I think I can answer the lady about how God seems to not be paying attention, the houses of some burn, the houses of others do not. I believe we were put here on Earth and then left suffer randomly. We have the opportunity to help each other in these circumstances and that helps us grow. Furthermore I believe that we live many lives (reincarnation if you will). This way the inequities equal out as "n" the number of lives lived, approaches infinity. Sometimes you will be screwed bad in a life, in other lives you will be a rockstar or a Jon Huntsman Jr. So hang in there, next time around you might be alot luckier. I've found with paying tithing, my whole life that there are no financial blessings. I honestly am not sure what the blessings are, I pay it because my wife would freak if I didn't. I do it for domestic peace. Don't expect blessings, I've never seen them.

As with any natural disaster (flood, hurricane, tornado, fire) it is important to know about your family. The des-news reported (correctly) on Mormons that were effected in the San Diego area because the des-news is a church owned news paper. The church is a very close-nit extended family and it is important to know what has happened to members. As with Katrina a few years ago, if we can track the effect on church members then we should and report on it. Keep in mind that when the Church sends relief supplies it does so FOR ALL the people in the effected area and not just members of the Church. The Church does an incredible and very very Christ like service to ALL effected by natural disaster. The same will hold true with these fires.

Hate! Anger! Intolerance! Offended! You've all missed the point completely. As a Utah ex-pat living happily in the "mission field" (we actually call it "home") and fulfilling numerous callings for the last seven years, I'm simply flabergasted that this paper still holds to the 'Deseret Book' model: 'If we assiciate more products (papers) with the Church, we'll sell more crap'. The article is exclusionary and as I stated before, a disservice to all.

Actually, I agree with the recommendation to move out: everyone still in Utah who hasn't lived elsewhere (not on your missions, mind you), move away, go somewhere else, be the outsider, shop at a grocery store with a wine aisle (it's not the big deal you think it is, it's just how people live). Live in Florida or Illinois or Colombia for two, maybe three years. Then, if you can still stomach the sanctimony, move back and make Utah a better place.

And Forrest, I am that perfect, just like you. I'm also surprised at your umbrage; Turn the other cheek, bro. This will be really fun to post on my blog, Senor Dangriga slash Blogspot.

I heard many ask what would the reposnse be if it were adressed to other denominations. Does anyone actually believe that there is a paper anywhere in this country with an article title:

"Hit and miss fire: Some Catholics suffer loss while others spared"

I imagine the disturbance would be equal if not worse, since Catholicism is considered more legitimate.

I don't know where you get your information from, but I lived in an area of San Diego that was right up against a regional park. Our fence bordered wild land that was full of sagebrush. We were threatened by fires more than once in that area. After one of the worst fires, we were told not only that we were required to clear the brush around our house, but that we would be fined if we didn't. Get your story straight!

Our hearts go out to those families and people, LDS, and non-LDS that have lost their homes. Religion is of no importance here, just the lives of all those affected. May we all learn to help and love those around us, no mtter who they are, for they are all our neighbors. This is no time to point fingers while other stand in need of help and assistance. That is what the law is there for. Let them find out what and who did this and let them bring some justice. Let's just focus on helping those affected get back to rebuilding and the chance to continue living again.

I was a missionary in the Carlsbad Mission 4 years ago and the devastation was unbelievable. We helped those of all religions without distinction clean up afterwards, as well as assisted during the evacuations. I have never lived in
Utah, but I appreciate the article as I served in Poway, and in fact have been to the Wery home many times. I am devastated by their loss because I know them.

While it is true that complaining about a Church-owned paper reporting on Church members is silly (it does not suggest that Mormon's losses were more devastating than others or that LDS are better, more blessed, more cursed or anything else), please, as members of the Church remember:

We have been counseled in General Conference, by the Lord's Apostles, NEVER to suggest, EVEN JOKINGLY, that someone move out of Utah if they don't like all the Mormon attention, presence etc. It reflects poorly on the Church and those who do it just stoop to the level of intolerance and/or complaint of those who cast the first stone. "An eye for an eye" was under the law of Moses and was supplanted by the Savior's teachings of love and acceptance.