Great OP-Ed on Orrin Hatch

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion...dream.html.csp

Re “Bennett backs DREAM Act; Hatch skips vote” (Tribune, Dec. 19):

Sen. Orrin Hatch undoubtedly planned to attend his grandson’s graduation because he assumed Congress would be on Christmas recess. But Congress was in session last Saturday, voting on important bills, and Utah’s senator was absent.

If it’s important enough for Congress to stay in session, it’s important enough for Hatch to stay, too, and do what we elected him to do. Hatch said he would have voted against the DREAM Act because it was a ploy by Democrats to gain favor with their base voters. That is one of the most cynical political statements by Utah’s too-senior senator.

The DREAM Act is prudent compassion, as Hatch, a previous advocate of it, said even earlier this year. His vote against it (had he actually been there) had nothing to do with Democrats and everything to do with his base voters. He’s just blowing smoke in our eyes by saying the opposite of the truth.

And what if the bill was a ploy? That has nothing to do with whether it’s right, and Hatch clearly knows it was. He’s become a groveling, craven politician, and he should go.

Sam Campbell

Salt Lake City

It's time for McCain to leave as well. Maybe Hatch and McCain can hold hands as they leave.

Do you think he actually skipped the vote to leave us thinking that he might've voted YAY? I would'nt be surprised at all if this was the case. He's trying too hard to get everyones vote which isn't possible.

Hmm, that could be possible. Personally, I think he skipped the vote as in to say "I don't give a damn about this bill, actually, I care so little I won't even vote."