This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The TV flashed a banner: "Breaking News, stay tuned." Expecting something of great urgency I stayed tuned. After a little shuffling, Gov. Gary Herbert stepped up to the podium. He had a worried and fearful look on his face and in his demeanor. What could possibly be so dire?
The governor, in a posture of insecurity, said that Utah is having fires and the danger is high.
He deferred the decision that was about to be made to State Forester Dick Buehler, as if to distance himself from the responsibility.
The governor wimpishly explained that target shooting in open spaces would be banned. He was obviously fearful of the gun community, as he repeated often that no one was taking their guns or their rights to own guns.
Utah Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, followed up with the same fearful presentation, again reassuring gun owners that no one was abusing their Second Amendment rights.
The state needs leadership, and neither of these men demonstrated any degree of leadership.
Forester Buehler and Utah House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, were the only two who showed any strength in their presentation.
Bill Revene
West Valley City