20 Responses to:
DON'T MESS WITH GRAMA

# 1. 8/15/03 8:27 AM by Dave D - Oklahoma City
Good column Bob,

Sometimes a second in "command" won't work as the "top-dog". Different skill set.

She has the right, the obligation, and the duty to try, however.

And the legislature should stay out of it!

# 2. 8/15/03 9:02 AM by Richard - Penfield
i agree that she should be allowed to keep her office. but your opinion reeks of hypocrisy: how can you reconcile your position here with your praise of the california recall process?

in both cases, voters took a good-faith stand for their candidate.

in both cases, special interests try to evict the rightful office holder by invoking a legal loophole -- without bothering to wait for the next election.

in both cases the "will of the people" is being trampled by ambition and disrespect for the spirit of the democratic process.

but in california, you point out that those trying to oust the governor are just exercising their innate rights as citizens; a few states over, folks doing the same thing are labeled bullies.

but then, the sitting utah administration is republican, isn't it? i guess that explains everything.

Editor's Note: Recall is the will of the people. It is the democratic process, established by the people of California in their constitution.

# 3. 8/15/03 9:23 AM by Rick - Washington, DC
Watch the press bury this case, because in California and at the eleventh hour Gray Davis will resign, letting the Lt. Governor of California take over - thereby scuttling the recall vote and Arnold's chances. The lefty press can't afford to let people outside of Utah know that the Lieutenant Governor doesn't always take over (or that a coup is possible). The "assume the powers and duties" line is in California's laws, too.

I don't read Utah papers online, and as such I probably never would have heard of this case without you. Most of America won't hear of it at all, because the Dems will never risk California like that. Call it a hunch.

# 4. 8/15/03 9:32 AM by Brian - Greece
Bob, I agree with you. Political parties aside it seems like this lady is probably THE most qualified to hold the governorship. I just don't believe in all this legal nonsense. In fact its these lawsuit-happy idiots and their slimy trial lawyers who are ruining this country into the ground. The 2nd in command is there to take over -- that's their purpose!!! Change the law if you want but that shouldn't impact the current incumbent. Trying to take the office away from her on a technicality is TOTALLY pathetic! These guys need to have some dignity and self-respect. Let her serve out the current term and then challenge her re-election as governor in a clean and honest campaign about the issues. Wouldn't that be a refreshing change...

# 5. 8/15/03 10:48 AM by Colleen Healy - Penfield, NY
You seem mentally ill. That is scarey. You seem unhinged and not stable. In some area, I am willing to bet, you're a detriment to society. You have the psychological profile for it. You're a danger to people's sense of safety, I am most certain, from what I hear in your delivery. Way scarey.

# 6. 8/15/03 11:05 AM by mark padgett - rochester ny
Hey Bob .... No comment on today's article. It speaks for itself. I do want to say that you're a geek. Now mind you, most of us are geek's and that's not necessarily a bad thing. There's more of us than them! My point is, last night I'm sweating bullets fumbling with my radio. On the air I hear Bob Lonsberry and think, hmm ... that's kind of neat to hear a reassuring voice in another crisis. I heard it during 9/11, I heard it at Christmas with your kids, and I've heard it many times since. Usually you brighten my afternoons and what you do DOES make a difference! Even if we're geeks.

# 7. 8/15/03 11:30 AM by Chucklehead - Penfield, NY
I'm a New Yorker; I don't care.

# 8. 8/15/03 11:50 AM by judy - salt lake city
I was raised a Republican. (My mother was our county treasurer and my grandfather was a commissioner. My grandfather thought that democrats were evil.) However, when I became an adult I realized that although I have always voted Republican in national elections, the Republicans in Utah can leave a lot to be desired. Their underhanded ways of getting more and more power such as only allowing registered Republicans the privilege of voting in the primaries, have made me vote quite often for Democrats in local elections. This column is another example of the Utah Republican Party's stupidity.

# 9. 8/15/03 2:11 PM by Liz - Salt Lake City
Bob,

A rare thumbs up for you from this reader.

While I suspect that your analysis of the political motivations of the Republican leaders (i.e. let's deny her the benefits of incumbency to improve our own election chances) is correct, dare I suggest that some of the leaders of the political establishment in Utah, brought up in the predominant cultural ethos, may also be uncomfortable operating in a hierarchy with a woman at the head? They may not know how to function on an emotional level with a woman in charge. Is it too emasculating and threatening for them, or just so completely unfamiliar that they don't know how to handle it? Also, if you let a woman lead the state, can the priesthood be far behind?

On the other hand, after listening to you on the air this morning use Merrill Cook's girth as a perfectly sound reason to delegitimize his run for mayor, maybe the Republican leadership is just following your example of dissing the fat kid.

Editor's Note: If dissing the fat kid keeps him from getting elected, count me in. Remember: Merrill Cook is the Gary Coleman of the Salt Lake mayor's race.

# 10. 8/15/03 2:21 PM by Mr Vern B - Northern Ut
Hmmm. Marty Stephens, Speaker of the House; Al Mansell, Senate President; Joe Cannon, Chair of the Utah GOP.

Does it surprise you that any of the three are involved in this whole deal??

# 11. 8/15/03 3:49 PM by Ted - Taylorsville
To Richard of Penfield, there are some key differences here. In California the Governor is incompetent and it is the will of a large number of people to make a change. They have the right to call for that change and it will be interesting to see if that change is ever made. If so, it will be by the will of the people because they have the right to vote no on the recall. I am sure some will do just that.

