A pleasant surprise.
Utah has a somewhat less than positive reputation in the world at large. The perception is that the Mormon influence is so strong that the state is little more than a theocracy in disguise. The reality is, well, that the Mormon influence is so strong that the state is more or less a theocracy in disguise. Utah does have trouble attracting outside businesses to move into Utah simply because many people would rather quit their job and find something else than move to Utah. Even within the Mormon Church—excuse me, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints— there are members of the church outside Utah who would rather have bamboo splinters shoved under their finger nails than live in Utah and have to deal with "Utah Mormons." The irony is I was one of those who had no desire to live in Utah. I came here for school and planned on hightailing it out of here as soon as I graduated. I probably shouldn't have married a Utah girl then.
It was therefore a pleasant surprise to read that, unlike other conservative states in the South, Utah Episopalians voted to support Bishop Elect V. Gene Robinson by a margin so large that a precise hand count was unneccessary.
After almost 15 years of living in Utah, I have figured out a few things. For starters there are a lot of good people here. It seems that those who are not members of the church tend to be a lot more open minded than one would expect in general. The Episocpal action is a good example. Instead of tending toward the conservative, mirroring the overall temperament of the area, they are considerably more open and welcoming. And while "Utah Mormon" does describe a certain sterotype that without a doubt exists in Utah, there are a good many Mormons living in Utah who are not "Utah Mormons," who remain true to their faith without expecting that those who live around them to do the same to merit their friendship.
Utah is my home these days. The landscape here is truly amazing. I enjoy living with all four seasons. As for the politics, well, you get used to it I guess. You get used to social reform being an uphill battle. You just plan on it and work it into your plans. As for the people, you find the people whose company you enjoy and you ignore the rest.