tool) became a huge bonus. Furthermore, his appointment to lead the state governments efforts in combating the coronavirus was an unexpected and unique advantage. Utahns high approval of the Herbert administration during this crisis was a benefit to Cox.

Webb: The pandemic forced all candidates to reinvent campaign strategy on the fly, including how to connect with voters from a distance. Huntsman’s campaign activities were restricted when he contracted the virus himself. With no in-person election-day voting, candidates had to plan for earlier voter decision-making. Mastering social media and digital technologies was crucial. Each candidates’ innovation, flexibility and competency was tested in dealing with an entirely new campaign environment.

The pandemic performance of the Herbert administration (including Cox) came into play toward the end of the election as virus cases spiked. Cox’s pandemic task force leadership certainly cut both ways. Initially, it gave him positive visibility as the state seemed to be effectively navigating the health crisis.

But Cox’s leadership also provided his opponents plenty of fodder for criticism, especially as election day neared. Many Utahns wanted more restrictions and many wanted fewer restrictions. Cox was caught in the middle. He also had to provide leadership while avoiding the limelight to some degree so he couldn’t be accused of showboating and exploiting the crisis.

If Cox wins in November, will his administration strike a new tone, or simply be a continuation of the Herbert administration?

Pignanelli: Herbert consistently appointed many competent individuals that Cox may retain to help through the pandemic. But the virus will ultimately force a different approach by the new administration on many matters.

Webb: I think Cox will surprise Utahns with his energy, vision and competency. He will be Utah’s first natively tech-savvy governor and he is an excellent communicator on all platforms. He faces formidable health, economic and social/cultural challenges. But he will perform well and Utah will be in good hands.

2020 Primary Election Update 7.6.20

2020 Primary Election Update

July 6, 2020

as of 4:00 p.m.

The election updates continue! At 3:00 this afternoon the state released approximately 25,000 additional votes in the Primary Elections. The races below reflect the most current vote counts. We will continue to update you as the numbers arrive in these races that are too close to call. Once these races have been settled we will send a complete election report.

Statewide Races

Governor: Former Speaker of the House Greg Hughes and Former Republican Party Chairman Thomas Wright have both conceded the election, leaving two candidates: Spencer Cox and Jon Huntsman Jr. (Republican Primary) - The most recent results have Spencer Cox leading Jon Huntsman by 9,309 votes, or 1.83%. 

Today the AP called the race for Spencer Cox.

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Congressional Races

CD1: Bob Stevenson v. Blake Moore. With challengers Kerry Gibson and Katie Witt previously eliminated, Blake Moore currently holds a lead of 2,629 votes, or 2.13%. 

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Utah Senate

Senator Wayne Harper maintains a lead over Karen Hyatt by 267 votes, or 2.18%.

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Utah House

Representative Kevin Stratton is still in a fight to hold his seat against David Shallenberger where Representative Stratton leads by 54 votes or 0.64%. 

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Primary election continues wild and crazy year of pandemic, plunging economy, protests and politics

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Happy July Fourth weekend! A good time to reflect on that great American pastime — politics. The recent Republican primary reflects everything about 2020 — confusing, unsettled, unprecedented, trendsetting and certainly interesting. Although some races were too close to call at our Thursday noon deadline, we do our best to hit some moving targets.

Did the push to register unaffiliated voters and Democrats make a difference in this election? Is there still a possibility of a surprise in any contest? Any trends worth watching?

Pignanelli: “Politics ought to be fun. It shouldn’t be just boring meetings.”— Jim Hightower

This primary election is a high dosage of the drug to which all of us political junkies are addicted. We are geeking out over unusual numbers and developing hundreds of different scenarios. Our machinations are all very weird but also fun (although anxious candidates aren’t amused). For example, many of us are wonking over details surrounding the voter affiliation movements. On Jan. 1, 2020 there were 675,205 active Republican voters. By election day this jumped to 780,555. The facts are indisputable. The overwhelming number of these registrations were for the purpose of voting in this primary — very likely for one gubernatorial candidate.

