Utah 3rd District's Unrecognizable Guilt--A Do-Nothing Citizenry

I have been a state delegate throughout the past couple decades or more, since the 1980's. Throughout that time the pattern is always about that same. About 50% of the Delegates are new every two years. Of those, nearly all never do any homework prior to convention, relying solely upon the merit of a singular speech, perhaps an additional exchange of short dialogue and maybe food. The speech is the sure clincher.

This year's election cycle brought a notable bobble in the statistics, with more than 60% of the delegates being new. Other than that difference, the standard practice prevailed. For a candidate who might take advantage of that circumstance with fibs and one-liners, without substance and "instant facts" about the opponent that can be verified at the last moment, this behavior is advantageous. Enter Jason Chaffetz.

Whatever might be said about Representative Cannon's weaknesses, and however legitimate any candidacy is for an opponent, misrepresentation of facts as a method of political strategy is never acceptable election policy. Whether one agrees with Congressman Cannon or not, it should be on the basis of his true record, not on misrepresentation, misinformation, or even out right lies for which an opponent gains acclaim. To gain it through false means not only demeans the process but creates a fictitious character for the unwitting public to believe in. A campaign cannot falsely ascribe notions about the incumbent to make his or her own merits thrive so to warrant the challenge. That is a fraud.

I have heard Chaffetz state many claims to what the Representative’s record is in substantiating his own electability. But in researching those claims, I found, disturbingly, that NONE are factual. Chaffetz makes many assertions about Cannon—all of which I researched. (One of my favorites of Chaffetz's claims, which he made at a debate held for Delegates at the Provo City Chamber is a reference to an earmark to Gardner Village in South Jordan.) The lack of factual substantiation warrants serious questions about Chaffetz's legitimacy as a candidate.

For the record:
Cannon took office after NAFTA was signed; Chaffetz made up the Gardner Village earmark--according the LOC there is no such earmark. Cannon not only doesn't support No Child Left Behind, he did not vote for its reauthorization, he has been a die-hard supporter of the Dept of Ed. demise, (see www.endfeded.org).. He has a hard line voting record against illegal immigration to this county, with a level headed approach to fixing the quagmire immigration process improving flow, including felony convictions for habitual illegals; and reducing immigration fraud. Additionally, he shows compassion with REFUGEES and foreigners who are victims of dignity crimes and human trafficking (slavery). These are not illegal immigration bills at all but go to the heart of what America believes—or used to believe—on the Statue of Liberty. Yet, without wincing, we would believe the opposite rather than look at the record and keep abreast of what is going on—especially straight from the source.

And more: I discovered Cannon is ranked 30th most successful congressman in the nation combining both houses. He is the 2nd most successful Congressman in Utah History just after Jim Hansen. His conservative ranking is higher that Ron Paul. But Chaffetz claims Cannon is part of the problem and would rather run against him than defeat a Democrat from his own district with NO bills passed to date and a liberal voting record, all the while painting himself as a conservative. This just does not add up. It makes no sense.

But more disturbing than the bad math is our own unrecognizable guilt. We Utahans claim to be more responsible citizens than the rest of the nation, claiming a higher voting turnout, and more 4th of July fireworks. But the sober reality indicates some serious hypocrisy--not really involved in the system we claim to hold dear. We talk the talk, but don’t walk the talk.

Instead of giving a "newcomer" a chance, let's start by giving ourselves a chance. Challenge the notion that this Congressman has done nothing. That is an erroneous statement, and the record speaks in his defense. Look instead in the mirror and admit that WE have done nothing. Because for the 3rd District to oppose the philosophy of the Representative’s voting record, we would have to admit these tenets: We DON'T want Cannon because he didn't vote for NCLB, and DOESN”T want the Dept. of Ed., we can say we DON”T want porn stopped, and DO want Internet taxes. We must demand HIGHER taxes overall, and ask that he stop voting down omnibus bills that have incessant pork; and we can complain that Cannon is keeping taxed on utilities too low. For that matter, would you please open the flood gates for the illegals? Rep. Cannon, "tear down that border fence."

The truth is, we are liars if we say by the record he’s a pork barrel spender, an earmark maniac, a bureaucratic control freak that is keeping the schools tied to No Child Left Behind. And we definitely can’t say he is for putting out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants. Clearly we are delusional if we believe any one will come to bat more than Cannon on energy and lining the ducks in a row for new production of oil by the mighty shale deposits of the Rocky Mountains. Certainly we can’t give him credit for transnational commerce that started before he took office, (that would be NAFTA). How far out of line are we willing to go?

When we make no excuses and are involved in the process, two things happen: We become part of the solutions; and, we gain appreciation for the exhausting and driven efforts of our superior elected officials. Certainly we gain respect of the other districts and certainly add legitimacy to a challenger’s race when all is honest with no intent, wittingly or unwittingly to deceive.

But then, if we did all that, whom would we have to whine about and bully? There would be no cause for a 50-60% turnover in delegates now would there?