Deseret News | LDS Church encourages attendance at caucus meetings

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LDS Church encourages attendance at caucus meetings

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Kerry | 3:38 p.m. March 24, 2008

LDS Officials added:

"As long as it is the Republican Party, we support it!"

Lee | 4:36 p.m. March 24, 2008

The church should have emphasized that participation should only take place from it's members who are citizens. Illegal alien LDS members are not allowed to participate in caucus meetings.

re: Kerry | 5:44 p.m. March 24, 2008

Why the "hollier-than-thou" comment? The LDS church has never endorsed a political...anything. This letter is just to remind everyone to get involved with the politics of your area. How else can we expect our voices to be heard. It doen't matter if you are belonging to the Republican or Democratic party. Each group does good.
Just get off the couch and do something good for our state and Country.

Comments continue below

Utah Republican | 5:55 p.m. March 24, 2008

I was happy to see the LDS church recommend to it's members to attend Republican caucuses all around the right thinking state of Utah. As the party that the LDS church has endorsed for decades now, it is the only party that right thinking people should vote for. All one has to do is listen to the love, compassion, generosity, and spirituality preached by those great right thinking Republican spokespersons Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and Ann Coulter. Listen to the love that they preach and let it warm your heart and you'll realize that the Republican party is the only party for right thinking, religious christian people of the great state of Utah. Thank you.

russ | 5:53 p.m. March 24, 2008

Just once, can the Mormon Church stay out of politics? Let the citizens be.

In Iran, this is normal behavior. Just because Iran and Utah have four letters each does not mean we have to emulate the imirs.

Reading comprehension | 6:04 p.m. March 24, 2008

As usual, people like Kerry and Utah Republican have difficulty understanding the English language. But that's to be expected by those who hate everything Utah and conservative.

That's ok, you too can have your opinion. Just stop misrepresenting the facts. I know, it's really hard to do for you libs. Jealousy will do that to someone.

And I'd bet that neither of you will get off your rear ends tomorrow night and go to your caucus. But you will continue to complain and lie on these pages, day after day. How do you look yourself in the mirror each day?

I'll see whoever is attending tomorrow night at my caucus meeting!

Californian | 6:17 p.m. March 24, 2008

"Just once, can the Mormon Church stay out of politics?" ............Huh??????? What fossil bed did you just crawl out from?

NY | 6:13 p.m. March 24, 2008

Instead of wasting your time writing ignorant comments why donï¿½t you all do some good and vote for what you feel is right.

Anonymous | 6:25 p.m. March 24, 2008

Principles of the Gospel can be found in all parties....

Here are a few gospel principles to consider:

Debt is bondage.
Live within your means.
"Teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves."
Don't start pre-emptive wars.
The constitution is an inspired document.

There now. Go nominate yourself as a delegate on the Ron Paul platform....

Lets Play a Game | 6:26 p.m. March 24, 2008

I like to play a game when reading certain articles. It is called "how can someone possibly miscontrue or exaggerate this?", and I am rarely disappointed with the DNews comments section.

An unmentioned star in this endeavor is "russ". Apparently he's been in Utah a long time, knows everything, and can read minds and intentions. Either that or his is a troll looking for reactions.

Where I live outside of Utah, employers, schools, and most churches alike encourage participation in the political process as it occurs and discourage planning conflicting activities. In fact, several churches (non-LDS) host caucus events and even act as polling places during elections.

That the LDS Church encourages its members to participate, and its units not to plan conflicting activities, is consistent with the rest of the US organizational landscape and is the most benign encouragement we should expect.

To russ | 6:46 p.m. March 24, 2008

Sorry, but how is encouraging civic participation with a very specific non-partisan statement meddling with politics?

