Rafting the Yampa: A Libertarian Publisher is Exposed to the Beliefs, History and Ideology of Environmental Protectionists

“Okay,” I thought, “I’m going to be going down a river with people whose primary ideology I disagree with.” But then I reasoned, “maybe my point of view could provide an interesting story.

Richard Markosian

July 29, 2018

Why should every story be about everyone being agreeable? I’ll go, I decided, be nice yet disagreeable, and completely honest.”

So I went on a trip down the Yampa River with a group of people who I knew would very likely espouse many things with which I would disagree since they were hard-core environmentalist liberals. As for me, I’m a small-government libertarian.

Read the rest of the story on MoabStories.

Moab, Utah Development, Utah History

river rafting

Richard Markosian

I am a story teller and journalist. I have a passion for farmers, local craftspeople, and folks who aspire to create, build and grow their business in the local marketplace. Why local? By supporting locally-owned businesses we create more opportunity for entrepreneurs, and we claim our sovereignty to shape our communities how we want to see them. I aspire to build Utah Stories Magazine into a household Utah name, and assist Utah businesses and makers with marketing. On the journalism side of things my passion is investigative journalism that offers true insight into issues. I believe strongly in the forth estate: strong, meaningful, insightful journalism is essential to a free market Democracy.

Utah Stories

Birdy’s Moab: A Finer Diner Reinvented

What happens when Moab restaurateurs Erin and Ryan Bird turn a closed Denny’s into a trendy dining spot? The answer is Birdy’s: a “finer diner” serving up elevated comfort food in a chic, hand-crafted space. From hand-painted tiles to locally sourced ingredients, every detail is designed to delight. Curious about their unique menu and the creative process behind this transformation? Discover how Birdy’s is shaking up Moab’s dining scene!

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Folklore

Moab’s Haunted Road: Racing the River Witch on Kane Springs

Moab’s River Witch haunts Kane Springs Road, challenging the brave to race her spirit on dark, winding nights. Locals recall eerie tales of a vengeful ghost racing between cattle guards, warning that losing could mean more than just a scare. Dive into Moab’s chilling folklore and discover the secrets of this haunted stretch.

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Utah History

Utah Women: From Gender Stereotypes to Business Success and Cultural Change

Utah women have faced a unique mix of cultural expectations and gender stereotypes, yet many have defied the odds to become leaders in business and community. From the resilience of FLDS women to the trailblazers transforming Utah’s economy, their stories reveal the strength and spirit that continue to drive change in the state.
Environment

Mountain Dell’s Legacy: How Utah’s Pioneers Shaped Our Water Future

Utah’s pioneers fought to survive in a barren desert, harnessing precious water from canyon streams to carve out a future. But today, that future hangs by a thread. The Great Salt Lake is vanishing, its receding shores threatening an ecological collapse, a billion-dollar ski industry, and the very survival of millions who depend on its water cycle. As history’s warnings echo louder than ever, Utah faces a grim question: can we adapt in time, or will the desert reclaim what we’ve built?