Deseret News | Reid gets warm reception at BYU

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Reid gets warm reception at BYU

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Most Important fact | 11:28 p.m. Oct. 10, 2007

So I read all the posts--and the most important item that sticks out is Reid's decision to vote against an amendment to define marriage. The leaders of the Church sent an official statement inspired by God to vote for this ammendment to solidify the morals of our country. Mr. Reid decided that this inspired council was not worth following. What does that tell you about his character and testimony? He is more concerned about his party's stance on the issue than the Lord's. What will he justify next?

Clifton | 11:39 p.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Reid Advises us to worry less about abortion ect(Democrats usual rallying Cry) while at the same time in the Senate calls the President names, advocates cutting and running from Iraq, has great regard for Military lives in Combat, while telling people not to be to concerned about abortion, which claims more lives in a single year than the entire time the US has been engaged in Iraq to date. Usual Democratic demogoguery and blatant hypocrisy!

Love Harry? | 11:40 p.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Reid must not have been there (or read about it) when Brigham Young divided the conference in the tabernacle down the aisle. One side, he said should be Republican, the other Democrat. Something must have happened for, though we don't record members' political party, we all know in which camp most members rest. All Americans are disappointed in many Republicans this year, but probably not enough to see the switch Harry is suggesting. Young people don't want to go to war, so no surprise he got a rise out of BYU students who have never lived through a real one.

Comments continue below

Harry | 11:46 p.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Can you imagine Harry as a home teacher? A quorum leader, or a bishop, a stake president? Maybe a tourist.

Jay Brown | 11:47 p.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Harry Reid is amazing. In 2004 Harry received a $700,000 profit for the sale of land he hadn't personally owned for three years. I wish I could do that!

Vegas Ed | 11:50 p.m. Oct. 10, 2007

Harry is an embarrasment to my adopted state. His slogan for his last election here--INDEPENDENT LIKE NEVADA-- Can you believe that? He's as independent as I am a giraffe.

Nancy P. | 12:38 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Whatï¿½s the big deal? So Harry pocketed 400K in a shady land deal. Who cares? And those gifts from the Nevada Athletic Commission...come on, everyone does that stuff.

Also, you canï¿½t make a big deal out of greasing the skids for an Indian casino. He only got a mere $66,000 out of it. You must not like Indians. Racist.

Oh and that $330,000 in federal grants got for Rev. Willie Davis? It was just Pork. How could he know there would be an indictment?

And those comments about already having lost the war, well what do you expect him to say? If we win the war, it might make Bush look good. Its just politics. Who cares if it emboldens our enemies?

You all need to lighten up. Teddy Kennedy has done much worse.

CJB | 1:12 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Dale H: I like your idea about baking cookies and visiting people. Your comment about "judging not" is, I think, somewhat misguided. If you look at the Joseph Smith translation, you'll see something along the lines of "judge not unrighteously," or something along those lines. To me, that means to judge with the spirit. Really, we have to make judgments daily about people, events, politics. Reid himself does so about Pres Benson and others, or about whether to emphasize trying to outlaw abortion.
In general, although I am LDS and conservative, and I don't agree with Reid on most issues, and I think his belittling of the President is somewhat damaging to the country, I think it's good that we have such a high-ranking politician who is an LDS, liberal Democrat. It proves that the Church really IS apolitical and tolerant of many philosophies, that this position is not just lip service. Anytime someone accuses us of being just a bunch of conservatives, we can say, "Oh yeah, well what about Harry Reid? He's a Mormon."

Former Republican | 1:30 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Way to tell it how it is Reid. I'm happy that BYU invited him and he got the reception he deserved. Contrary to some of the opinions above, not all of us Mormons are closed minded conservatives.

HELP US!!!! | 1:55 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

All I can say is that every time Reid opens up his mouth I stand in awe at what comes out. How long do we have to deal with this man in power? Please return to Nevada and live your religion and stop corrupting nation with your ignorance and lack of judgment.

Rick | 2:04 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

#1 There are major problems with both leading political parties and many of the politicians within them.#2 It was foretold in The Book of Mormon that there would be many church members that would apostatize in the Latter-Day Church.

"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson-- That the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon principles of righteousness. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." D & C 121:34-36,39

Income redistribution is one serious form of "unrighteous dominion." Socialism is no different than stealing, rather than mugging me at the point of a gun you use the government as your unlawful agent. 51 people have no more rights than 49.