But this new infusion also impacted other races. Freshly minted GOP primary voters are believed to have voted late and therefore other close races could be altered by this dynamic.

So, freaks like me will be anxiously waiting to see how many switch back to original affiliations. We pray for a professional survey to determine the thought process behind this historic twist.

Other elements also need to be examined. Could this be the beginning of a trend that party affiliations are a fungible personal decision — easily altered depending upon the circumstances of the election? Will centrist candidates of either party pursue a similar strategy of appealing across the political spectrum in a partisan primary?

Webb: If you’re a political junkie, you gotta love the gubernatorial race. It was David (Spencer Cox) vs. Goliath (Jon Huntsman). There was intrigue. There was big money. There were spoilers. There was cross-voting. There was the unprecedented context of a global pandemic hitting Utah hard, an economic collapse, plus local and nationwide protests and riots.

If Huntsman wins, he can thank two factors: 1. Greg Hughes and Thomas Wright siphoned conservative votes away from Cox. 2. An unprecedented number of unaffiliated voters and Democrats registered as Republicans and Huntsman won a large share of those votes.

If Cox wins, it will simply be because Utah voters really, really like this smart, positive, upbeat, empathetic young man from little old Fairview.

Win or lose, it’s remarkable how well Cox did against the Huntsman juggernaut. He took a twice-elected former governor, former ambassador to China and Russia, and the scion of a Utah royal family right to the political brink. That’s an amazing achievement. It demonstrates Cox’s popularity and shows he has a bright political future in Utah if he chooses to stay in the game.

If Huntsman wins, he has the experience, leadership, stature and relationships to take the state to unprecedented levels of success.

David Leavitt ran a strong race as a criminal justice reformer against incumbent Attorney General Sean Reyes. His ideas deserve strong consideration no matter who wins.

Some races have been called. Were there any surprises?

Pignanelli: The strong showing of Burgess Owens in the 4th Congressional District raised many eyebrows as many expected the race to be tighter. Thus, Owens’ appeal to the new unaffiliated voters may be an element in the general election against Ben McAdams. So, neither candidate should take them for granted.

Lyle Hillyard is a 40-year legislative veteran. All expected a tough challenge by Chris Wilson, but the surprise was the margin defeat for Hillyard. This race, and real (and potential) losses incurred by other incumbents, reveals tax reform remains a hot issue.

Webb: I was surprised that Burgess so easily won the 4th District nomination. The gloves have quickly come off for the general election against Democratic incumbent Ben McAdams. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sent out a hit piece against Owens even before the race was called in his favor. The Republicans have been going after McAdams for months. Owens badly needs to appeal to moderates, not just the Republican base. McAdams, with his Boy Scout persona (somewhat like Cox) will be hard to beat.

What can Utahns expect if one of the major races comes down to a difference of just a few thousand votes?

Pignanelli: Expect to hear phrases like “Chasing voters after the election,” “Harvesting ballots,” Lawyering Up” — which describe the activities performed by campaign operatives in razor thin elections.

Webb: Recounts will finalize a winner, if necessary, and we will move on with new leadership.

Big election Tuesday: Will it be Cox, Huntsman, Hughes or Wright?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

For many reasons, the Republican primary election on Tuesday will be unique, historic — and very important. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect, watch and otherwise enjoy as election results roll in.

How will a multitude of dynamics (pandemic, economic crisis, Trump, new voters, protests, etc.) impact the gubernatorial primary?

Pignanelli: “It’s never been clearer that the country needs to be able to vote by mail. Utah shows the way … how to save elections from a pandemic.”— Eric Cortellessa, Washington Monthly

A free electron is an unattached particle that is free to move under the influence of external forces, oftentimes with unpredictable observations. The difficult to predict 2020 primary is similar in nature — unbound by traditional political constraints while affected by external pressures. The unprecedented horde of Utahns switching registration status to participate in the primary will be analyzed for many years. Meanwhile, a multitude of conjectures will flourish as to how this strong but unusual element played a role in the results.

