Who might these speakers be? How about Colin Powell, former secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? Or maybe former Sen. Bob Kerrey, currently president of the New School and a decorated Vietnam veteran. Another possibility would be retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Still another might be former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, who not only is a stirring speaker but represents the ethnic diversity present in our great nation.

You may notice that the list includes both Democrats and Republicans, reminding us of the bipartisan approach that characterizes our American heritage and should be reflected in the Stadium of Fire. Organizers also should include both military leaders and those who have served America through other forms of government service. In addition, speakers should not be identified as shrill or partisan or even identified as active participants in the current battles over public policy.

The Stadium of Fire should be an occasion for all Utahns to be proud of American values. The organizers should not seek to divide Utahns by using the forum to promote certain political views.

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Richard Davis and Larry Brown are, respectively, chairman and vice chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party.