Genelle Pugmire expertly sugar-coated a volatile political issue in Orem, Utah. Several State organizations publicly chastised the Orem City officials for not having the library display specific political events, in order to not give undue legitimacy to their distorted viewpoint, thereby upholding the city’s higher position of true openness in public opinion.   This is the key political point which the journalist artfully neglected to clarify.

She instead loaded the table with her laundry list, appearing to be offended, and claiming that every public library is duty bound to expose to the public her views and motives, and to feel indignant that her view was not displayed by the city as an equal in society. 

This is a major political point, which the entire nation faces! To portray a new organization as though equal in all causes?  Orem City had already concluded to NOT obligate public funds and facilities for support of a publicly-volatile viewpoint, which would not promote the city’s higher public intent — to avoid unnecessary public controversy. When Orem City canceled formal displays and diversity months, it already understood the big picture, and Orem’s diversity.

Some special-interest groups promote month-long public demonstrations, complete with media support and calendared recognition. It reeks of coercion, rather than “assuring greater clarity and understanding.” 

Yet, ULA accused the elected Orem City government of “overreach,” imposing their personal beliefs, interfering with open public meetings, and politically limiting access to materials. One local professor saw it as an “infringement of First Amendment rights,” to not use a public library to openly debate the issues. 

Imagine, ULA used a city’s library to slam-dunk a new State racial holiday, during a nationally prominent sports event, with the legislature in session!

Bob Webster, Pleasant Grove

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