The benefits, added to a memo sent to the economic unit by Tax Commissioner Palmer DePaulis warning the economists not to give their personal tax policy opinions under threat of disciplinary action, led Macdonald to get out.

The memo, which DePaulis shared with me, is just another step in what I've seen over the years as an extension of what could be called a "you will march in line" mentality.

Republicans have been in control of both the state House and Senate for 25 years. We've not had a Democratic governor in 20 years.

Over time, I've seen not only the top levels of state government become more and more Republican, but now the non-partisan staffs of the Legislature itself have become more Republican/conservative.

In a way, I suppose this is to be expected. But it is troubling to see politics force its way into the supposedly non-partisan, professional staff of the Tax Commission — where four gubernatorial-appointed commissioners are supposed to insulate tax staffers.

In addition to GOP politics, Utah has a unique social strata. Between 60 percent and 70 percent of Utahns belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than 80 percent of the 104 part-time legislators are LDS.

Many, if not most, of the Republican members of the Legislature (and some Democrats, as well) are or have been lay LDS leaders. LDS wards and stakes are natural political constituencies for bishops, counselors and stake presidents who decide to run for office.

So into the political mix of Utah we see one-party domination and a social sense of not questioning authority figures.

In the public forum, the lesson of Macdonald and others is clear: Shape up, fly right, get with the program or get gone.

---

Deseret News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com