FAREWELL, ROCKY! HELLO, RALPH!

Today's Heroes:
Jeremy Scahill
Keith Olbermann
Daniel Levin

Today's Mayor:
Ralph Becker!!! Woo-hoo!
So I'm hopeful about Mayor Becker, even though it was a bit painful to watch his initial acceptance speech last night. He seemed stunned. Clearly, he'll be polishing his speaking skills in the years to come.
Of course, Rocky's had years to polish his now iconic public persona. In that regard, Ralph's apparent discomfort in the spotlight is refreshing. For all the great good Rocky has accomplished, and that good is substantial, his mayorship has been more about Rocky than about Salt Lake City.
Ralph plans to accomplish great good, as well, and while Mr. Buhler mocked his "Blueprint for the City", the fact that Ralph offers detailed responses to specific problems (like the crappy air we breathe) turned the vote in his favor. When he and the other primary candidates spoke at our place (Mr. Buhler did not attend), the candidates were asked what kind of transportation they employed. Ralph was the only respondent whose individual transportation choices reflected the values he espouses. He recognizes that the crappy air is connected to transportation and growth and a host of other problems our city faces.
And most of these concerns are concerns for the state, as well. We know Ralph will work with state leadership. He has for 11 years.
Ralph is theoretically and practically committed to the city, the state, and the people who live here with him. He won by such a landslide because he was on the ground, talking to those people. And listening. Throughout his campaign, he maintained a civil, even tone and focused on the realities of Salt Lake's needs. He did not stoop to contrived antagonisms, like the unfortunate "Doer". (Kudos, by the way, to Dave Buhler for his gracious concession.) I hope Ralph Becker will conduct his term as mayor like he, his fabulous staff, and all the volunteers conducted his campaign.
And finally, farewell to one of the best damn mayors Salt Lake City ever had!!! Whatever you think of Rocky's ego, you gotta love those orange flags. Seriously.
Rocky's legacy is as impressive as he thinks it is. He has greened our city, actively endorsed immigration reform, pursued sane wage laws, and championed human rights.
Rocky was a champion of justice long before he was famous. That he now uses his fame to illuminate the connections between a corrupt media and endless war; between a lying federal administration, a disabled constitution, and rising fascism; that he condemned the abominable war when to do so was far from popular makes Rocky Anderson a true patriot.
The concerns of Salt Lake City are not divorced from the state, or the nation, or the planet. Rocky's mayorship demonstrated our city's need to care about the place where we live. Earth.