Deseret News | Redford shows little class with LDS comment

Reader comments
Chris Hicks: Redford shows little class with LDS comment

261 comments | Read story

Who Cares Johnson | 10:45 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

We need to face up to the fact that Mormons are not liked. The squeeky clean image that Romney contradicts Mormon history and Mormon scriptures, DandC 132. That is what Redford is referring to --- Mormons are taught to deflect challenges, not face up to them. Romney does not give straight answers and the world is skeptical that he will confer with the prophet instead of using the brain that we might elect.

And this distrust did not start with Romney --- Mormons have not been trusted or thought of too highly as a religion since the inception. The contradictions run too deep; Was Joseph a polygamist and do you believe in polygamy, if Romney would just say, "Yes, we beleive in our scriptures, DnC 132." --- but we simply deflect the issue --- that is what Redford is stating --- stop deflecting and really answer the questions Romney and Mormons. Why not just do it?

Battle Cry | 11:06 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

"Circle them wagons!"
"Stay together brothers and sisters!"
"Remember how the pioneers were persecuted!"
"Remember the handcarts and ... (you know the rest)"
"Robert Redford said somethin' about Mitt Romney!"
"Oh, no!" Oh, no!
"These truly are signs of The Last Days!"

Harumph | 11:08 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I think it is funny that this board is so exercised over this topic. All politicians deflect blows and stay on message. That's what they do. Therefore, they are all plastic in some form or other.

And applying a religious test is unconstitutional, and the main-stream press doesn't care.

Comments continue below

Me-ser | 11:32 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I'm so appalled over both Mormons, x-Mormons and non-members, and what you guys are all writing on here. I want you to know that I am a very good Mormon. Nonetheless, I have been sobbing all morning long over all the hatred and bigotry comments that have been left on this site from EVERY SIDE of the fence. I'm also wondering if perhaps God has made a great mistake and sent me to the wrong planet.

There's work to be done | 11:56 a.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Western culture emphasizes external thinking. We think everything good or bad comes from someplace "out there."

This mode of thinking is erroneous.
External thinking must be replaced with an internal mode of thinking which Eastern culture has mastered for centuries.

With a little hard work, guilt and fear can be mastered and The Fall of Man nonsense will drop off forever and people will become happy again.

I like them all | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Since Mitt Romney, a Mormon, is running for president, Mitt and the Mormons are very much in the political crosshairs. We are finding that conservative Republicans and the Christian Right really do not like Mitt or the Mormons much. And neither do the liberals.

So whatï¿½s with Redfordï¿½s ï¿½But itï¿½s plasticï¿½ comment? The term plastic, particularly in a political sense, suggests a measure of artificiality, and an ability to deflect criticism and mold oneï¿½s message to fit the circumstance. Romney is talking more conservative these days because thatï¿½s what you do to become the Republican Partyï¿½s presidential nominee. Is there some artificiality in that? Yes. And Mormons? Sometimes we are too superficially nice. We are so busy in our work, our wards, and our families, that we donï¿½t take time to build real relationships with our non-LDS neighbors.

But despite that, Romney has the right skills, experience, integrity and intelligence to be president, and Mormons, for the most part, are good neighbors and honest, decent, friendly people. And Redford is an amazing guy: great actor, fine director, genuine environmentalist, and a tireless advocate of independent, non-formulaic, non-plastic films.

all he has | 12:12 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

A litle class is all the class Redford ever had.

Mirror image | 1:09 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Those who point the negative finger at other people with childish insults are only exposing the feelings they have about themselves.

It's all done with mirrors.

Joan of Ark | 1:59 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

There is too much hatred on this blog. Members and non-members alike, as well as those in-active members. Gee guys! You all came from the same old angry mold!...LOL

Nonetheless, know that God loves you all just the same no matter how mean you are.

Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

What can you say, Joan -
It's a world gone mad.