The pandemic is percolating fears that will also be reflected voters’ choices. Jobs, health care, schools and return to a normal lifestyle will be considerations when marking a ballot. This is substituting for the usual ideological arguments that occur in a primary contest. Equally important, the coronavirus has incentivized thousands to participate in a partisan contest they would have ignored in other years.

Hopefully, there will not be a repeat of the difficult environment surrounding this election in future elections. But the campaign tactics used by candidates’ campaign, especially because of the limitations mandated by social distancing, will affect politics for generations. Our elections have forever been altered; we just do not know how yet.

Free electrons are strange things but an integral element of nature. Similarly, elections in difficult times are a necessary fundamental of democracy.

Webb: Utah is in uncharted territory holding hotly contested multi-candidate primary elections amid a global pandemic crisis, civil unrest, and an economic meltdown. Candidates have had to reinvent how to connect with voters.

I subscribe to the conventional wisdom (and polling indications) that Spencer Cox and Jon Huntsman Jr. are locked in a very close race that could go either way. Utah can’t lose, because either candidate will be a very fine governor.

Greg Hughes and Thomas Wright are also solid candidates who have run good races with sufficient funding. Politics is all about timing, and while this election may not be their time, they both could have bright political futures. It’s also possible Hughes will do better than expected on Tuesday if the conservative vote turns out strongly.

As the frontrunner for most of the campaign, Cox has had a target on his back. His state pandemic response leadership cuts both ways. Utah leaders won praise for the state’s initial response, but as the health and economic crises wear on, voters are getting grumpy and those in charge get the blame.

Personally, I think Gov. Herbert and Cox have dealt superbly with the multiple crises facing the state. It’s always easy to criticize from the cheap seats. It’s a lot tougher to be on the field throwing strikes and balls — and the inevitable wild pitch.

Huntsman, with his immense stature, should be walking away with this race. He is likely the biggest beneficiary of voters crossing party lines and registering as Republicans.

It’s going to be fun to watch!

Will other primary elections also feel the effects of these and other dynamics?

Pignanelli: Politicos will be fascinated by the effects of the new voters on the down ballot races, including the other statewide race for attorney general. There has been limited campaigning by the contestants — especially in comparison to other matches. So do voters rely upon the incumbency of Sean Reyes or the fresh face of David Leavitt, brother of a former governor?

The four-way contests for Congress in the 1st and 4th districts have been aggressive battles, but the new crop of voters will be the quiet determinants of results. Almost a dozen incumbent lawmakers are facing intraparty challenges. But the otherwise controversial issue of tax reform maybe be diluted by the newcomers with other agendas.

Webb: I wouldn’t dare to predict the outcomes of the two congressional races, featuring mostly unknown candidates. One certainty is that the Republican who wins the 4th District race will face the unenviable task of taking on the very popular incumbent Democrat Ben McAdams.

The attorney general race has been the most negative of all the contests, and it could be close. Leavitt has a great platform as a criminal justice reformer, but it’s a hard case to make with conservative primary election voters.

Is there a potential for major surprises?

Pignanelli: One of the federal and legislative battles could emit a surprise that few hypothesized.

Webb: Even in ordinary times, primary elections are notoriously unpredictable because turnout is capricious. The winners will be those who ran strong grassroots campaigns and got their supporters to the polls.

From Black Lives Matter to the Supreme Court ruling, why the silence from Utah politicos?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Important developments in politics and society can be discerned not just from statements and actions of officials and the electorate, but also by what is unspoken. We have recently witnessed important examples of this phenomenon.On multiple days, full page ads in Utah’s daily newspapers featured a large “#Black Lives Matter” logo, sponsored by at least 300 prominent businesses, other entities and individuals. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that employers may not discriminate based on an individual’s sexual orientation and transgender status. Other than some minor grumbling regarding the constitutional basis of the court decision, the response was crickets from most Utah politicos regarding these major societal changes. Why the silence?Pignanelli: “Change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn”— John SteinbeckThe corporate public embrace of Black Lives Matter and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination against LGBTQ citizens was met with the most powerful of reactions among Utahns … a shrug. This quiet show of acceptance indicates a substantial undercurrent of support for these endeavors.This quiet evolution has major ramifications for elections this year and forward. Candidates will be adjudged — in both parties — on sentiments of sexual orientation nondiscrimination. Furthermore, as was reflected in the recent gubernatorial debate, a sensitivity to the challenges African Americans face is now a prerequisite. Technology is a substantial reason for these shifts. The 1960s civil rights movements gained traction with the televised attack on protesters. The homicide of George Floyd, captured by iPhone video, touched billions. Entertainment and social media stirred similar passions of fairness towards the LBGTQ community.

