Deseret News | Better duck — if you're a Mormon

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Doug Robinson: Better duck — if you're a Mormon

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Isn't this Political? | 4:52 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

What exactly is this all about? Are we not talking about a POLITICAL campaign? How in the world did religion even get into this? I knew it would. Its obvious this would happen. Mitt Romney is a Mormon and everybody who isn't is going to make sure that everbody else knows that. But what does religion even have to do with it! Why does every campaign have to be about stuff that doesn't even apply to our nation. This is the road to the white house we are talking about... that means, it is politics! I agree that there should be no more attacks at Romney, or anybody else. However, more than that, religion should not be a factor! I will not vote for anybody because of their religion. I am Mormon and that doesn't make me more inclined to vote Romney. I want a president with my POLITICS, he can attend any church he wants, or no church at all, as long as my civil interests are taken care of. Put religion behind us and focus on our nation. May the best political values win!

16-years-old | 5:07 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

i live in las vegas and go to highschool...i can tell you that not only are the mormon kids at my school the most involved but also the most criticized...almost the whole student council is mormon which means that the whole school knows who and what they are and we are looked at differently becuase we are different...theirs nothing we can do about it but be nice and corteous and answer questions politely and answer rudeness without confrontation...i really hope that this whole election thing doesn't cuase members of the church to confront anyone negatively

Bob | 5:18 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Comparing critics of the mormon religion to racists and sexists is completely absurd. The reason it is politically incorrect to disparage someone over their race or sex is because Americans are taught that all mankind is equal and deserve respect because they are human, not because of their beliefs. However, that is very different from saying that all ideas & beliefs are created equal and deserve respect.

I respect your RIGHT to believe whatever you want, but that doesn't mean I have to respect the belief itself. Anytime someone believes something without any evidence then they are asking for criticism and should be criticized in a a society of REASON.

As Mitt would say "facts are stubborn things." It's time to start basing our beliefs on facts, not superstition.

Comments continue below

jackhp | 6:05 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

This was a dumb column. They should change Robinson's title from "columnist" to "whiner extraordinaire".

nope | 6:06 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

moap box | 2:18 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
"Not that PC at the polls matters; moï¿½s are told by THE church how to vote. & As such THE church should be TAXED!"

The church every election says that the meeting houses can't be used for political activities and members should study the candidates and issues carefully and vote with their consciences...They did come out on principle against the ERA, and against gambling, etc , but they consider those morality issues.

"Moreover, & more disturbingly, this 'religion' all but requires their women to live as 2nd class citizens."

Women are encouraged to be a parent along w/the father. It works better for all involved if someone is home. My wife works as a school teacher outside the home. It's a pain to have both of us work and as soon as we can make enough money...SHE WANTS TO STAY HOME! It's best for the family to have someone home. She and I both want her to be able to stay at home to help raise our son.

You have a warped understanding of church teachings concerning women and women's strengths.

Your problem w/the church is you!

Nevada Mormon Swede | 6:26 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

When Jesus said "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone". Isnï¿½t extremely amazing there is this many sinless people out there!

Salt Laker | 6:27 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I think the article was totally offensive and unnecessary in bringing up any and all of the stereotypes we need to rid our society of. I am also tired of defending my LDS faith to those who think they know all or more than a 32 year old very active member due to the current media/election/Romney frenzy. But I'd bet all of the others' and more who have or are being persecuted feel the same way. Get over ourselves.

Nevada Mormon Swede | 6:41 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Be careful what you say...These HATE WORDS and/or ACTIONS could be construed by the Criminal Prosecutors and Criminal Courts as racist hate crimes.

One-sided comments | 6:46 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Lame. The article is boring and really not relevant. I'm like so shocked that all these mormon posts agree with the article. . duh! Its like going into a Jazz game and yelling "Go Jazz!". Who's going to disagree? Fact is, the majority of mormons in Utah only see one side. I'm sure you'll prove it by your responses to my post. If you haven't noticed, people do talk about Obama's muslim heritage and him being black as being an issue and Hilary crying and being an emotional woman and etc, etc. You just aren't looking for that. These are the same judgements Romney gets. (by the way, I like Romney and think he would be a good Pres). OH, you're so picked on! Enough all ready. I'm sure my opinion is "offensive" and will be blocked for the same one-sided reasons.

double standard? | 6:59 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Mr. Romney has said that he should not be judged on his faith, but it seems to me, in talking to my neighbbors and co-workers here in Utah, that nearly 100 percent are voting for him simply because of his faith. Many people here belive that is all they need to know.
Seems to me you can't have it both ways....

