Unfurl welcome mat, Rocky

Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson's views on the Iraqi war and other policies of the Bush administration are widely known. Anderson, a Democrat, vehemently opposes the war - so much so that he helped organize protests against President Bush when he visited Salt Lake City in August 2005 to speak to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Anderson has said he plans to speak out again when Bush returns to Salt Lake City in August to address the American Legion's 88th annual convention, scheduled for Aug. 25-31. Some 14,500 Legionnaires are expected to attend the gathering, which will be one of the largest conventions in Salt Lake City this year.

A year ago, Anderson called "for the biggest demonstration this state has ever seen" to coincide with Bush's speech at the VFW's convention, a move that won him cheers and jeers. This page was among those who jeered Anderson as a ringleader of the anti-war demonstration. We once again urge the mayor to conduct himself with the utmost of decorum.

Why? Public opinion polls suggest that a majority of Utahns support President Bush. Anderson obviously disagrees, but is it too much to ask that he demonstrate respect for the office? As one of the largest groups to visit Salt Lake City this year, the Legionnaires will spend a considerable amount of money on lodging, dining and shopping during their stay. It's a strange public relations strategy to welcome their business but to denigrate their keynote speaker, the commander in chief. The Legionnaires deserve better.

When any head of state visits, they are entitled to a cordial welcome. Just as Utahns warmly greeted outgoing Mexican President Vicente Fox during his recent visit, the president of the United States also deserves a dignified reception.

As a private individual, Anderson has every right to express his opinion about anything. As mayor of the state's capitol city, he represents all Salt Lakers. His conduct reflects upon all Utahns, for good or for bad.

According to published reports, the Legionnaires are circumspect about the mayor's plans. On the one hand, the organization is highly honored to have Bush address convention delegates. But on the other hand, Legionnaires fought for the nation's freedoms, including freedom of speech.

But there's a difference between what one can do and what one ought to do. A visit by a head of state demands the utmost in decorum. Mayor Anderson is free to disagree with the Bush administration on the Iraqi war and other issues. But in doing so, he can choose between employing in-your-face tactics and disagreeing agreeably.