Comments about ‘Utah economy better than most, executives say’

a letter to the editor today says the author is embarassed to be a Utahan because of our legislature. I would ask is our economic condition is better than that of most of the nation in spite of or because of our legislature.

When an economy of a state is already substandard and corrupt and the rest of the country starts sinking to our level of corruption, sure it makes Utah look better than most. We are not most though, we are Utah and nothing is getting better or looks to improve. Utah is a bottom feeder with sheep who believe a religion is the government we should have.

I would like to know how these executives come to that conclusion while Utah has the most underpaid and highest taxed citizens. Corruption, deceit, and lies is the way of life with Utah government.

We have been hearing this now for many years but what other states are has no bearing on living in Utah. How and what are they comparing? Low wages? Illegal population? Cost of living? Or is the the corporate greed is doing better?

To "Hear ye sheep".
What makes a person so unhappy in a place stay? If you hate Utah as much as your writing suggests, why not go to another "better" state, or country? Try finding a less "corrupt" state, maybe like Illinois!

I grew up in Utah and loved it! Yes, there are some Utah people who are unpleasant for one reason or another, but that is the case everywhere. Now I am in Illinois and like it, but when my education is complete, Utah will be my first choice as a great place to live. People really are pretty friendly and it is safer than many places, not to mention the natural beauty of the state!

Here I am homesick, and it sort of bugs me to read your complaining comment. Just find a place you feel like you would fit in and be happy, and live there! But in the mean time, try to appreciate where you are, no place is perfect, why not try to "Bloom where you're planted" instead of just complaining? Try it, you might be happier and even contribute to your community instead of just hating it and verbally tearing it down!

Hear ye sheep. | 5:51 a.m. - what keeps you here? And if you're not here, why do you care?

In our current political climate I doubt you could find a state in the country that is free of some kind of discord or criticism. I think the article was focusing on economics. I live in NC but travel to Utah often and I am constantly surprised at the mass construction projects going on there. I know the real estate market has taken a hit there but not as bad as the rest of the country.

It's one thing to complain about our politicians (and there is plenty to complain about) but when I read the mean spirited comments made by many people on the web I wonder if we sound as bad as our politicians who squabble over everything. Let's learn to express our ideas in a meaningful, intelligent and charitable way. By doing so maybe people will actually listen to our ideas rather that feel defensive and want to strike back. It's too easy, as we stare into a computer screen, to be much more hostile than we would be if we were actually speaking face to face with someone.

I've learned over the years that any time a person tosses around lists of unsubstantiated and potentially inflammatory assertions, they are probably just another mindless sycophant, too lazy to actually actually do the work required to possess an informed opinion.

Here's what 3 minutes online taught me (you should try it sometime, the internet can actually be educational!!)
1. In 2005 (the latest year that I could find good census data for), Utah had the 9th highest annual salary by household. I realize that many families in Utah have an above average number of children, but that is something that you don't have to choose, now isn't it? (Please tell me that you haven't reproduced...)
2. In the 4th quarter of 2009, the cost of living index for Utah was 96 (100 being the national average). Not great, not terrible, 4% below average.

I understand that internalizing and understanding even these two facts would endanger your standing as a blind follower, a sheep (as it were), but I thought that I'd make the attempt anyway...

What part of "Utah economy better than most" do you not understand? It is not "better than most compared to what it usually is", but it is "better than most". Sounds like us "sheep" (yes, I proudly admit that I am part of that group you so readily and wrongly stereotype) are not doing too bad. Ever consider the possibility that you might be wrong about most Utah people?

Could be a lot worse you could be here in California. I make a lot more money than I would in Utah but my cost of living is real high my taxes are high the state service to me a tax payer keep getting cut and the state can't balance its books and will raise my taxes again and again.
Count your blessings!

your waaa waaa waaa is far more offensive than the most pervasive baaaa baaa baaa



it is humerous to hear a lemming complain about sheep

To confirm (I know, a bit anecdotal) what the story and business men are saying; the economy/business of Utah IS picking up.

I work for a label/packaging printing company in Salt Lake City (in business 7 years+). December was an OK month (for Decembers). We had our best January on record. February was our best month EVER.

A technician, that serves on of the machines involved in our plate making operation, when I mentioned this information said, "That funny. I just heard the same thing from people at three other label companies."

Now if labels are doing well, then the products they go on are doing well.

In two months, if this keeps up, I'm asking for a raise!

I have lived in other states and have ties to several others. I KNOW we are doing better than several others. IE:

Florida
California
New York
Illinois
Arizona
Georgia
Mississippi
Alabama
Louisiana
Kentucky
Wyoming
Tennessee
West Virginia

Now, Texas is doing better. Actually the best of the best. And yes, there are a few better than us. But we are better off than most.

so this is based of everyones best guess huh.. i'm convinced!

So tell me again why Utah is so stingy with funding education?

Oh, and for the record, the reason why some of us who live out of state read the DN is because we like to use a variety of sources to balance the media messages. I put DN at the far right of my list. While I wish Utah the best, I wouldn't want to live there. There is much of the "pride cycle" at work and very little of brotherly love. If Utah is indeed doing better than most, I would suspect that it's the few at the top and they begrudge the laborer the bit that they get. Proof? Check out the list of articles on education, specifically the mess in Jordan school district. "There is enough, and to spare," but not when greed is the need.

Unemployment is 13% here in Vegas. It is amazing how the Union is killing jobs. With Union you might get a big paycheck but cost of living increase as well. I rather have a small paycheck with low cost of living. Look at the places where Union is big - yep, they are the worse hit

If you keep saying it it must be true causing the placebo effect. Whatever works!!!!! just make it work.