Brent Greenwell | 7:09 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Yes, politic is tough and difficult. The LDS faithful should understand this because of the fact that they have supported a Political Party that has been associated with the slime of the slime slingers of all times, the Republican Party. Please provide me the numbers of Morman faithful that will be putting their support in someone other than Mitt Romney. When one of their own is running, the Mormons could care less about where other candidates stand on the issues. He is a Mormon and therefore perfect and no need to look further. Lets buck up and quit feeling sorry for yourselves. There are other great people out there. You are not the only perfect soles in the land.

Mormons need to be accepting too | 7:34 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

This article makes a valid point about the PC inconsistancy where Mormons are concerned. However I personally am not going to vote for Romney for reasons such as, his record political track record as MA governor. Further, Huckabee is not the candidate for me either because he IS so staunchly evangelical and that does not reflect my values and I also believe his evangelical stance would be harmful to the country as a whole.

While I am not Mormon and do not agree with a lot of what the church stands for and believes, I also know that they do have good values such as endorsing hard work and family values. It is my right as an American to disagree with the church and voice my disdain for certain aspects of it. I think many people are doing just that, voicing their qualms with Mormonism. Maybe they just need to be nicer about it.

Re: Louis R. In Moab | 7:36 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

This is exactly why we have this problem is because people who are ignorant and pay no attention to what's going on in the world. Warren Jeffs is not a Mormon. Neither is the group that he led. He is part of a fundamentalist, apostate group that feels that they should practice polygamy, a practice that the church has long since discontinued. People like this are not recognized in any way by the Church as being members.

No one is perfect... | 8:06 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

We do not feel we are perfect souls at all. We have the right to vote for a man who shares the same values and believes in God to guide him as he would preside over this country. He is not the most "popular" by worldly standards, and neither is the Mormon faith. Perhaps that is why it is ok to laugh and point and make fun of us...even politcally ok. It is in my opinion that voting for a candidate you relate to and trust is the right way to vote. In God We Trust.

Misunderstanding | 8:24 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Moap box...I really wish you didn't view the Mormon religion like that. I feel bad you had a bad experience when/if you moved to Utah as a member of another religion. I could see how that would be hard-I hope you can one day see that experience as people making mistakes, and not our religion. If you have lived in other states and met Mormon's there I am sure you would have felt welcome and you could even become friends with one of us, as we in other states are the outcasts. I have not been in your shoes, but I do sincerely feel bad for the impression you have of the Mormon religion. I know our religion is not based on scrutiny or leaving others out. BTW, I PROMISE our church does NOT tell us how to vote. We believe strongly in free agency.

jingajinga | 8:40 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I have noticed the disparaging comments about Mormons recently. I agree both with what the author said, and would like to echo comments made by other readers. Scientologists are also made fun of, and Utah does make quite a big deal about gay people. Do I think Scientology and homosexuality are right? No, but I realize that everyone is free to choose their own path... accepting the consequences of their choices. Will I share my beliefs with others (gays, scientologists etc)? You bet. But will I be offended if they want to do the same? No, in fact I expect it. I think the important thing is to remember that we have freedom of speech. Just because we don't agree with what others say doesn't mean they can't say it. But we don't have to listen to what everyone says. Personally, I think this country NEEDS to learn to not listen to people whose anger, ignorance etc. skews the way they view others and their beliefs. If we stop paying attention to, and thereby reinforcing idiocy, maybe there will be fewer idiots in the country, because they will learn to think before speaking (writing etc).

Hey "Emma" | 8:58 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Thanks for that comment it really hit home. You said (at 6:17 today) that we should "seperate the church from its people in your judgement." That is true seperate Mitt from his church in your judgement. Now I am not a mormon but when you said that just reminded me to vote for the right reasons. The right reasons are whose gonna "get it done" properly.

elizabeth | 9:10 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

I have been a member for many years and I will never forget the day I opened the door to "the Mormons". It was as if I had known these young men before. I have never doubted their teachings and I sometimes feel for people who turn away without knowing their loss. I don't usually let these comments bother me.

