Whatever the outcome of the legal maneuvering around gay marriage in Utah, why did Gov. Gary Herbert respond to U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby's ruling with name-calling: "Utah Gov. Gary Herbert released a statement that said he was 'very disappointed an activist federal judge is attempting to override the will of the people of Utah'"? ("Federal judge strikes down Utah ban on same-sex marriage," Tribune, Dec. 20) He should have stated legal facts or cited relevant passages from the Constitution to support his opposition to the judge's ruling.
It does a disservice to the citizens of Utah for our governor to resort to inflammatory language toward a federal official with whom he disagrees rather than studying the validity of the ruling and providing a thoughtful, factual response.
Jennifer MacAdam
River Heights