Bob,

How much ink and paper are you going to waste on this issue? You have written about it at least four times in the past two weeks. Enough already! What, do you want us to hate our elected officials? Quite spewing your self righteous drivel!

Maybe it is time for Utah to emulate other states and have a non-partisan board draw up our legislative districts. That way we could have more competitive races in legislative elections, and shake things up a bit. The current gerrymandered districts are too safe, and have engendered a sense of entitlement in our "leaders".

Bob-- Often your analysis is, in my opinion, exactly right, and this is a case of that. We strongly need laws prohibiting or at least with much more restrictive measures governing any gifts to decision makers. Kim Burningham

Don't let up one bit...this story needs to be in their faces for the next 45 days. Utah's Legislature has painted itself into the corner of corporate control, and we all have to pay for it. To pretend that these representatives are simply humble examples of the nearest religious community is laughable.

Thanks for keeping a light shining in this darkest of corners.

Lets see if I understand. I give a Christmas present to a relative who is also a legislater and we both go to prison. This whole argument is silly.

Again, another article of journalism's favorite topic. Legislative gift giving. Or is it just jealousy that reporters can't accept gifts? Just report it all and let the voters decide. I have no problem with taking a legislator to lunch to talk about issues. Would banning that activity limit the free speech of an organization and its members?

I love these kinds of issues, and I applaud any journalist and newpaper willing to devote some space to them. Specious folk like Dave @ 8:21 aside, all reasonable citizens are on the same side with this issue. Personal political leanings mean almost nothing when politicians of all stripes are bought and sold for the cost of a plate of Gastronomy oysters.

When politicians are made to feel like the lying, dirty parasites on the Republic that they are, I gain a deep sense of contentment.

So much of what goes on between lobbyists and legislators are the same kind of business practices found across America. If you want to talk to someone about an idea, it is common to have a lunch meeting. It is hypocritical to call out this behavior in one group because it is ingrained in our culture across the board!

I agree with Anonymous- just make sure the reporting is as transparent as possible, then lobbyists and legislators will have to be accountable to the voters. I think you'll find that with even more transparent reporting, a lot of these meetings will continue because they aren't inherently bad.

Come ON People! Simple. Pass legislation saying it is a felony to either offer or give anything of value to a legislator whether "in-kind", barter, or of any monetary value. And it is also a felony to receive anything of value whether "in-kind" donations, meals, tickets, transportation/travel or lodging while serving as an elected or salaried public official.

That's it. Then prosecute a couple and problem is solved...both the offering, giving and the receiving. All else is pure BS. We taxpayers earn the money they spend. How, how much, on what, and why is our business because they are supposed to be our representatives and employees. They only have authority delegated by our implied consent to be governed. If you consent to be fleeced by rationalizing scum sucking pigs as your representatives then what does that make YOU?! Get a grip! Elect legislators with character, dignity, and a sense of common decency. If yours does not qualify by their actions...replace them.

Perfect solution "Minor Machman"!
(passing legislation making it a felong to accept anything)
One problem however:
Do you REALLY think our legislators are going to even TRY to draft a bill as such?
I am afraid the corruption has gone too far in almost all levels of government and we are all powerless to do anything but complain to each other on these blogs.

Let's all face it.
They've got us exactly where they want us.