Reader comments
Mormons have role in inauguration planning

Relevance? | 12:25 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I like to hear of church members contributing something of impact that has a secondary result of helping outsiders understand what we are about. I see no relevance to anything important here. Why was this story written?

Why? | 1:43 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Why does the Des News always try to add a utah / Mormon angle to every national event?

This is a non story folks.

Eileen | 6:00 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Why not? A paper should appeal to its audience. This story does that very well. If you don't want a Utah angle, read a paper from another state - but you'll just get that state's angle instead.

Comments continue below

Local News | 6:34 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I live in Kansas. All local newspapers try to find some local connection to any news or supposed news story. Local TV news is the worst for that. So, the Deseret News did nothing out of the ordinary for a local paper.

To Why? | 6:53 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Maybe because it's a newspaper with a link to Mormons in the news. Maybe it's because it's nice to know there are good people out there doing good things. Maybe it's because it's so much fun irritating the nuckleheads who complain about what the Deseret News prints but just cannot force themselves to read another newspaper. You don't like to read about Mormons in the news? Read another paper. No need to torture yourself any further.

Home at Last | 8:21 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

My hope is that Mormons will finally recognize that the Democratic Party has a TON more tolerance, respect and support for them than the Huckabee-Palin lead conservative right EVER will. Let's not continue to be used by the right and gravitate to a party that actually respects our unique beliefs.

Mormons Under Represented | 8:24 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I think the real story is how under-represented Mormons are in the inauguration and planning. Obama and the liberal democrats have begun the big freeze-out of Mormons and the Inaugration is just the start. Get ready for 4 (or heaven forbid, 8 years) of being in the wilderness, folks. Mormons will be politically incorrect with the new regime because of our upholding traditional family values, Prop 8, etc. Just because 14 Mormons have seats on the inaugural stand doesn't mean anything. They have seats on the stand because they have heart beats. Symbolically, it's also worth noting that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (whom President Reagan called "America's Choir," hasn't been invited to participate, unlike many inaugrations in the past). But I'll bet we'll see hip-hop "aritsts," rappers (I guess there's a difrerence?) and Godless Hollywood well represented. I'm glad to not be associated with that crowd myself.

Ed Meyer | 8:43 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

In response to "Mormon's Under Represented", I am a Mormon and find your comments about hip-hop artists and rappers to be bigoted and intolerant. Not everyone in the world has to bow down to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. People have different tastes and perhaps the Inauguration Committee would like to represent more diverse interests this year. And why did you single out hip-hop and rap as opposed to perhaps hula music since Obama has strong connections to Hawaii? It's pretty clear to me that your choice is because those music styles are closely tied to the black community... which suggests you are a racist. There are a lot of choirs in America... gospel choirs, boys choirs, college choirs... I'd enjoy hearing any of them. Bigotry and Mormanism should be like oil and water.

Dave S | 8:45 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I have been waiting for a story to come out that explains all the things Obama is for and plans to do in the name of "chang". So far as I look to that circus tent labeled "change", can anyone give me a hint of exactly what he is about to change, specifically. What links might there be to change in Economic situation or plan for ending/changing war situation.
At least in past as inauguration neared, Presidents elects have given glimpse of road ahead. I see that he's making his cabinet. But misty "change" still not defined.

To - Under Represented | 9:13 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Does anyone still think the LDS Church is warmly embraced by the conservative right unless their time and money is needed at the moment? It is time to open your eyes and realize that we are viewed as a freakin' cult by the vast majority of the Republican Party.

If we would just get out of our tiny box for a minute we might recognize that Obama could be a huge supporter for the Church. And is going to govern very much as a moderate - and someone who actually thinks, reasons, and seeks out all aspects of a decision. To me, that sounds like a breath of fresh air from the past 8 years.

re:Why | 9:29 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

the Deseret News is owned by the LDS church.

GOP anti-mormon | 9:34 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

the far right wing of the GOP is anti-mormon. I am talking about all the Baptist wacko's that attempted to trash Mitt Romney a year ago during the primaries. The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is shunned by the dems because of abortion and gay issues and is also shunned by the republicans because of the extreme pentecostal nut cases on the far right. The best place for Mormons is independents.

CJ | 9:56 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I agree that the vast majority of GOP thinks we are a cult because they are largely made up of evangelicals-I believe they are a bigger threat to us than agnostics. But if you think Obama would ever be a supporter of our church, I think you are seriously mistaken. And he is not the answer for America's problems.

Racism | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I don't think anyone here was trying to be racist in the least. Mentioning hip-hop and rappers as being the music of choice is basically some of the filthiest music, if you call it that, on the market today. Some say it is realistic or whatever but in reality it is filthy for the most part. That said some of the other music out today put out by some pop artist is just as bad with thier so called ineuendos. The music of yesterday was much more pleasant to hear than any of the music promoted and produced today.

