The important legislative document you probably haven’t heard about

Usually, lawmakers announce proposals and plans as the session progresses. This document upends this tradition by courageously establishing accountabilities at the beginning.

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The Utah Legislature is one week into the 2022 session. Usual deliberations regarding the budget and taxation commenced immediately, along with laws regarding the pandemic. However, prior to lawmakers convening, an unprecedented and important document was released — the House Majority Caucus revealed its “Policy Pillars.” We review potential long-term impact of these stated legislative priorities.

The Policy Pillars contained in a House leadership press release outlined some expected priorities, such as water conservation, education innovation, sustainable growth, etc. But the accompanying document, “The Utah Way Forward,” is an impressive, glossy, explanation of how these leaders intend to achieve their vision. (Available at: https://house.utah.gov/2022majoritypolicypillars/) Will this fairly detailed, substantive approach to solving the state’s challenges improve legislators’ focus and produce better results?

Pignanelli: “To give a direction and a specific sanction to the general sense of the community is the true end of legislature.” — Edmund Burke

“Geezers” and “fogeys” are less kind descriptions of the many decades of experience LaVarr and I claim with legislative activities. Since this is not our “first rodeo” we can verify the House Pillars instrument is beyond novelty — it is noteworthy.

The document is important for what it articulates … and for what it ignores. A nonpartisan theme runs throughout the text describing issues and painting broad solutions. The first section focuses on water conservation and the Great Salt Lake. There are omissions (i.e. reform in higher education), yet the breadth and scope is impressive. Hot social issues are not mentioned.

Usually, lawmakers announce proposals and plans as the session progresses. Pillars upends this tradition by courageously establishing accountabilities at the beginning. The authors invite citizens to comment, thereby further enhancing Utah’s strong participatory legislative process.

Thankfully, the Pillars proposal is valuable in demonstrating old dogs (like LaVarr and me) can learn new tricks.

Webb: It is difficult for part-time state legislators to provide a forward-looking policy vision on the top issues facing the state. It is usually the governor, with his senior staff, cabinet and thousands of state employees, who takes the lead in setting the state’s policy agenda. And Gov. Spencer Cox has done a good job outlining a vision for the state.

State legislatures usually focus on current crises and day-to-day issues, rather than demonstrate farsightedness and long-term planning for future generations. They are by nature more reactionary than visionary due to the part-time nature of their jobs and the many immediate problems facing the state. They collectively enjoy the spotlight for 45 days, but the governor dominates the rest of the year.

But the House Majority Caucus Policy Pillars document shows that House leaders are attempting to be more influential in setting the state’s agenda, rather than allowing the governor to take primacy in the “vision stuff.”

The Policy Pillars and supportive material clearly, succinctly and pragmatically outline top issues facing the state and the House GOP commitment to focus on and resolve them. In this agenda, the House Majority mostly avoids cultural wars and hot-button, divisive, partisan “message” issues. That’s actually quite remarkable.

If this strategy is pursued and maintained, will House and Senate lawmakers change the dynamics of political interaction with the governor, state agencies, the business community and citizens?

Pignanelli: Although generated by the House, Pillars covers issues that have been the center of activity for many senators, as well. Their united action will reaffirm the Legislature remains more than a responsive entity, but a group that can solidify behind common vision.

In December, Cox pronounced a well-crafted and equally ambitious set of objectives. But Pillars sends a signal to the executive branch and agencies that lawmakers expect a greater role in developing state government solutions to challenges. Business and community activists will respond accordingly.

Webb: Certainly, lawmakers are taking a more proactive role. But the governor, with his “bully pulpit” and legion of experts and leaders, has a larger say, especially because the executive branch carries out legislative policy and writes the detailed rules and regulations accompanying new statutes.

What would be even more powerful than the House Majority manifesto would be a joint House/Senate/Governor vision document outlining mutual policy priorities, and a path forward for the long term. However, there is too much natural tension and distrust among the branches of government and bodies of the Legislature for that to occur. And it’s good to have some competition among these groups.

