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No protests expected during Reid's BYU visit

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A Convert Too | 6:34 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I don't know whether I am more digusted that this "story" exists at all or at the depth of bigotry represented. Brigham Young UNIVERSITY, attended by scores of returned missionaries, is simultaneously upset that a Democrat would be invited to speak and accusing Reid of not being a "real" Mormon because he is a convert. We invite all to come unto Christ unless they are Democrat, oppose Bush & Cheney's war policies or wnat to join us.

Roy in Bremen | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Bobby Kennedy at BYU 29 years ago (last paragraph)?
I think I remember shaking his hand there 39 years ago.

cg | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, associates with ducks, it's probably A DUCK !!! Even if it says it's a Mormon.

Comments continue below

Not Rude | 7:43 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Limbaugh insults everyone he disagrees with on a daily basis and yet I'm supposed to believe Republicans are less rude? Give me a break!

Mormon Democrat | 7:45 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I don't hear Democrats around the country taking issue with Reid's religion despite his being the top ranking Democrat in the nation. That only seems to be an issue in the Republican primary for Romney. That's what happens when you run for national office in a party which thrives on prejudice and exclusion.

Jeff James | 7:49 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Harry Reid is coming to Utah? Well, whoopitee-freaking-doo. Where did all of those politically independent protest leaders run off too? Oh, wait, it only gets their dander up when a Republican speaks. Raging hypocrites.

Another Convert | 7:59 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

To 'A convert Too' - this article is written to maximize any shred of controversy surrounding the Reid and Cheney visits (as well as the recent Limbaugh flap). BYU itself is not "upset", I guarantee you that at least 99.7% of the students there are not "upset" - no more than 10 or 20 percent will even have it on their calendars (less will even attend).

Try to read the article objectively - with the understanding that the author is trying to get you interested/involved/persuaded in some way.

FWIW - there are people (members even!)that try to say Reid is not "really" LDS and Reid himself has at times shot the same rhetoric back at Republican or more conservative members of the Church. Such judgemental stupidity and strife IS disgusting, I agree. It IS contention, and it IS from you know where.

Rise and shout | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Why would BYU protest Reid visiting campus? He's the best basketball coach BYU ever had!

Earl | 8:39 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

The reason people are not particularly upset that Reid is coming to BYU is that, unlike Cheney, he didn't play anywhere near the same role in deceiving the American public in the run-up to the Iraq invasion. Those of us who believe Cheney was at the forefront of the deception also believe that congress was among those deceived. Reid, along with us, is one of the many victims of the Cheney/Bush/Rumsfeld cabal that lied us into Iraq. Please don't ask me to prove all this because you can find the information yourself if you really care to look. What I'm saying is, that's why so many protested Cheney and nobody protests Reid. There's a huge difference.

Darwin | 9:07 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

If a sign or poster is not to be used, where is the Free Speech guaranteed by the 1st Amendment?

Uninterested bystander | 9:17 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Harry Reid is a disgrace and unworthy of any attention. I urge all to boycott his little speech.

Yet Another Convert | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

That's the thing I like about the Church is how open minded we are.

Pres. Kimball said something to the effect if it wasn't for converts the Church would die on the vine.

I think we should listen to Mr. Reid with respect and an open mind - maybe we will learn something.

Not a Reid supporter | 9:26 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I'm glad that people at BYU are a bit more polite than elsewhere--I wasn't in favor of Cheney's visit to the Y, but I'm not in favor of "protests" either--they smack too much of intimidation and temper tantrums to me. I would have signed a petition to the University President against Cheney's coming, but not protested.
I met Harry Reid in Washington years ago when a group of area LDS Church Public Affairs people had a meeting with him--and I was surprised at some of his positions on things that the LDS church has pretty strong positions on--abortion, for example. I'm not qualified to judge his commitment to religion, but I do think he has a strong commitment to the ideals of the most liberal positions of the Democratic Party.
And I agree that it is interesting that Romney gets heat from the media about being LDS and Reid is hardly mentioned. I wonder why the same evangelical Christians who are terrified of Mitch don't seem to object to Harry! Strange since they claim to be against Reid's political positions.

Steve | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Dirty Harry Reid is the most corrupt Senator of his era. Land deals, questionable loans. Mormons should be ashamed by him. This is the guy we should protest.

Matthew | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Let's see, Harry Reid opposes war and torture. Dick Cheney promotes war based on lies and advocates torture (by another name). So who should good, faithful, LDS students at BYU want to hear from?

Of course the Campus Republicans aren't going to protest. There is nothing to be opposed to!

It isn't a Republican/Democrat thing. It is about what is moral and what is immoral.

Jeff James, you got the right word but seem to apply it to the wrong people.