When people lable a person racist because of their statements is almost as bad as calling the kettle black. To me many who claim someone else racist is racist to a degree themselves. Calling someone a bigot goes the same way. I don't like hip-hop or rap regardless who sings it. I don't even include it as music for the most part. Does that make me racist? If it does then so be it.

kenny | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

To GOP anti-mormon: the best place for mormons is in church every Sunday and at the ballot boxs when its time to vote.

i am glad | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

If Mormons weren't involved in the inauguration, then who would bring the jello? With bananas? And cheerios in small plastic containers lest the proceedings go on to long and the populace starts to fuss?

Mormon Angle | 11:11 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I don't live in Utah, but am a member of the church. I read Desnews articles online, so I can get the Mormon angle of things. I like reading articles like this one, since I can't find this information anywhere else. I'm sure there are others like me all over the place, there are quite a few in the office that I work in doing the same thing. I like this kind of coverage. Thanks!

Terri in Missouri | 11:14 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Kenny:
Best place right now is on bended knees with an empty stomach.

Any legally elected president can do what they want within the law for the nation's day and invite who they want.

Well, monitor: Will you still be blocking our entire households IP address? This is a test.

David | 11:53 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Mormons involved. So what?

SFC RET DENNIS | 12:38 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

To all of you, this site is dedicated to LDS news and we like to know. If you don't like it then read the other parts of the D.N. and stay out of this section. You may find you will be happier because you don't see or read about us very odd Mormons.

SFC RET DENNIS | 12:59 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Home at last I too am Democrat and LDS. To the member who trashed other religions, you need to rethink what you said. It go's agent what we are taught. Remember our Articles of Faith you might won't to reread Articles 11 and 13

11: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.
13: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul -- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Unfortunately we don't follow this path like we should and call upon all LDS faithfully to reread all of our 13 Articles of Faith and work harder to live by them.

Anonymous | 1:43 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

They are not contributing AS LDS, they are contributing as political leaders representing their States.

Why do you Mormon have to shove your religion into EVERYTHING?

SARCASM | 2:43 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

SARCASM?: I can't believe this, the Mormon church should stay out of politics, not force their beliefs on others - it's in the constitution, "separation of church and state". Wake up people!

SARCASM?: Also, I think I've been wrong my entire voting life. Despite the fact that the democratic party platform conflicts with the conservative values/principles that I hold dear, I've decided that because the Republican party is so corrupt, I will support democratic party candidates, for change.

Get it right | 3:42 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Sarcasm: When was the last time you read the Constitution? Show me where it says "separation of church and state." This will be a futile search because it isn't in there. The First AMENDMENT prohibits CONGRESS from making laws regarding religion. That is as deep as it goes. The statement about separating church and state comes from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and has nowhere near the same authority as the law of the land - the Constitution. Indeed, people, "wake up" and get your sources right. This is more than a mere technicality. It is a false premise that sounds good but doesn't exist in fact. Let's get the details right.

Re: Anonymous and Sarcasm | 3:47 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Who's "shoving" religion into anything? This is a local paper who is letting those of us who care know a fact. That's all! If you're really that sensitive, why are you reading a church-owned paper? Maybe you'd be better off reading the Trib.

Sarcasm - I'm still trying to figure out how we are forcing our beliefs on anyone. As far as I can figure, we've just been unafraid to make our beliefs known...big difference! You and Anonymous should probably get together and check out the Trib.

Good luck!

Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Nobody care about your religious beliefs. The Inauguration is about Americans coming together to celebrate a new era and new leadership in our nation. Your religious beliefs are irrelevant. Keep them to yourselves. Religious beliefs are like social diseases: everybody has their own, slowly killing them, and nobody wants to know anything about yours.

Anonymous | 4:32 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

The glory days of the Tabernacle Choir are over. The President would not have been seen in a good light if the choir was invited to perform at the inauguration. The church got a bad rap when it thrust itself into Prop. 8 in California. Even though I agree with the church's position, it made it virtually impossible for an invite to perform at this historic event.

Rob | 7:05 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Nice to know. We are a blessed people and protect Zion. It is AMAZING how we are overly represented in ratio by are leadership positions. There is something good going on here. Blessed are those in the Church.

The Tabernacle Choir | 7:09 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

I don't think the glory days are over for the Choir, nor will it ever be. The day will come when the Choir will once more do what it does best, represent the choir for good.

President Obama is trying to basically please everyone yet I doubt he will please anyone in the long run. We shall see what changes he brings but what I see currently is a throw back to the Clinton years, without the the escapades. I hope our brethern in the congress will take the steps that set them apart from the rest of the congressman and take a stand. Once they do that then America will start to follow.

Luke | 9:21 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

We are indeed a blessed people.

Bob is what? | 9:28 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Bob Bennett is a Mormon?

whoa that's news alright.

slow news day eh.........

To Dave S. | 9:36 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Obama has been open and available to the press continually since his election. In one week he held 5 press conferences. I would not be surprised if his press conferences to date have not been more than the total Bush held. If you don't know what he stands for or the type of changes he is working for, its because you haven't been listening to anything but hate radio.

Great Job | 9:50 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

The caravan is here and for all to see. Great story and shows onces again the Saints are the leaders of the task at hand. Great job and good luck. We are all proud of you.

Josh | 10:03 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009

Are all five in the photo mormons?

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