Savea7 | 12:17 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I've never read and heard so many anti-Mormon articles and comments in my life since Mitt Romney got into this presidential running for the White House. It is so sad to see the ignorance, bigotry, hatred, bias and hypocrisy of these people. The news didn't even say anything about how some preachers in Iowa were preaching anti-Mormon and urching their membership to vote for Huckabee. There are too many stories like that to write here, but one fact I know is that many people view the Mormons as contrary to anything good. All the good things that the church are doing for the world are forgotten. If Mitt loses his bid for the high office, I will still be grateful for his efforts and good example as a member of the church. He's got everything in life and didn't have to run for this. The main difference is the hatred and hypocrisy of many so called born-again Christians. To me they are not the true example of true Christians. Their true colors will haunt them in the years to come. Thank you Mitt for being a good example to many of us.

Please Take Note | 1:03 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

The author of this article is racist and should be reprimanded by the Deseret News. While doing PR work for Mitt Romney he has disparaged Senator Obama on false and offensive claims. You should be ashamed of publishing this.

Confused | 3:51 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I do agree that it is not fair that they are making these comments against Mormons. However, there are plenty of poeple who would fight against these comments. They would say the same things about a Gay or Lesbian candidate too. I support the LDS church, but there are so many LDS members, some, not all, who will vote for Mr. Romney just because he is LDS, or who are closed-minded to other points of view

APM | 3:54 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Reading all these comments makes me think Utah is not dominated by LDS. And if we are going to judge a person by their religion, then we should be judging Pres Bushï¿½s on his religious faith. And then ask did his faith affect some of the choices he made in office and the answer would be no, so why are we doing this to romney ?.

This Sunday | 8:36 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I may or may not be in church.

I don't care if any of you are or are not.

I hope this clears up everything for everyone.

Anonymous | 8:43 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Ah yes. Always prayers. Even on blogs.
Give us a break!
Pray for yourself.

simple truth | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

response to 8:42

I don't pretend to be a "Christian" and love everybody, I don't pretend to be better than anybody. I just don't like the Mormon lifestyle: I find it disgusting. I don't want LDS friends, I don't want an LDS president, I even try to avoid Marriott hotels wherever possible.

I agree with Robinson that it's now cool to mock Mormons, but I think y'all deserve it, and worse.

Matt | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Actually, I have heard several utahns comment about Obama's name.

Clannish....?!?!?! | 9:52 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I've lived all over the country and in other countries, and what kills me here in Utah is that people call Mormons "clannish." If any other group of people with similar intrests hangs out together, it's okay. Bunch of Latino's, it's ok, bunch of blacks it's ok, bunch of baptists, bunch of pregnant women, bunch of mom's, bunch of computer gamers, etc it's OK. BUT-bunch of Mormons (who even use their 'clans' to do service projects locally/nationally/internationally/) then it's suddenly NOT ok to hang out with people who have similar intrests & values.

Whatever...

Becky F | 9:54 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I agree with this article 100%. You hit it right on the head.

Think about it | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

It's interesting how two churches both teach that their chuch is correct and not to follow the ways of the other church. And yet, only one chuch is considered bigoted and hateful.

E | 10:20 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

If you have a problem with Romney, don't vote for him.

If you have a problem with the LDS faith, don't attend their services.

If you have a problem with state or local politics, and the LDS people that may be in a position of leadership, move.

SoCal reader | 10:21 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I have always heard and believed, that any publicity is good publicity. The people who are displaying their ignorance about the Mormon faith, are doing so because Mitt Romney is doing so well in the election process and they are tying to discredit him. Since they don't have any valid points on which to discredit him, they have to turn to his religious beliefs. I say let them talk, it gives Mitt national publicity and recognititon.

Anonymous | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I read somewhere that the world never becomes more tolerant it just changes targets. I think this is a perfect example of that.

