"More and more people are not reading the news of the world around them or the important issues of the day," Elder Oaks said. "They apparently rely on what others tell them or on the sound bites of television news, where even the most significant subjects rarely get more than 60 seconds.

"Where will this lead? It is leading us to a less concerned, less thoughtful, and less informed citizenry, and that results in less responsible and less responsive government."

School curriculum is another concern.

"I fear that some of the values being taught — or not being taught — to the young people who will be speaking for us from the public and religious pulpits of our nation in just a few years are significantly different from the values that have shaped this nation and its people."

Elder Oaks also said media attacks on public officials and political ads that attack candidates instead of promoting discussion of serious issues encourages doubts about public leadership. That can result in doubts about laws and rules and lead to skepticism about the ties that bind society.

Finally, he urged church members to engage in the public arena.

"We cannot afford to be indifferent or quiet," he said. "We must be ever vigilant to ask, 'Where will it lead?' and to sound the appropriate warnings or join appropriate preventive efforts while there is still time."

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com