Criticism: A Foundational American Value
“No government should be without critics. If its intentions are good, then it has nothing to fear from criticism.” — Thomas Jefferson
Utah Rivers Council was founded on the belief that every decision government makes about water and Utah’s aquatic ecosystems should be subject to transparency and public debate. Policies are experiments, so every policy will have intended and unintended consequences.
Sometimes, the unintended consequence can be disastrous for the people they were intended to help. America’s experiment with prohibition provides a good example of these unintended consequences. Public criticism is not a courtesy; it is essential to good governance.
Time and time again throughout the history of this country, the bravery of critics has proved essential for making democracy work. Critics have repeatedly reigned in waste, fraud, and abuse, creating an important check on government power.
Unfortunately, some Utah officials don’t see it that way.
When faced with criticism of their Great Salt Lake policies, many Utah officials have consistently shut down and silenced their critics for decades instead of even considering their constructive feedback.
This attitude was perfectly summarized when one public official publicly retorted that “critics do not contribute.” The institutionalized enmity for public input this comment displays is exactly why the Great Salt Lake has been shrinking for decades under Utah’s watch.
Not only was this comment designed to shame and silence those who speak out against Utah’s bad water policies; it’s also un-American.
The water lobbyists and other special interests can only control Utah’s government officials if the public lets them by refusing to criticize this practice. Speak up.
Whether some in the Utah statehouse like it or not, criticism and public debate are foundational American values embraced by politicians, intellectuals, and artists throughout history and from across the political spectrum.
We will not save the Great Salt Lake by nodding politely while Utah’s propaganda machine sterilizes state failure, leading to a mass exodus from Northern Utah. We must resist, disrupt complacency, and demand accountability from our government. If we don’t, who will be at fault, our government or we the people?
We refuse to sit silently while Utah relegates the Great Salt Lake to the annals of history.
You can help us continue fighting for commonsense water policies by making a tax-deductible donation today. Every dollar donated helps us uphold America’s proud tradition of holding public officials accountable to the will of the people.
