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Owner says Prop 8 opponents hacked into LDS site

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jessicasmith | 11:24 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Typical behavior. I am sick of Gay bashing.They cry their rights have been violated, so have mine. We are not the only faith to stand up for what we believe is right. Many many others are also now doing the same thing. Many African American churches nationwide have voiced the same opinion. Gays slam our faith saying we are horrible and non-loving people when they themselves are full of violent acts, and destruction. Gods laws are unchanging. It says so in the Bible.He is the one who made this law.Our world is unraveling. I am so disappointed in the gay community.
They can keep vandalizing churches, sending hate mail,hacking and whatever they need to do to send their message. This is getting to be typical behavior for the gay community. THEIR actions are hateful. Far more than opposing prop 8.
Concerned | 11:57 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Jessica,

I think it's pretty irresponsible to blame this on the LGBT community. ANYONE could have hacked into the system. It could be anyone who feels the LDS church has done them wrong. It could be anyone who is using the Prop 8 fight as a reason to target the Mormons. Be rational.
head under a rock | 12:45 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Dear Concserned,
Let us see. Sinc ethe passing of prop-8 over 20,000 pro-gay-marriage people have been threatening to burn down the temples and churches of the LDS, to murder LDS members, to picket, shout obsenities, threats and other falsehoods.

This is all in less than a week. But no... they couldn't be behind any of this... no siree...
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 1:14 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Calling your opponents �hateful� is just a tool to silence them
Whose Rights are Trampled? | 2:03 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Let's see, GLBT's have all the rights of marriage with civil unions, but that's not enough. They want the approbation of society to their unnatural acts, and they want to indoctrinate our children into their "lifestyle".

I don't see how GLBT rights are being abused, when they are trying to change 6,000 years of civilization's respect for man-woman marriage.
westiewestAZ | 2:07 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Ah yes, now it begins. Typical of "they can dish it out, but they can't deal with it". How about a parade gathering similar to the homosexual "Pride" thing, only it would be for traditional marriage. Can you imagine the negative Media coverage and the backlash?? The CA black people voted by 70% for Prop 8. Have you heard of any black church being vandalized?? No, because the homos are afraid to be considered racist.
RE: Concerned | 4:46 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Um, Concerned, who ELSE do you think might have done this? You must have some other suspects in mind if you think the same people who would storm an LDS temple in broad daylight would NOT hack unseen into a prominent Mormon-culture website.

I'm willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. And sure, the specific individuals have yet to be identified. But in this case, sorry to say, there's really not much wiggle room. When those individuals ARE identified, there's a really, REALLY high probability that we'll find they're part of the anti-Prop. 8 mob.

In the past few days, we've seen a fairly substantial group of "tolerant," "loving," "equality-minded" people show that the ONLY right they deserve is one to a speedy trial. "Marriage" doesn't even enter the discussion at this point.

So no, Concerned, I'm afraid there isn't much doubt.
To Anonymous | 5:35 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Even when it's true? Because, I'm pretty sure the white powder was a true gesture of hate.
Fibonacci | 5:46 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
I too am getting tired of the militant gay community trying to force their "morality" on the rest of us. If you don't believe the way they want you to believe they are going to picket your places of worship, boycott you out of a job, terrorize you with letter bombs, and burn your religious. For a group began by just asking for tolerance, it sure has turned ugly!
Re: Anonymous | 1:14 a.m. | 5:53 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Are you saying, "Calling your opponents �hateful� is just a tool to silence them" in reference to what was said in this blog by jessicasmith | 11:24 p.m, or are you referring to the thousands of blogs, and I mean thousands, that I have read by people that oppose Prop 8, saying this about anyone that has supported Prop 8? Saying these one-line, truth-filled statements, anonymously must make you feel you are a voice of reason in the wilderness, championing your cause for the opponents of Prop 8, but when it comes down to it, it shows how little you have listened to and thought through this controversy and the rhetoric that has been spewed from both sides of the issue

On the other hand if you are listening to the rhetoric from all of the blogs, from all of these Prop 8 related articles, then yes, both sides are trying to control or silence one another. It is not just the Prop 8 supporters.