RE: A Convert To | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Bigotry? "...there are no protests planned..." "...opposition has been limited to relatively mild editorials..." as the article pointed out the BYU democrats were far more antagonistic towards the VP when he came to town.

The very heart of bigotry is making broad generalizations about a group of people in ignorance. Pot meet Kettle.

Jake in Brussels | 9:33 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Hey, I'm a Republican, but am very glad to have Harry Reid leading the Senate. He is a good man and a devoted Sunday School teacher in my old stake in Maryland.

We, LDS or humans in general, are not clones; it's great to hold differing opinions as they are the product of real thought. It's part of Senator Reid's job and the Constitution's checks and balances to act as a watchdog toward the opposing party and the Executive Branch. He takes his job seriously and although I often disagree with his rhetoric, I admire the effort and am glad to see him accept the invite back to the Y.

J | 9:35 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

To Rise and shout:
Good one...Roger Reid would be proud.

Jake | 9:45 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Darwin, the forum is taking place on private property. By your argument, an institution also couldn't ask an audience member yelling at the top of his lungs during a speech to leave. I believe the house can lay down the ground rules in this case.

I think your point is a good one to bring up, however, in regards to a lot of these "public" forums being held by presidential candidates where the question-posers are "handled" so strictly that nothing deviates from script. If you're going to give the impression that you're holding a "town hall" or public meeting in a public place, as many of these are, then by all means, the audience should be able to express themselves in any respectable way they choose.

Reids a clown | 9:48 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

What a disgrace Reid is! He claims to be an active member of the LDS church, yet he supports abortion and gay marriage, two policies that destroy families. Last time I checked both of those are in opposition to church views. He leads a double life and thinks he can separate his religious views from his political views. How interesting that Bush, a non-mormon, is more pro-family than Reid! Reid is a waste for a political leader.

Floopster | 10:07 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

There are a few reasons why there isn't a big uproar over Harry Reid's visit to BYU.

First of all, this hasn't been reported on nearly as much as when Vice President Cheny visited. The press was calling this a controversy weeks in advance. Tad Walsh from the Deseret News was expecting half the crowd would be anti Cheney. Ummm...he was way off.

Secondly, those on the right tend to be a little more respectful. We don't tend to have vocal protests or try to halt free speech. We had a SMALL proportion of students and faculty that tried to prevent Vice President Cheney from speaking. Aahhh...love those First Amendment Comrades.

We have Harry Reid wanting to publicly condemn Rush Limbaugh for a response that Reid took out of context. Anyone with half a brain can read what was said and how it was said about ONE particularly lying soldier.

As a people, LDS tend to be respectful. Why? Because most are conservative. Most believe in free speech. Most will honor that...but don't expect Reid to convert many to his side.

DS | 10:13 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Harry Reid is a disgrace as an American, he would sell his own soul for political gain. It has nothing to do with him being a convert, Mormon or not, he is an embarrassment. BYU should have higher standards!!

Re: Earl | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

The senate has access to the same intelligence as the president! How ignorant can you be? The so-called "deception" is a political lie created by moveon.org and the top brass of the democratic party to get political gain. Everyone, including Reid, who voted for the war had the same intelligence. Get your facts straight from unbiased sources.

Rise and shout | 10:24 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Thank you J, I'll be here all week. Try the prime rib.

I wonder, though, if Roger Reid thinks Harry Reid has let down 9 million church members worldwide?

Garcia. A member all his life | 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

The author is pretty bias towards the Republicans. Please we need less bias so-called "journalists". We understand that you are Republican, but you should not write something like: "BYU College Republicans or like-minded conservatives who said they would not protest Reid's visit. Why not? To prove they are better hosts than the College Democrats".
Please do not compare the things that Reid has done and said, with Cheney has done and said.
Mentioning fascist Limbaugh, and suggestions of picketing sings is just unacceptable.

Don't misrepresent Reid | 10:34 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Note to "Reids a clown" and "Not a Reid Supporter": Better check your facts. Reid has always been pro life and against abortion, as reported by national media on many occasions. You must have him mixed up with Mitt Romney, who was pro-choice until his latest campaign.

Earl | 10:48 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Sorry, you've got it wrong. The senate had access to intelligence the White House wanted them to have, not the same the White House had. So what are your "unbiased" sources?

Print This | 10:49 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Wait a minute! A quick Google will reveal that Harry Reid has always been agains abortion and in fact is famously pro-life. Some of you must be getting him mixed up with Mitt.

