Political extremism in Utah comes from both the left and the right, but understanding both views could lead to lasting compromises.

President of the Sutherland Institute Paul Mero and Executive Director of Utah Issues Bill Crim spoke to political officials, community leaders and public citizens Friday about Utah's radical politics.

"In its most simplistic form, an extremist is one who takes a position away from the mainstream view," said Mero. "It represents an unnecessary spirit of contention that rises to stifle public debate and civil discourse. To these extremists, the bee only stings because the queen tells it to."

Mero shared characteristics of the right-wing extremism of Utah politics: self-righteousness, an uncommonly angry mind, self-absorbed patriotism, irrational speculation, exclusivity, disdain for democracy, perversely worshipful view of America's Founding Fathers and disdain for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Crim said many of the same characteristics mark left-wing extremism.

"There are some serious political issues that never go away because there's never an agreement," Crim said.

Citizens dividing themselves into liberals or conservatives then competing against each other is something the structure of the political system encourages, Crim said.

"The model everyone uses is finding their views and beating the other side by 51 percent," he said.

Although Crim said he takes "heat from extreme left for this dialogue," he believes it is important for both sides of the political spectrum to work together and compromise.

Rep. Peggy Wallace, R-West Jordan, noted there is a difference between extremism and passion, something she said is seen regularly in the Legislature.

"I think sometimes, there's a deceit factor in things," she said. "They want their voice to be heard and they want to be on top . . . they want to win their point."

One audience participant noted the recent Republican closed primaries as an example of extremism and said sometimes groups use democracy as a reason for their actions.

The Sutherland Institute is an independent, nonprofit public policy group. The lecture was part of the institute's "Transcend Series," a monthly community leadership program designed to help participants in their leadership roles. Sessions aim to touch on character, intellect and process in effective leadership.

Stan Rasmussen, director of community affairs for Sutherland, said seeking lasting solutions in public policy is part of the institute's aim. Learning to be more civil in the aggressive world of politics is part of the learning process the sessions provide, he said.

The sessions are open to the public. For information, visit www.sutherlandinstitute.org.

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