While we're at it, some (overused)statements used by mainly the Prop 8 opponents, used to try to control a faith-base movement, are: "Shame on you",and "It is so Christ-like of you to (fill-in-your-own-Prop_8-Opposition-Phrase)
Blame game | 5:53 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Lets blame the LDS for everything:

1. Wiping out on your bike when you were 5 years old
2. Losing your job.
3. Getting a "B" in spanish
4. Losing the football game three years ago.
5. For something that will happen two years from now.
Why do people seek to blame the LDS church for everything.
What is that about?
To anonymous | 5:55 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Would you call these actions "loving"? Liberal extremists are the most open-minded people in the world until they encounter someone who disagrees with them. The people who supported Prop 8 have not picketed, attacked, vandalized or bothered this bunch in any way. What they have done is taken a moral stance in an immoral world. They (and of course it's not all of them) are acting like spoiled brat children who didn't get their way and are throwing a fit. If you can't win the argument you attack the messenger. It is hateful and obviously it's not going to silence them because they have no morals and no shame.
To Concerned | 6:14 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Concerned,
You be rational. Just your everyday Mormon haters are not going to put lesbian porn on the site. The timing is also too coincidental. We should not accuse anyone without evidence, but it is not irrational to suspect gay activists in this case.
These groups are very skilled at their attacks and at pushing their agenda. They have a live target with the LDS church and they are at war. I now believe this is the sad truth. It is too bad for all. These kinds of actions and the "rationale" coming from the gay community are unfortunate for all, especially the kind and "good" in the gay community. Current actions will polarize communities and ultimately the whole US. Very scary.
Not accomplishing their goal | 6:37 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Whatever the rioters/opponents of Prop 8 do will not make the LDS Church change their stance or their beliefs. Nor will it make the devote members of the LDS church less strong in their convictions. That's all.
We are | 6:38 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
seeing these people's true colors. This is what they are made of. They have revealed themselves and it sure isn't pretty.
Mary | 6:40 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Why are the LGBT targeting the Mosques?
Just wondering...
Susie Q | 6:43 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Head Under a Rock-I live in CA accross the street from a "mega church" (the ones that have like 25k members attend every week) that participated and they are picketed on Sundays as well. All people who contributed are getting picketed. Part of freedom of speech is accepting the consequences of freedom of speech.

Should anyone have done this? Absolultey not. However, can you really think of a better way to upset an LDS themed website right now? Until they talk to the person who did it, we will not know the cause.
Susie Q | 6:49 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
One other thing, I have not heard of death threats against members of the churh. The picketing is not uncommon in a situation like this. Similar to the way there were "Yes on Prop 8" people holding signs at every major intersection in CA, people who are opposed to what happened want to make their voice heard and further the fight.

Quite honestly, I don't think anyone in the church PR office is suprised at this response. The LGBT community is upset about what happened. They are finding a way to keep it in the spotlight. Not uncommon either. The problem is that for some reason lots of members of the church thought that once the election was over, this would end. This is like the church's involvement in the ERA. It isn't going to go away. People who disagree are not going to forget.

The church took it's stand. Others will take theirs. Similar to the fact the church said it was not picking on the LGBT community, they are not picking in the church.
New Yorker | 6:51 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Bring it on. As the lgbt tip toe around threatening people, this will backfire. I believe some of us are getting sick enough to start dishing their hateful spew back at them. Remember, 98% of people aren't lgbt.
re: Anonymous | 6:57 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
The gays calling the LDS cjurch hateful won't silence it one bit. Truth is truth and right is right. Sin will always be sin.

The gay lifestyle is immoral according to the commandments of God. It always has been and it always will be. We feel for those involved in it and pray for their salvation.
Facts | 6:58 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
If you read the blogs on the DN and all other sites regarding Prop 8, you'll find hateful expressions on both sides targeting the other. As LDS, we should be examples of charity and love toward others. The gays may call us names. They may fight to teach our children that homosexuality is not only acceptable, but the only choice for those with gay tendencies. They may fight to have their unions equalled with that of heterosexual marriage by redifining marriage. They may picket and shout obsenities at us. They may boycott Utah (they won't boycott their own state). But given all that, we must understand that this activity is not the norm for the greater gay community. For the most part, they are loving, caring couples who are trying to be valued as living, breathing, thinking, intelligent brothers and sisters to all human kind. In the same way we don't want to be labeled like the few bad examples of LDS, let's not judge all gays by the acts of a few (who may not even be on the gay side of the battle). Love thy neighbor and vote for righteousness in our communities.
Not a fan of sore losers. | 6:58 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
The bunch of sore losers on the prop8 thing ought to grow up, take their lumps and at least be civl in thier protests.