Why do so few Utahns know of these policy statements, and will that change?

Pignanelli: For decades, Utah has been honored by multiple awards for excellent management and efficiency. Governors and department heads have eagerly, and appropriately, collected these trophies. Yet, none of these recognitions would have occurred without all the pesky demands by lawmakers for efficiency and accountability.

Utah is an incredible place to live and work directly because of the unheralded, tireless work by hundreds of lawmakers for many years. Hopefully Pillars will correct this unfairness.

Webb: The Legislature is becoming more sophisticated with communications, but still lags. It’s far more difficult for 104 independently elected lawmakers to collaborate on communications than it is for the one-person governor, who commands immense resources, to effectively communicate. If every House Republican amplified the Policy Pillars document through their newsletters and social media channels, they could have a real impact.

What to expect as the Utah Legislature holds yet another pandemic regular session

COVID-19, from government restrictions to spending federal relief dollars, will be front and center, as will be a large surplus

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Hold onto your wallets and avert the children’s eyes. The 2022 general session of the Utah State Legislature convenes on Tuesday. Once again, it will occur amid a raging pandemic. We explore both of these important events and how they may affect each other.

State and local officials are receiving pressure to impose vaccine mandates, school closures and mask requirements to slow the omicron variant infection rate. How will the Legislature respond, and will the virus impact legislative deliberations?

Pignanelli: “Remote learning has been a disaster for America’s kids. We must acknowledge that, and do everything to minimize any further remote learning.” — Dr. Ashish K. Jha, Dean, Brown University School of Public Health.

The weird repeat of a legislative session during a viral pandemic is best explained by the astute observation of that great Italian philosopher Yogi Berra — “It’s déjà vu all over again”. As with last year, the Legislature will be open for business while providing excellent accommodations for lawmakers and citizens to participate remotely. Also, expenditures of pandemic relief federal dollars will be another continuing element.

But a year makes all the difference — which will be highlighted during the session. Public education will enjoy increased funding, but not without intense discussion, and potential legislation, regarding school closures. The results of this year’s gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey, along with protests at school board meetings throughout the nation, demonstrate that Americans and Utahns across the political spectrum want children at school, not at home. These emotions will be reflected during the session.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to rule on the federal mandates for employee vaccinations. The results will generate potential tweaks to the laws passed in special session last year.

The pandemic and legislative session share another element, a common desire for conclusion. Yet, as again best described by Hall of Famer Berra, “It’s not over until it’s over”.

Webb: We’re fighting a new battle with the onset of the omicron variant. And federal, state and local governments were not prepared for it. It’s clear now that we can’t totally eliminate COVID-19. So we must learn how to live with it and minimize its impacts — while keeping schools and businesses open and avoiding onerous mandates.

Lawmakers ought to be focused on dramatically ramping up testing, therapeutics that fight the symptoms and prevent serious illness, and bolstering the health care system so it can handle more infections and more patients. It’s clear we need more doctors, more nurses, more hospital beds. It’s a matter of supply and demand. We need more supply to meet demand.

I recognize we can’t boost the capacity of our health care system by 20% overnight. But if COVID-19 is here to stay, we need another Operation Warp Speed to get moving. That ought to be a focus of the Legislature and Governor’s Office.

What will be other major issues addressed in this legislative session?

Pignanelli: In addition to the plethora of federal dollars, state revenues are at a major surplus. But legislative leaders are articulating a deep concern the extra receipts may not be available in the near future because the economy could constrict from its current sugar high. This analysis will dominate the appropriations process, as ongoing spending commitments are limited. Such wise scrutiny explains why our state is so well-managed.

The mild winter and hot summer of 2021 undeniably illustrated that future growth and water needs must be confronted. To the credit of the governor and legislative leadership, these matters (including the Great Salt Lake) will be a priority.

