I grew up in rural Utah with plenty of religious conservatives. I spent 3 hours a week in church with them. Now I live in SLC. I've gotten to know a lot of di

I grew up in rural Utah with plenty of religious conservatives. I spent 3 hours a week in church with them. Now I live in SLC. I've gotten to know a lot of different people and their perspectives. Some are obsessively political, and no doubt will be celebrating this decision. They will spend 3 hours congratulating each other for it the day after tomorrow. Others are quietly moderate. They believe in many of the same Christian values, but don't see it as government's place to enforce them. A few are more loudly moderate. They will take the time to present a different perspective and actually argue for it. The combination of these three creates a social dynamic that supports anti-abortion legislation and other conservative political goals. Despite it not being the desire of every person in the community, that is what the community at large will support politically. Those who disagree don't have the means or support to be represented. Meanwhile, in the city, I walk around the corner to the trax station, and see a handful of homeless people going about their lives. They ask for help finding their way to court or therapy. They ask for change because they can't get it on their own. What I have learned is that rural conservative communities are self serving. Conservative ideas are promoted, represented, congratulated, etc. Critical perspectives are either silently held, or spoken to deaf ears. The fallout of conservatism can't make a home there, and must instead walk away to the city where she can beg for begrudgingly given change.