From Deseret News archives:
Follow LDS counsel: Study issues
This counsel is explicit in urging members to find out about candidates, examine the issues and exercise good judgment after an analysis of who the candidates are and what positions they hold. The statement implies that people who engage in such a thoughtful approach are following the counsel of church leaders.
Yet, on average, about 40 percent of Utah voters vote straight party ticket, with the vast majority of those voting Republican. They take a couple of seconds to find the straight party lever and then they're done. No need to "study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully" or look for leaders "who will act with integrity." They just vote for whoever the party offers up to them. In all likelihood it will happen again in November.
Nor can it be suggested that those 40 percent are not LDS members. Seventy percent of Utah is LDS. And an even higher percentage of the electorate is LDS since LDS Church members typically vote.
That is not a message that comes from the First Presidency. Again and again, the First Presidency has proclaimed the church's political neutrality. Do they say this with a "wink and a nod" that communicates something different? Some members may think that, but the First Presidency's actions in actually remaining neutral would suggest otherwise.
Is it because all of the church leaders are Republicans? No, that's not true either. Over time, many prominent church leaders also have been Democrats, including President Hugh B. Brown, President Heber J. Grant and Elder B.H. Roberts. In fact, in the 1950s, President Hinckley even wrote a sympathetic biography of James Moyle, a prominent Mormon Democrat.
Comments
- Duchesne developers charged 3:16 p.m.
- Hall closing in on victory milestone 3:15 p.m.
- Pentagon defusing roadside bombs 3:11 p.m.
- Palin confirms tension with aides 3:08 p.m.
- Stock market dragged lower 3:07 p.m.
- 'Pirate Radio' fun rock 'n' roll movie 3:02 p.m.
- Cast second fiddle to '2012' effects 3:02 p.m.
- 'Men' goofily targets big business 3:02 p.m.
- Cast helps 'Play the Game' 3:02 p.m.
- Elk Ridge eyeing late payments 3:01 p.m.
- House passes health care bill
308 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
300 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
158 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - Will state consider gay rights law?
127 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
115 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
110
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
CUBA VS. USA Stats for all countries available at the World Health...
Do we really want people to simply say it was an oversight? Laws are created...
both of the head coaches are outstanding, easily the top five in the state...
The private school whining is typical. Ask Cottonwood about their baseball...
Agreed 100%: Utah didn't win last year's game as much as TCU lost it. Had TCU...
I am looking forward to watching Hall play a few more times. The last few...
@yeah When my kids wanted to know, they asked. Then I told them. They also...
Oh is that what that tiny trickle is coming out of my Tap when I turn it on?...
If he is a citizen, lock him up. If he isn't a citizen, deport him with the...
The kid kicks a sweet spiral. Amazing that the cougs can cover punts - they...


You can be the first to comment on this story.