Webb: It’s tough to spend a big, fat state surplus and dump truck loads of federal money. But somebody’s gotta step up and do it, and Utah’s 104 lawmakers will enjoy doling out all that cash. They will deal with rapid growth: Water conservation and development, air quality, transportation investment and education funding. They will debate ways to save the Great Salt Lake from drying up. They will consider tax cuts and a host of lesser issues.

They must be wise and frugal, because the federal money is going to dry up and our great economy won’t last forever. Don’t imperil the future by granting too large a tax cut.

Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County are led by Democratic mayors and the population tends to be more left-of-center than the rest of the state. Will the Legislature allow these local governments, and others, to establish their own COVID-19 policies?

Pignanelli: Any such discussions will be focused on further restricting, not expanding, local government power to impose mandates.

Webb: Personally, I don’t support more pandemic government mandates. We’re done with mandates. But because I believe in local control, rather than dictates from above, I don’t believe the Legislature should prevent these local governments from taking whatever action they deem proper. Let them make their policies and face their voters.

I do believe we all should use common sense. That means voluntary vaccinations and face masks as appropriate. No shutting down schools or businesses.

Inflation could upend government in ’22

The people in charge (Democrats, in this case) always get the blame

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The holiday decorations are back in storage, 2022 calendars are hanging on walls and weight loss resolutions are still being obeyed. That means it’s time to highlight issues that will be discussed, debated and possibly impact laws and elections in the new year. (Of course, in a year we will remind you of correct predictions and ignore the misses.)

Your columnists are the last generation (which means we are really old) that remembers when inflation was a major political issue. Will history repeat in 2022?

Pignanelli: “Inflation is taxation without legislation.” — Milton Friedman.

History documents that leaders, and often entire governments, can be jettisoned by citizen angst with price inflation. If by Labor Day the cost of household purchases is still increasing beyond 4%, Republican economic messaging will be successful in congressional and down-ballot races.

Webb: Unfortunately, inflation is real and raging. The people in charge (Democrats, in this case) always get the blame. It will be one among many issues that will likely produce a Republican takeover of Congress in the midterm elections later this year.

The U.S. House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack will be conducting hearings and issue a report in the new year. Regardless of results, any impact on Utah?

Pignanelli: Because of the needless politicization in the creation of this committee, the conclusions will have limited electoral effect. However, most Utahns will expect their officials to distance themselves from the organizations and individuals responsible for the tragedy.

Webb: What happened on Jan. 6 was a terrible stain on our democracy and those involved should be (and are being) punished. But this investigation isn’t a political winner for Democrats except among their narrow base (whose support they already enjoy). For heartland Americans, it seems Democrats just can’t refrain from mounting one partisan, politically motivated investigation after another to punish Trump. Will they impeach him a third time? The longer it drags on the more it looks like persecution, not prosecution. Citizens are tired of it.

So far, winter precipitation is above average. If this remains through the spring does the recent desire to deal with water issues and the Great Salt Lake fizzle or continue forward?

Pignanelli: Veteran observers agree that the focus on water issues, including those surrounding the lake, will continue regardless of the weather. Utahns possess the common sense that these problems need attention, and their officials are reflecting this desire.

Webb: The Cox administration and legislative focus on the Great Salt Lake is greatly needed. Providing some significant funding, as proposed, is an important step forward.

Progressive groups disappointed with Republican redistricting maps are considering lawsuits to overturn the plans. Will they succeed, and does this controversy become an election issue?

Pignanelli: The lawsuit does not occur and media coverage fades as their audiences have other concerns.

Webb: A lawsuit at this late date could mess up election schedules for a multitude of candidates who are already off and running. They need to know their district boundaries. Challenges are unlikely to succeed.

Utah’s population continues rapid growth. Does this impact on our lifestyle affect deliberations on state and local levels?

Pignanelli: Affordable housing for young families and much-needed employees will continue to dominate municipal and state actions. Shrewd officials will include discussions regarding better roads, public transportation, parks and public safety to soothe current homeowners.

Webb: Coping with rapid growth is Utah’s biggest challenge. Constant investment in infrastructure is required to maintain mobility, and carrots and sticks are needed to provide affordable housing and high-density, multi-use developments. A plethora of children requires massive education investment. Thank goodness for a strong economy.

Utah enjoys a powerhouse economy. While the benefits are obvious, how should officials respond?

Pignanelli: State officials are examining whether tax incentives are still necessary or should be more strategic in allocation. Further, air quality and water usage are now strong components when reviewing expansion of existing, or recruiting new, manufacturing operations.

Webb: Enjoy the great economy while it lasts. It can’t go on forever. Spend carefully. Cut taxes very strategically — if at all. Don’t give away revenue, because it’s almost impossible to raise taxes to get it back. Utah’s taxes are low by historical standards. Bolster rainy day funds and pay down debt.

Gov. Spencer Cox and many lawmakers have prioritized development in rural Utah. Does this continue?

Pignanelli: Yes. This strategy is brilliant on so many levels.

Webb: Absolutely. We need to spread out growth and jobs, and reduce urban congestion. People who can work from home can live anywhere and enjoy a great quality of life in rural Utah.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to rule on many matters issues this year, including mandatory vaccinations and abortion. What is the impact on Utah politics?

Pignanelli: There will be rallies and demonstrations. The Legislature — most likely in a special session — will modify abortion restrictions allowed by the court. The contentious matter will have no influence on the elections. But the decision regarding vaccinations will be a topic in some campaigns.

Webb: Thank goodness for a conservative court that values constitutional originalism. The conservative cause will likely make progress in the judicial system this year. About time.

Will both national and state voting issues dominate discussions and affect voter turnout?

Pignanelli: The legislative audit will confirm Utah is the platinum standard on election integrity. Thus, wrangling on a national level over election laws will not permeate our state.

Webb: Democrats in Congress want to completely federalize election laws and procedures. That would be a terrible mistake that a future GOP Congress or the courts would have to overturn.

A look at the political lessons learned in 2021

The overarching lesson of 2021 is that Americans cannot be taken for granted. They rightfully demand explanations and participation in the process.

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

2021 was a fascinating political year. We look at some of the things learned over the past 12 months.

For Democrats at the national level, in control of Washington, 2021 started off with high hopes for major legislative accomplishments. Republicans played defense all year, overshadowed by the presence of former President Donald Trump. What are the lessons of their successes and failures?

Pignanelli: “The story of the year’s politics has been one of partisan, cultural and ideological divisions that defy easy resolution. Neither party has the strength to really impose its will. So, in 2021, governing was just hard.” — Gerald Seib, Wall Street Journal

For political observers, 2021 confirmed the traditional rules of politics remain significant. For example, an understanding of mathematics is critical for success. A three-vote majority in the U.S. House and a one-vote majority in the U.S. Senate is not a mandate. Instead, these numbers signal an absolute requirement of collaboration to pass anything.

President Joseph Biden, when a senator, was masterful in cobbling together coalitions on large legislative initiatives. Thus, it was no surprise congressional bipartisanship delivered the largest legislative accomplishment, the $1.2 trillion for infrastructure improvements. But for everything else, left-wing progressives apparently need tutoring on this lesson.

Electoral activities in 2021 further underscored voters care about the future, not the past. Democrats who messaged against Trump, and Republicans who embraced the former president, fared poorly. The rule “stuff happens so be prepared” was ignored, at an expense. Coronavirus variants, the Afghanistan pullout and price inflation all raised competency questions towards the Biden administration.

The tenet “Democracy is messy” was evident. Americans are wrestling with teaching race, mandatory vaccinations, nondiscrimination principles and climate change. While seeming confusing and traumatic, all Americans are engaged in conversations of these issues.

The overarching lesson of 2021 is that Americans cannot be taken for granted. They rightfully demand explanations and participation in the process. This is truly heartwarming.

Webb: The biggest political lesson of 2021 is this: Don’t overreach; don’t assume you have a mandate to take the country in a radical new direction when you don’t. A corollary is this: Understand the mood of the country, especially working-class citizens in the heartland, before trying to force through dramatic change. Don’t try to govern the entire country through the lens of East Coast and West Coast values.