I worry about a what a backlash from the prop8 supporters and those with no stake in this who are being openy attacked might be.
Ben | 7:24 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Voice of warning to the no on Prop 8 community: We need to be careful here...by all this protesting, we are awaking a "sleeping giant" of religeous and non-religous citizens who are sympathetic that mormons are being singled out. I am fearful we are taking a step backward and hurting the cause...many who sided with us on prop 8 are now re-thinking their stand all because of believed "unfair" treatment to a little church. Please be careful!
to:Not a fan of sore losers | 7:36 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
There are a few people who are out of control, not all. Like I said, I live in CA and there were also a few "Vote yes on 8" people who were out of control too.

You know as well as I do, there are idiots in any organization. If someone participated in supporting prop 8, that is their right. It is also the right of the people who support same sex marriage to boycott them, etc. They chose to get involved in a political fight (even if it was for their moral reasons). They have to accept the consequences for their actions.

And take their lumps? Really? So Rosa Parks should have just shut up and sat at the back of the bus?
Mike R. | 7:40 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
If the courts invalidate Prop 8, you will see supporters refile the Prop to amend the CA constitution. At that point in the next election, the backlash against the anti-Prop 8 crowd will make pass by a far larger percentage than it did this time. The intimidation tactics by the anti-Prop 8 crowd as well as the religophobic (did I just create a new word?) anti-Prop 8 crowd are doomed to fail. Just like Roe V. Wade, the far left can't get anything passed unless the courts do it for them. When the people actually speak, that can't handle it and go out and cry, freak out, and pout.
re: everyone here | 7:48 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
NO ONE in the world practices what they preach. Live and let live would end world suffering and conflict. If you are passionate about your cause, live it without having to let the world know about it or force it on anyone else. YOU are NOT correct about anyone elses lifestyle or choices. Offer a kind hand to someone in need and follow through when the it is accepted. Baptists protest Mormons and LDS can't figure out why. Alternate lifestyles want to teach young school children about having two mommys or daddys and try to force the issue through courts. PETA would have you eat and wear only what they deem worthy. Why do we have to define love, if we are preaching unconditonal love is the answer. Why can't we pray to who we want when we want and post copies of these wise reminders for all to see ? Why would good people fight so hard to take down a symbol on public ground for a highway patrolman killed serving or go out of their way to heckle a funeral procession of a fallen soldier who fought for them ? These are sad times.
goodvsevil | 7:52 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Less than 5% of the USA population is homosexual. Where do they get all that power? My opinion is that homosexuals are being used by the powerful people who are trying to destroy the traditional Christian values that made this such a great nation.
Let me get this strait | 7:59 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
I have had it. The rogue mobocracy homosexual propaganda machine has gone too far.

The LDS faith, Catholic faith (30% of Cali voters), and hundreds of other religions and NGO organizations ethically follow every law, every rule to exercise their constitutional rights to defend fathers and mothers.

The citizens of California voted in the millions TWICE to strike down articically creating and supporting an illogically conceived 'protected class of citizens', with their own rights and authority to strip the rights of the rest of our society...all based on their bedroom preferences.

How does the homosexual propaganda machine respond? With visciousness, hate crimes targed at the LDS faith. So far:

Burning hate signs
Burning a Book of Mormon
Threats of assault
Hacking into the LDS website following the passage of prop 8
Calls to murder members of the LDS faith on blogs (SL tribune)
Shooting windows out of multiple LDS chapels
Act of terrorism �mailing the SLC temple anthrax-looking substance.

I have TRIPPLED my sizable donation to the next state battle to protect traditional marriage. Responsible citizens must not allow this madness to continue.
K | 8:05 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
I didn't support prop 8 because of the average gay person who would handle things peacefully and get their way and move on. I supported it because of these extremists. Anything to keep some kind of law on them, they're sick perverts and yes shove it down everyones throat. These are the same people who would sue churches and try and force their life style on everyone. To bad they've ruined it for the rest of the peaceful gay community.
ohmygoodness | 8:11 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
1. These are the latter days and latter day challenges will come -- this is only the beginning.

2. As tough as it may be, we are commanded to and commended for LOVING our enemies.

3. Satan and his angels know who the Church is and knows of its prophetic future. Satan and his (un)masked angels, who regard this earth as their telestial turf, will (a) vigorously resist all rezoning efforts and (b) attack the LDS Church with more vigor than anyone else since we truly possess the truth ... and they hate truth.

4. President Cannon in 1866 warned that "the war" in Heaven has transferred to earth and that this conflict "will [come to] occupy the thoughts an minds of all the inhabitants of the earth." (Journal of Discourses 11:227-29) The LDS Church "will be at the epicenter of all that." (Elder Maxwell in a talk "All Hell is Moved," BYU, 1978)

5. We need not be alarmists, pessimists, dismayed or dislocated by the difficulties that will most assuredly arise as we stay the true course.

6. As we stand for truth, fence sitters will slowly be shaken loose and the Gospel will march forward boldly.

God bless.
Anonymous | 8:14 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Mormons cast their bread upon the water, and now it is returning to them ten fold.

Puzzling that you would expect anything different when you deny people their equality and rights!
To Susie Q | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
"Part of freedom of speech is accepting the consequences of freedom of speech."

Free speech and picketing are one thing. Criminal acts (hacking websites, obscenity, vandalizing religious buildings, sending white powder through the mail) are entirely another. Free speech does not include the right to engage in criminal acts, nor are criminal acts the proper "consequences of free speech."
observer | 8:31 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Re: goodvsevil
Good point. There are a lot of non-gays that support their friends, and there are those that just want to support that lifestyle, even if they are not gay. Many people out there have no values so it is easy to participate in destroying traditional Christian values.
Practice What GOD Preaches | 8:31 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
What part of Leviticus 18:22 don't you understand?! And after reading that try Lev. 20:30, or maybe Gen. 19:1-11, or why not Rom 1:27, and possibly Jude 1:7 too. ANY church that performs or approves same-sex marriage CLEARLY hasn't read their Bible.
Mellower usually is truer | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Most of these comments seem so inflamatory that it could give the impression that they represent the majority view on both sides of the issue...or maybe not. There have always been haters, judgers, pushers, immoralists, both straight and gay, on a wide variety of issues...if we would only do a little reading of history, including our own here in Utah, we might notice this. Look at the crime statistics, even for the Salt Lake Valley, and you can draw your own conclusions. To me, most of these comments reflect the need on all sides to repent ourselves first... then maybe we would better know how to remove the beams from the eyes of others.
It Goes Both Ways | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
A "No on 8" website suffered from a sophisticated Denial of Service cyber attack before the election as well. The attack originated in Georgia, Texas, California and New Jersey and prompted an FBI complaint. So it's not just Meridian Mag being targeted for mischief.

At this point there is so much disinformation and hyperbole on both sides of the issue, I don't see how the core problems can be resolved outside of the courts. Given the enormous issues facing the country, war on two fronts, and the downward spiraling economy, this internal "uncivil war" is dividing us to distraction.

Rather than fixating on an election year wedge issue, there are far more pressing problems facing us ALL that need attention. How about the number of families in poverty that go hungry or are losing their homes? How about our seniors who have to decide between food, meds, or heat? Where's the blazing passion for those issues?

Just a thought.
Take the high road reminder. | 8:41 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Remember the words of Elder Hales in this last General Conference. Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to �love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]� (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage.
Yes, we can speak out, but do so in love and respect. Take the high road.
We didn't do anything.... | 8:42 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
"Lets blame the LDS for everything:

1. Wiping out on your bike when you were 5 years old
2. Losing your job.
3. Getting a "B" in spanish
4. Losing the football game three years ago.
5. For something that will happen two years from now.
Why do people seek to blame the LDS church for everything.
What is that about?"

If the LDS has nothing to do with the passage of prop 8, why did the church put so much effort into it? Why were millions and millions of dollars requested? Why did church leaders praise the efforts of the members? Why did members walk neighborhoods, make phone calls and show their signs?

If it had no effect, why did you bother?

