Deseret News | Reid gets warm reception at BYU

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Reid gets warm reception at BYU

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Conservative Utahn | 8:37 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Brian, Conservatives in the LDS church do NOT focus exclusively on abortion and gay marriage. They do oppose socialism and the erosion of the divinely inspired U.S. Constitution by those who call it a living and breathing document, subject to the whims of whoever is in the Supreme Court. They also believe in capitalism. Why do many liberals fight for the rights of strip clubs and pornographers to exercise the First Amendment, then turn around and try to neutralize the Second Amendment? I, for one, think bigger government is NOT the answer in health care or education. Let the people keep their money and decide for themselves what they want. Socialism and its big brother communism have failed miserably wherever they have choked out capitalism and freedom. America has superb health care. Ruin our system by nationalizing and socializing it, and you can be sure you will have to wait months even for cancer treatment, which happens in Canada. I know a woman whose mother in Canada had to come to the U.S. to get cancer treatment because she might have died before her turn for service came up in Alberta.

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 8:39 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I am old enough to remember that, before the left wing rebellion in the Democratic Party that won George McGovern the nomionation for president in 1972, Utah and other western states tended to equally elect Republicans and Democrats for major office, and even today, the Republican governors and congressmen elected from Utah tend to be largely moderate in their policy positions.

The national Democratic Party has become dominated by a left wing that is dedicated to preventing Congress and individual states from legislating on abortion, and to preventing judges who might overturn Roe v. Wade from being confirmed to the Supreme Court. If Senator Reid does not think abortion is a major issue, why do Senate Democrats so firmly oppose the confirmation of judges who might think it is a complex issue that should be returned to the state legislatures? If it is not important, why do they threaten filibusters, stopping all work in the Senate, to prevent the Senate from exercising its constitutional duty to vote up or down on judicial nominees? The unrestricted right to kill babies even at birth is something the Senate Democrats, like Hillary Clinton, will defend to the death.

I'm glad im not mormon | 8:42 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

You guys make me happy that i am not mormon anymore. I was my whole life up until a year or so ago (im 28). I went on a mission, married in the temple, the whole deal. It is quite liberating to be able to think for myself without having 90+ year olds telling me what and how to think. Have an open mind and let the man think and say what he wants. If you dont agree with him that is your business. You have lived a different life than him and his perspectives are different than yours. I used to think BYU was the pinnacle of closemindedness and a joke at teaching young minds how to think and expand. I applaud them for bringing in someone who helps them break the sameness of thought they seem to endorse.

Comments continue below

Christopher | 8:43 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

My take on his position in not that we should should ignore abortion because it is not important, but because other than voice our support, there may be little we can do to change the law as those laws are made in the courts.

A person can be pro-life and choose to focus their energies on other areas that may be more effective in reducing the number of abortions such as poverty, family planning.

John | 8:47 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

President McKay and President Kimball would agree with Senator Reid about Elder Bensons political activism while Apostle. They were constantly trying to get him to keep his mouth shut, because his views did not represent that of the church, but members often thought they did (read David O. McKay and Rise of Modern Mormonism and Stand a Little Taller).

Like all of us, the brethren are not flawless gods. And like all of us, they grow. President Benson was very good about not addressing politics during his time as Prophet.

Also, those who in one breath criticize senator Reid for his criticism of the a few past church leaders and criticize "BYU" for having him, are actually criticizing current church leaders who stand as the board of directors and extended the invitation.

Its fine...just know your doing the very thing for which you are denouncing Reid.

Anonymous | 8:48 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

As for his criticism of President Benson Has he been throuth the temple? IF you are how can you in good faith criticize those the lord call's? There is nothing untrue about what President Bensoon said. Joseph SMith when socialism came about, Marion G Romney and David O mCkay all were just as critical of socialist policies reid endorses.

And for me it is easier to be a republican because of church membership than a democrat and abortion and gay rights are more important than coveting and theft.

Anonymous | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Benson did not want any communists at byu but as chairman of board of education Kimball as prophet gave approval of soviet secretary of supreme court to speak as law school. In ed Kimball's lengthen your stride.

As for as being pro choice but anti abortion and on the agency battle. Laws are here to protect people and there is no agency for the fetus. That is why we should be pro life. And agency we should use our agency for the right choice. To help people be righteous. Dallin H Oaks and Jim faust said that. Use our agency for laws that protect all people including unborn.