Lou | 10:46 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Good article, but if you are a nonmormon in Utah you will be looked down upon and isolated. Why is it that ok?

re: moap box 2:18 pm | 10:46 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I am a woman in the LDS church who does, says, feels and acts the way I CHOSE. I have a college degree, I have traveled and lived all over the country, I have worked in the workplace and I have never been looked down on for this. Don't tell my my church treats me "2nd Class" when you don't know this for yourself. I have chose to marry and have a family because I chose it and believe it's important.
Next, our next door neighbors moved into our "all mormon" neighborhood and they love it and we love them. They are awesome and we are really good friends---and guess what? They aren't LDS.
How did they ever buy that house?????? What?!

Mormon-haters everywhere | 10:48 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

This editorial is 100% true. But it ere has been the case - Mormons trying to live their lives, consistently dogged by haters out to persecute and ridicule and belittle - not to mention outright theft of property, homes and livelihoods, opportunities and lives. And the Mormon-hating continues, including in this comment section.

Sure Mormons proselytize. Get over it - it's in the Bible. But I have yet to see an anti-Baptist, or anti-Methodist or anti-Catholic or anti-Muslim tract, movie put out by the Mormon leaders or by any half-credible Mormon member. I have yet to see any half-credible Mormon go out of their way to tell members of other religions that they don't believe in Christ when they actually do, or that they're going to Hell over their lack of compliance with an obscure and indefensible Nicaean committee decision.

Alas. It was likewise during the "Christian Insurgency" in a Jewish society 2000 some-odd years ago. To borrow from Hypocrite Huckabee (the anti-Mormon candidate, no less) in last night's debate and apply it in a religious context, "you know you must be over the target when you're taking a lot of flak."

communication and understanding | 12:05 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I am LDS and have lived outside of Utah all but 3 yrs in 7 different states. I have heard every crazy misperception about the Mormon Church that is out there and done the best I can to help raise awareness of fact and not fiction. I have lived among and loved greatly those of every faith because of their inherent goodness. If they do not return the favor, that is their choice and I respect that. It does not make any difference to my foundational beliefs.

Four years with a Mormon President will, no doubt, be four years of scrutiny of the Mormon Church. No other president will have experienced a greater attention of their faith as will this one. Not even the Kennedy years were able to produce an inquest of the Catholic Church.

Great misperceptions of Mormons will be in the media daily. We'd best be prepared, open our eyes to understanding others and anchor our hearts in our hope and faith in Jesus Christ.

SLC | 12:19 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

The funny thing is that as a SLC resident, the LDS are more tolerant of the non mormons then that non mormons are of the mormons. Go figure.

The Old Submariner | 1:03 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Just think if the Dolphins had been stuck with a "Mormon Quarterback" named Steve Young! Then what would the "reporter" have had to complain about. At least the guy isn't bigoted about only Mormons. He gets his lick in on the Hispanics & Pacific Islander.

Anonymous | 1:07 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Robinson is like many other so-called religious victims. He quickly cries foul play if he thinks he is being picked on but when the tides are turned he doesn't hesitate to throw stones.

Just a reminder of the many stones Robinson has thrown: President Williams of the NAACP, Brokeback Mountain and gay cowboys, Dale Shanze and totally awesome computers, Michael Moore and Howard Stern just to mention a few.

My point: Robinson should put down his throw stones and check his elitist and judgmental one-sided hypocrisy before he sits down to put pen to paper.

To Bob | 1:36 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Bob, everyone has beliefs that can not be supported with reason or facts. Even if you are an atheist, you have no proof that the existance of the earth was pure chance. None, zip. Likewise religious people have no proof of the existance of God. They exercise faith, which EVERYONE does as regards the existance of the earth, the condition of ourselves after death, etc. We are all in the same boat. You can choose to be disrespectful of a person's belief, but you need to realize that reason and proof are in limited supply here in mortality, unfortunately. Mitt's faith is no different than other faiths. The LDS people have weirdos in their history and weird stuff (polyandry of JS) just like the Catholic (re: Pope Innocent the III, as an example) or other religions. Atheists have some sorry figures in their history (Stalin, Chairman Mao, etc.). You are not nearly as morally superior as you think. In fact your intolerance puts you in a morally inferior position. Get over yourself. Live and let live.

What? | 2:08 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

To Luis R. from Moab:
What does Warren Jeffs have to do with Mormons? He's not Mormon. He's not even a baptized member that has gone inactive. Your comment is ridiculous. Saying you couldn't vote for a Mormon because of Warren Jeffs is like saying you couldn't vote for a Presbyterian because you hate the Pope. Seriously, take a step away from your computer and crack open a theology book. It's people like you who make me so mad that my vote in the election is worth as much as yours is.