I mean, it's obvious that people like Russ hate Mormons and would prefer they step out of the way so he can form his grand Utopia, but seriously - how does encouraging participation constitute meddling? Would you prefer the Mormons discourage participation? Or just not vote at all, so we can all sit idly by and accept your view of the world?

mmaddox76 | 6:47 p.m. March 24, 2008

Russ, A church advocates its members to be active in politics, or to participate and be good citizens is obviously a horrible thing. How dare the church, whose members constitute an overwhelming majority in Utah and an underwhelming minority in other states, encourage political participation of its members. This thing is not only racist, but discriminatory. It doesn't encourage any one else to participate, and therefore must be construed as a desperate grasp at power over all the united states. This must be stopped. We should encourage no one to participate tomorrow, that way we won't offend anyone, and no one will get power from our encouragement. Thus we can offset this call to political action and good citizenship. How dare a church encourage its people to be moral, and good members of the community and to care about what happens? Especially in a democracy. The nerve. It makes me wish that I could hear more of Reverend Wright, that way I would feel no obligation to be an upstanding citizen in my community. I wonder if he is nationally broadcast. . . I'll have to find out.

Religion and hypocrisy | 6:49 p.m. March 24, 2008

I find it interesting that when liberal churches hold political fund raisers, have democratic candidates speak to their congregations and openly speak on political issues, the ACLU, along with the rest of the left-wing "separation of church and state" crowd are NO WHERE to be seen.

But then, when the LDS Church even hints at anything political, the shouting and finger pointing seem to go on for days and weeks and months.

Clearly, the left in this country love the separation of church and state, so long as their churches and their ministers are exempt.

To: Anonymous | 7:08 p.m. March 24, 2008

Once again, Joseph is misquoted. He did not say "I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves." That still gives him the control. What he said was "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves." That suggests a quantum leap in our understanding and the actions we take because of that understanding.

I think it's great... | 7:28 p.m. March 24, 2008

But less than 30% of Utahans were in listening distance of that letter. I hope all of those who didn't hear this good advice will attend their party caucus and participate in the elections this year.

Anonymous | 7:27 p.m. March 24, 2008

just go to your caucus and watch what the Eagle forum and pro vouchers groups do!

They will nominate their own and few will be there to stop them!

SoCal Mormon Democrat | 7:47 p.m. March 24, 2008

I love this statement by the Church. Over the last 5-10 years I have leaned away from the Republicans and more and more to the Democratic party precisely because there are so many principles of the gospel promoted by the democrats... just read King Benjamin's sermons.

May I remind the LDS.... | 7:59 p.m. March 24, 2008

...that Ezra Taft Benson made the statement about the incongruity of being a faithful Mormon and a liberal Democrat in an Associated Press interview in the early 1970s.

He WAS your president, LDS. Are you trying now to change history, or say he "doesn't speak for the church" (as is often the excuse)?

Mormon with a sense of humor | 8:13 p.m. March 24, 2008

Utah Republican, you crack me up! Keep up your funny posts. You make these comment boards a little more entertaining!

SoCal Mormon Democrat | 8:17 p.m. March 24, 2008

to "may I remind the LDS"...
1) your argument would be stronger if you posted the exact quote, and the question,
2) just like all of God's prophets, Pres. Benson also had personal opinions, and occasionally spoke for himself, alone,
3) It depends on what he meant by "liberal" democrat, a term not even Hilary will use to describe herself.

Mendel | 8:26 p.m. March 24, 2008

To: May I remind the LDS....
Ezra T. Benson did not become President of the LDS Church until 1985 after the death of Spencer Kimball. He did not speak for the Church in the AP interview.

May I remind Joe Blow... | 8:27 p.m. March 24, 2008

...that what was true about political parties and their agendas 35 years ago hardly has any significance to politics today. Not all Liberal Democrats are hippies in a drum circle any more. Only some of them are.

Kyle from az | 8:29 p.m. March 24, 2008

The comment from russ just shows how many pathetic morons we have in this country. And to the comment May I remind the LDS...last time I checked Ezra Taft Benson wasn't President of the church until the late 80s and early 90s. So before you go quote mining and quoting someone like they said certain things as President of the church that they didn't say... you really should get your facts straight idiot.

News? | 8:43 p.m. March 24, 2008

And why is this news?

Russ and Kerry | 9:04 p.m. March 24, 2008

Your immaturity and childishness make me want to throw up. It is truly amazing how many hateful people make such acerbic, caustic, and moronic comments.

