Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
Once again, Utah is considering a bill that would do away with the twice annual clock change.
HB120 proposes a temporary switch to permanent standard time until federal law permits permanent daylight saving time. The legislation has Utahns — and scientists — speaking out about the potential impacts.
“The distinction between these two timekeeping systems is not merely academic nor a choice among equals. It has profound implications for public health and economic stability,” writes Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral scientist at RAND and adjunct professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah, in an op-ed published this week. “Permanent standard time aligns more closely with human circadian rhythms, which are essential for mental and physical health.”
I asked subscribers if they prefer permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time or no change. Here’s what you had to say.
Switch to permanent daylight saving time
“Daylight savings all the time,” Mary Jane in Orem says. “If more daylight in a working day helps farmers, just keep it that way all year.”
“Make daylight savings permanent!!!” writes Katy in Salt Lake City. “My mood from November to March is directly affected by losing an hour of daylight at the end of the day. I celebrate the day DST starts like a holiday every year. I would love to not change the clocks anymore, but I would rather change than lose that hour completely.”
Switch to permanent standard time
“I like standard time,” writes Kristine in Salt Lake City. “I’m an early bird, so morning sun suits me best!”
“I’d prefer permanent standard time to align the natural cycles of the planet and seasons,” writes Alyssa in South Salt Lake. “I’m a teacher and a parent. Anyone who has worked consistently with children can tell you exactly how disruptive it is to their schedules and rhythms and nobody needs that.”
Don’t make any changes
“The time change is no big deal,” writes Roger. “Light after dinner allows sports, gardening and other outdoor activities. Some people say the change messes with their bodies. Strange, since there doesn’t seem to be any problem when they travel to another time zone for vacation, to see a pro sports game, visit family etc.”
“I am in favor of changing the clocks!” Sue says. “In my childhood, it wasn’t even an issue for us kids nor our parents when the time changed. My school classmates were not falling asleep during classes. No one complained about it; it was part of life. You made the necessary changes in bedtime and sleep routines. People adjusted.”
Learn how you can share your perspective via an op-ed or letter to the editor.
Utah Voices
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
Cellphones in school
“Students shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to use technology embodied in cellphones in their education just because we are among the first generations to grow up in a world where that technology has never been more prevalent,” writes Sophia Green. “As technology grows, we must learn how to grow with it, instead of banning it completely. Forbidding these essential tools won’t make the perceived problem go away; it just postpones finding a real solution.” Read more.
“What if everyone my age ran the same experiment?” writes Anna Clayton, a student who experimented going without a smart phone. “As the sole guinea pig, I found myself open to engagement at school, but everyone else was still on their phones. After my experiment, I realized I would give anything to have everyone use flip phones. I didn’t miss anything about my ‘smart’ phone.” Read more.
Flags in school
“In my time as a history teacher, it never crossed my mind to display a Nazi or Confederate flag when teaching about World War II or the Civil War,” writes Ali Harris. “The connotation of flying a flag is generally one of support — flying a Nazi or Confederate flag is inappropriate no matter the context.” Read more.
‘American Primeval’
“I am disappointed in ‘American Primeval,’” writes Forrest Cuch, a Ute elder and historian. “I believe this series’ only purpose was to entertain — and to do so in the same vein of the blood-thirsty, fast-paced violence that has become the mainstream of American film these days. Worst of all, ‘American Primeval’ buried wrongheaded stereotypes even deeper into the public psyche and did little to bring understanding of the real American West.” Read more.
Sundance
“[Sundance] was formative to me as a middle class, Mormon teenager who possessed a constant creative itch and placed a high value on individuality,” writes Rosie Gochnour Serago. “The festival made a difference in my life. It should stay in Utah, where its influence remains needed.” Read more.
USAID
“I worked at USAID as a contractor for over a year, and the crippling of USAID is deeply personal to me,” writes McKenna Swindle. “I joined the aid sector for many reasons, but partly to fulfill my Christian duty to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and comfort the sick. I was joined by some of the most driven and compassionate people I’ve met, people who could have been earning three times more in the private sector, but instead chose to live in conflict zones and spend their days grappling with complex societal problems. These are people genuinely committed to making a difference in the world, ready to serve their country, who not only lost their jobs, but their entire employment sector.” Read more.
Transgender Utahns
“As the mother of a transgender woman living in Utah, I am alarmed and distressed at the amount of false information and fear mongering surrounding this vulnerable population,” writes Jennifer Smith. “Furthermore, in a nation of diverse peoples, fear-based legislation focused on a single population, such as transgender peoples or other marginalized groups, does harm to all.” Read more.
Mike Lee
“I never thought I would type these words, but I miss Mike Lee,” writes George Pyle. “You remember. The senior senator from the state of Utah. Defender of the Constitution of the United States. Founder of the Article I Project, an effort to get Congress to take back at least some of the power it has let slip to the president, bureaucracy and courts over the decades. Somehow, ol’ Mikey has vanished, like Luke Skywalker in the opening crawl of ‘The Force Awakens.’” Read more.
Share Your Perspective
A Utah bill that originally aimed to ban pride flags in schools and on government property was amended to allow flags part of a public school district or charter school’s approved educational curriculum to be displayed in a classroom. What kind of flags, if any, do you think should be displayed in classrooms? Tell me what you think — and why.
From Bagley’s Desk
Flagging Interest | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.