CBT | 10:48 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I thought that the purpose to a University education was to be exposed to myriad ideas and backgrounds. It is funny to me then that at BYU, some students are so entrenched in their own little political philosophies that they can't bare the thought of listening to a leader whose only crime is affiliation with the Democratic Party. WOW. Talk about closed minded. I am a Republican and a Mormon and I would welcome the chance to listen to a leader of our nation on my campus, if I were still at that stage in life. Whether I agree with them on all issues or not, I am sure I would on some. No person or party has the market cornered on good ideas and principles. Some people just can not stand others to share different views, and I find that troubling. Are some people so insecure about their own viewpoints and beliefs that the fact anyone exists who does not agree with them 100% is a problem to them? Close minded and fearful of other ideas is no way to live.

Lee | 10:51 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Its not that Harry Reid is a Democrat. Its that his positions as a Democrat, particularly those that are "giving aid and comfort to the enemy", are truly injurious to our nation. As was mentioned in a previous comment, his attempts to keep his religious views from his political views ie - keeping his business and private lives separate, are not positions supported in the scriptures. If indeed Harry Reid were to be "known by his fruits", his political positions and his efforts to ignore the Constitution and the words of the Founding Fathers will stand out much more than his life that is a reflection of his membership in the LDS Church. Its unfortunate that no one seems willing to protest his appearance - in my opinion, not protesting his appearance is the same as giving him a "pass" - in essence, saying that his views are OK, when they truly aren't. I'm glad that he's a convert, many of us are (40 years ago), but I don't think that the positions that I take in my life are in direct contradiction to the words of the prophets as many of his seem to be. I'm just saying -

Earl | 10:52 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

My point in bringing up Cheney and the charge that he was part of the deception was not to argue the whole issue over again. It was to illustrate that nobody cares that much about whether Reid visits BYU. He was not considered part of the deception like Cheney was. That's all. I really don't want to rehash the argument, so if someone else wants to, be my guest.

bjones | 10:56 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Our ward in California is making a book called Why I Believe, somewhat copying a published book in which Harry Reid writes about his conversion. Conservative members of the congregation put up such a stink that the Bishop had to apologize to the members openly about using Harry Reid as a model. I was very offended by their actions and the bishop told me he was also. We both repented for our anger but I find it difficult to be friendly.

Rick | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

To prove they are better hosts than the College Democrats? I'd have more respect for the College Republicans if they'd actually get out there and voice their opinion about things they disagreed with the senator about rather than making self righteous comments about the College Democrats.

University Education | 11:25 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

The purpose of my university education was to prepare me to enter the workforce and give me skills that would help me for the rest of my life. The idea that you go to a university to "be exposed to myriad ideas and backgrounds" is mostly talk and is really only the case in a few areas of study. For those who major in mathematics or geography or something like that, it's minimal. And I certainly hope the "free exchange of ideas" is not the norm in medical school. I'd like to think my doctor bases his procedures on hard evidence and fact rather than his own unproven ideas.

We love to judge... | 11:38 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007

How quick we are to castigate a member of the church by deeming him less of a member as a result of his right to deal with complex issues that most shy away from. Agree or disagree with him, why are some people so eager to denounce his worthiness as a member of the church. As Mitt is currently demonstrating, Mormons on both sides can be just as political in their tactics. I commend BYU for trying to dispel their historical image as a favoring one party over the other. Most of us will hopefully realize sometime in our lives that political ideology is not absolute and is at time the very nemesis of eternal truth. Be careful to place the LDS Church and its beliefs on the same level as political ideology. The greatest danger of this tendency is that your strongly held political beliefs will end up altering your the religious truths that should guide your life.

I am a Mormon , Reid is NOT | 12:02 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I am a Mormon, Harry Reid is not. I am an American, Harry Reid is not.

I do not see anywhere in the Churches doctrines you can be pro-abortion and pro-gay rights. I do not know how you can be an real American and not be supportive of our troops health and emotional well being.

Harry Reid says he is personally pro-life but then votes in ways that run counter to that belief, he claims to love America and then roots against her and gives and and comfort to our enemies.

To be a democrat these days you must be either ignorant or just plain rebellious!

mel in LV | 12:18 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I live in Las Vegas and have seen the tactics of Harry Reid first hand. I am part of a very politcally active family and am also an active church member. Some of the things Harry Reid has done are deplorable. There are so many instances where he has openly defied church standards for re-election purposes. He has then turned a 180 and used his membership in the church for the same purpose. his personal worthiness is between him and God. Just remember, by their fruits ye shall know them. Harry Reid openly supports gay rights and has been labeled a friend to the gay community of Las Vegas. He also supports the candidacy of a woman who openly supports abortion. Just the way that Harry Reid "deals with complex issues" using contention, bashing, and name calling doesn't fit my interpretation of following the Savior!