2020 is a tough year so far, but it will be remembered when Utahns heartily approved major transformations with respectful serenity. Webb: To be fair, most Utah politicians have issued carefully-worded statements decrying racism and police brutality in response to the deaths of black citizens and the resulting protests and riots. Most politicians also embrace new attitudes on sexual orientation. However, these issues have clearly not had the robust debate common for such monumental matters. Most politicians and writers (me included) are still trying to figure out how to discuss these issues. It’s easy to say the wrong thing, even when well-intended, and be accused of racism. Change has occurred at whiplash speed, and most of us old white guys are standing around with our mouths hanging open trying to interpret what it all means. We obviously didn’t fully understand the deep, festering wounds and anger over racism that exploded into protests and riots. In very short order, police department policies are being reformed. Legislation is being passed in Congress and in every state. Statues are coming down, popular consumer products are being discontinued or changing names. Buildings are being renamed. Some action is symbolic, some is substantive. Most of these developments are very positive. But debate on these matters shouldn’t be stifled for fear of being labeled a racist. Going too far with police restrictions could be dangerous. Defunding the police would be insane, and sometimes force is necessary. Minority communities will be disproportionately victimized if crime skyrockets. We can’t drive good officers from the profession. We need robust discussion. The daily number of coronavirus infections continues to be almost double the level of a month ago. Again, few responses. Does Utah need to step back into more restrictions that were in place in late March? Pignanelli: The numbers are troublesome. COVID-19 cases have been increasing daily for weeks, with a higher positivity rate. Even more aggravating is the silence surrounding other numbers. The hospitalization and mortality rates have been fairly consistent, 7% and 1% respectively, for months (94.2% of deaths were at “high-risk”). But these statistics must not be ignored when considering the damage to our economy and society. They suggest that we can move to the least restrictive category, while mandating face masks in appropriate circumstances and safe interaction with higher risk individuals. Webb: We’re not going back. We’re going to tolerate a certain level of infections, hospitalizations and deaths so that the economy can rebound. But we absolutely need to observe good health protocols and we old folks who are in the high-risk categories need to hunker down and take extra precautions. I’ll poke my head up when we have a good vaccine. Mail-in balloting has emerged as a major controversy for elections primaries in states across the country. But little is being said in Utah. Why is that, and will any problems occur in the June 30 primary? Pignanelli: Another great example of the “Utah Way” is how we process democracy. Over 90% of Utahns mail ballots through a system that had some rough starts but is now fairly smooth. Because of the pandemic, ballots will be quarantined, then counted by staff enduring social distancing. Results will be valid, just late in coming. Webb: Utah has shown that voting by mail is safe and that it increases voter participation — which is good. The reason it’s not controversial here is because Utah is a Republican-dominated state, so if a few more Democrats vote than would otherwise be the case, it’s no big deal. But if Utah was a swing state where a handful of votes could mean a Democratic win, Republicans wouldn’t be so cheerful about mail-in voting.

The Cries Beyond the Picket Line

Town Hall

Machi Johnson 6/10/2020

My brother-in-law has been deployed a few times throughout the years and each deployment brings a new unique set of stress, fears, and patriotism for my family. But his most recent deployment, this time to Washington, D.C., has been drastically different from the previous ones. No doubt we are still proud of him, but we can’t say we are proud of our country. This is perhaps the most challenging call of duty for him yet, and his perspective deserves to be known.