NVborn&raised | 3:26 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Politics aside (which is where they belong) - Reid is an embarrassment. His comments in the press are inflammatory. He opens his mouth and inserts his foot-he's ridiculous and has bought in "hook, line and sinker" to the Liberal ideology that is leading this country down a path that will destroy it, and from which there will be no return. (And sorry, I have to say it...global warming is the biggest hoax ever perpetrated upon a people that are supposed to be the most educated and informed in the world.) It's a sorry state of affairs when someone spouts that we should be more concerned about a non-existent bunch of garbage than the state of the Families in this country.

jim steart | 5:03 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I am disgusted, appalled and offended by what Harry reid said about Ezra Taft Benson. Harry is a wolf in sheeps clothing.

ed from florida | 5:16 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Has any one asked Senator Reid about his real estate dealings and how he came about his wealth as part of his recommend interviews? We seem to have "buried" his past as we evaluate his trustworthiness and integrity. Maybe he needs to read President Benson's great talk on pride and take a lesson.

embarrassed by Harry | 6:08 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I cringe whenever it's mentioned that Harry is Mormon because I think that people will begin to think the rest of us are like him. What a way to hamper missionary efforts.

MT | 6:48 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I appreciated a better perspective of Senator Reid. He is committed to his beliefs and active in his political cause. That deserves respect. Disrespect and lack of protocol to others does not. That was unfortunate to see.

I'm so brainwashed | 6:56 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

All these years I thought I had prayerfully been considering my stance on all issues that the LDS church teaches, but Mr. Reid tells me that President Benson was "to political". Gee, I just thought he stood up for the constitution and freedom of religion and freedom from oppresion of communisum and socialism. So I guess I won't complain anymore that eventually half of everything I make will go to people who don't want to work or come here illegally so I can feed and clothe them. That way I won't have extra money left to support the church's welfare system which actually asks those who use it to pay back their loan by working for the church (welfare farms...canneryetc.) in some capacity. The US Govt. does not. I'll stop complaining about the millions of deaths of innocent unborn children...no matter how viable and how old the fetus. I'll stop complaining about worker's comp law which rewards stupid employees who don't follow company procedures, thus making companies pay and often go under because they have to pay for their employees stupidity along with ridiculous legal costs. I'll stop complaining now and become open minded...so any junk can fall in.

another Vegas mormon | 7:15 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I don't care for his politics, but it sounds like Brother Reid has a solid testimony of the church, the Book of Mormon, and the Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. And that is what counts!

Carl | 7:19 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I would love to have Harry Reid or Mitt Romney as my home teacher, quorum leader, bishop, or stake president.

I don't agree 100 % with the political decisions of either but get disappointed reading all the bad mouthing of Harry Reid by people who claim they love the Savior, Prophet, and/or the LDS Church. I get just as disappointed when the "moral majority" won't support Mitt Romney because (in their words) he is a member of a cult.

Listen to the tape of Harry Reid at the BYU Forum. Please don't base your opinion on other people's interpretation of his remarks. Unless you were at the actual press conference after the assembly, you can NOT give an accurate account of his reference to Ezra Taft Benson.

Tithing | 7:31 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I know many people think that BYU is funded by tithing. I have been told by those who know that it is not.

Can anyone tell me how, and why they know that my tithing supports BYU.

Oterwise, I would appreciate people not using that as an excuse to dictate what they believe should happen at BYU.

scott chahalis | 7:31 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Sen. Reid at BYU - GREAT! Maybe we'll get it after all. The same people who condemn the "Christian" right for being anti-LDS (and make no mistake they are) appear to me to be similar to the "good" Mormon's who think every member that is not a Republican is the Anti-Christ. Go Hillary!

Q-Ball | 8:12 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I have no problem with Reid speaking at BYU - differing opinions are usually constructive. However, having lived in Nevada for the past 12 years, I want to clarify for others that Reid's actions in Nevada HAVE NOT mirrored what he perports to be his beliefs. I am very much a conservative Republican, but I do believe that a person can be Mormon and Democrat. A perfect example of that is the Mayor of Henderson, NV. His actions, statements, and policies are consistent with his beliefs. Reid cannot say that. None of us is perfect, and I can accept the best efforts of imperfect people who's actions, however imperfect, mirror their true beliefs. Either Reid's beliefs are not what he says they are, or else he is lying to far more than himself.
As you consider Reid's speech, remember (and I encourage you to do the research)"Actions speak louder than words".