In Utah the voters have cast their vote expecting a smooth transition in the event of a change as is likely to happen. The difference is that one or more politicians are trying to confuse the situation saying that the Constitution of the State does not allow for that smooth transition just to strengthen their position for the election next year. It has nothing to do with the will of the people.

# 12. 8/15/03 8:03 PM by Lee Shumway - Syracuse, Utah
Hi Bob!

Good to see the site back up.

This latest turn of events with soon-to-be Governor Walker has caused great amusement in the liberal half of our packing crew at DEPMEDS.

The boys can't wait to see if the Republicans themselves can do what Utah Democrats cannot: Shread the Utah Republican party!

# 13. 8/16/03 12:23 AM by Rick - Kearns Ut
Since Merril Cook came up in the replys I feel a need to put in my two cents worth. I like Mr. Cook. I voted for him the time we ran and won for congress. Remember who is was he beat in that election. Merril has proven he CAN beat Rocky. I wonder if maybe he isn't the ONLY one who can?

Editor's Note: Cook's all talk: He didn't even file to run.

# 14. 8/16/03 5:00 PM by Marc Olson - SLC Utah
Bob, This is the Governor spot we are talking about not the president of the P.T.A. Utah is run by white males this is the western home of the Good old boy's club. If If was not the truth than this would not be an Issue. Utah has some strange social values. I hope this isn't one of those family values I here so much about

# 15. 8/16/03 9:43 PM by Donald A. Lipker Jr. - Romulus,N.Y.
God bless you in the name of Jesus Christ,Bob Lonsberry. I came to your site to comment on something I heard you say during your blackout coverage.I gave you the benefit of the doubt,because of your lack of sleep,but I was dismayed by your erroneous comment stating that we're ALL God's children.Without the spirit of Christ,you are no child of the true God's.I am paraphrasing,but'IT IS WRITTEN. I just checked in to your site and read about Utah's Gram Lt. You are an intelligent,well read man, of whom I have great respect for.I couldn't ever quite figure out your stand concerning the Truth,but your recent comments have made it much clearer.There is NO such thing as "a spark of divinity".It is a lie of the Devil himself,promulgated by the "scientist' of God".You have been deceived.Enough of that.We all sin. Next item: Lt.Gov. Gramm: I am glad of your confidence in this woman. What disturbs me is this,(and this can be applied to any pertinent situation). ANY time a woman takes a LEADERSHIP position,indicates that there are NO MEN(not males,MEN),who will stand up,and bear the responsibility of leadership.Period. It does not bode well for our nation. virtuous women of God will not be offended by my statement,only the lost will be ,only those who have been wholly deceived,will be offended. It is time to wake up. I would be interested in your response,but don't expect one. Mr. Lonsberry, It's the Word,it's the Word,there is NO truth,outside of the God,and,Father of the Lord Jesus Christ's written word. You either believe Him,or you don't. Fight the good fight,Robert,and thank you for the stands that you take...but,do your homework.

Editor's Note: You wouldn't recognize Jesus Christ if he walked up and shook your hand.

# 16. 8/18/03 10:49 AM by Nancy - Orem, UT
Women in Utah have held many responsible state leadership posts over the years. The current Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court is a woman. To suggest (#9) that somehow the politicos are afraid of the leadership of a woman governor is an insult to smart men.

# 17. 8/18/03 3:38 PM by Jaime - Thatcher, UT
The thing these boys are forgetting or maybe they're afraid of is that grandma has a year to DO what she says rather than just say things to win an election. Are they afraid she might get something done thus proving that an adult woman is capable of far more than cleaning house? (not meant as a statement for the feminists) I believe that women see the world differently than men but neither sees it better. It might do this state some good to get another perspective after all many of the great leaders in the state (and I think you know who I mean) Have wonderful wives behind them that have throughout life continued to point, or advise them in the right direction.

# 18. 12/24/03 1:46 PM by Mike Kocsis - North Tonawanda,NY 14120
Hey Bob, I was a longtime listener of your show on 1180 on the AM dial. I was saddened by the turn of events that took place. I listened to your show daily during my lunch. The two guys they have now are sub-par and that is being kind. I may not know much, but to accuse you of racism is as far from the truth as you can get. Many times you raised concerns dealing with the Black community that just about everyone else ignored. Your genuine interest and concern towards minority groups was obvious. Unfortunately, the entire mess snowballed way beyond any reasonable level. My question is, are you doing another show somewhere? Are you writing another book in the near future? I know you are very busy, but if you have time drop me a response. Lastly, I hope you and yours have the Merriest of Christmases and a happy new year. Mike Kocsis

# 19. 3/31/08 7:25 PM by rocco - gates, ny
If Grandma can bake home made cookies, then she is qualified to be Governor of Utah. The California Gov. Davis was replaced because he was going to force the Enron boys to pay back millions upon millions of dollars( not cookies) to the people, but they got Arnold and the first thing he did was to dismiss the bill. I love politics, facts they are so dangerous. BOB come out of Hillary's closet.

# 20. 3/11/09 1:51 PM by kris - utah
hey bob,i listen to you every morning until you say something that makes me wonder what kind of person you are,you tick me off the way you are so gungho over guns,do you not hear the news about all the gun murders,over 14,000 gun murders every year,why the hell would you want more guns in the hands of unstable people ,another thing why does anyone need assault weapons,hey bob have you ever heard of virginia tech? you must be the biggest scardy cat around you paronoid man.what are you so scared of? and stop insulting our president.george bush was the worst president in history.F.U.G.B. YOU ARE SO STUPID BOB,STOP BEING SO JEALOUS OF OTHER MEN THAT MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE A BIG LOSER.

Would you like to:
add your own comment? or send this story to a friend?