Not the state’s job to provide comfort
The Salt Lake Tribune reported last week that liquor control commissioner Bobbie Coray, a resident of nearby Garden City, asked her fellow board members to consider implementing further control of liquor bottles in restaurants.
According to the Tribune, the new rule would completely cover liquor bottles as to not offend non-drinking patrons of restaurants.
Also, this just in: Utah is a conservative, LDS state. Alcohol is to Utahns as electricity is to the Amish. The very view of alcohol, or a flatscreen, HDTV – depending on the culture – apparently sets people ablaze.
As if the LDS influence in this proposed rule wasn’t apparent enough, the Tribune quoted Coray calling the new regulation “a Zion curtain” for Mormons who are offended by the multi-colored glass spirit bottles that adorn the bars at local restaurants like Chili’s and Iggy’s.
We are in no way suggesting all LDS people are offended by the sight of alcohol bottles. In fact, emboldened by a faith in humanity – some would say is misplaced – we believe most Mormons and non-Mormons alike are sensible, moderate people, who can coexist even on such a divisive issue as liquor.
In the least, we would hope sensible people wouldn’t want to be seen as the crazy, extremist neighbor that has to close it’s eyes to differing viewpoints and lifestyles.
What kind of thing would be covered up next to save our sensibilities? Women’s ankles and wrists?
So we would hope there could be some sort of moderate presence in the discussion, a cooperation that proves everyone – drinker or non-drinker – could come to a solution that doesn’t make Utah fodder for late-night TV hosts.
But that’s not the most disturbing thing Coray said in the Tribune article.
Coray says in the Tribune the commission has a dual responsibility to make alcohol available for drinkers, and “at the same time not make anyone uncomfortable.”
When did it become anyone’s job, particularly a state entity’s, to make sure no one is uncomfortable?
Life isn’t comfortable.
When was the last time this state entity, USU, assured your comfort? Anyone remember midterms?
If our goal as a state is to keep people comfortable, then we are providing a path to empathy. Change doesn’t come from comfort. Issues aren’t dealt with when we recline comfortably, never challenged.