Why Utah's State Motto Ranks Poorly Among All 50 States

Utah went through a controversial process to replace the state flag recently. Those in power felt the old flag no longer represented the state and needed a new design. All though many were unhappy with it, it has been adopted. Now we should look at the motto.

Rethinking Utah's State Motto: Industry

When you think of Utah is your first thought industry? That is the state motto which is supposed to encapsulate what the state is all about. In 1959 the state adopted this officially and it might be time to rethink it, like the flag.

That isn't just my opinion, some writers who have ranked each state's motto from best to worst. Buzzfeed put Utah's motto at the very bottom of the list. They said it says nothing about the state's incredible beauty and National Parks. They said our motto is lazy.

Another writer put it at number 49 just ahead of Indiana. He said, "Not a motto, more of a noun." He also notes that this is not the word he thinks of first when someone brings up Utah.

Suggestions for a New Direction: Infusing Passion into 'Industry'

I don't think Utah needs an all new motto and I think the second writer is on to something. It is just too short. Adding some passion to it would help, I think. Here are my suggestions to the state legislature:

Industry or death (If we really believe it, let's put everything on the line)

Our Industry Is Better Than Yours (This should spark social media controversy)

Industry Elevated (A nod to the 2001 marketing campaign)

National Parks is our Industry (This would make the Buzzfeed people happy)

Don't Come Here If You Don't Believe In Industry (Makes the place feel exclusive)

That is just some possibilities, and they might be even better if translated into Latin. I'm also fine leaving it alone and getting trashed on every best state motto list. At least we aren't in the mediocre middle on this one.