Comments about ‘FBI investigating seminary vandalism as hate crime’

As is usually the case. A lot of complaining will occur, the local news will highlight the story, people will be outraged, but when the criminals are caught what will happen? Hand slaps, "you know shouldn't do this", and no real punishment. They should be forced to lick the paint off the brick until clean.

Whoever did it must be really hard up for entertainment. Its also kind of funny (in a weird the people who did it are stupid way) because normally if you want to dismantle something you would personally think the thing youre trying to dismantle is bad or evil, yet these people call themselves "Knights of Satan". Incase those people didnt know Satan is the evil guy. They probably did though which suggests that they openly admit they are doing evil things (mean version would be that they admitted they were evil).

that kind of hatred is taught at home.

As a teenage convert in the early 70's I was often taught that in the last days the righteous would become more righteous and that evil would become more rampant. Now, as a clinical psychologist, I have seen the fulfillment of this early prophesy.

These are the times we live in and I do believe that this sort of hate crime will only become more popular as time goes on. We need to live our lives in such a way as to show the hate mongers that they cannot sway us from our beliefs. We mustn't let their hate affect us in a negative way.

Let's turn the other cheek and pray for those who are so lost.

Reading those comments make me feel the same way I do reading most of the comments around here.....

And what feeling is that?

My sentiments exactly.

Then don't read the comments.

Wow. Brillant. Very well said. You must be a wonderfully persuasive and eloquent person. Thank you . . .

This is just sad that something like this would happen to any church, anywhere.

I would just like to thank Same Feeling for those most inciteful no-comment comments. Well done. Three seconds I will never get back!

I'm not going to defend vandals, but please understand that to many non-LDS, the church's control of Utah law and politics does represent an empire that needs to be dismantled. Of course, the ballot box, the legislature, and the courthouse are much more appropriate venues for this legitimate sentiment than the side of a building.

I am so sick of people whining about Utah Mormons. "They are everywhere", "They own Utah". YES, YES we do own Utah. We were here first and there are more of us here. Maybe thats why we ARE here. It's like moving to an Indian reservation and complaining about the Indians. Now your comment was very respectful, but non-the less annoying as hell.

Words spray painted on the side of a building a hate crime? Come on. Sounds like a bunch of kids goofing off.

I think it is dangerous to allow any government to define or punish something called hate. Graffiti can be property damage and considered a crime. But, the content could be "politically incorrect" or not. The First Amendment is vital to freedom of religion and must be protected.
What was written as grafitti was religious in content and the government must stay away. Abinidi was killed for what he said. Do we consider him a criminal? No.
We are taught to "...bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you;" JST Matthew 5:46

I have been appalled by the spirit of divisiveness and anger in many DMN commentaries about anything involving the LDS, both as a church and as a culture. When people use the rhetoric of persecution and hatred they should not be surprised to find some willing to put those violent feelings into action.
Perceived intolerance can only be turned aside by tolerance - not more intolerance. The latter foments everlasting war as is seen in the middle east and parts of Africa. Please don't bring that attitude here!

I get so tired of this argument. uncannygunman, you claim the LDS church "controls Utah law and politics." While many politicians are LDS (I wonder if many politicians in Rome are Catholic?), I don't see the church "controlling Utah law" as you put it.

Can you buy alcohol here? If the church were really getting its way, you wouldn't be able to. Can you buy coffee or tea? Doesn't sound like the church is getting its way there. Can you shop on Sundays? I bet the church would love to pass a law prohibiting that, yet so far it hasn't.

If you think the church is an "evil empire" controlling your life, there are some counties in Texas I'd advise you not to visit.

I sort of agree with some of these comments a little bit. Nice job everyone.

I agree that what was done was damaging and hurtful and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but should not be considered a "hate crime." Crimes are usually committed because of hate. Hate crime laws allow our government to decided what thoughts and opinions are okay and which are not. When we agree with it, it seems like a great idea, but what happens when we are put into the same category and our own ideas and opinions become illegal? It's a slippery slope. A crime is a crime is a crime. Punish the action, but not the thought.

Question...
If the same words were painted on the side of a jewish Synagog and instead of Mormon it said Jew, Would anyone be disputing that it was a hate crime? Why is it acceptable to bash Mormons but not any other religion?