Doug Brockbank | 8:24 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Republican Dick Cheney comes to BYU in the midst of protests, and cries that he not speak. Harry Reid comes to BYU, disparages past prophets, and gets a warm reception at BYU. Perhaps we as members of the Church have bought intothe "tolerance", "diversity" and "political correct" movements so much that we will bend over backward to accomodate those who appear open-minded and diverse. When will we learn to affirm our beliefs, rather than be embarrassed by them.

DClark | 8:27 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

So, I guess the Family Proclomation, the church's recent stance, very strong stance, against gay marriage has no meaning? Reid claimed there are more important issues. What does the proclomation say? DESTRUCTION! if the family values are not upheld by nations!

He's quick with his words to move sidetrack on issues, push blame onto others, and wiggle like a snake out of a possible uncomfortable question.

Reid can be a democrat all he wants AND be a church member. But he can't lie and decieve and contidict what the prophet is saying. In my book, he is a kingsman.

becca | 9:02 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I love how Reid is getting credit for "expressing what he believes" and getting standing ovations for his talk about his tear-jerking childhood and faith-promoting life. HeLLO?! Do any of you people know anything about his voting record? He voted FOR the invasion of Iraq. Mr. Reid, were you a part of that "worst blunder?" Yes. He claims to be pro-life (and made a big deal out of it in his speech, probably to excuse himself) yet does nothing to further the pro-life cause (and gets mad at the Supreme Court for upholding the ban on partial-birth abortion). He claims to believe marriage is between a man and a woman, yet votes against it in Washington even when Nevada has voted for it twice at home. "More important issues..." That's a wonderful example. No wonder no one gives Harry Reid a hard time for being Mormon back in DC, yet they do to Mitt. Mitt at least acts it!

NEVER | 9:10 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

NEVER put Elder Faust and Reid in the same likeness. THERE IS NO SIMILARITIES, other than both are democract. What they believe and SAY are completely different.
It is an insult to Elder Faust to say such a thing!

To SHock and Awe | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

YOu have met Reid, and think he is not pro-gay and pro-abortion? Okay, HAVE YOU LISTENED TO HIS SPEACHES?!

Democrats | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

He seems nice, but I just don't get why the Democrats can't admit that they would have also attacked Iraq....President Clinton has said so on the news himself....they act as if they never would have entered the country, which is hogwash....I have a taped news interview of Clinton saying he would have sent over double troops at first....the democrats just always complain yet they do not offer solutions to everything anymore than the republicans....they are just better whiners..

Reid Bashers? | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Only Reid bashers once believed there were weapons of mass destruction? Didn't Reid sign the paper to go to war, didn't most democrats? Quit trying to back out of what they chose!

Death Penalty Murder? | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

How about repentence? Isn't that why God killed so many people in the old testament, because only their own blood would help them in the afterlife?
Death penalty is not the same as abortion, so don't call me hypocrite when I side with what God has done to help those who commit such foul sins!
Abortion IS murder.

Did you know if you kill a woman who is 1 month pregnant, you will be tried for TWO murders? Yet she herself could have gone and had the baby killed. Now THAT is hypocracy.

One more thought. Any ever here of a talk by a leader of teh church where he would say the devil would be happy if he could sneak one lie into the truth?
Sounds like he's happy with both democrats and republicans.

Inquirer | 9:35 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

A corrupt, lying and hateful politician lecturing belivers in what is Christian and what is not. This is hilarious. A wolf telling the sheep that he is the good shepherd.

Russell M. Black | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

"Brother" Reid is wrapped around the axil. He belongs to the hate America first crowd. He is a plank holder to the Iraq surrender group. Mostly, his hatred for President Bush has been starkly evident,and he has done very little to support the war on terrorism. We are in a war, believe it! In my view, "Brother" Reid has done all he can to undermine the policies of this administration,and do everything possible to cause the defeat of the U.S. in Iraq.
Senator Reid will not be re-elected. The day of the "good" democrat has long since passed. what a shame.

Pam Smith, Henderson, NV | 9:48 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Hmmm? Letï¿½s seeï¿½.. Elder Ballard goes to Washington representing the First Presidency and the Twelve to lobby for a marriage amendment to the Constitution, and who votes against it? Senator Harry Reid.

Despite claiming to be a good Mormon, Senator Reid paid more attention to the gay and lesbian lobby than to the First Presidency and the Twelve.

