Utah's all white state legislators work on King Day to show how "intelligent" they are

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/210945,CST-NWS-king15.article

King Day is work day for Utah pols
Lawmakers irk activists, but say it's tough to change

January 15, 2007
BY BROCK VERGAKIS

SALT LAKE CITY -- Today is a Utah state holiday and a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. -- except for the state's legislators, who report to work that same day every year to open their annual session.

Activists say the state -- which has no black legislators -- should be ashamed of itself.

''They really should be embarrassed,'' said Jeanetta Williams, president of the Salt Lake branch of the NAACP. ''It does frustrate me -- very much.''

Lawmakers insist it's out of their hands because the Utah Constitution requires them to convene on the third Monday in January.

''If the constitution changes every time another holiday is created it is cumbersome. It isn't simply a matter of approving it on the Hill, it has to go to the people,'' said Senate Majority Assistant Whip Sheldon Killpack, a Republican.

The constitution has been changed before, though. Voters did it a few months ago so businesses wouldn't have to pay property taxes on things like office furniture.

[Lost4words]

1. What is the point of this, creating more division if you ask me!

[siligut]

3. They are divisive.

If you have ever lived in Salt Lake City, they have this big parade for pioneer day, a holiday celebrated only by the LDS. I think that the legislation working on MLK Day is a slap in the face, they are divisive and righteous about it.

[Historic NY]

2. I'd bet they would have no trouble changing their....

constitution if it involved Joseph Smith Jr., LDS, gay marriage, flag burning, etc. Just another Republican smoke screen to promote a separation between the races.

[helderheid]

4. they did change their constitution banning gay marriage. n/t

[siligut]

5. They had a revelation!

When they couldn't make statehood because they didn't allow blacks in the priesthood there was a revelation to change that. Maybe they need another revelation to change the Constitution.

[Utah_Lefty]

6. Wrong revelation...

blacks in the priesthood came 80+ years after Utah became a state. You may be thinking
of some change in the polygamy doctrine being made for statehood.

[siligut]

7. You are right, it was polygamy.

Just too much skewed history to remember, thank you. Maybe they should resend statehood?

[helderheid]

8. hey... welcome to DU neighbor!

:hi: