Party rule | The Salt Lake Tribune

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"Our Founding Fathers did not like a democracy and we don't like it, either," said Peter Cannon, a Davis County member of the Utah Republican State Central Committee, explaining why he voted against increased voter participation in caucuses and primaries ("Utah GOP rejects changes, making ballot drive likely." Tribune, April 14).

So then, I assume Cannon wants state legislatures to pick our U.S. senators and the electors who will choose our president? No need for citizens to vote their choice. After all, that's what the founders wrote in the original Constitution.

The founders, especially Thomas Jefferson, that darling of the conservatives, believed that government should evolve to meet the needs and interests of each new generation. Over time, we have learned to trust the people better than backroom deals by rich elites.

It's because of retrograde people like Cannon that the Republican Party nationally is dying (winning a majority in only one of the past six presidential elections). That they still rule the Republican Party in Utah is not a compliment to the people of Utah who deserve more respect.

Elizabeth Merritt

Salt Lake City