Thinking about moving here but........ (Salt Lake City, Bountiful: appointed, obgyn, crimes)

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

In my 7.5 yrs here, I've never felt judged by the LDS. I've judged some of them, in that I go ballistic when I read that the president of the church officiated over the re-opening of the Capital or that the church's leadership met with the legislative ledership prior to opening day of the 2009 session. ......

I think I need to clarify this last remark of mine. The Capital was closed for a few years to do earthquake retro-fitting. When it was ready to re-open, the news media all went nuts over calling it "the People's House" and yet the governor did not officiate at the ceremony, the church president did. If he had offered the opening prayer or the closing prayer, fine, someone has to do it (I know, Taboo2 won't agree with that). But to officiate over the entire ceremony struck me wrong.

Today's SLTrib has a column about the legistative leaders meeting with the church leaders. Remember this is the only state in the USA where the legislative leaders do this. That also strikes me as wrong.

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

. If he had offered the opening prayer or the closing prayer, fine, someone has to do it (I know, Taboo2 won't agree with that). But to officiate over the entire ceremony struck me wrong.
.

I don't agree with any of it. When a church has that large of a stronghold over the democratic process it creeps me out. It makes it UNdemocratic. I wouldn't mind if LDS did one thing and catholics or muslims or buddhists did another portion.

I already assume that the governement in Utah is so intertwined with Mormon church that this is why they have some of the most ridiculous laws that no other states have. To appease the mormon church because so many legislators are mormons themselves. I thought that was a given in Utah?

[eggalegga]

I heard a few weeks ago that they were meeting with LDS leaders to discuss changes in our state's liquor laws. WTF? Why don't they meet with club owners, club members, police chiefs, members of MADD, etc.? I'm not saying that the LDS leaders suggest something and the legislature just jumps right into implementing it. I'm saying there sould be input from other groups of people and not just the LDS.

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by eggalegga

I heard a few weeks ago that they were meeting with LDS leaders to discuss changes in our state's liquor laws. WTF? Why don't they meet with club owners, club members, police chiefs, members of MADD, etc.? I'm not saying that the LDS leaders suggest something and the legislature just jumps right into implementing it. I'm saying there sould be input from other groups of people and not just the LDS.

But i thought that is how it works in Utah? Instead of meeting with business owners and police enforcement who may have knowledge of the pros and cons of drinking and it's repercussions, they talk to religious experts who do not drink themselves nor do their congregations?

They know what side their bread is buttered, this is how it works.

[kaytidid]

Exactly. Annoying to be sure, but it is the way it is here. It was hard at first when we moved here and discovered that there really isn't too much progressive thinking. Most native Utahns like the way things are and have been for years and years. You can either roll with it or protest it. Protesting doesn't usually get you too far. Times are a changing though, and someday protesting just might make a difference.

Change is a bit hard to come by in Utah.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Taboo2

I don't agree with any of it. When a church has that large of a stronghold over the democratic process it creeps me out. It makes it UNdemocratic.

Well, the fact is that the legislators were elected by people who, in large part, share not only their political views but their religious views. You may not like the result, but that is, in fact, what democracy is all about.

I already assume that the governement in Utah is so intertwined with Mormon church that this is why they have some of the most ridiculous laws that no other states have.

Aside from the liquor laws, which ones are you referring to?

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by kaytidid

You can either roll with it or protest it. .

This is why my inlaws had a liquor cabinet in their house, to avoid having to live by someone else's laws. It meant planning ahead but that was ok with them.

If I was a single adult, I would offended that someone else's standards were being imposed on me for no reason other than their religion looks down on it.

If i am not part of that religion than why should i have to abide by their rules? I think the more non lds who move to slc the better because it can shake things up a bit.

[LAFrench]

Parks71, I too, would be interested to hear how your visit in March goes.
I am still trying to convince my wife in the mean time, as well as hoping and praying.

LAFrench

Originally Posted by lvhuskies

Parks71, I would be interested to hear how your visit in March goes. I live in Northern CA (almost in Oregon practically) and we are looking at moving to the SLC/Ogden area due to a job transfer for my husband. We will not be able to visit until either Spring Break this year or over summer vacation.
All my research thus far is online and I'm headed to the library today for more info.
Our move would take place either late this year or early next; just depends on my husbands transfer.
I have twins who are in 1st grade. We are non-LDS; are the public schools run by Mormons and will be kids be taught about Mormonism in school? Or should I look into private schools.
I am not a city person, though I enjoy visiting cities; we currently live on 8 acres in the country and we'd be bringing horses, llamas, dogs and cats with us. Are there are good areas to live in the country that would be around a 30ish minute commute into Ogden (Roy) or West Valley (these are not by choice-they are locations where my husband could be working).

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Well, the fact is that the legislators were elected by people who, in large part, share not only their political views but their religious views. You may not like the result, but that is, in fact, what democracy is all about.

Aside from the liquor laws, which ones are you referring to?

The elected officials determine tons of laws that have a direct effect on the people of Utah. How many abortion clinics are there in Utah? Do you have to notify your parents if you get one and are under 18? DO pharmacist have the right to deny handing out birth control or abortion pills?

There are MANY things that religious leaders have their fingers on and are controlling. They are elected by the majority, but just because a majority approves doesn't make it fair or right.

If the majority were into prayer in schools, would we pass laws allowing that?

No, because the majority is not always the best way to determine if something is in the best interest of the people.

Just because you want it doesn't mean it doesn't violate others civil rights.

[kaytidid]

Originally Posted by Taboo2

I think the more non lds who move to slc the better because it can shake things up a bit.

I totally agree with you there! Diversity is always a good thing.