Mike Noel's Resistance to Reason
I enjoyed Colby Frazier's cover story about state Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab ["The Herd Bull of the House," May 14, City Weekly]. I attended the Great Public Lands Gamble Rally at the Capitol in January 2015, at which Noel audaciously stepped up to the microphone to attempt a refutation (the gospel according to St. Mike) of the "lies" being perpetrated by the proponents of public lands. Noel is a man so stubbornly obtuse, he makes Gov. Gary Herbert seem like an open-minded intellectual.
After someone wisely cut the power to the microphone, silencing Noel mid-diatribe, he made a beeline for the nearest TV camera, where he strutted and opined about the benefits of state-managed lands and the evils of federal control.
Several years ago, I spoke with Noel regarding my personal concerns over his myopic vision for the future of Utah's lands and the people who love them. I came away frustrated by his resistance to reason and his lack of respect for opposing opinions. Noel's attitude seems to be, "I got my little slice of Utah, and to hell with everyone else." Sadly, this is the attitude of the majority of our elected officials.
Sanctimony and hegemony are alive and well in Utah.
David E. Jensen
Salt Lake City
Homosexuality Is a Genetic Variation
A homosexual person is one who is sexually attracted to others of the same sex. Except for a genetic variation of nature, they are virtually identical to their heterosexual counterparts. They feel the very same kind of attraction to the same sex as heterosexuals feel about the opposite sex.
Some would argue that the Bible condemns homosexuality, but I believe (through the persistence of science) this behavior will be proven to result from natural genetic variation.
It's possible to draw on the example of the developmentally challenged (no offense intended toward either group) who, by no action of their own, are born slow or deficient in mental, physical or emotional growth. Homosexual people are therefore entitled to engage in sexual behavior consistent with their genetic makeup, so long as it is between consenting adults—and they should be allowed to marry as well.
To deny them this right would be the same as denying heterosexuals their right to consensual sex. Some would argue that sexuality is strictly for the purpose of reproduction—yet the animal kingdom has many variations of species that also cannot reproduce.
Human beings are sexual beings as was intended by their creator, and to suggest that a genetic variation of nature somehow makes homosexuals less human is indeed an inhuman concept.
Joe Bialek
Cleveland, Ohio
Solar Energy Creates Jobs
Here in the United States, we have a 30-percent energy-tax credit, due to expire December 31, 2016. The League of Conservation Voters has already taken the lead in the fight to extend the credit, and it will be major campaign issue during the 2016 election season.
I find it interesting the right is not seeing the writing on the wall: Solar means jobs, jobs, jobs. As of now, in America, more people install solar panels for a living than mine coal! And battery technology is rapidly improving.
Progress is made every day in other forms of energy, and nothing can stop it. People are beginning to realize the gas, coal and oil industries are costing them money, and they would rather have cheap alternatives.
Daniel Barker
Lakeland, Fla.