Jillian T. | 2:15 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I find it interesting that many of the posters on this subject have made the inference that Mr. Redford's thoughts and comments should be disregarded due to his age. One poster went so far as suggesting that Mr. Redford is probably suffering from dementia because he is in his 70's. If that is the case, what does that say about the men who lead your church? In my lifetime (42 yrs, the first 24 of them as a Mormon) I have never seen a "prophet" of the Mormon church who was not elderly. Some were even feeble. If we are basing someones ability to think or speak intelligently on their age, I think Mormons should be really nervous about the instruction they receive from SLC.
In response to the comment that Mr. Redford should go back to Hollywood....Mormons need to get one thing clear. Utah is part of the United States of America and is not now, nor will it ever be owned by the Mormon church. Anyone can live there regardless of their belief or disbelief of your religion.

The Pious One | 2:23 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

We can't tolerate this type of bigotry in our free society! We have the moral obligations to fight back. I propose we create some new laws, outlawing bigotry against the LDS church and its members here in Utah.

Whenever somebody innacurately says how many mormons go on missions, names their Teddy Bear Joseph, or uses "Mormon" and "plastic" in the same sentence should be given 15 lashes and then banished from the state. Repeat offenders should be executed. Bigotry can't be tolerated. We've tried to tell them that if they don't like it here they should leave. They haven't gotten the hint. Let's escort them to the door.

California reader | 2:24 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Who is Robert Redford? And why would we listen to an actor (or actress) who are only good at reading scripts, memorizing them, and repeating them. Talk about PLASTIC!

Hatred? | 2:29 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Why is it that when a person disagrees with the philosophy or ideology of another these days, that that is supposed to mean you hate somebody?

It reminds me of those who don't support the Bush Doctrine must "hate the troops and America."

Angel | 3:15 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

The Pious one--- I SMELL SOMETHING STINKY!

John | 3:56 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Sometimes the Des News seems intent on documenting, and refuting, every single slight against the faith, real or perceived. Which is odd, given that the readership of the Des News is heavily LDS. Are Church members so insecure that they need reaffirmation like this?

John | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

It's very curious how many of you can get angry about Redford's perceived slight, and then turn around and insult him in response. Nice.

Tricia | 6:15 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Had my first run-in or rundown w/Redford in person at 19 in American Fork Canyon as he was trying to film some freakin' movie. We did disrupt an entire day of shooting innocently as we had no idea it was all private property because Redford had just bought it. What a bummmer. They used megaphones to continuously yell at us to leave before explaining why. (The private property thing) For someone whose bulk of income has been rooted here for so long it surprises me he would be disrespectful of anyone or any group of people in Utah, The way I see it, he pretty much owes Uath for almost everything he owns.

secret | 6:39 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Some ultra-conservatives of Utah are just plain jealous of Redford's liberal tell-it-like-it-is style and freestyle manner of self-expression.
They criticize and condemnt his every move yet secretly would like to be more like him.

said what he thought | 7:16 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

My only problem is that Redford or any other so-called celebrity gets the air time and then, for reasons that escape me completely, they are considered expert enough on any number of topics to tell the listener how it really is. If we have arrived at the point where the masses are willing to be swayed by the opnions of the famous and charming, then all we can hope is that Redford, Sean Penn and others really have really studied it out and have the greater good in mind. I mean, really, this kust couldn't be about them..

Brent Hartman | 7:16 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

"...wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center...if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it...then ye would not murmur because of the the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us." (1 Nephi 16:2-3)

If what he said doesn't apply to you, then who cares? It looks like we have some guilty, and rather plastic Mormons posting comments. :)

Seriously? | 7:58 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

We're seriously still discussing this? Robert Redford has done alot for the economy of this state. He's always been gracious to the community. You can agree with him or not, but he gets an opinion too. He's a DEMOCRAT, of course he's going to say bad things about a Republican. That's not news. Just fact. All this venom really needs to be directed at something that deserves it. Think of all the good that could be done with the emotion and energy directed toward something that really matters.

