Long Strange Trip in Utah Politics
A lot of weird stuff goes down in Utah politics. Case in point: Republican, Mormon politicians referencing the Grateful Dead.
The latest occurred during the final hour of the 2006 Legislature. "What a long, strange trip it's been" declared Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. (pictured at top).
Last year it was Speaker of the House Greg Curtis (pictured in middle) who quoted "Truckin'" before the Utah House of Representitives: "On a very personal note, I want to express my deepest appreciation to my friends, and supporters, what a long strange trip it's been."
The goofiest remark concerning the Dead by a Utah Politician is awarded to Senator Orrin Hatch (pictued at bottom). In a 2000 Judiciary Committee hearing on Napster, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., recalled that his ``beloved Grateful Dead allowed anyone to tape their live shows and then trade tapes, without ever demanding a nickel for the rights,''
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, didn't have anything to say about that precedent, but he wasn't going to let the Dems wear the sole Deadhead crown. "I like the Grateful Dead, too,'' he said, "but I'm not a slavish devotee.''
posted by SLC Library Boy at Monday, March 06, 2006
2 Comments:
Part of this curious dynamic may have to do with the LDS tradition of reverence for our ancestors.
We care for our dead. They, quite naturally, are grateful.
What better soundtrack for the Free People of the Mountains than a little Fire on the Mountain? For the grandsons of the Mormon pioneers than I Know You Rider? St. Stephen for Latter-day Saints? Throwing Stones for the sons and daughters of refugees attacked and burned out of 19th century America. Sugar Magnolia for those embarking on the wild and sweet adventure of Eternal Marriage.
Perfect music for building an American Zion in the West.
Forget recording with Dylan, we need a Dead/Mormon Tabernacle Choir team-up album.
Our ancestors won't be truly grateful until we have one.
(BTW, you can add the Utah Senate's GD references to your collection:
http://senatesite.com/blog/2005/11/what-long-strange-trip-its-been.html
and
http://senatesite.com/blog/2005/11/truckin.html)
Great comment, Anonymous! Thanks!!
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