Calling TR
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I have been reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. As part of his evolution in becoming one of our greatest presidents, TR mounted an unsuccessful effort to become mayor of New York City.
In his nomination speech at the Republican convention, Roosevelt proclaimed himself a strong man who was careless of class, color or party politics: "If I find a public servant who is dishonest, I will chop his head off if he is the highest Republican in this municipality!"
As I read that, I reflected on the current saga of Utah Attorney General John Swallow and the arduous delay and inaction of our milk-toast legislators. We need more Teddy Roosevelts.
Russell D. Larson
Sandy