The media has done a great job crafting the protests to look peaceful. But, from the perspective of the men behind the picket line, it is anything but that. For his first shift, my brother-in-law was stationed outside of the White House and behind the perimeter fence that had been set up after protesters set fire to the guard station. Protesters threw anything they could find, including bricks. At one point, some got hold of wire clippers and begun to cut holes in the fence in an attempt to climb through. Tear gas was released in an effort to keep them from storming the property. The next couple of night shifts were more stressful because, instead of being stationed behind the line, he was out patrolling the surrounding blocks. He was not issued a weapon but was given a face shield, baton, and body shield to protect himself. They were instructed to avoid escalating any situation no matter how provoking. This was one of the more challenging parts of his mission because throughout the night he had bodily fluids thrown at him, was spit on, and was followed by groups of protesters as they yelled some of the most horrific and baiting slurs at him. Homemade devices were crafted to disperse tobacco sauce and urine in the eyes of those patrolling. Mortar fireworks (commercial grade) were set off to explode at him and his comrades. Worse, he was wearing deployment patches and protesters looked up information on the internet about the badges and discovered the state he was from and attempted to find personal information about him and his family. The media is not reporting the widespread use of drugs by protesters either. The air was filled with thick smoke from weed and other harder drugs. He mentioned that some areas are so awful that the guards became ill and had to be taken off duty.

The “peaceful protesters” openly used because they knew arrests wouldn’t be made unless immediately necessary. Between shifts, the guards dedicated their time cleaning off the defaced national monuments and picking up the trash left behind. The most infuriating moment came when my family received a text that my brother-in-law and his unit were being kicked out of their hotel. It was 3 a.m. on the East Coast, and his unit had just finished another long night. When they returned, they were informed that instead of getting a well-deserved nights rest, they would need to pack up their belongings and wait until they could find new lodging. They waited and waited. Finally, at some point in the afternoon, they were bussed to a motel outside of the D.C. area and were able to get a couple of hours of rest.

The relocation was blamed on a “budget complication,” but I don’t buy it. If it were a budget issue, are we really supposed to believe that it couldn’t be resolved? The guardsmen had to be completely relocated out of D.C. city limits, even though hotels still have frighteningly low occupancy levels due to COVID-19? It is simple: They were kicked out of the very city they were protecting and cleaning. I am frustrated with the local D.C. officials who prioritized politics over American heroes who were there to serve their city. I am also appalled by the hotel for not standing up to the local officials, working to overcome whatever “budget issues” there may have been, and giving my brother-in-law and his unit the night’s sleep they deserved.

It’s worth mentioning that the final day of protesting turned out to be a beacon of positivity for the soldiers. After days of harassment and exhaustion they were relieved to find that peaceful protesters showed up and personally policed the bad apples from escalating to rioting like the previous nights. Our nation is in turmoil over an important conversation. But I assert that the very core of what makes the United States one of the greatest countries in the world is the heart of patriots. Nothing is more unifying. There are no greater patriots than military men and women. They have seen and done things that we will never know or appreciate, so that we can keep our constitutional rights to hold these protests. But as soon as we start disrespecting the men and women who have fought for our right to show up and protest, we lose what level of influence we had to start. Shame on those who spit in the face of a military member who left their spouse and children at home to keep us safe.

Those who threw their own bodily fluids on the uniform of a soldier are a disgrace, for they may as well have done that to every military person who has ever sworn an oath to defend and protect them. That’s not America, and that’s not patriotism. When I look back at the riots in Washington and the rest of the country over the past several days, I can’t hear the message the protesters were trying to make because it is drowned out by the heartbreaking cries beyond the picket line of every person who has served to make this the greatest country in history.

Machi Johnson is a Utah native and a second-year law student at the University of Kentucky.

