Reader comments
Better duck — if you're a Mormon

Please, saying that Mormons are the only ones that get persecuted is ridiculous. Especially considering that Mr. Robinson lives in Utah and should realize that Mormons dominate this state and can say/do/legislate whatever they want, i.e. Leavitt injecting the BOM into public policy which surely raises constitutional questions.

Yes, your comments are getting old...how about you stick to the topic. This article isnt about Mormons in Utah. Its about Mormons on a national stage...

We make fun of Scientologists just as much. But we don�t make fun of all the things you mentioned. Think about it.

OK, I've lived outside of Utah my entire life. CA, MI, ID, NM, VA and now CO, and I second everything that is written here. How's that for national? The author didn't say the LDS people are the only ones discrimintated against - only pointed out the surge of bigotry that is incident to Mr. Romney's campaign. To even mention a candidate's religion in a report smacks of prejudice, just like it would be to call someone's candidacy into question for their gender, race, or for a disability.

Mormons who complain they are the subjects of bigotry are happy to do the same to other religions. There is a point where the religion, or lack thereof, of someone may be relevant. Would Mr. Robinson vote for a Scientologist? For an atheist? To non-Mormons why are these to be considered more strange, and therefore relevant to questions of voting for a celebrant of one or the other, than for Mormon celebrant.

I think Doug makes a good point. How many "magic underwear" comments have you seen lately? Can you imagine the national uproar if someone in the press called the Jewish yarmulke a "magic beanie" worn to instill the fear of God into a weak-minded people? Not only would they be fired, they would have to spend the next 6 months visiting every major Jewish leader here and in Israel seeking forgiveness.

I'm surprised you didn't include your faith's two most popular buzz words. On your next column, be sure to include "family values" and "discrimination". As an example, when the Jewish delegation came to SLC, for a second time, in trying to get your faith to stop (baptism & conversion of their faith's deceased). It seems your faith especially focuses on the rich and famous, of "other faiths". Then you attempt to appease them, by saying we have many of the same values. And you wonder why non-mormons disrespect you.

"Getting old" ... listen to yourself! Wow. The leg you are standing on just buckled again. Doug Robinson hit this one out of the park. The haters just hate even more when the truth is spoken. Break out of your little Utah world and read what is being spoken about Romney and Mormons in general THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE COUNTRY. Mormons and Mormonism, without question, have come under consistent attack by the haters.

Amen.

That is one good thing that is coming out of Mitt Romney running for president. These types of issues are being confronted. Political correctness applies to Mormons to. Mormons deserve respect. The things that I have read in the media about the LDS have been cruel attacks. This is unacceptable. Prejudices and double standards with the LDS are being confronted. Members of the LDS church are being given ample opportunities to define themselves and their faith. They can clarify misconceptions, ignorance, and lies. Some Mormons complain that all of this attention is bad and it makes the church look bad. I disagree; it is better to get it out in the open and to deal with it now than later. Mormons are expected to be polite, good people. They are also expected to be bold and to stand up for what they believe and to go and make a difference in the world. No one can or should try to please everyone. As stated earlier, this is an opportunity to defend who we are and to define ourselves instead of allowing others to define us.

I was glad to read this article. I am tired of people on the national stage making comments about my religion, that clearly indicate they do not understand it. I don't understand much about the Muslim religion, but I don't make rude and demeaning comments about it on the news, or even in my workplace or home.
Anyone is free to vote in or out anyone they don't like, and I'm tired of people thinking that my religion runs this state. However, does anyone complain in the bible belt?

And what if Mormons are RIGHT? And we'll never know until it's too late!

Great article.

Mr. Robinson,
Right on! It is time that we members of the LDS faith stand up and be counted. It is absolutely nuts that the mormon thing has entered into the fray. It should not be an issue on the national stage and has hurt one of the brightest political minds of this century. Mr. Romney is by far the most qualified for the Job. I highly recommend that both Mormons and non Mormons ban together and lets get this guy elected.

I grew up in Utah and lived half of my adult life there. My experience is that non-Mormons outside of Utah are more tolerant of us than are non-Mormons in Utah (most of whom are inactive Mormons, by the way).

Living as an LDS in Utah is the ultimate exercise in PC. The slightest suggestion that the Church is important and well-intentioned is met with all manner of shrieks from the ACLU, Democrats, Rocky Anderson, the Tribune, and their disciples, who are overrepresented in the press based on their small numbers.

Even outside the state, the article is right on, and I would not have thought so until Mitt Romney started his journey to the White House.

In the spirit of the Golden Rule, let us not react by insulting members of other faiths.

Let us remember that the persecutions we suffer now are very minor as compared to what took place in the 19th century.

Finally, let us remember that the truth is not defined by those who try in vain to tear down our faith.

Thank You Doug! I am so tired of being the punching bag that the candidates, the media and the country is jabbing everytime they have an audience! As for "Getting Old" have you seen the little white bibles that the president of the united states sent to all the troops during WWII? I can guarantee you that Romney is not going to send Books of Mormon to the troops. He is a Christian with high moral values that will govern this country with the integrity and honor. We are a country founded on religious tolerance and freedom, except, if you belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How sad!

If we really cared or were insulted a lot by what these people say we could raise a big stink about it a put it to rest. Fact is most of us are above getting offended over it.

O'Donnel is the only person that has ever said anything that really offended me, and I've been told that I'm going to Hell straight to my face.

Bravo Doug. You hit the nail on the head. For those who think that non-Mormons living in Utah have a difficult experience, try being a Mormon in Mississippi. In Utah the majority is known and the majority will of the people will bend over backwards to respect other religions. Having grown up in Utah and been in LDS Church leadership for most of my adult life I can attest that never has there been one official word spoken against another denomination. We may disagree with doctrine and lifestyles, but we never preach intolerance, even toward those whom we may disagree. While here in Mississippi it is commonplace to have other churches devote their entire church service to denounce the "cult" of Mormonism. A "cult" that pays for the construction of church buildings for those of other faiths (Cathedral of the Madeline, Krishna temple.) A "cult" that pays for the food, clothing and electric bills of disadvantaged individuals regardless of their faith. A "cult" that is usually the first to help in emergency situations and also the last to leave. Regardless of the criticism, I am grateful to belong to such a "cult!"

Commentaries like this are created to get a reaction mostly from those who have an ax to grind or vent their frustrations, what a waist of time.

Bravo!! Excellent article! It's about time we say wait a minute.....no dirt to dig up and nothing about his past escapades so let's get him because of his religion! No, I'm not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, I'm a Baptist, you're right, this isn't about Utah, it's about the nation. We are all in this together! The only time I heard religion used when necessary was when Pres. Bush said, "It wasn't a bunch of Methodists' who blew up the twin towers".