Just imagine heading out to the desert for a few days to escape civilization, only to be greeted in Moab by oil derricks and other industrial accoutrements humming away and generating fantastic profits for energy companies, while the air and water are choked with pollution for everyone else's enjoyment. Breathtaking, literally.

If you enjoy the opportunities of democracy, you must abide by laws that the democracy passes, end of story. What's sad to me is that the outspoken gay community seems to force its view of marriage onto a body of people who has voted against it.

As a U graduate, I was disturbed by the rampant hate for BYU in the edition of your paper distributed in the Deseret News this week.

The great thing about this nation is that the people don't have final say on civil rights. The majority cannot be allowed to deny the rights of the minority and that is exactly what they have done.

The idea of extending rights to "potential" human beings would mean that using contraceptives or even waiting until marriage would be equally unethical propositions. Potentially, Alison could be pregnant right now with a child that might develop a cure to cancer. That doesn't mean I think she should be forced to keep it.

If it takes three Utah national parks being strip mined and polluted beyond recognition for the United States to realize it has a problem, then so be it, but I'm selling my house now, before the whole neighborhood goes.

Democracy is not justification for poorly grounded bigotry and discrimination.

This year, it will be determined once again which school is champion. Once again, both teams will have mud and blood on their faces, but only one will have the victory.

This year's game is destined to be the biggest rivalry game Utah has played in years. There is bound to be tons of excited fans for both teams crowding into Rice-Eccles Stadium on game day. We should all remember two things as we enter the stands.

This year's game will be one of the most exciting games in the history of the rivalry, and emotions are sure to be high. Just remember that as bitter as the rivalry is, it is still a game, and it will in no way alter the course of history or reduce your individual status.