The politics of the pandemic: What the balance between restrictions and freedoms?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact politics nationally and locally. How officials respond is dividing citizens not just in traditional ways (party, geography, income, etc.) but by personal perceptions of the disease danger. This reaffirms the old adage that everything — even disease — is political. We offer our insights. States and communities are reopening for public activities while the number of COVID-19 cases are increasing and health officials are becoming alarmed. What pressures is this placing on policymakers and candidates? Pignanelli: “Those in public authority must retain the public trust. The way to do that is to distort nothing or put the best face on nothing.” — John M. Berry, author, “The Great Influenza” This new technique to divide Americans and Utahns is awful. One side is demanding the maintenance of social distancing requirements and restricting public gatherings until a vaccine is ready. Others (including me) are pushing an immediate reopening of all activities while urging vulnerable individuals practice a safe lifestyle. Unfortunately, the split is causing nasty cross accusations (“You care more about restaurants than grandma”; “Your concerns are way overblown,” etc.). Oftentimes it is surprising to learn who defies demographic and ideological predilections in choosing a position.

A handful of lawmakers and local government officials are bravely creating a platform for other political and community leaders to use in articulating a needed statement. Utahns must be told the unvarnished truth — the coronavirus is forever with us. Sustaining the pandemic restrictions until “something “changes” fosters a false hope. We can adjust interactions with the elderly and health compromised to lower mortality. But, the unspoken harsh reality is our society has not dramatically altered lifestyles in reaction to other threats. We tolerate the risk of death from diseases, automobile accidents, drug overdoses, etc. while promoting massive efforts to prevent occurrences. A similar approach is warranted as we can no longer choke our economic, educational, artistic, religious, cultural and charitable activities because of the current pandemic.

Those good people inhabiting the shelter camp should be respected for their humanitarian inclinations. So those of us on the other side must reach out and unify as the natural and unstoppable course of reopening develops. Webb: With lots of data and experience, we may conclude, in retrospect, that shutting down the economy was an overreaction. Or perhaps not. Perhaps we should have been even more restrictive. But here’s what policymakers and business leaders must do until an effective vaccine is available: Using good data and all the science we’ve learned in the last few months, determine what level of infections, hospitalization and deaths we can handle, and are willing to tolerate, so that the economy can survive and grow robustly. That may sound callous, but it is reality, and politicians should be honest about it. We simply can’t tamp down the economy forever, and opening up does mean more infections, hospitalizations and deaths. However, we already do precisely that with many other dangerous things. Our goal is zero highway deaths. But we actually tolerate a certain number of deaths because we don’t mandate that cars be built like tanks, and we allow travel at 80 mph rather than 20 mph. We allow unhealthy lifestyles, like smoking and using alcohol, knowing that a certain level of deaths will result. We must strike the right balance between freedom/prosperity and safety/restrictions. Personally, I’m willing to risk an 80-mph freeway death to get where I need to go with dispatch. And I’m willing to risk coronavirus infection by going to the grocery store or meeting with a client. Of course, we must take appropriate precautions in both examples. And certain people at high risk should be extra careful whether driving or risking exposure to COVID-19. Media reports regarding COVID-19 testing continue, including stories about problematic federal results and accusations against the public-private partnership TestUtah.

A prominent gubernatorial candidate received wrong test results from a county health department. Could government competence during the pandemic be a major “11th-hour” issue for the primary election?

Pignanelli: Because Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox is leading the COVID-19 state task force and is consistently topping various gubernatorial primary polls, he is the expected target for opponents. The controversies are easy to exploit in campaign communications.

Webb: Certainly, the state response to the pandemic is a legitimate political issue. But I think most voters understand that leaders have been doing their best operating with little information or precedent at the pandemic’s outset. Utah’s performance has been pretty good, despite some mistakes. Recent polling indicates the gubernatorial primary is essentially a close, two-person race between Cox and Jon Huntsman, Jr. What’s the latest? Pignanelli: Political experts who once dismissed the effect of unaffiliated voters registering as Republicans to vote, are suggesting this unusual dynamic could be a reality.

Webb: Huntsman is a fine leader with remarkable state, national and international experience and outstanding relationships. Cox is smart, capable and just a terrific person that everyone likes. It’s too close to call. (For the record, Greg Hughes and Thomas Wright are also excellent candidates.)