CAP | 8:56 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I love it when Democrats say people are leaving the Republican party and elude that they are entering the Democratic party. They are leaving Republicans, that is the Republicans fault, but they are not going to the Democrats.

I love being told socialized medicine and global warming are the real issues. Socialized medicine does not work!!! Look at the quality of doctors and the real measurements of a doctors ability.

Cheney vs. Reid | 8:59 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Two men mentioned they acheived great success in their lives.

Cheney said how he failed, but many people he knew failed to get to where he and the rest of them are today, but he said to never give up. It was 100% inspirational.

Reid bashed the president, bashed past church leaders, and bashed Christians, including LDS members.

Whose speech made you want to be better?

Glad you're not mormon | 9:05 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

"I applaud them for bringing in someone who helps them break the sameness of thought they seem to endorse."

That endorsement is something you have picked up. There is no official stance. Bringing in Harry Reid is "Standard Procedure".

Justpassinthru | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Just reading all of the comments here really shows how intolerant the religious right is of anyone who disagrees with them. Such hatred. My oh my.

Athena | 9:12 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I was there for his talk, and I was rather impressed. It is possible to be a Democrat and a Mormon at the same time, because a person's faith is not determined by their political party.

I am neither Democrat nor Republican, but Harry Reid's talk impressed me. I'd vote for him if he was running for president. Whereas President Bush lately; his speeches amuse me. "Al Qaeda's here, Al Qaeda's there, Al Qaeda is responsible for this, Al Qaeda did that, we must exterminate Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda is a great threat, Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda." It's like reading the monologues of Chauvelin and Robespierre in "The Scarlet Pimpernel".

No, I found Harry Reid's speeches and reasoning much more impressive and more intelligent than Bush's. I really don't know what people see in Bush.

And you could tell that he impressed the audience, which was mostly educated students and faculty. The audience gave him a standing ovation. He's an intelligent guy, and I think he's a good Mormon. Again, your political party does not determine whether you are a good Mormon. That is so short-sighted.

Sen. Craig is the example | 9:13 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I'm just thankful that the current events of the day show the hypocritical nature of the Republican party. Look at homophobic Sen. Craig soliciting gay sex in a MN airport bathroom stall and that gives the clearest picture of where the Republican party stands today.

GWB | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

To "Right to Life" - being Pro-Choice does not mean someone is Pro-abortion.

I could take from your name that you oppose killing of all people, and infer that you oppose the death penalty. I bet I am wrong and that you do, in fact, support the death penalty - so claiming to be Pro-life is not accurate, you really are anti-abortion.

Pro-Choice, on the other hand, is entirely different. Pro Choice means that a person doesn't believe that it is their role to tell other persons what decisions they have to make.

It seems to me that Jesus (at least according to LDS teachings) was Pro-Choice and a War was fought in heaven to determine whether we would have freedom of choice on this earth or whether we would not. If I remember right the plan to limit the ability of people to make their own choices was a plan sprouted by Lucifer.

Harry Reid is not pro-abortion but, like Jesus, is pro free agency.

idiut | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I don't think KSL TV or ksl.com has ran anything on this. Am I wrong?

mdub | 9:20 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Politics and religion just shouldn't mix. If they do, then there is no separation between church and state. The fact of the matter is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stays out of politics and does not endorse any political party. Any members of the church that believe otherwise are incorrect. So each member of the church has the ability to choose for themselves what political figures they should vote for.

I think it is awful that people are bringing up Romney's religion to determine whether or not we should vote for him. We should never even consider religion when it comes to politics. Politicians should stand on their own values and platforms of their political parties.

I personally don't believe any party has all the answers, so I don't vote down any party lines. I look at each candidate for their principles and their political agenda. Religion does not factor into that decision.

idiut | 9:20 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Oops. "has ran" should be "has run". Apologies...I'm an idiut.

Gayle | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Harry Reid is neither as bad as the conservatives paint him nor as good as liberals paint him. He is a politician which explains his seeming duplicity, and the wide range of emotions he elicits. Having your words, and deeds dictated by the need to advance your own political power and that of your party, instead of by the charity that the Savior says we should all strive for is indeed a pathetic situation. He is to be pitied just as an alcoholic who doesn't think he has a drinking problem, eventhough he's alienated everyone but the bartender.

Mark | 9:23 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

The main problem with many conservatives at this point in history in the church is that they sometimes confuse their own ideology with the gospel. There are many discrepancies with such logic.

