You really need to read this article by Bob Bernick in the Deseret News.  Of course, the UEA will not point out that my voting record on Public Education is nothing less than supportive.  (Remember, the UEA is not Public Education.)

Said (Vic) Arnold: “We actually give about as much to keep good (GOP) moderates in the Legislature as we do to elect Democrats — it is a top priority for us” to continue to oppose some of the policies of “the radical right wing” of the Utah Republican Party.

“I am sure there never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interpositionin their affairs, than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe, that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God, who is alone able to protect them.”  

– George Washington

Joel Campbell writes for the  Mormon Times.  His latest article is probably what I would consider the most objective approach to the whole Huntsman-Ambassador-Mormon frenzy “event” to hit the web-world since this whole thing “blew up.”  Joel and I have spoken on a few occassions…I consider him…thoughtful, rational, and objective.

If you missed it yesterday morning on the Bob Lonsberry Show KNRS570 AM, you can Listen or Download a Podcast of the interview.   Go to the KNRS570 AM/Lonsberry web page by selecting the link in the previous sentence, find the bar that says “Thursday, May 21″ and follow the directions.  Move the “time” button under the player to 1:45:15  (about 8:08 am), listen, then post your comments here.

JJL9 is a neighbor of mine.  This morning he sent to me the following thread on FaceBook…thought I’d share it:

Professor Christensen said that Huntsman “likely will go out of his way to avoid being seen as promoting the LDS Church.”

I understand where he is coming from in one sense. Obviously he can’t be seen as exploiting his position and blatantly pushing Mormonism on the Chinese, but that is obvious and it’s obvious that you didn’t mean that.

He goes on to say that simply living his religion will be enough to elevate the LDS church.

When the brethren continually mandate that we share the gospel with those around us, including those with whom we work, they don’t mean to JUST be a good example. They actually mean to share the gospel. That’s why the say to share the gospel. It probably starts with being an example, but it doesn’t end there.

“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16

Back to Craig…These are the kind of people I represent!  What a great job!

Disclaimer:  Underthedome.org, is not in any way, shape, or form an official website of…any one but me.  Not a dime of the costs associated with this site are paid for with taxpayer dollars. 

That disclaimer stated: We’ve been speculating in our family for a long time that Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. might become the Ambassador to China…some day.  Why and How?  Well, three decades ago my older brother, Ron, served his LDS mission in Taiwan at the same time “Elder” Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. was there.  Their individual assignments and responsibilities in the Mission brought them together in the Mission Office simultaneously.  Since that time, we have observed the political track Huntsman has traveled for nearly thirty years…in my opinion, this appointment was inevitable.  This historical observation brought me to speculate that Huntsman might have something to do, in the future, of bringing the LDS faith to China.  Currently, China is not accessible to LDS missionaries.   

President Obama’s A Smart Guy  

It’s hard to believe that President Obama and his administration didn’t do a complete and thorough background (and character) check on Governor Huntsman before he was invited to become the new ambassador to China….it’s a given.  THEY KNEW THE GOVERNOR IS LDS & WHAT THAT MEANS.  This is NOT something I have single-handedly brought to the attention of the nation, Congress, or the Obama Administration.   And, rational people don’t really believe that it was my intent to “bring down” Governor Huntsman in regard to this appointment.   

Look, Governor Huntsman has been running for president for a while now.  People know he’s LDS.  People know Mitt Romney is LDS, people know Harry Reid is LDS…it’s kinda hard to hide, if you’re walking the walk and talking the talk.  Most LDS people I know are kinda, biblically speaking, a “peculiar people.”   Huntsman’s been a high-profile “ambassador” to that area of the world on a number of occasions already—politically and religiously.  His responsibilities under Pres. George H. W. Bush already show he’s capable, respected, and LDS.  His actions, how he lives his life, have expressed his beliefs in the past, today, and no doubt in regard to his future responsibilities. 

It wasn’t my intent to tell Governor Huntsman how to run his life…he’s done that OK by himself…without my help…imagine that!  I personally believe he’ll do a fantastic job as the Ambassador.  I wish him and his family well.  He’s spent a good portion of his life preparing for just such an assignment.

In Closing… 

Those who are without faith, or religion, often take the opportunity to put down or minimize those who hold to their religions convictions and beliefs.  How many times have I heard from naysayers expressing secular opinions that it is imperative in my political life to separate Church and State.  (By the way, the “separation of church and state” is not a constitutional mandate.)  What “they” forget is Utah has a part-time legislature.  I’m not only an elected official…I’m also a human being, a husband, a father, a businessman, a taxpayer, a member of the LDS faith…and, sometimes I golf.  

The problem with “their” thinking is:  First, my faith is bigger than any political position I can possible aspire to, and Second, my constituents have voted for me because I’m the person I have become because of my religion NOT in spite of it. 

When I leave office I’ll take my integrity and my religion with me.  And, when I exit this world, I’ll take those same things with me.  Hopefully my luggage will weigh more than 50 lbs.!

Rep. Craig Frank is scheduled to talk with Bob Lonsberry on KNRS570 AM, Thursday morning between 8 and 9 am. 

The discussion topic is based on recently written blog posts on underthedome.org

Pleasant Grove is a city in northeast Utah County with a population of approximately 30,000.  Since May of 2003, I have represented the good people of this area.

By Council declaration, individuals who hold an elected position within Pleasant Grove cannot simultaneously be employed by the City.  An article in the Daily Herald reports on this determination by the Council.   I understand their reasoning.  Individuals who sit in Council seats can (and usually are) biased by their employment circumstances.  Voting on budgets directly tied to their departmental costs and pay is too risky a business and may compromise the integrity and create conflict for those persons in that position.

If  that logic is accurate, then, if we follow that thinking through to the state level, should state and county employees including teachers, county managers, etc.  be able serve in the state legislature?  Hmmmmm….

Notice:  I will not be responsible for any additional therapy costs associated with some people not being able to access this blog for a few hours on Tuesday.   See Salt Lake Tribune article.

Lesson Learned:  Remember to pay for your URL renewal when “they” send you the reminder.  Odd timing.