To the editor:
Utah is unique in many ways, from its distinctive shape on the map to its many cultural idioms. Such idioms have long been known as "Utah-isms." One of the better known Utah-isms is that only in Utah can a Jew be a Gentile.Lately, however, a number of new Utah-isms seem to be emerging. For instance, only in Utah does the issue of smoking in public places become a religious issue, rather than the health issue found in other, more "liberal," states such as California.
Only in Utah, it seems, do people ridicule the state's liquor laws as being outdated moral reactions; this in spite of the fact that throughout the country, many "dry" counties, especially in the Deep South, have ordinances and infraction penalties which make Utah's liquor laws appear quite lenient.
Another emerging Utah-ism is that only in Utah has the state's constitution been twisted and stretched so far from its original intent that it is illegal to offer prayer, by any group, in a public building or on public property.
Only in Utah, it seems, is it outrageous that religious people bring their ideals and principles into politics, despite the myriad of ordained ministers active in politics elsewhere.
It appears that only in Utah are the majority of religious people, no matter what denomination, expected to sacrifice their basic moral beliefs to the whims of small, vocal special interest groups. Only in Utah is the democratic ideal of "majority rule" no longer valid.
Milton A. Maughan
Brigham City