By Nadia Jones
Sen. Hatch discussed how''s and why''s of the legislature process that involve people with different ideologies and many backgrounds at UVSC on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004. He said compromise is essential for issues such as gay marriage, and it has to be reached in order to pass a bill and make a difference.
'Legislating requires the most politically different to work together,' Hatch said. 'We don''t have to agree on every issue or principle but I really hope ... we can maintain this course even in these troubled times.'
He said working with people who have different political views requires three P''s: people, principles and priorities.
'Even when they are opponents, they are not enemies,' he said.
Hatch also said some people would like to change the golden rule to 'do unto others before they do it unto you.' However, he said he thinks politics in America is conducted in relatively upright and ethical manner in comparison to other countries.
'Marriage is a principle of values,' Hatch said. He recommended taking a modest approach in dealing with the gay marriage issue, but stressed that he defends traditional marriage.
'An amendment to the constitution is hard to pass and it may not bring us anywhere,' he said. 'However a modest approach can get enough support.'
Hatch also commented on the upcoming democratic primaries. He said differences in political views are not the reason why he is not supporting John Kerry, stating in over sixteen years of voting in the Senate, Kerry has not put any legislature through.
'Kerry is a very different guy voting on the Senate floor from what he is representing today,' Hatch said.