• Toxic politics at the national level. It is incredibly unfortunate that in the face of such hope, promise and opportunity offered by technological advancements and world prosperity, the political climate at the national level is so angry, noxious and divisive, with politicians seeking to win at any cost, rather than do what's right for the country. The result is an impotent federal government completely incapable of reforming itself or resolving impending crises like entitlement spending and immigration.

• The foibles of human nature. While our greatest strength is the goodness of the American people, the ugly side of human nature is also our biggest danger. Greed, avarice, crime, dishonesty and immorality cost taxpayers dearly. The vices of humanity cause dictatorships, wars, terrorism, poverty and suffering. Given the advanced state of science, technology, economics and medicine, the world could be on the verge of an absolute Golden Age — but for human weakness.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.