Opinion

Editor,

I recently read several comments about someone who had hit a motorcyclist in an intersection. Now, I'm not here to judge anyone or point fingers, but a question continues to nag at me with regard to that subject. I find it very interesting that the state of Utah has what we know as a "No Helmet" law which basically means that when someone goes out and hops on their Harley, they don't have to wear anything to protect themselves in the event of a crash. We also have in the state of Utah, a group called ABATE who advocate for biker's rights, and they also fight for the freedom to retain the right to not have to wear protective gear (helmets to be specific).

Editor,

I am writing this with tears streaming down my face and gratitude in my heart. Tommy Vudhivadhana has retired from coaching the Weber State University Women's Soccer team. This man has been my mentor, friend, traveling family, and coach throughout my soccer career. I grew up with him as my soccer coach for almost 15 years. I owe my success as a soccer player (as a young AYSO All-Star and at Weber State University), my philosophy as a coach, and my love for the game to this man.

Editor,

Senator Hatch's Feb. 4 guest commentary, "Obama's defense cuts a threat to Hill Air Force Base and national security," is exactly what is wrong with our political system. He seems to have forgotten that Congress has the power of the purse when he blames the president for our country's problems. Career politicians are the cause of our troubles, and he and the rest of his ilk will soon find out we the people have had enough of both parties' failure to do anything but point fingers and play the blame game.

Editor,

For years, military pension and survivor benefit checks were sent out the first of the following month. When President Obama signed this year's Defense Authorization Bill, he ordered December 2011 payments made on December 31 instead of January 1. That made 2011 a 13-month year for tax purposes! His "No payday in January with two paydays in December" law is to continue ad infinitum. There was no retiree payday in January 2012; therefore, retirees received not one dollar more for their service and sacrifices, and 2012 will be a 12-month tax year. Obama's 13-month accounting slight-of-hand yielded a "surge" of over $626 million out of retiree pockets into his, while it unfairly shoved many retirees and survivors temporarily into higher tax brackets.

Editor,

I want to respond to the writer of "Racism is alive and well" of Feb 4. I join the writer in opposition to actual racism, and I'm glad that the attitudes of most Americans have shifted to the point where an American of African descent can be elected our President. However, I don't agree with the idea that because our President is black, opposing his policies is racist. I also don't agree with the idea that because many Americans on public assistance are minorities, it's racist to support policies that favor the well to do. In fact, the majority of Americans on public assistance are white. Also, most of the jobs minorities work at were created by financially successful Americans, some of whom are minorities.

Like a chicken with its head sliced off, Utah's junior senator is charging in opposition to President Barack Obama's presidential nominations. Mike Lee has vowed to oppose every nominee that Obama presents before the U.S. Senate for approval.

Lee is angry that the president has bypassed accepted Senate custom by appointing nominees when the Senate is in "pro forma" sessions three days apart to stop presidents from appointing nominees that the Senate has blocked. What this means is that Republicans in the Senate are using filibusters to prevent Obama from getting his nominees through.

This is all a technical and legal argument. It needs to be worked out either between the opposing sides -- Democrats and Republicans -- or through the courts. And that latter option will likely come soon. Republicans are challenging Obama's recent appointments.