My Vote: President Obama Vs Rocky Anderson

Here in the State of Utah, they  have the longest current streak of voting Republican in presidential elections of any state in the country.

This year the powerful, relentless, Mormon (LDS, FLDS) Political Machine will be in over drive. Ward lists will be used to put extreme pressure on members to get out and vote for one of their own, Mitt Romney.  It's very clear to me, that no matter how I vote, Romney will win Utah, and its Electoral College votes.

Inside myself, I'm having a debate. Do I vote for Barack Obama or do I vote for Rocky Anderson. Although the election isn't 'til November, it's a question that troubles me.

I like President Obama well enough. Even with a do nothing, Republican controlled, Congress, he has had an amazing number of successes.  On top of that, he has to deal with the blatantly raciest, Tea Party.

I don't like that in the attempt to be bi-partisan, the president is to quick to "compromise" and caves in so fast.  An example of this is what happen to the public option with his historic, health care reform law. By giving up on this important part of the original bill, the president has hurt, my family, and lots of Americans.

After 3 plus years in office, it's clear to me that Obama was packaged as a progressive, but is in all reality a hard core centralist.  To the point one could refer to him as "republican light".

I want a true progressive, someone to inspire me, and our nation.

Could former, Salt Lake City Mayor, and Justice Party founder, Rocky Anderson II, be that person?

Rocky's politics are much closer to what I personally believe in my heart of hearts. He is a solid, unapologetic, progressive. He has dedicated his life to Social Justice, Human Rights, and Civil Rights.

He is largely responsible for many of the after-school, and summer programs that my children now benefit from, and enjoy.

Rocky, as mayor, was vital to the over whelming success of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic game.

 A hands on leader, Rocky Anderson was one of the first people to call for the impeachment of Bush over the War in Iraq. He has called Bush along with high ranking members of his administration, war criminals. He believes, as many do, that they should be prosecuted for ordering that torture be used on terrorists, prisoners of war, and civilians

There have been a few miss steps along the way. The one that stands out to me most is the "highway to no where". Legacy Highway on paper may have seemed like a perfect idea, but once built it was, and continues to be a disaster.

I know who I'm not voting for, that is Mitt Romney, but which of the above men do I vote for? I honestly don't know, but I do have a little bit of time to work it out, and decide.

If I end up voting for Obama, it will be mainly because, I want to run up the popular vote as the president heads to a second term. I also really like his running mate, Vice President Joe Biden. His senate office in 2006 -07 sent me lots of speeches, and other information before his run for the White House. I also spent a great deal of time in Biden's Las Vegas campaign office leading up to the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

If I end up voting for Rocky Anderson, It will be mostly be symbolic. It would also send a protest message to the power that be in the Democratic Party politics not to wander too far right -center.  That will cause them to lose the true progressive, and their own base.

What should I do?!? I would love to hear some feedback.. Please leave a comment, advice, or both.

Salt Lake 2002 Visitor Center and Olympic Cauldron Park

Located up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, on the campus of the University of Utah, is my most favorite place in the Salt Lake Valley. It's on the grounds of Rice - Eccles Stadium. The Salt Lake 2002 Visitor's Center, and Olympic Cauldron Park.

My love of sports tends to draw me to this place. There are very few things that are a bigger stage then the Olympic Games. Salt Lake and Utah are very proud to have hosted the XIX Winter Olympiad.

One of the most iconic, memorable symbols of any Olympic games is the cauldron. While many cities choose to tear them down after the games, Salt Lake, along with a few other, have turned them into must see destinations for tourists and locals alike.


Salt Lake 2002 have been called the best ever for a winter or summer Olympic games. I'm not sure about that, but 10 years later there is still a buzz and continuing excitement about these games.


Inside the visitors center is a big mural of downtown Salt Lake during the games. It's also home to a gallery showing key moments, fans, the landscape, venues, and the athletes themselves. A theater within the center plays a very moving and inspirational 15 minute movie highlighting a little of the time leading up to, and the games themselves. Much more than just a simple movie on a screen. An attraction in its own right, and shouldn't be missed!

The center piece of the park is the cauldron itself. I took the picture on the left on a recent visit. 

While I strongly feel that Mitt Romney has highly over stated his role as the president of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLCO), that he picked a great design and found a way to get the extra funding for this cauldron can't be denied. 

On February 8th, 2002, the cauldron was lit for 2,399 athletes (886 women, 1,513 men) from 78 nations. It burned till the 24th of the month as a viable symbol of the official theme, "Light the Fire Within"

At the cauldron's base (where the medal fencing is in the photo) each medalists from the Salt Lake 2002 games has their name and sport engraved in stone.

Also at the park is the home to the Hoberman Arch. This was used at the medals plaza in downtown, but after the games was moved to the park. 

This year is the 10th Anniversary of the games. Many special events happened all over the valley in February. One of them was a re-lighting of the cauldron. Although it didn't go as planned it still was amazing 

Major news came out of that event that my children and I attended. The Governor of Utah, and Mayor of Salt Lake made a joint announcement that Salt Lake City would look into bidding to host the 2022 and/or 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It would be simply grand to watch the youth of the world gather here again for the pure love of sport and competition.

Below are pictures of the cauldron being lit during the Olympics by the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey team (left), and the 10th Anniversary re-lighting (right)