Democrats won the presidency and the U.S. House and Senate fair and square (despite protestations by Trump). But the margins of victory were tiny. The Senate is 50-50. Republicans picked up a lot of House seats. And Joe Biden barely won the presidency.

But instead of governing with a little humility, from the center, reaching out to the other side, the Democrats swung for a grand slam left-wing home run, championing every ultra-progressive issue and program imaginable.

Now Biden suffers almost historically low approval ratings, the progressive wing of the party is angry and disillusioned, and the stage is set for Republicans to win big in the 2022 midterms. It was never realistic for progressive Democrats to try to transform society.

Meanwhile, Republicans effectively played the loyal opposition all year. But when they have to perform in elections and policy initiatives, the wild card that is the Trump card could mess things up.

In Utah, the priorities of a new governor, a headstrong Republican legislature, a vibrant economy and the hazards of redistricting all combined to produce an intriguing year. What did we learn about our state politics?

Pignanelli: Utahns are a pragmatic people, and many actions of our state officials reflected this virtue. Controversial social issues were reviewed but also confined to prevent them overwhelming deliberations in other matters. The critical attention on water, air quality, climate change and growth problems were subtle but very real.

Utah is growing with a diverse demographic flavor. We are a global center of innovation for technology, financial services and health care. Yet, the “Utah Way” remains a priority. Another refreshing sign of the times.

Webb: Utah is by no means perfect. We face our share of problems. We need to do a better job with education, for example. But we have good governance in Utah. Our state and local leaders don’t ignore problems. They solve them thoughtfully and reasonably. They take care of basic needs and they balance budgets. They are in sync with citizen priorities and values. This is a good time to be a Utahn.

Hovering above everything in 2021 was the COVID-19 pandemic. What political impact did the dreaded coronavirus have?

Pignanelli: Response to the pandemic became a litmus test for many officeholders across the political spectrum. This will influence interparty contests in 2022.

Webb: It’s unfortunate that the pandemic turned into a divisive political issue. Trump was vilified by his opponents for not controlling the pandemic. But Biden and the Democrats haven’t done any better. This is a tough battle, more difficult than anyone anticipated. Biden’s struggles with COVID-19 — including not being prepared with millions of test kits needed right now — are contributing to his low approval ratings.

The reality is that neither Biden or Trump deserve criticism for things outside of their control. But when bad things happen, the people in charge get the blame.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From Foxley & Pignanelli

A sneak peek at politicians’ letters to Santa

Many politicos are angry and defiant and thus have landed on Santa’s “naughty list”

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Despite the hope the pandemic would unite the nation and produce greater compassion among Americans, many politicos are angry and defiant and thus have landed on Santa’s “naughty list.” Of course, they are still seeking favors from the world’s most generous North Pole celebrity. Despite the risk of a congressional investigation, we decline to divulge our sources for this material and rely on the First Amendment to avoid prosecution.

President Joseph Biden: “C’mon, man! Just an extra 10 points on the approval ratings. Nothin’ big, I’m a nice guy, I kid you not, just 10 points!”

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin: For all those liberals wishing me coal in my stocking, I say to Santa, “Please deliver a ton! I love coal. Christmas stockings are a great market for West Virginia coal.”

Left wing, self-proclaimed “woke” progressives: “We refuse to accept anything from this wretched example of everything that is wrong with the world. You exploit smaller humans while subjecting them to low wages and the discriminatory label of ‘elves’; your partner is barely acknowledged; the reindeer are treated cruelly and exceed an eight-hour workday; and you glorify the consumption of sugary, nonvegan foods.

Right wing, self-proclaimed guardians of liberty: “We don’t want anything from the obvious tool of fake media. You are clearly part of the conspiracy, using big tech social media algorithms to gather personal information as to who is naughty and who is nice. Further, your incessant gift-giving smacks of socialism.”

