From Deseret News archives:
Speak out against hate
Lance Cpl. Cesar Fabricio Machado-Olmos, a Mexican national, proudly volunteered to serve the military of his adopted country. When he was laid to rest in Spanish Fork Sept. 22, hundreds of people who knew Machado-Olmos and those who didn't came together to mourn his loss. The young Marine, just shy of his 21st birthday, died Sept. 13 in a Humvee rollover while on patrol.
Machado-Olmos gave his life for a country of which he was not yet a citizen, although officials say they are working on having his citizenship granted posthumously. His sacrifice brought together communities that otherwise might never have crossed paths. Fellow veterans, Mexican nationals and Utahns alike joined in celebrating Machado-Olmos' life and mourning the loss of a Marine, a son and a Mexican a young man who aspired to become an American citizen.
A photograph of Rep. David Litvak, D-Salt Lake, was posted recently on the National Alliance Web site, following his appearance at a town hall meeting at Salt Lake Community College. National Alliance members attended the event, according to the organization's Web site. The site, which is rife with anti-Semitic references, describes Litvak as "a Jewish politician." Shortly thereafter, a woman in a hooded sweatshirt reportedly attempted to throw rocks at the lawmaker's Salt Lake-area residence. Litvak, who is Jewish, has said the incidents are very likely related. Local law enforcement agencies are investigating, he said.
As the hatred of a few narrow people grows, and as the minority population continues to blossom statewide, the Beehive State is reaching a crossroads. Will Utahns allow these activities to continue unchecked or will they speak out against hate that destroys communities?
Spanish Fork's response to the death of Marine Machado-Olmos illustrates the healing that can occur when people from all walks of life band together. The racists represent a tiny minority of Utah's population. But they can speak with a loud voice. Utah's reputation as a family-friendly place where all are welcome may rest on how well the message of hate is countered.
Comments
- Tuesday on TV 12:13 a.m.
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale 12:13 a.m.
- I'll take doc's advice on mammogram 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: Winning fans' hearts 12:11 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Barzee case like Jeffs' 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Trump card for believers 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Can't erase genetics 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: Rushing to judge Palin 12:11 a.m.
- Letters: MLS not BCS 12:11 a.m.
- Real Champions
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Plenty on line for rivalry game
- Time for big matchups in WAC, MWC
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
- BCS at-large bids up for grabs
- Hall, Johnson matchup key
- Fans greet returning Real Salt Lake
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
213 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
195 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
133 - BYU records with win
132 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
131 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
109 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
Jared Quayle is a stud. He plays like a beast every time he touches the...
No Phx is not a majority LDS city Mesa is. As far as Tom's comment about...
Lest my Utah friends think I was just going to bang on my own, I think UteFan...
You can read the official declaration online via a photo of the original....
"McFeatters states that what Palin is doing, and doing brilliantly, is being...
don't mean to pick on you but fans from both sides make it easy to despise...
Nick Paulos is a great shooter, and Connor Brady's decent. But Provo and Kyle...
Explain this to me. He claims a utah fan ran on the field and threw a CUP of...
The International Center for Religion and Diplomacy mentioned in this article...
BYU doesn't have to make the U sound anti-Mormon, it's a fact; there is a...


You can be the first to comment on this story.