Republicrat | 9:11 p.m. March 24, 2008

The Russes and Kerrys of the world get much more attention than they deserve. They are either a hateful trolls with too much free time in their pathetic lives, or idiots, probably a ï¿½delightfulï¿½ combination of both. They and their ilk deserve resounding silence. When they are not fed they go away.

Dear Hatemongers | 9:14 p.m. March 24, 2008

Please find some other place to spray your graffiti on this information superhighway. Your hate does not make the world a better place, so quit treating this like your bathroom wall.

Re: News | 9:34 p.m. March 24, 2008

Is there some person out there who goes around posting on every article's comment board "And this is news?" or have I just been lucky lately?

so tired | 9:50 p.m. March 24, 2008

after the LDS political effort to squash the illegal alien debate I will never be involved in politics again. There are many other "double standard" efforts being put in action reguarding illegal aliens right now by the various churches in the state. It is no use trying to change things, we will be betrayed every time.

Mormon Democrats | 10:07 p.m. March 24, 2008

I can appreciate many of the tenants inside of the standard Democratic platform, such as helping the poor, strong education reform and funding, and civil rights.

That being said, I disagree with the notion that the LDS members are becoming more aligned with the Democratic party.

I think that two really important issue for LDS members will continue to keep them firmly in the side of Conservative political ideology. That being against abortion (unless in specific cases like incest) and against same-sex marriages.

Dave | 10:08 p.m. March 24, 2008

I won't be able to attend this year's caucus meeting because my compassion cup overfloweth. I'll be too busy passing out sandwiches, water bottles, and maps with directions to Utah to illegals crossing the border.

Take notes for me, will ya?

Ciao!

P.S. Hey, Deseret News, thanks for advertising Cinderella's Escorts Lunch Special in your classifieds. I'll have to give it a try when I get back home.

some dude | 10:29 p.m. March 24, 2008

clearly the church is just saying "participate" is that so wrong? and why does it seem that mormons are not aloud to have a personal opinion? another thing; how does some one get the LDS church and Iran conused... look at a map. and why are mormons so evil for having good moral standards. some people in the world really need to learn to read and think objectively

Innocent Bystander | 10:52 p.m. March 24, 2008

I don't know how Mormons can handle living around so many ANTImormons. They pick apart your religion and mock you at every turn. Utah has to be a great place to live if you hate yourself. No wonder there is so much depression there.

You have the depressed and negative ANTImormons picking on the soon to be depressed Mormons. Ones depression leads to the depression of the others.

Why don't you all get a positive hobby?

CA | 11:29 p.m. March 24, 2008

So why are the ANTI Mormons living in Utah? Mormons went to Utah so they can be free to worship without being killed now when the Mormons had developed a desert-like Utah, here the ANTI Mormons keep following too. These ANTIs just want the free benefit of a clean, moral, kind and generous Mormon society and then blast the very religion whose fruits they enjoy.
Regarding the caucus, we are citizens too and we need to participate. I am heeding the counsel.

Dork who? | 11:37 p.m. March 24, 2008

So Duh? Who does the LDS church want us all to vote for? Please tell me? So far there are only DORKS out there running for office. Does the LDS church have a preference of which dorky person's they would have in mind...do tell us? I have never seen so many dorks running for office in all my life.

Mormons are Political | 1:51 a.m. March 25, 2008

The LDS church KNOWS that its membership is HEAVILY very conservative Republican. Getting the flock out to vote may as well be a way to pad the vote in favor of very conservative Republicans.

Come on, really folks. The Mormon churchs knows how to be political without being political. They do a similar thing when there are "moral" issues on the ballot. Reminding everyone to vote (knowing full well their membership is anti-abortion, anti-women's rights, anti-gambling, etc., etc.)

Lincoln C. | 4:56 a.m. March 25, 2008

Mormon Democrat wrote "I can appreciate many of the tenants inside of the standard Democratic platform, such as helping the poor, strong education reform and funding, and civil rights."
The problem with statements like this is they imply that conservatives or Republicans don't also want to help the poor, have good schools, or work toward a colorblind society. These compassionate positions are not exclusive to the Democrats, who portray themselves as "champion of the little guy" or "looking out for working Americans." The disconnect between Repubs and Demos comes in how to implement these compassionate programs. Everyone wants to help the poor, but one party wants to give free handouts to all with no expectation they will work to improve their own situation. The other party wants government to not just hand over cash to the poor without assuring they are becoming employable and rewarding the private sector or faith groups for also caring for the poor. One party wants to throw money to education with no teacher accountability, the other wants to see a return on the investment in education. One party wants quota affirmative action, the other wants no distinctions or advantages based on skin color.

moses | 5:45 a.m. March 25, 2008

So how many of us Dems are there in the Mormon church anyway?
Anybody know the figures?