Donald Trump: “Hey Santa, clear the regulatory hurdles so I can get my media company ‘Truth Social’ going so no one can censor me. Also, make sure Twitter keeps me banned because I don’t make any money from it anyway.”

Gov. Spencer Cox: “I spent a lot of political capital developing my budget and vision for the state. All I ask is that the Legislature, the media and special interest groups do something different next year — actually pay attention to it.”

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson: “Santa, please let all the election workers across the state know they are appreciated. And to those scoundrels claiming fraud in Utah’s elections, please show me the evidence — put up or shut up.”

State Auditor John Dougall: “I am still grateful for the 1 million votes — most ever for a Utah politician — you gave me in 2020. Makes me think I should run for governor, or U.S. senator.”

Attorney General Sean Reyes: “Just keep that overreach by the Biden administration coming so I can keep filing federal lawsuits and eventually argue before a friendly Supreme Court.”

House Speaker Brad Wilson: “No more resignations from my caucus, please. I have to spend Christmas vacation just memorizing all the new people’s names.”

Senate President Stuart Adams: “Nothing for me this year. But I do wish the world a peaceful, calm Christmas, as quiet and serene as any day in the Senate.”

Sen. Mike Lee: “Santa, I know you respect the strength of participatory democracy. So how about giving me a few more election challengers to dilute the opposition and ensure my reelection?”

Sen. Mitt Romney: “Please, more missteps by the Biden administration, which should not be a big lift. I need more opportunities to demonstrate my conservative credentials.”

Congressman Chris Stewart: “Chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee would be a nice gift. In return, I will always clear and protect the airways from nefarious foreign interventions on Dec. 24-25 to protect your late-night global excursions.”

National Democrats: “Could you possibly deliver the votes for the ‘Build Back Better’ package? Within the $2 trillion there’s money for organic, non-GMO reindeer feed.”

National Republicans: “Santa, many thanks. Christmas came early for us this year — Afghanistan debacle, high inflation, out of control wokeism, immigration chaos, and Joe Manchin.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: “Seriously, I’m hoping Santa will deliver to all my municipal colleagues throughout the state a desire to relieve the capital city of some of the homeless burden.”

National news media: “Please keep the two old guys representing the major political parties saying silly stuff because it sells. Also, reporting on political rantings is easier than actual journalism.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: “This is a time for forbearance. So I’m willing to forgive the County Council their mistake in not funding my entire budget. I hope Santa will deliver wisdom so they will change their ways.”

Congressman John Curtis: “Santa, nothing too difficult — just a fair compromise on Bears Ears National Monument. One that makes everyone happy. I know you have magical powers.”

Congressman Burgess Owens: “Santa, I appreciate my new district boundaries. Now just give me a few easy opponents and I won’t bug you for a full year.”

Congressman Blake Moore: “Santa, I need the name of a really good financial reporting professional. The media loves to jump on me for mistakes on reports that I’m not sure anyone really cares about.”

All Utahns: “Santa, please deliver extraordinary precipitation this winter so we can fulfill the basic needs of our lives — water-skiing, snow skiing, swimming pools, golf courses, perfectly manicured lawns, clean cars, washing down driveways, etc.”

Deseret News: Happy holidays to our readers – especially those who endure the antics of Pignanelli & Webb every week.

This Christmas, imagine how following Jesus could help our public policy problems

Read the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes. Ask yourself: If all of us truly lived these principles, wouldn’t a great many of our problems be eliminated?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: The Christian world is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Even non-Christians recognize Jesus as a moral philosopher whose teachings and example provide guidance on how humanity should live.

But it is also interesting to apply the teachings of Jesus to the public policy problems that beset communities, states and nations today. Jesus stayed far away from politics and government during his ministry. But the simple, basic principles he taught were revolutionary. If honored universally in our day, many public policy problems would be solved — or not exist. The suffering endured by many, the rude dialogue, the size of government and the taxes we pay could all be dramatically reduced.

