The Irony of Salt Lake City Utah

“When his life was ruined, his family killed, his farm destroyed, Job knelt down on the ground and yelled up to the heavens, "Why god? Why me?" and the thundering voice of God answered, There's just something about you that pisses me off.” 
― Stephen King, Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay

I landed in Salt Lake City, Utah last night about 5 pm.  I’ve been here before, I was here last year speaking in Park City, but I didn’t spend much time in Salt Lake.  Last night, once I checked in, I thought I’d walk the area around the hotel.

It was about 5:32 when I finally hit the streets.  I just flew in from Denver and I must say there are some stark differences in the look of the people.  Where Denver seems like a melting pot, most of these folks look eerily similar. If I didn’t know better I might think I landed in a city populated by a cult.  There is very little diversity in this city.  

I was walking and following a group of about 8 people.  There is a conference in the hotel I’m staying.  I’m not sure what it’s for, there are a lot of badges, banners, and “break out room” signs.  Something is going on.

As I was following the group a young man of about 20 began walking with us.  After a block or two he told us he was a nice young man, but needed money.  Would any of us help him?  I looked at the kid, he was dressed nice, new sneakers, shorts, and a nice shirt.  He looked like he just walked out of one of the many hotels surrounding downtown. 

We all agreed we could not help him, “Sorry bud” we said and moved on.  The young man took it in stride, “well thank you” Impressive homeless young man he was, but he needs to work on his costume.

I walked for a few miles, down City Creek, a new shopping center newly opened in 2012 proclaimed the many statues and plaques.  As I was walking there were a few homeless, but no more than you might see in your average larger city.

As my journey ended at City Creek I ended up at the Mormon Complex.  I’m sure it has a name, Temple was used many times.  It was gated, there was an 8 or 10 foot gate surrounding the property leading me to ask myself, “Why do they need a wall?” 

I entered the gate and was amazed at the beauty of the buildings, the landscaping, and the statutes.  It brought back memories from when I was in Rome and toured the Vatican. Very similar set up.  A wall, beautiful buildings, plaques bearing many latter day Saints.

I walked through the main gate though the complex and entered the other side.  There, standing outside, was a real live homeless person.  He was begging the people that were walking by the entrance.  It struck me as odd to have so much wealth inside the fence in the name of God, but yet here was a man clearly in need.   This too reminded me of my time in Rome when walking around the Vatican.

I continued walking the city. Block after block of beauty and block after block of homeless people.  The homeless population is not near as bad as in our nation’s capital, but there are people that NEED a dollar for their next cigarette, beer, or dare I say food.

I was hungry, so I strolled into a Cheesecake Factory.  I am not a chain guy, but the Cheesecake Factory is the one place I know I can get a consistent meal, good service, and a light atmosphere.  When dining at the “Factory” I always sit at the bar.  I don’t drink, but there is always a place open and I hate to wait on my seat when there are openings around the bar.

I walked in and asked “open seating at the bar?”  The hostess said “yes”, handed me a menu, and I went to grab my seat.  But, there was not bar.  I looked, and looked, and looked and finally asked a server, where did you hide the bar!  She laughed, “We don’t have bars here, it’s a state law.  We hide all our liquor.”

I grabbed a seat in the “bar area” sans booze and ordered.  As usual, the tonic was perfect as was the salad, and the pot stickers were akin to a religious dining experience.

I left and walked back to my temporary lodging.  As I was walking I passed a young man telling his story to a group of ladies.  He was passionate, he needed something, he had kids, but I kept moving.

I got back to the room and I thought about the irony of this city.  I thought about the wealth and beauty of this place, the teachings of Jesus and the apparent disconnect between the teachings and the implementation of “his” word.   I grabbed the Gideon bible in the drawer and searched the Bible for scripture about how we are to build really cool buildings, but neglect the poor.  I failed to find such a scripture, so I looked deeper in the drawer and found The Book of Mormon. 

In tried to read the book, but the text was too damn small for my eyes.  Maybe there is a part of the text that articulates why buildings are important, but people are not?

I went to bed pondering the irony and began to think about my hypocrisy.  The church is not taking care of their homeless, but what the hell did I do to help.  I didn’t give one homeless a dime. I’m no better than the church.   My meal was $50.00, that’s fifty people I could l have helped. 

I woke up and got ready to pen my morning muse, but before that, went to make coffee.  Would you believe that in Salt Lake City, they do not provide coffee makers in the hotel rooms?  I understand why, but this upsets me.  I’m writing these words without the benefit of my dark brown liquid.  Sorry if my thoughts are a little askew.

So, I’m done.  I’m off my bully pulpit.  I’m going to go for another walk, but this time, I’m going to fill my hands with $1.00 bills.  My morning walk will be filled with my handing these $1.00 to the homeless of this city.  Let the Church build their beautiful buildings, push to hide the liquor in the restaurants, and restrict traveler’s freedom to have coffee in their hotel rooms. I’m going to go follow the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, Allah, and many other messengers of God and try and help the poor.   

“When his life was ruined, his family killed, his farm destroyed, Job knelt down on the ground and yelled up to the heavens, "Why god? Why me?" and the thundering voice of God answered, There's just something about you that pisses me off.” 
― Stephen King, Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay