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Buttars unworthy of support
"Now I am confident that you gentlemen will review, without passion, the evidence that you have heard, (and) come to a decision ... . In the name of GOD, do your duty."
-- Atticus Finch
"To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962)
Our political leaders just keep giving us new reasons to be cynical and feel dispirited about government.
The latest is the letter sent to GOP delegates in Sen. Chris Buttars' West Jordan district prior to tomorrow's Salt Lake County convention. It supports Buttars' re-election campaign and was signed by Senate leadership: President John Valentine, Majority Leader Curtis Bramble and two Top of Utah lawmakers: Majority Whip Dan Eastman, of Bountiful, and Assistant Majority Whip Sheldon Killpack, of Syracuse.
Buttars, you'll remember, is the lawmaker, who on the floor of the state Senate, made this remark about a bill being debated: "This baby is black, I'll tell you. It's a dark, ugly thing." It was arguably the worst, but only the latest, in a years-long string of offensive remarks he's made in his official capacity as lawmaker, bringing disrespect and condemnation on himself, his Senate colleagues, the Legislature and the entire state. He is a smudge on Utah's reputation, and should be plucked out of the Senate.
Apparently, however, the Utah Senate is too cozy a club for that. Its leadership, despite a racist remark made during a floor debate, will go so far as to actively support re-election of a man who rants about "dark, ugly" black babies.
The letter reads, "Senator Buttars is an unwavering supporter of Republican principles. He has consistently and passionately espoused the principles that we hold dear."
It's terribly disappointing that those among our state's most powerful leaders would rush to Buttars' defense. We understand that Senate leadership's intra-party balance of power is precarious -- that Buttars, if re-elected, would support Valentine's continued presidency -- but this is precisely the situation in which morality trumps politics. In the end, are these men more concerned with politics than morality? Is there no recognition of the obvious shame in publicly endorsing this man given his repellent remarks?
It is truly a sad day for Valentine, Bramble, Eastman and Killpack, as well as their constituents. Had any of these men broken ranks, he would have been a hero -- a true statesman. Sadly, no one answered the call and they stand before us today as mere politicians.
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Well, the sheep once again followed their corrupt Shepard. We'll have to try to stomach 4 more years of this vindictive bitter man.
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