Then he wants to tell us that President Ezra Taft Benson led us down a dark path? Hmmmm???

Democrats | 9:50 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Can someone explain why Democrats can take one man or one Republican who does something hypocrytical and "label" the entire Republican party as such? Do they honestly think that the entire Democratic party is free from being individually human and making poor choices??....these comments make me sick! open your eyes and quit whining so much! Can't wait until Hilary comes to Utah begging for all your money....remember what her hubby did in the White House...can we talk about someone who did some great things but made a poor choice??

Issues | 9:56 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Issues more important than abortion? Taking lives of precious spirits? Help!

Patrick J. Morris | 10:26 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I think people like Reid are just a start of a movement of people that will try to undermine the prophet and God's church. I don't see a better way to weed out people than to have the church 'split'. Don't be fooled by Reid or his 'fancy' words.

Belonging to a particular political party doesn't matter. However, the more important thing is what does your party believe and are you supporting that?

Harry Reid, may say one thing, but in reality he fully supports all the evils of our society. He is using the church for evil purposes and I would like to see someone critize him for it.

He says jobs and health care are more important than abortion and gay marriage. I would rather be jobless and sick in the city of Enoch than well off in Sodom and Gomorrah.

Follow the prophet not Harry Reid.

Glen | 10:55 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Bravo for Harry Reid, and kudos to BYU for extending the invitation. I hope that most of the hateful comments on this board are not from BYU grads, because they would represent the university very poorly and reinforce the stereotypes already out there.

Negativity | 11:00 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Hey, you people who don't like negative comments -- don't read forums. IF we disagree with someone who is publicizing views we abhor, we have the right to complain. You can stick your head in the sand; it won't change facts. And that fact is that many people are disappointed in Harry Reid and his political stance. I admire him in many respects, but his fight to preserve Roe v. Wade is as wrong as that decision was, in my opinion. Remember, what really counts in America nowadays is the 5-4 vote in the Supreme Court. With one different vote, the court could not have made some of the mistakes it has made and would have made many more mistakes in recent years. The chief reason I vote Republican is to keep the court from going liberal. I don't trust the Republicans any more than I trust the Democrats. But I think they give us a better chance of keeping the Supreme Court from becoming an unelected and superceding legislative branch.

Steve - Las Vegas | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

As a Nevadan and a Mormon, I am embarrassed by Senator Reid. He is a black eye on the Church. Wrapping his heresy up in his testimony, sounds a lot like the way Satan gets someone to take a step down a slippery slope. Casually throwing away the issue of same sex marriage and abortion by focusing attention on global warming and saying those are more important than issues that are at the heart of Christianity, leaves me wondering if he really does have a testimony of the Gospel. Accepting President Hinckley as a Prophet of God, while throwing the Proclamation on the Family into the mud, and then saying that Church Leaders have spoken wrongly about conservative issues is Heresy! Saying that Mormons are leaving the Republican Party in droves is a great example of "Democrat magic", that if you say something from a podium, it must be true. Mr Reid, I know Baloney when I hear it, and you Sir, are full of it. The truth is you are an Embarrassment to the Church and to Christian values. Comparing yourself to Joseph Smith is like comparing Korihor to President Hinckley. Shame on you!

Read the Family Proclamation | 11:16 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Reid may not believe it important, but the proclamation to the family says that "calamnities foretold by ancient and modern prophets will come upon any nation that doesn't uphold the family and marriage between man and woman" Okay, I'm paraphrasing, and have bad spelling. But that is what it says. Not important? when the idea of marriage is under constant attack? with Harry Reid leading the charge?

Carl | 11:36 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

WHEN will all those who support the War in Iraq stand up and join the US Marine Corps or the Army Infantry? If too old, take your children or grandchildren to sign up to go to Iraq to help fight this War of Choice in Iraq.

Talking about supporting the War in Iraq is cheap. Actually carrying a weapon as a Marine or a Soldier would give REAL proof of your commitment.

New Okie | 11:39 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Did he say that President Benson led members (if unintentionally) down the wrong political path? This man continually makes me speechless... I don't know whether to apologize for him or just ignore him. AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH.

Politics | 11:45 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Many Republicans and Democrats have posted. All profess to be good LDS. Is it "possible" that both Republicans and Democrats can be recommend holding Mormons?

And what about people from other countries. Should we "allow" Mormons from Amsterdam, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia etc. to hold Temple Recommends.

