Mormon Women for Ethical Government joined with Salt Lake Indivisible, Stand Up Republic of Utah, Student Republicans of Utah, Republicans for the Rule of Law, and Alliance for a Better Utah on the south steps of the Utah capitol building today to thank Utah Senator Mitt Romney for his courageous role in the 2020 presidential impeachment process.
MWEG member A’lissa Olson shared the following speech with the crowd:
Good afternoon, I’m A’Lissa Olson, and as a life-long Republican I’m pleased to be with you here today and to represent Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
Did you hear about the British Airways flight earlier this month that arrived almost two hours early at Heathrow airport? It was the fastest sub-sonic flight between New York and London ever recorded. The jet stream pushed them along with winds over 200 miles per hour, and at times their airspeed topped 800 miles per hour.
Even though we all prefer flights that arrive early rather than late, and a good tailwind makes a long flight more bearable, when it comes to taking off and landing… it’s a totally different story. Pilots prefer a good headwind for these phases of flight.
Taking off into the wind actually generates lift more quickly; less runway is needed, and the aircraft will climb faster, avoiding potential obstacles. It is the wind that enables the plane to take flight, and with the right amount of momentum, soon the aircraft will be soaring.
We are currently facing a strong headwind in our country. At times it may feel like we are even being pushed backward by dark, opposing forces. Senator Mitt Romney represented us well this month as he faced incredible opposition to his vote to impeach. He called it “the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life” and said, “I don’t know how long the blowback might exist or how strenuous it might be, but I’m anticipating a long time and a very strong response.”
He resisted the pressure, prayed for direction, and stood strong for the rule of law. He has since endured criticism and name calling but continues to rise above it all.
Mormon Women for Ethical Government encouraged citizens to write Senator Romney during this difficult time. More than 3,000 letters poured in thanking him for his courageous vote. Here are a few examples:
Thank you for standing up for America today. Thank you for your courage and dedication to the public good and rule of law. Thank you for approaching the impeachment trial with the seriousness it deserves, with impartiality, and with a commitment to truth. I am proud to be your constituent and to share your faith tradition. May others, especially your colleagues in Congress, be inspired by your example. I know I am. Rebecca de Schweinitz, Provo, UT
Thank you for your bravery, conviction, and virtue, from the bottom of my heart. Andi Puempel, Logan, UT
Thank you, Senator Romney, for your courage to stand up for ethics and honesty. Thank you for your personal integrity and shunning partisan division to do what you felt was right. Thank you for taking into account thousands of Utahans who, for many years, have felt their voices did not matter to their elected officials. I am proud to call you my senator. Michelle Sayers, West Jordan, UT
Thank you so much for truly listening to the dictates of your conscience. I admire your strength and resolve to stand up for what is right. I hope you feel of our support and thanks. Beth Francis, Spanish Fork, UT
THANK YOU! Ethics matter. Right matters. Truth matters. You upheld our Constitution. You stood for what is right. You demonstrated ethical behavior to the rest of the Senate. THANK YOU. I will proudly stand with you. Cathy Callow-Heusser, Salt Lake City, UT
Thank you, thank you, thank you. So refreshing to see someone who can vote the dictates of conscience rather than voting based on fear of reelection or retribution from a morally challenged leader. Lorelei Draper, Springville, UT
This is a time of unique opportunity for all of us. I’ve never considered myself a political activist, but the current situation in our country has pushed me to take action and to speak out against dishonesty, indecency, and unethical behavior.
We can take courage from Senator Romney’s example and from each other to confront corruption. We can join together to protect our values and promote peace. We can resist an agenda of fear with faith. And we can fly into the wind and soar above hate with dignity and compassion. I join with you in thanking Senator Mitt Romney. May we all so bravely face the wind and fly.
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