America needs more than a great president to realize my father's dream.

In my home is a reminder of August 28, 2008, the night the Democratic Party nominated Barack Obama to become the 44th President of the United States -- a dozen flags waved enthusiastically as a symbol that America continues to progress in its respect for all our citizens.

The evening was the culmination of historical moment that had begun forty-five years earlier and the message was declared by two children of the Rev. Martin Luther King.

Rev. Bernice King opened by letting us know that this is not just a story of the South or inner-cities, but of all America:

"Tonight, freedom rings! From the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado, freedom rings!

Forty-five years ago today, my father delivered his "I have a dream" speech. Tonight, we witness in part what has become of his dream, the acceptance of a Democratic presidential nominee, decided not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character."

 Then, Martin Luther King III included us all among his brothers and sisters and gave us a continued mission when he announced that:

"We're all children of the dream.

But my father would be quick to remind us that realizing his dream is not Barack Obama's job alone. America needs more than a great president to realize my father's dream. What America needs is a great America.

Let me paraphrase my father: The ultimate measure of a nation is not where it stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where it stands in times of challenge and controversy.

On some questions, cowardice asks, is a position safe? Expediency asks, is a position politic? Vanity asks, is a position popular? But, that something deep inside us called conscience asks, is a position right?

Sometimes we must take positions that are neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; we must take them because they are right!

If we are to be a great democracy, we must all take an active role in our democracy. We must do democracy. That goes far beyond simply casting your vote. We must all actively champion the causes that ensure the common good.

In five short years, when we reflect upon the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, let us look back and celebrate our audacity to redress poverty, commemorate the hope and faith that led us to take charge of our lives and communities, and venerate our dream of life, liberty and happiness, through our renewed commitment to prevent unjust wars from ever being waged.

Then let us look forward to the next 50 years as we stand together, because our potential as a people is limitless. Work together, because our ability to do good in the world is boundless. And live together, because of our values of fairness, full justice, opportunity and the majesty of the dream."

These words are what I'm thinking of on today's celebration of MLK Jr Day.

Statement on Republican Leader Killpack

Democratic State Party Chair Wayne Holland issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack for suspicion of driving under the influence: 

“Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack’s circumstances are tragic – for him and his family, his constituents and colleagues, and for the public who he may have endangered.

We ask all Utahns to honor the principle that he is to be presumed innocent of the charge of driving under the influence until proven guilty. However, his decision to refuse to comply with the investigating police officer’s request for breath test shows that he did not deal with this in a responsible, forthright manner.

As a public figure, he knows that he will be held to a high standard. We expect that there will be consequences for his leadership position and his position as Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee.”

ksl.com - Corroon kicks off Utah gubernatorial campaign

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Corroon - Back to Basics

Mayor Peter Corroon talks about getting back to basics. Here is the first video message from the Corroon for Governor campaign.

Mayor Peter Corroon to Formally Announce For Governor on Tuesday

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon will formally announce his plans to run for Governor of the State of Utah on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 9:30 AM on the South City Campus of Salt Lake Community College.

The announcement will kick off a two-day statewide tour of Utah during which Mayor Corroon will travel to Ogden, St. George and Provo to discuss with Utahns his vision for Utah’s future.

During Tuesday’s announcement, Mayor Corroon will detail his plans as Governor and highlight how he believes he can help move Utah forward with a smaller, more efficient government focused on educating Utah children, creating jobs by fostering locally owned businesses, bringing new companies to Utah, and making Utah a leader in renewable energy while protecting our unique values and quality of life.

Peter Corroon was elected Salt Lake County Mayor in November 2004, taking on the concerns of over one million constituents, a budget of roughly $750 million, and a county infrastructure of 36 agencies and over seven thousand employees.

His "planning, not politics" policies have made him both a well liked and respected public official. He is a champion of small business, and his economic development efforts continue to improve lives throughout the county.

During his tenure, Mayor Corroon has consistently prioritized quality government through fiscally responsible policies that reflect his goal of an open, honest, and ethical government. He was overwhelming re-elected in 2008, with 66 percent of the vote.

The announcement is open to the public and Mayor Corroon will be on hand following his remarks to answer questions from the media.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

9:30 a.m.   Salt Lake Community College
                  South City Campus, West Steps
                  1575 S State State
                   Salt Lake City, Utah

12:30 p.m.   Ogden Municipal Building
                     2549 Washington Blvd
                     Ogden, Utah

6:30 p.m.   Ancestor Square
                  2 West St. George Blvd
                  St. George, Utah

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

9:30 a.m.  Provo City Library
                 550 N University Blvd
                 Provo, Utah

You can visit Corroon for Governor website at http://www.votecorroon.com/

Financial contributions can be made at http://www.actblue.com/page/usdc_pc

Gaze into the Crystal Ball – Share your vision

Anyone up for a little sharing of their gift to see the future? We are specifically interested in what you see coming for the 2010 legislative session.

Complete the following sentences about the 2010 session:

1) I hope to see . . .

2) I expect to see . . .

3) I never hope to see . . .

You know the thing-

1) I hope to see funding for dental and vision care for the poor.

2) I expect to see growing class sizes as they hold education budgets “harmless” but provide no funding for growing student populations.

3) I never hope to see House Speaker David Clark (R-St George) get his redistricting wish to “grapple with the state's changing demographics, particularly in the heavily populated Wasatch Front.”

We are looking forward to your contributions. We hope to use some of them at this year’s 2010 Legislative Gala (a/k/a Democratic Crystal Ball – Share our vision).