SLC | 7:07 a.m. March 25, 2008

Don't Forget to Choose the "R"!

Fred | 7:38 a.m. March 25, 2008

Well, David O. McKay used to say the he voted for the First Presidency, because his counselors cancelled themselve out each time.

And James E. Faust was a Democrat.

There are others.

Shamrock | 10:33 a.m. March 25, 2008

So why does the church have to tell its members to participate in caucuses? Isn't the church non-political?

And to moses--
I knew a big time democrat family in my ward. Actually, I knew quite a few. Sometimes they can be very radical.

Re: Shamrock | 12:21 p.m. March 25, 2008

I'm LDS and I usually vote Democrat, but I'd like to know how I can become a "radical democrat." I have an Obama '08 bumper sticker and I had a vote no on vouchers yard sign last fall. What else can I do?

Kjaerbye | 1:00 p.m. March 25, 2008

I am a good Mormon and "Liberal" Democrat from California. I live in Salt Lake Proper and find it my duty to partake in the Democrat Caucauses.

More Dems we have here in Utah will outlive the Right Wing Necocons of the Republcian Party. Senator Reed from NV is a Good Mormon and a good Democrat! The Republcian party of Utah are Social Democrats, they like to TAX and SPEND!

Issue statement weeks in advance | 1:57 p.m. March 25, 2008

I know our ward would have appreciated that the First Presidency statement had been issued earlier than two days ago. We could have rescheduled or cancelled some meetings if we were given enough notice.
Our Cub Scouts had already planned a special pack meeting at 7:00 PM to honor boys getting their "Arrow of Light". It is certainly hard to reschedule such events when others were invited to perform and participate many weeks ago. Should parents have to choose between their children and politics? Our Young Men had already planned an activity. My soon-to-be eighteen year old son wanted to attend the caucus but the Young Men had already planned a fun activity that he doesn't want to miss.
I love, honor, and respect the First Presidency, but it seems that the statement could have been issued sooner.

Family first??? | 2:37 p.m. March 25, 2008

I have too many church meetings to be involved in politics. Geezers! We need some time for our families. I am so TIRED of so many darn meetings. Family life seems to be last nowadays. I have no time for politics, work, church and then my family all the same time. One definitely needs to go!

Shamrock | 4:57 p.m. March 25, 2008

Conspiracy theories! (and some of them are very stupid)

oh brother | 10:50 p.m. March 25, 2008

Issue statements weeks in advance?... what? Can't you find out when important events are happening? I knew when the Caucus meetings were weeks ago. Don't you have access to the computer? You don't know how to read for yourself? You can't figure things out without someone telling you what to do? Good Grief. Get a life and don't expect anyone to do it for you!

Shamrock | 7:31 a.m. March 26, 2008

I agree with "oh brother". Whatever religion you're in, you need to keep yourself informed. It's okay to listen to non-religious radio and watch non-religious TV.

Clyde | 8:49 a.m. March 26, 2008

Why are Latter-day Saints so brainless and unable to think for themselves that they need to be told what to do by their leaders?

Don't you LDS people have any brains of your own? Why do you wait around to be told what to do?

Get a life! Think for yourselves! Wake up and smell the coffee - and it wouldn't hurt to drink a little, too!

Lee | 11:27 a.m. March 26, 2008

It doesn't add up. How does one be a "good" Mormon,or Evangelical,or a devout Catholic and support the ideals of the Democrat party? The Dem. party is the party of Abortion on demand, partial-birth abortion,and gay marraige? You simply can't just pick and choose what part ot that party's platform you personally endorse no more than you can pick and choose what part of any Scripture you think are relavant. And Clyde,you get a life! What's it to you what other people drink or how they live thier lives?

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