Of course, other religions offer equally important ethical precepts. They deserve recognition for their rich wisdom, as well. Thus, the “Yuletide season” provides an opportunity to emphasize basic spiritual ethics that are shared in some form by many faiths.

We are not suggesting that religion and government should be mixed, and we certainly do not support government-dictated religious principles. But the reality is that how we voluntarily live our moral lives is vitally important in the realm of public policy. John Adams, one of the nation’s great founders and constitutional theorists, offered an important insight: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

He was not the only Founding Father to express such sentiment. James Madison wrote that our Constitution requires “sufficient virtue among men for self-government.”

For clear evidence of how the teachings of Jesus would solve public policy problems, simply read the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes. Ask yourself: If all of us truly lived these principles, wouldn’t a great many of our political and public policy problems be eliminated? We wouldn’t need large armies and navies, police forces, criminal courts or prisons — and the trillions of tax dollars they cost. We would avoid the untold misery caused by war, crime, dishonesty, selfishness and infidelity.

Jesus endorsed the Ten Commandments, then added the virtues of humility, empathy, integrity, purity, peacemaking, obeying the Golden Rule, setting a good example, avoiding anger, being faithful to spouse and family, embracing forgiveness, charity, modesty and avoiding hypocrisy.

And we have high-profile leaders who have set good examples. Democratic President Harry S. Truman and Republican President Ronald R. Reagan showed how to be tough partisan leaders who followed Jesus’ example of treating everyone, including their enemies, with respect.

Certainly, none of us will ever totally live up to the lofty aspirations of the Sermon on the Mount. But the truth is that if we tried harder to follow the humble teachings of Jesus, the need for larger government and high taxes would be significantly reduced. Influential people showing kindness to “the least” of us would breed an extraordinary community spirit.

We watch as the best minds in the world grapple with the challenges of society — and never totally solve them. Despite legislation, presidential decrees, court orders, newspaper editorials and the efforts of public leaders, the problems are not eliminated; in some cases, they seem to grow.

James Madison also observed, “(W)hat is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? A number of secular philosophers have noted that “government is downstream from culture.”

Jesus took a much different problem-solving approach than used by the institutions of society and government. His ways were not the world’s ways.

We observe that society mostly works on the effects and results of problems, while Jesus focused on the root causes. Society’s answer to war and crime is larger armies, more sophisticated weapons, tougher law enforcement, more policemen and bigger prisons. Jesus’ answer is to love your neighbor as yourself; do to others as you would have them do to you; and teach children correct principles in loving families. One approach would actually eliminate war and crime. The other, while necessary, never gets to the root causes.

Society’s answer to problems of poverty and family dysfunction is public support, homeless shelters, child protective services, divorce counseling and substance abuse programs. Jesus’ approach is reliance upon self, family and church; reenthroning the principles of work, and teaching the virtues of chastity, love and service. One approach would actually solve these problems. The other helps those presently afflicted. Both are clearly necessary, but it is obvious that Jesus’ approach should be emphasized more than it is today.

Society’s approach wins headlines and is the subject of legislation and political speeches. Jesus’ approach is quiet, taught in homes, churches and neighborhood gatherings. Jesus’ way requires that individual lives be changed, person by person. It takes time and great effort. But it is designed to revolutionize society and soothe humankind’s troubles.

Should Congress implement Jesus’ philosophies when deliberating and developing national policy? No, it would never work. Each of us must implement them within ourselves.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Opinion: Can Utah help solve the supply chain crisis?

The controversial but needed Utah Inland Port can enhance manufacturing in Utah and other Western states, promising to handle exports and imports more efficiently

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The nation is dealing with some big problems. Here’s a look at a couple of them and how Utah might contribute to their solutions. Also, we’re political hacks, but we also notice sports.

The nation faces a serious supply chain problem just as the holiday shopping season starts. Can Utah provide some help to solve this and other economic problems?

