From Paul Dail:
After a brief stint as an op-ed writer and writing a few editorials in my role as managing editor at St. George News, I came to three conclusions. First, there’s a big difference between having an opinion versus putting it out there for the whole world to see and judge and criticize (and I don’t just mean on Facebook). Second, I have a much deeper respect for those brave enough to do so regularly. Third, confident as I am with my beliefs, I’m glad I don’t have to publish them anymore if I don’t want to.
Below are excerpts from a few of Paul’s opinion pieces, with links to the full articles.
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Let’s talk about … the comment section and if it currently serves any purpose (St. George News)
OPINION — Before I entered the world of journalism, I taught high school language arts. One of my goals was to get kids to understand how common themes play out in literature, even as far back as Shakespeare, and to find ways students could relate to those themes in their everyday lives.
One of my favorite books to teach was John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” Through a plot that masterfully shows three full character arcs in only about 100 pages, the story provides great opportunities to discuss issues still very present today: the treatment of women, black people and the disabled.
These are hot button topics, but I wanted the students to be able to talk about them, to discuss their experiences and opinions in a productive forum. And how did I go about this? The first two rules in my classroom were simple: 1- Believe in yourself, your opinions and your convictions, and 2- Respect others, their opinions and their convictions. …
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Even for a non-Mormon, touring the new temple in Cedar City is worth it. Trust me, I know. (St. George News)
OPINION — To use the proper vernacular of our state from the get-go, I am not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, I have friends and in-laws who are members, so when I accepted the media invitation to preview the new Cedar City temple, I decided to approach this rare opportunity to get a glimpse inside from the vantage point of a nonmember.
What sorts of things would non-Mormons get to see? Would the veil be pulled back? Would they walk away with a better understanding of the ceremonies that took place behind doors that would normally be closed?
Even though I’m not Mormon, I’d be lying if I said there isn’t a certain mystique about the temple rules, rites and rituals that intrigues me. And it’s even more fascinating to me that many of the specifics of these same rules, rites and rituals are also a mystery to members of their own faith. …
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College students have a right to complain; they’re just not entitled to results (The Independent)
Recently I read a New York Times article about Everett Piper, the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, who wrote a post on the university’s website in response to a complaint from one of the students. The student complaint came following a sermon on the topic of 1 Corinthians 13. “It appears that this young scholar felt offended because a homily on love made him feel bad for not showing love,” Piper stated. “In his mind, the speaker was wrong for making him, and his peers, feel uncomfortable.” The post was titled “This Is Not a Day Care. It’s a University!”
Beyond the headlines, sound bites, and quick scans, I haven’t followed in depth all the recent news regarding college student protests at places like the University of Missouri, but the general consensus I’m picking up on from readers is that college students shouldn’t be complaining. I see Facebook memes saying they should just be happy they’re not dying on the shores of Normandy or in Vietnam …
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Citizenship test for high school graduation a good idea, poor execution (The Independent)
On Saturday, Feb. 14, The Independent reported on SB60, the American Civics Education Initiative. Proposed by Sen. Howard Stephenson of Draper, SB60 would mandate high school students to pass the same citizenship test taken by immigrants seeking United States naturalization. However, the students would be held to higher expectations, both in the number of questions they would be asked and the percentage required to pass.
First off, let me dispel the notion that this isn’t an important issue and that legislators are wasting their time on it. The fact of the matter is that at the heart of SB60’s stated intent, Stephenson is correct in asserting that we live in a largely uneducated society when it comes to the workings of our government.
This lack of knowledge transfers into several aspects of society, not the least of which I believe is voter turnout at national and local elections. …
Paul D. Dail 