One is that in doing so, they cheapen and weaken the eternal principles within the gospel itself. No political ideology is stable, whole and complete. Ideologies evolve over time and can turn in the wrong direction. Case in point: Could we possibly compare the attitudes and policies of Abraham Lincoln, an early Republican, or Ronald Reagan, a President respected by the majority of Americans, with those of the Neo-cons of today?

anonymous | 9:23 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

While perusing some of the postings above, I am convinced there is no hope for "The Reddest State."

Reader from Denver | 9:26 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Fascinating story and blogs.
Interesting that conservatives did not protest Mr. Reid's appearance at BYU (are conservatives truly more tolerant of different view points?).
Interesting that Mr. Reid believes prior Church leaders who wore the mantle of apostle/prophet and spoke against socialism/communism are now to be considered outdated. (Read "Prophets, Principles, and National Survival" and see just how much and how far back the counsel is given -- and still valid.)
Equally fascinating that Reid has swallowed the lie of man-made global warming (debunked by noted climatologists). May be normal/natural, but not manmade. And since when is today's climate ideal for people? What hubris.
Questions for Mr. Reid: why should I be forced to pay for social programs under threat of penalty/imprisonment (via taxation)? Isn't it a personal choice/responsibility? Can you reconcile Thou shalt not covet with the democrat policy of taxing for social programs/welfare?
Temple recommend questions are on personal behavior and testimony, not politics.
And for the investigator, base your investigations on the Church's teachings and fidelity to God. Put the Church's teachings to the test. And by all means, pray to God for direction, with the intent to follow that direction.
And finally: GO ROCKIES!!!

Silly comments | 9:26 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Brian says the Supreme Court decisions are irrevocable...I'd say Brian needs to go back to school and get a better education. I'd also like for Brian to indicate what law was overturned in Roe v Wade which took the legislature out of the role of creating laws. Please expound to enlighten us.

For "I'm glad I'm not Mormon" any longer. What's truly sad is that you didn't use your brain the whole time you were in the church. Can you please tell me where it says that I'm supposed to stop thinking for myself and learn but to turn my whole brain over to someone else? What it sounds like is you think you are intellectually superior to people who have faith and rely on the Spirit and learn through much study, fasting and prayer. Intellectual snobs like you are what give the LDS Church a bad name.

Ever read in the Bible where Christ tells those who think they are intellectually superior that they are fools to themselves? Might want to look it up my friend.

Reid is a disaster along the lines of Katrina and Rita. He needs to just go away.

Utah 1939 | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

It is interesting that in Utah it is the Party (GOP) first and Christiandom second, Kind of like Germany in 1939. To say that you will not donate to BYU because of a liberal coming to BYU is like saying the mission of the church only influences me as long as it is ultra right wing. What a box we all live in.

EMW | 9:28 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

These comments sound like they come from a bunch of wolverines who have been backed into corners. Why so defensive?

The sad truth is, neither political party represent well the religious beliefs I have. Both parties have been hijacked by groups on opposite extremes of the political spectrum. Their narrow agendas aren't the everyday things I have to concern myself with.

I think we can be too blindly loyal to our government. Jesus wasn't that way--he was killed for it. Joseph Smith wasn't that way--he was killed for it. Brigham Young wasn't that way. How did we become that way?

There is plenty of corruption on both sides of the aisle. In the end, we may have to choose to be loyal to our country over our government, and loyal to our religious convictions over our government, too.

rcronk | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

The democrat party used to be more decent but has been hijacked by socialists. I think Reid is deceived. Satan's plan in the beginning was to force people to do what's right - that sounds like forcing rich people to give to the poor through wealth distribution and taxation instead of letting them do it through charity of their own free will. Rewarding Gay marriage and abortion is wrong. Global warming is just another plank in the environmental movement that has also been hijacked by socialism. Universal health-care is also socialism. The general authorities have already said that communism is the most powerful satanic force on the earth and when Russia fell, communism/socialism metastasized and it has now infiltrated the democratic party and the environmental movement. The law of chastity and the law of consecration are two high level laws and Satan's counterfeits for these laws (gay marriage, socialized anything, etc.) are swinging into full force and democrats create/reward it all. Look up President Hinckley's talks "The World in Which we Live" Oct 2001, and "War and Peace" Apr 2003 to see the how the church's position on our military and war on terror don't seem to match Reid's.