Have to add my peace. | 8:00 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I like Robert Redford. I have enjoyed his movies. I like Catholics. I like Jews. I like Mormons. I just simply like good people. I find them in all walks of life. Don't you think that we should quit casting stones and look for the good in people. There is enough crap out there to fill the world with it. Why bother. Let's let misplaced comments just roll off like water on a good gortex(sp?) jacket, and not give them any consideration. Enjoy life people, cast out the drama.

turn the other cheek | 1:52 a.m. Dec. 2, 2007

"if a man smites thee on the right cheek, turn into him the left also."

Remind me, who said that?

Move on, folks.

I think robert has a point | 4:20 a.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I look on the blogs to get a glimpse of mitt and this one sure gives me a good view of what Bob has said...speak so I may know thee!

happy camper | 8:07 a.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I am happy to be a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. I find that the doctrines and teachings work very well in my life. Family first, examples of great members and peace in my life. I have been involved with film festivals where there are others with values and types of movies different than my own. My own tastes have changed as I live what Jesus asks of us, to be good and not looking down on others. It works in my work with film directors and actors. And at the end of the day, I feel good. If a film director wants to visit our ward, we bring him and remain friends whether or not he changes. The film world is full of people using their free agency, that is a great thing. Hope Mr. Redford and I have the chance to interact some day. I am not plastic, just a little rubbery sometimes as no one is perfect.

Shelley Taylor | 9:44 a.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I believe there is a difference in the members of the LDS Church in Utah and those living in other parts of our nation. Being a active member of the Church, who has returned to the rural community I was born in in Utah, I find the members much more conservative politically than those in Californa or Southeastern Arizona. Perhaps, Mr. Redford should stick to attacking the conservative politics of Utah and not the LDS Church. What would Mr. Redford say about Sen. Reid, D- Nevada?

fanconia hiker | 9:51 a.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Bob Redford is a down-to-earth good person who creates and builds. He speaks his mind and that is his right. Sundance is a great gift to the community to enjoy..Thanks Bob. I was glad for the Sundance experience. Keep up the good work and ensuring that people gain another perspective. Yes, and many Mormons are plastic as they are controlled.

love one another | 11:01 a.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I am sad to see such mean spirited comments from so many different sides. Not all LDS people are fake or insincere. Not everyone who disagrees with LDS principles is evil or bad. The judging is going both directions. Taking shots at Mr.Redford for his stature and age is just as offensive to me as the stereotypes described about mormons. I feel Mr.Redford has a right to his opinion. However it is unfair and irresponsible to lump all LDS people into one stereotype as it would be with any other group or sect including that of Hollywood. Not every mormon is fake and all actors are not flaky. Merry Christmas and Peace to all.

Anonymous | 1:52 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Being called plastic by an actor? Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle.....??? An actor's whole life is pretending he's someone else. Sociey pays much too much attention to them.

Redford is a bad example | 1:53 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Why doesn't redford just stick to what he knows and leave the Mormon religion out of it. He obviously doesn't know anything about the LDS Church even tho he lived here.

Rachel | 3:18 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Funny, this article says exactly what I thought when I orginally heard Redford's comments. Redford, you're the phony one.

This is Utah | 4:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

This is an example of Utah at its finest. Non or ex-LDS bashing LDS and LDS bashing back. People, get along.

Robert Redford is entitled to his opinions. And while some comments may be misguided, I suspect a long marriage to the mother of his children who happens to be LDS gives him some unique perspective.

Plastic? He said plastic? | 5:53 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Sad that Robert has to spend so much time in an culture of plastic men. Fortunately for him the Sundance FF is coming up and all the sincere, genuine, moral, loyal, law-abiding, and self-sacrificing hollywood celebrities can provide him a reprieve.
After putting up with this plastic man culture for decades I have to wonder at Robert's motivations. Robert, we hardly knew ya!

Typical | 6:56 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

So what else is new with Robert Redford. He lives here and is still absolutely clueless as to what we believe.

Mark | 7:20 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I am not from Utah, but have lived here off and on over the years. In the past, I respected Redford, but then I made the mistake of going to see Lambs for Lions....and all I can say is that I want a refund from Redford.

