Miller kicks off 'Discover U Days'

Instilling an understanding of the foundations of the Constitution and its role in today's society is essential if America is to survive, Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller said Friday at the University of Utah.

"We cannot just assume the principles this country was founded on are genetic," Miller said. "They have to be taught. That's what the stakes are."

Miller spoke at the kickoff event for the university's first "Discover U Days" event, which opened the campus to the community Friday. It continues today with events including soccer and golf clinics, a community health fair and the annual "Red & White" spring football game.

Many of those in the audience wore cowboy hats, a silent protest of Miller's decision earlier this year to pull the movie "Brokeback Mountain," which focuses on a love affair between gay cowboys.

Students standing in the back bore banners reading "Welcome Larry Miller, Higher Education = Dialogue"; and "Love the censor, Hate the censorship."

Concerned faculty and students had met with Miller Thursday. At the start of his presentation, Miller said, "I thank those who came to that room. . . . It turned out not only to be a dialogue but an exceptional experience."

Miller then turned to the story of his achievements and the importance of giving back to the community. He questioned whether the success of someone like himself, with only a high school education, would have been possible in any other nation.

"America is not without its flaws," he said. "In spite of its flaws, it beats the heck out of whatever is second best."

He encouraged those in attendance to read up on the nation's history, particularly the Constitutional Convention.

"As a society we don't do enough to teach our young people," he said. "We need to do that."

Miller said two of his goals have been to help educate people and create high-quality jobs. He said 288 students were studying on scholarships established by him and his wife, Gail.

Miller said he hates the bumper sticker proclaiming, "He who dies with the most toys wins."

"I hate that because there is more to life than toys, in any form," Miller said. "In certain respects I have been given much. I realize that. It has created a hunger or thirst to give back."