Utahbornraised.. | 2:21 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I am no longer Mormon, whole family is... I think the funny thing about a young religion is we can still dig up all the facts there is no hiding what people did or said... Mormons have a funny way of denying exactly what their leaders and prophets have done or said. But its an easy excuse to say I didnt know what someone was doing in my backyard... But give it a 100 years and you wont find anything about, Kolob, Bloodattonement, Adamgod, half the temple ceremonies that have changed from what they use to be... You guys just have to figure out that it takes a good 100 years to take all of the coocky out of a religion and make it politicaly correct. Until then all you Mormons remember that its all still out there in black and white, and before you trust brother Mitt go out and do a little research for yourself. And remember books for Mormons written for Mormons dont count. But hey just my two cents from someone whose lived all over the world, and still lives behind the zion curtain...LOL.

New names... | 2:36 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I have been called many things as a Mormon but never a duck. That one is new. I kinda like it.

emet | 3:36 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I just finished reading a true story, Escape, about Colorado City, AZ/Hildale , Utah. In this story, it tells where the Utah Attorney General is told that if he tries to persecute Warren Jeffs, that his job would be on the line, because it would be religious persecution. Warren Jeffs has committed crimes against children, in the name of his religion, Polygamy. I do not relate being LDS to the FLDS, and the FLDS is costing the states of Utah and Arizona millions of dollars in welfare and medical care for the thousands of children that they bring into the world and cannot even begin to support. So why would the Utah Attorney Generals job be threatened for trying to bring this crime to a halt? I am a senior citizen, and have seen a lot in my life, but this is a shocker. I am a Christian.

SoCal Mormon | 3:58 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Well done, Doug. Well done.

Deseret Morning News Moderator | 3:58 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

The article, and discussion, should be about tolerance or non-tolerance, the media and political correctness. It isn't about polygamy or LDS history or any of the other topic branches that comments here have become. Our moderating team may have let the topic stray too much but the line is now being drawn again more clearly. Thanks!

Carol Anglin | 4:02 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Those words are my sentiments, EXACTLY! The crazy thing is that part about Romney taking orders from the prophet. We are probably one of the few churchs who DON'T support a particular candidate. We are told to "use our free agency" but be sure to vote for the "candidate of your choice". I am a convert but was a Baptist as a teenager and believe you me, they spend more time talking about Mormons and literally telling their members Who to vote for than anyone in the Mormon Church can imagine. My feelings are this: America, at this time, doesn't even deserve an honorable, God fearing gentleman like Mitt Romney. This country is going to, I fear, reap what they have sown. What a shame when such a wonderful candidate is giving it his all to serve the country he loves with all his heart and all people can say is, "But he is a Mormon....."
But, remember this, if God intends for the Mitt Romney to be President at this time, no one on God's green earth can stop him. Time will tell and I will forever think of Mitt as a fantastic candidate.

Bob in Stansbury | 4:19 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I never thought I would come to Utah. The Mormons I knew who were raised here and moved out spoke poorly of the state. I have lived all over the world. I have been here a little more than a year and I can tell you that there is no better place to live and raise a family. The people I have met are friendly, kind and accepting. I don't know if that is because of the location (the West) or because of the religous influence. Regardless, I love it here and I love the people here. Excellent article, by the way.

Truth | 4:21 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

The only thing that really is holding back Mitt Romney is that he's a Mormon...and maybe he flipped-flopped on abortion (some people may say gay marriage too but that was really gay RIGHTS) other than that he is pretty much what America needs. He has lots of experience in the market business which will help are economy. He has lots of experience in the common politics and yet people look past this. There is a strong wall that has Mormon written all over it that most people in America can't find a door through and because of this they keep on trying to break it down, but trust me...you won't.

Idaho reader | 4:51 p.m. Jan. 11, 2008

I agree with 3-1 above. It would be VERY interesting with Gladys Knight in the running? The Press would have a field day, not to mention the other candidates. What a circus that would become!!! The it would be very obvious that Doug's article was right on......

Well written article Doug!

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