LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL S.J.R. 5
6 Approved for Filing: T.R. Vaughn 6 2nd Sub. (Salmon)
6 02-20-24 11:35 AM 6
Representative Angela Romero proposes the following substitute bill:
1 JOINT RESOLUTION CONDEMNING COMMUNISM AND
2 SOCIALISM
3 2024 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Michael S. Kennedy
6 House Sponsor: Trevor Lee
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This resolution condemns oppressive forms of governance, including authoritarian and
11 totalitarian implementations of communism and socialism.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 < exalts the principles of the United States Constitution;
15 < reaffirms the principles of the free market;
16 < condemns the harmful effects and oppressive nature of authoritarian and totalitarian
17 implementations of socialism and communism; and
18 < expresses solidarity with individuals and communities affected by the harmful
19 effects of all oppressive forms of governance.
20 Special Clauses: 2nd Sub. S.J.R. 5
21 None
22
23 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
24 WHEREAS, the state of Utah has a history of upholding the principles of liberty,
25 freedom, and individual rights enshrined in the United States Constitution;
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26 WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States serves as a beacon of democracy,
27 ensuring the individual rights and freedoms of all citizens, fostering economic freedom, and
28 promoting the general welfare of the American people;
29 WHEREAS, socialism and communism directly attack and conflict with the ennobling
30 principles of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence;
31 WHEREAS, the free market system, grounded in principles of supply and demand,
32 private property rights, and voluntary exchange, is a cornerstone of the American economy;
33 WHEREAS, the free market system is upheld by the individual freedoms of this great
34 nation;
35 WHEREAS, we confront the enduring and recurring threat of communism to our
36 freedoms and rights;
37 WHEREAS, socialism and communism, as implemented in Venezuela, Cuba, North
38 Korea, Zimbabwe, and many other once-prosperous countries, have led to catastrophic
39 consequences, stifling individual freedoms, suppressing economic initiative, and resulting in
40 widespread poverty, human suffering, and the loss of lives;
41 WHEREAS, socialism, when implemented in an authoritarian context, is characterized
42 by the collective ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, excessive
43 government intervention, central planning, and suppression of personal liberties;
44 WHEREAS, communism, in certain implementations, advocates for a society where the
45 state controls all aspects of economic and social life, often leading to totalitarian regimes that
46 suppress individual freedoms, stifle incentives, and erode basic human rights;
47 WHEREAS, history has demonstrated the challenges in reconciling individual
48 freedoms, rights, and democracy with certain implementations of socialism or communism;
49 WHEREAS, it is imperative to recognize the importance of preserving principles such
50 as the free market, limited government, and individual liberty, which have been instrumental in
51 shaping the prosperity and success of our great nation; and
52 WHEREAS, the study of accurate history is crucial in understanding the complexities
53 of economic ideologies, fostering respect for diverse viewpoints, and safeguarding against the
54 misuse of historical understanding:
55 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
56 exalts and celebrates the enduring principles of the United States Constitution, reaffirms our
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57 commitment to the free market system, and condemns the destructive and oppressive nature of
58 certain implementations of socialism and communism, and of all oppressive forms of
59 governance.
60 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature stands united in our dedication to
61 preserving the liberties and opportunities that have made the United States of America a
62 beacon of hope and prosperity for people around the world, and urges all citizens to remain
63 vigilant in the defense of these cherished principles.
64 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor of
65 the state of Utah, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and
66 the members of the Utah Congressional Delegation as an expression of the strong and
67 unwavering commitment of the state of Utah to the principles of freedom, democracy, and the
68 free market.
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