There was nothing in it to spark debate. The movie, and the acting by Cruise and pals, was simply terrible. Redford was simply boring. In order to spark debate there needs to be passion; instead there was....nothing.

Robert, if you happen to read this, which I seriously doubt, please refund my ticket price of $7.00. The movie was so bad that the only debate that could be found is if it was the worst movie made in 2007. While I will not say it was worse than Battlefield Earth, I would say it is the worst movie of 2007.

Redford claims Mormons are plastic, but his and Cruise's acting was plastic....the cheap lead filled kind.

Don't read the tabloids | 7:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Sorry you felt my remarks were tabloid type things--they weren't. They were my experiences with people who knew Redford rather well and worked with him for long periods of time. Also I remember the time his helicopter landed in off-limits areas, tearing up the ground all around it. That mountain soil is thin and fragile, and as a true environmentalist, he knew that. Just wanted to take his friends wherever he wanted to go (and it wasn't his private property, either).
I don't care about his political or religious opinions, but from my experience, I do think he's a bit of a hypocrite. And I certainly agree that celebrities aren't necessarily experts outside their fields.

LAME | 7:55 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

GEE! Mormons are critical! Are you certain you guys believe in God? Give Rdford a break!

David in New York | 8:19 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

People will always have negative things to say about Mormons, but there will be more if we refuse to turn the other cheek as we believe we should. One person (Redford) makes an unfair generalization about us and we respond by making unfair generalizations about his character and profession? That's silly; a very visceral, child-like reaction to one relatively insignificant opinion. This is no way to show what we believe.

JUSTICE TO ALL! | 9:13 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I agree with David. I am completely appalled at LDS members postings on this site. I never knew Utah Mormons could be so unkind to others. Why is everyone there in UTAH so angry? Is it in the water you drink or what... Who do you guys like anyway? Very bad attitudes.

WOW | 10:26 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Wow! Being a very newcomer to this state it certainly solidifies some of the experiences I was told to expect. This scares me and although I do not know many people here; is telling of the culture I will live in? I am southern Baptist and neither account of this e-mail string seems very Christian to me.

Are these my neighbors? | 5:16 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

So that's what you all think when I the non-member speak my mind...TOLERANCE! is such a lonely word!

Enough is enough! | 6:31 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Enough already! Who cares what anyone thinks. This article has had enough exposure, let it die!

Carole Knowles | 6:53 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Just to clarify...I'm not a Utah Mormon, I'm a Mainer, Maniac, whatever, and I still think that Redford the actor should literally look in the mirror before he calls LDS men plastic.
LDS people are among the finest people on the earth. We're all trying to become real, we're at different stages in our becoming real. LDS people don't wait until they're viewed as "special" or until they get rich to share with others, to do good. They do good all the time. This has been my experience for the last 27 years of my 52 years on this earth.
There's no other group I'd rather be associated with than the LDS people.

DMK | 10:32 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players says William Shakespeare in "As You Like It."

It seems to me Robert Redford (who as an academy-award winning director and seasoned actor himself)
who would know a real deal actor from a bad one,
viewed Mitt Romney as a player (aka actor) who is hard to believe.

Based on Mr. Romney's reputation as a flip-flopping politician, I believe Mr. Redford's description was an accurate one.

laughable | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I cant believe how general SOME people are being here. Not All mormons are good people, But they are not all bad either. People need to stop judging eachother by what someone else says. That goes for the mormon and non mormon.

BE GOOD TO OTHERS | 1:45 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

If people would give up the Gossip sessions, back-biting, stone casting and try to live righteously as God would have us all do, we would not have this kind of chaos. Our world is too full of hate everywhere.... members or non-members.

tough to break the habit | 3:08 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

It's very hard to imagine people giving up all those things "Be Good" - especially when addicted to such nasty forms of negative entertainment that those types of journalists/entertainers thrive on.

Bill | 3:50 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

And who is Robert Redford that I shoud know him? He
is NO Latter-day Saint!

a life pattern | 4:54 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Poor Bill.

He has patterned his life around whether a person is a Latter-day Saint or not.

Situations don't make the man - they reveal him.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.