I've been hugely disappointed for a long time by Utah Mormon never-trumpers. I followed for many months by reading the major newpapers and the comments section. They really drank the kool-aid, IMO, on the policies I care about. Immigration, for example, and trade.
It hasn't changed either. Utah Mormons are pretty solidly RINOS and align themselves with the Bush administration way or thinking and doing things. They hitched their wagon to a third part candidate who mirrored Romney and haven't budged as far as I can tell from newspaper commentary. They're just waiting for the next election cycle.
The Wasatch Valley, where most Utahns live, has benefited from globalization in a big way. They didn't have major plants and factories to lose. Utah is also highly caucasian white in population. Maybe the most in the country? Public schools are more than adequate. No need for private or charter schooling there. One of my grandsons was able to get a slot in a year round school for the gifted, and it's even part of the public schools.
Utah people are clueless what the rest of the country struggles with who have different demographics. I was surprised by the amount of ignorance and complacency revealed in their newspapers and comments sections.
They don't call the Wasatch Valley "happy valley" for nothing, I guess.
Don't misunderstand me, though. I'm happy that Utah enjoys the lifestyles it does. It's a very safe, secure and traditional way of life there, and we'll eventually move there. There's no other place I'd rather be with regard to hospitalization and nursing home issues.
I just expected a little more intellectual fervor during the election process. Utahns place extremely high value on education and learning, but I didn't see the kind of critical thinking I assumed would be there when it comes to politics. Very superficial, in fact. Made me sad. |