Vent all that you want, have your opinions, and judge who you will, but with all due respect, unless you allow others their opinion, what makes you think you deserve the right to your own.

Personally, I came out of conference week feeling super strong, and right now many make me feel my religion is a tad soiled. I guess it is my testimony in the gospel (not the members,prophets, or senators) that keeps me strong.

SLC Native | 11:49 a.m. Oct. 11, 2007

To all those who say LDS (well, Utah LDS, actually) aren't anti gay, just read all these posts above: "Gay Rights, Gay Marriage, Gay Marriage, GAY MARRIAGE!" ad nauseum. Tell me, are our gay brothers and sisters not tax-paying, American Citizens? Do they not deserve legal rights for their families? Why such derision for them? All of you should try living a day in their shoes, then you might not be so quick to condemn them.

Clark | 12:04 p.m. Oct. 11, 2007

There's been a lot of talk about why Dick Cheney was protested at BYU but not Harry Reid. Most of the comments regarding this issue have been made by people who aren't at BYU and have no idea what they're talking about. Yes, liberal students here protested Dick Cheney, and yes, there is a glaring inconsistency between saying that Dick Cheney's visit amounts to Church endorsement and not saying the same for Harry Reid's visit.

However, the reality is that there was no protest of Harry Reid not because everyone welcomed him, which was certainly not the case, but because most of us who disagree with him felt that a protest would be inappropriate. I agree wholeheartedly.

Protesting is a wonderful right we enjoy, but if used too often it loses its effectiveness and hurts true political dialogue. In this case, there has been more than enough dialogue (just look at this site!), and everyone has been able to express their approval or disapproval, so why protest?

anonymous | 12:08 p.m. Oct. 11, 2007

After being away from SLC for a while I see things are just as wacky as ever.

whoa nelly | 12:08 p.m. Oct. 11, 2007

WOW...you folks are the reason that mormons are looked at with a jaundiced eye by "outsiders".

UHHH...see any issues here with religion and politics mixing together anyone? Anyone? Anyone?

READ THE BOOK! | 12:11 p.m. Oct. 11, 2007

I would encourage all to read Gregory Prince's biography on President David O. McKay in order to realize some of the great contention that Benson caused among the brethren during the 1960s as a result of his overzealous, extreme political views. Then you will realize that, contrary to what you might think, there were many of the brethren that disagreed with his views and as such, we should all be reluctant to characterize such views as the pure word of God. Such a story tends to undercut some of the premise behind such conservative-promoting books like Prophets, Principles, and National Survival.

W vs FDR | 12:21 p.m. Oct. 11, 2007

1. After 9/11 W gets Congress to approve a war in Afghanistan. He subsequently gets approval for a war in Iraq. He didn't need the approval for Iraq; the war from 1990 never ended. Iraq failed to comply with the terms of surrender and fire on our patrol aircraft at least every week. Just because Bubba chose to ignore it doesn't mean that we were not still engaged in a war.
2. The cost of the Iraq war (this decade) has been the least costly war in terms of life and treasure in US history. Do some history folks (and be sure to account for inflation).
3. W's wartime record on civil liberties has actually been mediocre. However, he has not taken as draconian measures as other presidents in other wars. In some ways this has been his weakness. With no sacrifice, the American citizenry feels no connection with the success or failure of this war.
4. WMDs were one of several justifications given for the Iraq war. It was based on intelligence believed to be correct by a vast majority of Congress and the White House. It was also unnecessary (see #1 above).

used to work for Reid | 12:27 p.m. Oct. 11, 2007

Quit working for Reid in Nevada over 20 years ago, and became a republican because of contradictory actions of mr Reid. It's not the parties it's what the parties stand for and how that will effect our children and grandchildren. I'm very sure Mr Reid would have no objection to the church leaders whole hardedly supporting his views. But Reid gets flack and will always get flack because his legislative agenda and church affiation are in conflict.
Reid degrades a truely God fearing man in the White House who took out a weapon of mass distruction and saw him executed. Don't be confused between weapons and tools. However, Reid openly adored and protected a man who openly cheated on his family disgraced the office and taught that it was ok to lie. Thousands of souldiers have died under Pres. Bush for the sake of liberty, and they new why they died. Millions upon millions of little American baby boys and girls have been murdered, executed, under the consenting nod and open defense of mr reid. And now he says, don't be concerned with that,
because he dodges everything and leaves you and your family holding the Bag. Follow the Money!

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