Guy walks into a bar in Utah - and gets a drink!

"I can't believe this change has come in my lifetime" were words uttered over and over as we all witnessed the swearing in of President Barack Obama.  The new liquor laws passing in Utah had me repeating the same ones.

With all this media attention and the big change of bringing Utah into the 21st century, I am compelled to address two parts:

1.  Many of you (and you know who you are) tell me Utah is doing a much better job of dividing Church and State.  Oh really?  Here's some evidence to the contrary, complements of the San Francisco Chronicle (not a surprise).

"Huntsman, a Mormon, got an earful from tourism officials about the liquor laws.  But reforming the rules was politically impractical until November, when Huntsman won a second term in a landslide.  Still, Huntsman faced an uphill battle.  Some lawmakers waited until the final days of the legislative session, expecting to hear opposition from the Morman church.  When it didn't come, lawmakers could vote for the changes without much fear of backlash from Mormon constituents.

Uh huh - total division of Church & State in action.

2.  I got all sentimental - Anyone remember that wonderful "brown bag" law?  It was a goodie, it was awesome!  Perfectly designed for underage drinking, it allowed minors to drink anywhere, anytime, anyplace without the threat of anyone else (like the server) getting into legal troubles.  Oh... the memories!  Many nights spent at a myriad of Mexican restaurants throughout the valley - always a big group of us, all well under 21, large pitchers of Margarita mix, and a 5th of Tequila (0r 2) on the table with a brown paper bag around it!  Aaaahhhh, the good old days of being 16-19 years of age and getting drunk at the dinner table.

Well Utah, I'm proud of you.  Thank you for conceding and taking one more baby-step toward choosing the right.  Thanks for joining the other 49.  And before I'm even asked, the answer is no, I'm not moving back yet.