Standing Against Hate
This morning, our community experienced a despicable act of hatred in the form of a bomb threat to a family-friendly Drag Storytime at the King's English Bookshop in the 15th & 15th district. Out of an abundance of caution and to keep staff, customers and the community safe, the bookstore closed for the day.
We see this as a crime rooted in hate. Our police department is the largest and most thoroughly equipped police department in the state, and we trust they will do everything they can to bring the criminals who targeted our city in this way to justice.
This isn't the only act of crime or intimidation that has occurred in our community this year, endangering children, families and residents. From the destruction of Pride flags at homes in the Central Ninth District to the acts of intimidation outside Tea Zaanti's all-ages drag show, we strongly condemn behavior that threatens the many diverse communities that make Salt Lake the welcoming and thriving city it is.
We stand firm in our community's values of diversity, inclusion, belonging and the freedom to express one's true self. Drag is an art form that furthers these values and creates safe spaces to celebrate our differences and proudly share who we are.
We are grateful for the businesses, artists and community members who bravely and visibly continue standing up to hate so people of all kinds can feel they belong here. Our city is for everyone, and we will continue to support art and events that boldly proclaim the same.
We invite all members of our community who have not experienced drag culture to one of the many family-friendly drag shows that happen throughout Salt Lake City so you can see for yourself that this is an art form focused on love and inclusion.
SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL
Statement issued on Sunday, Sept. 24
Don't Look Up
Scientists the world over want to study a few ounces of dust and pebbles taken from a 4.5 billion-years-old asteroid. That sample just parachuted down from outer space to "Utah's desert," known locally as Dugway.
The location of the historic "sample" landing is ironic, since many of Utah's citizens—and certainly the majority of their ancestors—were taught that "the heavens and the Earth" were created only 7,000 or so years ago. In addition, church educators have been advised to turn their eyes away from modern, non-denominational Bible commentaries in preparation for their Sunday school lessons.
The reason? Those biblical studies encyclopedias might not always take the literalist approach to scripture that the church has long preferred, like—for example—when it has admonished that the world was created in just seven days.
Science and outer space droppings are literally raining down on Utah, where the population still may not be ready or willing to believe that what is "out there" has been around for a while.
KIMBALL SHINKOSKEY
Woods Cross
"... Ralph Becker Endorses Erin Mendenhall," Sept. 20 online news
Well, that's certainly not going to help her.
ERIC FERGUSON
Via Facebook
The two best mayors I worked for during my time at the city.
BRYAN YOUNG
Via Facebook
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