Activists' tactics counterproductive

It's been a tough couple of weeks during an open season

on Mormons.

I don't agree with all of

the assertions being made in news media editorials and columns, but

I think I can agree that the threats, vandalism, shouting and harassment are

counterproductive. Here's a sample of editorials, columns and

op-ed pieces:

The (Spokane) Spokesman-Review (registration required) wrote in a house editorial to "avoid easy stereotypes" The editorial went on

to read:

"Since (Proposition 8's) passage on Nov. 4, opponents have launched rallies

across the United States, including one outside Spokane's City Hall

on Saturday. For the most part, protesters have behaved well, but

anger has been expressed in worrisome ways. Anti-Mormon protests

have featured signs saying 'Latter-day Snakes' and 'Mormons' with

the second 'm' crossed out. Rallies against the Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints cropped up after it was reported that church

members were major financial contributors to the Proposition 8 campaign.

But many religious groups also supported and voted for the

proposition.

"Before that, ire was turned on African-Americans, because of

exit polls showing that 70 percent of black voters supported Proposition

8.

"The problem with targeting groups is illustrated in the case of

Monica Young, an African-American who voted against the proposition. She

told the Los Angeles Times that she was stuck in traffic near a rally