Rush is Right | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Harry Reid says members who question his faithfulness are not present when he gets his recommend. Maybe we should be present to remind him how he bore false witness against a private citizen on the senate floor last week and got 41 Democrats to vote for his resolution condemning that citizen. He was instrumental in perpetuating a smear campaign by left wing extremists. Conduct unbecoming a member.

LDS Member | 9:33 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Funny how he says that Pres. Benson and Pres. Wilkinson have lead members down the wrong path when as church members we believe that the Lord will not allow the leaders of the Church to lead the church astray. I think Reid would like to lead the members astay.

RE | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I think Harry should read the Proclamation On The Family put out by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles. There is direct conflict of Mr. Reids words and the words of this document.

Maggie | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Senator Reid is a hard working, caring man who is doing great service to Nevada and our country. I'm grateful for his strength and humor, both of which he puts to great use everyday.

I'm a little put off by the Deseret News reports surprise of a warm reception at BYU. If you spend any time on the BYU campus you would quickly come to realize that the students and faculty care deeply about their country, their fellow man, and the world.

It should be obvious that being stone cold sober helps all of your faculties to work at a higher level. Bravo - again - BYU

Claudia | 9:43 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

In the late 70's, I received my degree from a highly-regarded, conservative, Protestant university on the West Coast. . . and was the sole Catholic, along with one LDS student, among the huge enrollment.

I continue to be amazed that LDS would align themselves with the "Religious Right" branch of the GOP.

Throughout the years, each and every one of their ilk with whom I've spoken continues to insist that LDS are *not* Christians, that LDS *are* subject to false teachings, and that LDS are certainly "folks who live good lives, but aren't going to Heaven."

Ask one of them. Ask straight out if an adherent to the Religious Right will witness before the conservative congregation where they attend that the LDS are true Christians.

I have witnessed thus, in Mass and in a LDS Sacrament meeting. It's not difficult for this Democrat to do so; no human can guarantee a fellow congregant's faithfulness, infallibility, morality.

Thankfully, it is up to the Father to take stock of our lives, without regard to political party membership.

Julie | 9:45 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Why is it when a Republican speaks, the media and Deseret News report "People are offended and will protest! They demand someone else to speak!" and then they report on the protest of about oh, five people. But when it is a Democrat, they are welcomed with a warm reception and open arms....

Brent | 9:47 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

The issue with Mr. Reid is not a Democrat or Republican issue but a moral one. For him to say that we need to forget about abortion as if it were insignificant is unbelieveable. Those of you who agree with him should do a little research on abortion, especially partial birth abortion.(4 to 7+ months pregnancy) The abortionist delivers the baby feet first until only the head remains in the birth canal. Then a hole is made in the baby's skull. A suction catheter is then used to suck the child's brains out causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed. If Harry say's the country has gone beyond this issue then we have gone beyond charity also. I don't believe the LDS church leaders will change church policy to be politically correct. If this same barbaric procedure were used on an animal or peoples pets you would soon see a law against it. Perhaps some are "beyond" feeling in this country.

Engineer2007 | 9:54 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

No one is going to force any of you to get an abortion or to marry a gay person. Live through example. If there are people that feel like these things will help them, remember they are in a bad place and need help. Those are true Christian values, not passing restrictive laws that are supposed to achieve social engineering. Most of these "Conservative Values" people are control freaks that are after power and get it by making people afraid to stand up for their rights by telling them to do so is "Un-Christian". Read their comments, they use insulting words and call the people who donï¿½t agree with them ï¿½evilï¿½ as well as anything else vile and disgusting they can throw at the competition. Be assured these ï¿½Christian Conservativesï¿½ have a not so hidden agenda and it isn't saving souls. It is power and control of people through guilt and intimidation and using their religion to rally support for restrestrictive laws that tread on all people rights. They use intimidation and lies all the while claiming they are the ones under threat. Read their words, they are not words of good Christians.

Miguel | 9:53 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Every once in a while, when I am a little homesick for Utah, I read the comments to a Deseret News article and am reminded why I am so glad not to live there any more. I am a devout member of the church. I also happen to be a republican, but I am disgusted by all the personal attacks on Reid simply because of his political beliefs. Why is it evil not to actively oppose gay marriage but not evil to fail to oppose a war based on false pretenses that has killed tens of thousands of innocents and soldiers?