Pignanelli: “On Twitter, the supply chain has been blamed for: getting nothing done, disappointed children, an excess of camouflage pajama pants, hungry dogs, insomnia, bare grocery store shelves … and dating advice.”— Aurora Almendral, Quartz

Teenagers are known for sleeping late until a parent screams a wake-up demand because a school or work obligation is being blissfully ignored. Similarly, throughout history our nation has slumbered until an economic, military or technology catastrophe awakened us. Today we are amid a five-alarm signal snapping us to attention.

Free trade fosters the exchange of products and services among nations — increasing economic opportunities across the planet. But the pandemic revealed a complacency in manufacturing, shipping and protecting intellectual property. Interchange with nations collapsed because the current system is vulnerable to shocks.

Fortunately, this crisis is providing opportunities for Utah to take advantage as the “crossroads of the West.” The rural economic development incentive program initiated under prior administrations and supercharged by Gov. Spencer Cox is promoting manufacturing in efficient and ecological methods. This is a critical formula, that if replicated elsewhere, can give Americans local access to needed goods and avoid unfriendly leverage from other nations.

The controversial but needed Utah Inland Port can enhance manufacturing in Utah and other Western states, promising to handle exports and imports more efficiently. Because Utah is facing a clean air dilemma, the port will encourage environmentally sensitive operations.

The U.S. will eventually overcome this crisis by following Utah’s lead. Unlike the atypical teenager, our state was already awake and moving when the alarm sounded.

Webb: The Utah Legislature, working with the Salt Lake Chamber, was visionary in creating the Utah Inland Port system. It really can help ease California port delays and get more diesel truck off the highways, improving air quality, by better using the rail system to get goods to and from Utah.

With a state-of-the-art transloading facility using clean energy, Utah can make a difference in our nation’s supply chain logistics. The result will be more local manufacturing and warehousing, using clean energy and more good jobs. The benefits won’t be produced immediately, but long-term planning, taking advantage is Utah’s natural strengths, is vital for a continued strong economy.

A shortage of eager workers continues to hamper small and large businesses. This problem highlights a dysfunctional immigration system that divides the nation and leaves illegal immigrants in limbo. How can Utah help?

Pignanelli: The American economy is desperately trying to rebound while inhibited by limited employment. We were in this situation before, and the solution has not changed — hard-working immigrants. Utah has a ready commonsense approach — the Utah Compact. Although developed several years ago, it remains a guidance for national lawmakers.

Webb: My wife and I are building a house right now. It has been a challenge for our contractors to find enough skilled workers. Most of those working on the home have been Hispanic, some not speaking English very well. They are terrific, hard-working tradesmen, expert in carpentry, masonry, roofing, siding installation, Sheetrocking, etc. They work long hours and earn good money. I expect many of their next generation will be college graduates. We need more of them.

Immigration is a quintessential federal responsibility. Congress has been criminally negligent for years in not creating a modern, efficient immigration system that secures our borders, keeps bad people out, while providing a reasonably straightforward opportunity for many good people to immigrate to our country and help build America. Almost all of us descend from such immigrants. The Utah Compact shows the way.

On the bright side, it’s fun to be a Utahn right now. 2021 has been an amazing year for women’s and men’s sports teams in Utah. What has contributed to all this success on the football, basketball, soccer and volleyball arenas?

Pignanelli: Utah is a cool place that attracts young athletes from across the planet … and within our state. Our universities and colleges strive to follow the “Utah Way,” offering opportunities and lifestyles that promote excellence in education, athletic competition and ethical conduct.

Webb: It’s really all about great leadership. Excellent organizations, whether in sports, politics or business, require great leaders. Leaders make all the difference. Utah is blessed with some terrific athletic directors, coaches, team owners and university administrators.

Athletic superiority, like excellence in business, politics, nonprofits and government, doesn’t happen by happenstance. It’s not luck. The competition is daunting. Getting to the top, and staying there, requires incessant focus, hard work, learning from failure, intense attention to detail, quick action at times, wisdom and first-class character traits. Congrats to all the Utah sports teams, and all who associate with them, who exemplify excellence.