GoodK wrote:I'm curious, and in light of all the regulatory talk (which I'll comment on later), what people think of the following quote from Senator Chris Buttars:
When speaking to a Deseret News reporter:
"What sets us apart is that we're the only residential treatment facility that doesn't seek or accept government funding. If we did, they'd control us."
While you may have thought this a clear statement, let’s recognize what issues it raises.
Who was that “Deseret News reporter”? Is there a name, an identity clearly made? Is there reporter credibility?
Second, did that “reporter” write an article with the direct quote which you have attributed here to one person?
Third, how do we know these were the precise words of “Chris Buttars”? Was there an audio or video/audio recording made when this statement was made?
Fourth, were there other comments of a qualifying nature made by “Chris Buttars”?
These issues are relevant to the claims which you make. Transparency is critical.
On the other hand,
suppose we assume the validity of your comment and that “Buttars” made the statement. The last sentence implies a desire to avoid oversight – “control.” Does this mean this “residential treatment facility” rejects oversight? It appears that’s what it means. By rejecting any “government funding,” the “facility” also appears to rejects regulation. Absent regulation or investigation, the “facility” appears to decide its policies exclusively. Is that legal? I’m skeptical. If the state gives sole authority to a “facility” with no surprise inspection, the state appears subordinate to the facility and its policies. If that is the case, the state (government) is irrelevant to what happens at the “facility.”
The last sentence demonstrates that no “control” is acceptable. By rejecting all “governmental funding,” that would appear to intend immunity from government investigation and intervention. It would appear an attempt to be beyond the reach of the law. What is the attitude of
governmental authorities in this?
Options are these among possible others:
The state (government) turns a blind eye to anything at the “facility.”
The state (government) approves what takes place at the “facility.”
Licensing is an undisciplined approval absent serious investigation of what the government licenses.
To return to the first part of analysis:
Who is the “Desert News Reporter”? Relevant issues include a name, qualifications, reliability, expertise in investigative reporting.
How qualified is that person as a factual, objective reporter in this story?
In what medium did that reporter convey the
exact quotation which you attribute to Buttars?
What follow-up reports by others were made that confirm the exact quote you present?
Absent clarity and confirmation of the stated quotation, questions of credibility may be raised.
JAK