In my part of CA, I saw few minorities on the corners. All I saw were my LDS friends.
mustberight | 8:42 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Brigham Young said that as the church grows in popularity and we become more affluent in these latter days, persecution will began and be more severe than ever known. Is this the beginning.

Prayer? I pray for the second coming! Soon!
militants | 8:44 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
It seems that the gays live by the standard, "Live and let live...unless you disagree with us, then we will have a hussy fit and scream at you".
Disgusted! | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
whats next, marry an animal? maybe they love their cat and want to marry it? Marriage is for a Man and Women.
To goodvsevil: | 8:53 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
To goodvsevil:
The reason "they" get all that power is because you still think only 5% of the population is different from you - wrong!

Look around, chances are that someone in your family, a co-worker or even your boss is different than you. Just because someone lets you rant and rave about your traditional values does not mean that they agree with your extreme views.

You might want to look in the mirror as well and see why you are so intolerant...
The Authority | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Sending white power through the mail, illegally hacking web sites and vandalizing buildings are not the consequences of free speech. They are the consequences of a community of sore losers, that for all their pomp, are nothing but little kids who can't understand why someone would disagree with them. Childish, simplistic and tedious, that is going to be the perception of the Gay community if this stuff continues.
my 2 cents | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Hacking websites and posting obscene content doesn't help their cause. It only reflects poorly on gay/lesbian community as a whole and hinders their efforts to force people to accept their immoral actions as natural and normal.
My 2 cents... | 9:21 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
I am happy that Prop. 8 passed, but I don't believe it will be upheld by the lawless courts. I DO think that soon, very soon, gay "marriage" will be legal everywhere. I see this whole Prop. 8 situation as a test for the LDS people. Some have said that they are faithful members and that they follow the Prophet, but that in this instance he was wrong, while others have followed the counsel of the Prophet. Well, what better way to sift the wheat than with something like this? This isn't a test for the world. This is a test for the LDS. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will follow the Prophet? When push comes to shove, and things get a little uncomfortable (or a lot uncomfortable!), and we want to lean unto our own understanding, what better test than one like this? We know things are supposed to get very bad, far worse than Sodom and Gomorrah, but I truly believe that this is a test for the Church members. We are being sifted to see whether we will stand firm as wheat or be blown away by the PC winds like so much chaff...
Utah Cougar | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
This issue is a polarizing effect. It is what is called sifting the wheat from the Chaff. This whole thing is doing one really great thing and that is getting the church's name out there. True there will be some people who will be sad, angry and sometimes violent. Some of our own members may leave the church over this issue. That is sad. But at the same time there are millions of people who are hearing this controversy and it is the first time they have ever heard of the church and it's teachings. There are many people out there who agree with what the church has stood for and because of this they will seek out the church because we have made such a stand. This story has gone all over the world and has reached people in places where missionary efforts were ineffective.
The same thing happened while I was on my mission. The whole polygamy thing was big in the news. I thought it would close doors, but it opened more doors than it closed. The same thing will happen with this.
Richard Adams | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
The LDS has brought this upon themselves. Cinemark Theaters, Outback Steakhouse, Burger King ,PocoLoco, and other companies are being targeted by the boycott. Here in Kansas City Missouri we have a very strong LGBT community with three weekly papers. The boycott is going very well and picking up.
Take a Good Look... | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
If they Gay Protestors really want to 'see' HATE tell them to LOOK IN THE MIRROR! This has never been an anti-gay issue..it's a 'marriage' issue. Their Civil Unions have every benefit afforded any marriage...they just want to be validified with the name 'marriage'.
Also, if they are so content to boycott any person/business that supported Prop. 8...then turn around should be fair play...Oh, but wait..that's descrimination!!! I personally am going to read that list as closely as possible and give those businesses my total support...even if they are in CA
and urge all of my CA collegues to do the same...
Choose the Right | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Anonymous 8:14 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008 said, "Puzzling that you would expect anything different when you deny people their equality and rights!"

So equality and rights gives you the right to threaten physical assault, emotional assault (white power in the mail, a federal crime too), religious bigotry and more.

You may call it equality and rights but homosexuality is still IMMORAL. We still love and care about you but it's that lifestyle that is immoral.
Lionheart | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
If I were a member of the LDS church, I would be proud to be the object of scorn from the homosexual community. Onward Christian Soldiers.

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