Who deserves praise and criticism this week in Northern Utah?

THUMBS UP: Sen. Hatch delivered his final address to the Senate on Wednesday morning after 42 years of representing Utah — the longest a Republican has served in that body.

THUMBS DOWN: In Sen. Hatch’s farewell remarks, he talked significantly about civility and collaboration, or the lack thereof in the U.S. Senate. He spoke longingly of old times when he could work across the aisle with a Democrat without it being considered hearsay. He spoke of how important it was for the Senate to be an example to the nation of goodwill in order to change culture. We agree that federal government is in crisis, at many of its levels. Hatch declared gridlock was the new norm, and the bar of decency so low. This is all very true. During his long years of service, there are things other elected representatives could likely learn from Hatch during this tumultuous political time.

However, it is easy to say some of these things on the way out when one’s behavior has at times contradicted it in recent years. Hatch wasn’t immune to calling Obama supporters names at times, or lauding the current president even when his moral behavior didn’t meet Utah’s standards because staying in line with partisanship is more important when it come down to it. There are very few of those elected in Washington who exhibit pluralism and the actions that unity require.

As with many politicians, we take what they say with a mighty grain of salt.

THUMBS UP: In this holiday season, thank you to all the volunteers across various organizations working to provide light to those less fortunate — from Angel Tree donations with the Salvation Army to the thousand of those helping distribute at Community Christmas today. These acts of kindness and charity are beacons of the generosity that prevails throughout our community on a regular basis.

THUMBS DOWN: How horrible to hear news this week that a young woman in Utah, then 17 and now 18 years old, gave birth to a child and then, when it died somehow, hid its body in her closet. There is much information that the general public will likely not know about this young woman’s situation and the investigation that moves forward in identifying the father. For young women across the state who may be in situations where they feel over their head, it’s important that we share with them the resources available to help them in their time of need. For nearly two decades, Utah has now had the Safe Haven law that protects birth parents who need to anonymously give up custody of a newborn at a hospital — without fear of prosecution. Those who need help can also call a 24-hour hotline at 866-458-0058. There’s no reason to ruin two lives anymore.

THUMBS UP: This week, the Utah Foundation released a report that shows how Utah can reduce prison and jail populations, saving the taxpayers a lot of money. In that report, rehabilitation is a central element. Treating prisoners’ mental health and substance abuse issues are key to helping them when they re-enter society and to reduce future cost burdens on fellow Utahns. On the flip side, the report claims that criminal justice costs will only increase if we do not create and implement better rehab programs to county jails.

THUMBS DOWN: To all the Scrooges out there stealing package deliveries off people’s porches, we voice a collective “Scram.” We’re all busy shopping and prepping for gift giving this month, and it’s frustrating and violating to have someone come up to your home and swipe a package you’re waiting for. Utah sees a lot of this crime. Unfortunately, combatting it is mostly up to the purchaser. There are a few things you can do to make sure you get your packages safe and sound. Among recommendations from police are: have your packages delivered to your office; require signatures for delivery; have a neighbor or family member on the look out to retrieve a package as soon as it’s delivered if you won’t be home; direct deliveries to the post office so you can pick them up there in person; or obtain a home security system that alerts you to motion. Good luck to all who haven’t finished their shopping!

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