Pignanelli; "A person extremely intolerant of creeds, beliefs, etc., other than his/her own." Such is the standard dictionary definition of a bigot. Unfortunately, this describes too many Americans, because of their personal view toward Mormons.

Polls indicate that approximately 20 percent of Americans will never vote for a Mormon candidate for president. More troubling, a recent survey (reported in this newspaper a week ago) revealed 40 percent of college faculty across the country possess an unfavorable view of Mormons. Web sites and propaganda generated by many mainstream Protestant denominations display even worse hostility. This emotion was highlighted by the Rev. Al Sharpton's nonsensical utterance that the LDS do not "really believe in God."

Reminder: A person who judges another's character on the basis of religion, ethnic origin, color or sexual orientation IS A BIGOT! It is outrageous this conduct still exists in 21st-century America. How can the intellectual elite of our universities prejudge persons they never met on the basis of religion, and admit to it? (No doubt, if the word "Jew" or "black" was substituted for Mormon, these enlightened individuals would offer more affectionate responses.) Thousands of Americans casually proclaim they will not support Mitt Romney for president because he is a Mormon. Our Founding Fathers were repulsed by similar discrimination and placed in the United States Constitution a prohibition against a religious test in selecting officials.

Granted, Mormons hold some views quirky to most Americans. But peel back the covers of any mainstream religion and you will find strange beliefs and a troubled history. For over 150 years, the LDS faith produced adherents committed to the advancement of our society and the welfare of fellow human beings. Mormons have not committed a huge crime that excuses prejudice.

When I confront my LDS friends (loudly, with arms waving) about responding to these horrible insults, the usual reaction is a shrug of the shoulders and a mumble "what can one do about it?" But something has to be done. Insidious discrimination, whether against Mormons or others, is a disease that permeates all the fabric of our country. Both Mormons and non-Mormons, in a very public manner, must paint this intolerance for what it is: bigotry. This is not the time for passive-aggressive behavior. Indeed, these narrow-minded fools will learn that there are serious ramifications for their stupidity, if we aggressively counter religious discrimination. We may not be able to convince the bigots overnight, but we can at least shame them out of releasing their poisonous thoughts.