Editor:
I have read several of John Morley’s columns and have found his past editorials to be both thoughtful and well argued. Unfortunately, his column regarding hate crimes legislation in Utah doesn’t fall into either category.
First, we need to remember that Senator Suazo is a school teacher, not a politician. She accepted the appointment of senator after her husband’s unexpected death and after being begged by her political party and members of her west-side community?a community largely made up of elderly persons, poor people and ethnic minorities.
What I am sure of is that out of 29 state senators, Alicia Suazo is probably the least “attention hungry” and one of a few who is in office entirely out of a true sense of duty and concern for those she represents.
Had Morley left his article to his views about the efficacy of hate crimes legislation it would have been a valid piece. Instead he decided to make hurtful comments about Alicia Suazo. Also, Morley’s “for Pete’s sake” pun was absolutely uncalled for.
The next time Morley wants to call a person’s intentions into question, he ought to personally call them and find out what they have to say instead of gleaning second hand quotes from other newspapers. This is especially true when the quotes given were not by the person whose legislation is being attacked.
No one has to agree with Sen. Alicia Suazo’s stance. But to imply that she is a bad legislator for carrying on the wishes of her late husband and her constituents is just not right. She is doing what any good spouse and good legislator would do.
Doug Holm, Senior, Political Science
Hinckley Intern, Utah State Senate