Dottie | 9:53 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

While I agree with inviting Senator Reid to speak at BYU, I fail to understand why anyone who claims to be an LDS following the words of our prophet can agree with the things he said. I, for one, don't understand how he receives a temple recommend while supporting abortion and gay marriage. Yeah..I'll wait to hear when the theme of General Conference is "Global Warming." I wonder if he has a copy of the Proclamation to the Family hanging on his wall. One thing he does need is every book President Benson wrote. This man is a poor example of an LDS. One other thing..why is there such a big deal made of Romney being LDS and nothing is ever mentioned about Reid's religion? I think I know the answer. I'm amazed and sadened by how many LDS are following the ways of the world to be politically correct.

Anonymous | 9:55 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Those Reid bashers in these posts obviously are not aware of the LDS Church's most recent official policy on politics (issued March 2006): "Principles compatible with the gosepel may be found in the platforms of all major political parties." There is a fine tradition of well-known Mormon Democrats in the Church: President Hugh B. Brown, Hugh Nibley, James E. Faust, Marlin K. Jensen, just to name a few. So why do Republican Mormons continue to doubt the church loyalty of their brothers and sisters who believe in principles espoused by the Democratic Party, some of which principles the Church itself recognizes as "compatible with the gospel?" Why do Mormons continually try to dogmatize political matters? It is actually true what Reid said: there have been some past prominent LDS leaders who have tried sway members to the right. But there were also other LDS leaders that opposed such methods. Who is not aware of the great controversies among the brethren that Benson caused during the 1960s as a result of his over-zealous support of the New Right? As one church leader said: "Allow within the bounds of definition of religious orthodoxy a variation in political belief."

Dan | 10:08 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

The Democratic Party is no more "Satan's Plan" as is the Republican Party's insistence on forcing other nations and peoples to abide by the American way of life. Why are Republicans so quick to demonize those with whom they disagree? And by the way, "Prophets, Principles, and National Survival" is a book of selective quotes by the brethren that support conservative principles. There are many, many statements by some individual church leaders in the book that do not represent the views of the church as a whole. In fact, many of these statements by certain LDS leaders and members in this book were and are hotly contested by other high-ranking church leaders. So please do not portray this book as if it were LDS doctrine. It just isn't. Please refresh your view of what constitutes church doctrine. And besides, please hold with skeptism the comments of anyone that reads Coulter or listens religiously to Rush. There are some good things that they contribute, but most of what they say is propaganda and sensationalism that avoids the civil discussion of real issues that we so desperately need (the same can be said of other extremists on the left).

Jozef | 10:10 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

As a church member and non-American I am appalled by the rudeness and the naivete of those that attack Reid. Viewed from the international scene and from the church in the world, Harry Reid is the most precious man we have to counterbalance the image of Mormons as right-wing fanatics (for examples, see previous comments). Whatever his weaknesses are (and who is perfect?), Reid is helping make friends for America in many countries. And therefore helping to protect our missionaries and further the work.

John Adams | 10:12 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

What bothers me most about Harry Reid is not that he wants to bring the troops home (we can debate this back and forth until we're blue in the face), but that he would like to put a timeline on it ("hey, let's give the terrorists 9 months to kill as many of our soldiers as they can"). If the war is wrong, bring the troops home now. If we must win it, then stay and win it. Reid's middle ground only causes more confusion and problems.

And he must be just plainly deceived about where the socialistic programs he is part of will lead our country.

As far as him being part of the church and speaking at BYU--well none of us are perfect so we take what he says, apply it as applicable in our own lives, and leave his judgment up to someone smarter than us. Besides if he didn't come speak, just think how we all would have missed out on this back and forth of ideas.

P.S. Have you googled Ron Paul? :-)

NCBuckeye | 10:14 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Senator Reid is a disappointment on many levels. That he can use political expediency to trash anything uttered by a Republic is dispicable, particularly when good men (and women) can have differences of opinion without resorting to name calling. Reid craves power and it only comes by going along with the power givers, which for him are a select group of socialist/communuist Democrats. He trashes evangelical Christians because he knows there is no room in the Democrats for their views, and he gets a double bonus by proclaiming evangelicals are not Christian and doing so as a Mormon. Thatï¿½s a back door way to fan the fires against Mitt Romney. Reid is now leader of the group-think party because he parrots their propaganda. Does he really believe it or is his morality suppressed because, as with abortion, the ï¿½courts have settledï¿½ the law? Does he do the same when he makes his testimony of the Church public? Is he just saying what the Church power-givers want to hear? Neither his political arguments nor his testimony hold any merit for me because I can't tell if he is telling the truth about what he truly believes.