Respectful Assembly | 12:34 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Just returned from the BYU forum. It was pretty well attended, as forums go. As expected, the BYU community listened respectfully to what was presented. Harry Reid spoke of church, family, and public service. It was a good opportunity to learn from and appreciate, another's experiences.

BYU takes an appropriate stance. Just as graduates have gained from Vice President Cheney's commencement talk, its students were able to gain from listening to Harry Reid today.

On a sidenote: Though many of my political views differ from some of the opinions expressed today, I don't protest a man exercising the American freedoms of expressing and fighting for his convictions. I can listen to and respect that man for voicing his opinion, even if I were to disagree with everything said. In reality, most of what Harry Reid discussed was not politically charged and could be appreciated by all, as it related more to the human experience we all share. Likewise, most of what Mr. Cheney presented to the graduates honored them, followed by uplifting words for their future. I would be ashamed to turn either away based on my own bias. Each added value within context of their invitation to speak.

NotFromUtar | 12:36 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Sellout!

Sam Adams | 12:41 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I'm sure the BYU College Republicans would have been wagging their fingers at the revolutionaries who participated in the Boston Tea Party because that wasn't "polite" either. I think BYU Republicans need to learn the difference between being righteous and being self-righteous.

Current Cougar | 12:46 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

It bothers me when people take the opinion of a very small minority of students then portray it as the general mindset of every student. While a majority may disagree with Reid's political views and decisions, the majority is also open minded enough to listen respectfully. When Cheney came last year there were many students who didn't like him but chose to listen respectfully rather than join in the protests. I think many would be surprised to see just how open minded most BYU students are. (open mindedness doesn't mean they have to agree)

hmm.. | 12:50 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Sometimes I have to wonder if people making the bold and judgmental comments about Harry Reid not being a real Mormon are really people who hate Mormons and want us to look bad. I sure hope that's the case.

CBT | 1:04 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

University Education | 11:25 a.m. Oct. 9, 2007: So did you only go to school to study math? Took no other courses, exposed to no other things or ideas? How sad. And by the way, free flow of ideas is what spurs research in all fields. Without new questions, there are no new answers to be discovered. And then your doctor wouldn't know as much as they do. Stick with facts only, and people would still think the Earth was flat.

I AM A MORMON HARRY REID IS NOT | 1:29 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

In response to hmm. I am a real mormon who serves in a bishopric in California and everything. I again state that Harry Reid is no Mormon.

The LDS Church is about families. Harry Reid may talk about being LDS but he chooses to use his great powers to do do things that tear down families! That is why he is hated so much. He supports by his voting and comments the gay agenda, abortionists, not to mention being a cheerleader for the wrong side on the war on terror. Maybe it was possible to be a good Mormon and Democrat 100, 50 or even 20 years ago that boat has left the harbor.

Mormons who are still democrats are either ignorant or who are just trying to be rebellious. There is no place for the current anti-family agenda of the democratic party and an active Mormon!

John A. Reynolds | 1:39 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

This man might be a member of the Church but his walk and talk is much to the contrary. His views and policies are 180 deg out of wack. He and others like him are ruining America as we know it.

tired of bigots on right | 2:12 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I'm tired of so-called conservatives who have become so bigoted and close minded. Stop mixing politics and religion!! You people are a disgrace with your labels and name-calling. General Conference is barely over and we are already at each other's throats again. Shame, shame, shame!!!

ron | 2:25 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

okay everyone.....take a deep breath! ahh, do you feel much better??

Dave | 2:31 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Senator Reid, welcome to BYU. I'm looking forward to your speech.

Whew, what a torrent of unbridled hatred on this comment board. Some of you Democrat haters above need to remember the late James Faust was one, and Frank Moss too, and Cal Rampton too. (I'm old enough to rememtber) Now what if some of Senator Harry Reid's anti administration views are correct (i.e. there's a better way to proceed in Iraq). Could happen. You don't know everything. That's why we have debates. We should all hope to find that we're on the Lord's side, instead of trying so hard to prove the Lord's on our side.

Ace | 2:33 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I AM A MORMON HARRY REID IS NOT says this:

"Maybe it was possible to be a good Mormon and Democrat 100, 50 or even 20 years ago that boat has left the harbor.

"Mormons who are still democrats are either ignorant or who are just trying to be rebellious. There is no place for the current anti-family agenda of the democratic party and an active Mormon!"

Hmm, does that mean that President Faust was not a Mormon either? Just wondering...

Neal Kramer | 2:35 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Thank goodness there are politicians like Harry Reid. Is he abrasive sometimes? Has he made other errors? Yes.

Is he a Mormon? Yes, in the very best sense of the word.

He provides a convincing alternative to those who believe that current conservative politics and Mormonism are innately compatible.

I feel sorry for those who believe their faith mandates membership in the one true party.

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