Now what? – DNews Opinion Editor Boyd Matheson writes that since neither major political party was much interested in a “day of reckoning,” it’s time to “seriously explore a third way.” In a nation that is more centrist that it sometimes feels, the “moveable middle” has yet to find – or use – its voice. These are folks who are registered Democrats or Republicans, but who have largely disconnected from politics because they are so tired of the extremism, the divisiveness and the contempt from both candidates and the very loud members of their respective parties.
“These voters, which could determine the next several election cycles, want to hear policies and solutions centered in community, compassion, self-reliance and upward mobility. No one is deploying this language or talking about these issues in a significant way. Community, compassion, self-reliance and upward mobility are hardly ever heard in stump speeches and the talking points of candidates for either party.” Check out the entire article for Boyd’s 15-point, easy-to-understand proposal for a new political platform.
Speaking of feeling disconnected – Christian Sagers writes about finding himself politically homeless after being “steeped in Washington Republicanism,” including time spent interning in Senator Mike Lee’s office. After four years of a Trump presidency, however, he has witnessed “something more spectacular than embarrassment. It was, as The Bulwark’s Brent Orrell put it, the “Trump supernova”: a degenerate political party imploding in magnificent fashion.” Christian recognizes he is alone (he’s not), but writes “Trump’s remarkable achievement has been to isolate millions of conservative Americans from one another and tempt them with a false choice: Get on board with his brand or get out.” If a political candidate can be the kind of leader described by Boyd and hoped for by people like Christian, not only would they be a breath of fresh air, but they could very well be the means of a new, or renewed party that rises Phoenix-like from the ashes of destruction.
Day of Service Committee raises $59K – The Utah Biden/Harris Inauguration Day of Service Committee honored Martin Luther King Day and celebrated the inauguration of both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris by raising funds for Utah Food Bank. As of noon Wednesday, more than $59,000 had been raised. Donations were driven in part by two $10,000 matching grants. The first from Kem and Carolyn Gardner, and the second from former Representative Patrice Arent, David Mock and the Boulder Mountain Lodge (located in Boulder, Utah). Former Senate Minority Leader Scott Howell led the Utah for Biden campaign. “Having looked forward to today’s inauguration for months, I’m proud to say we celebrated in Utah by raising money to feed hungry people. That is what President Joe Biden is all about.” “Utahns’ overflowing kindness and generosity make me proud to be one,” says Co-Chair Devin Thorpe. “People in our great state recognize the obligation to serve and care for one another and this week they have lived up to that duty.”