Commanded in all things? | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

It is not meet that you should be commanded in all things. Just because General Conference doesn't mention Global Warming doesn't mean it isn't a real, important issue that we should take seriously. Do the brethren have to refer to genocide in order for you to recognize it as a problem? How about crime? How about the poor situation of schools in America and especially Utah? I think Reid was just trying to expand our view beyond the very important issues of abortion, gay marriage, and flag burning to recognize other very important issues. Expand your horizons beyond conservatism and you may find there is a whole world of additional issues that are important and that matter a lot.

Let's remember... | 10:19 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I am a conservative Mormon Republican, but it concerns me when people imply that someone cannot be a "good" Mormon and a Democrat. When you express such views, you are saying that the First Presidency is wrong when they explicitly state otherwise. That is your right, of course, but just know that you are in more opposition to the church's position than the person who has chosen to be involved in their community as a Democrat. Also, let's remember that Harry Reid is against abortion and gay marriage...he just says that those issues are not the highest priority on the current agenda. I believe that we need more honest church members of varying viewpoints who are willing to get involved in the party they connect with most.

NotFromUtar | 10:19 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

SELLOUT!

James | 10:21 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I am LDS conservative. I used to think Harry Reid was one of the better Democrats but in recent years he has revealed his poor judgment and lapses in ethics and honesty. LDS in the Democrat party could be beneficial if they could guide the agenda in a positive direction but Reid has let the agenda shape him.

The Democrat agenda has not only been counter to morality and the constitution but to some of the fundamentals of the gospel. Personal accountability and progression is a fundamental principle. The democrat agenda of big government and communal society is aimed at equal outcomes for all. Experience and failure are great teachers. Millions already suffer from not learning to discipline themselves because the government will atone for their mistakes. Liberals want to expand these destructive policies.

We are taught the need to have oil for our lamps and that it cannot be borrowed. Those who have not mastered their temporal lives will never conquer the spiritual. The BOM teaches us that we need to be engaged in defending righteousness in the political arena and on the battlefield. LDS who support the democrat agenda of today, have failed to connect the dots.

ldsboy | 10:22 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

finally byu invites a political moderate, what an honor to have the majority leader at BYU! wow! thanks for treating him with respect. Mormons need to open their eyes to the evil and misleading actions of the Bush admin.

Taxpayer | 10:22 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

the reason there were no protests when Reid visited BYU is because Republicans don't have the time to protest. They are all busy at work earning money so the Democrats can re-distribute The Republicans wealth through burdensome taxation to pay for the the Democrat's "Great Society" of welfare and benefit recipients.

Dale J. Christensen | 10:24 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Jesus said "Judge Not"

How come so many here feel it is their role to Judge Senator Reid?

Christ's word should be the end all of this thread because most of what I read here is judgment of Reid.

Instead of engaging this debate, go bake cookies and take them to your new neighbor, go help the elderly, go into your private places and pray for guidance from God. This debate seems to be guiding so many away from the teachings of the man they claim as their personal savior.

JUDGE NOT!!!

BOM example | 10:25 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

You are refering to the anti-Nephi-Lehis that buried their weapons of war and refused to fight right?

rcronk | 10:26 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

P.S. In my last post, I might have come across as claiming that democrats were the problem. Republicans are following the democrats' lead, they're just not quite as far down that road.

Pro-choice? It's my _choice_ to kill someone - should there not be a law or punishment against that? This country twice now has drawn a line in the sand and said "those on this side of the line are human and those on the other side are not." Once dealt with blacks and slavery, the other dealt with abortion and the unborn child - both are dead wrong.

Founding documents protect the rights of citizens AND their posterity, which includes millions who have AND have not been conceived yet. It's not an issue of choice - the fetus is NOT a part of the mother - the DNA is different and if the child wasn't protected by fetal-blocking antibodies, it would be attacked by the mother's immune system as a foreign body. It's about convenience killing and it's amazing how people have rationalized it.

Reid should be fighting against abortion, socialism (global warming, universal healthcare), gay marriage, and many other things that Mormon doctrine is against.

dk | 10:26 a.m. Oct. 10, 2007

I've been away from Utah for several years now. I see things are even more divisive than I first thought. Heaven help these people.

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