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Young 'did not order massacre'

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Anonymous | 12:38 a.m. May 25, 2008
How is this news? This fact was known for at least 150 years and was recently reiterated prior to the release of that farce of a film staring Jon Voight.
Give it a rest | 1:23 a.m. May 25, 2008
What the heck is the ongoing fascination with this subject? Mormon bashers can't seem to get enough of this kind of sensationalism. I frankly don't care one way or the other what Brigham Young did or did not order. He's dead and they're dead and we have our own present-day problems to contend with. If you insist on looking back, try looking at how the United States government persecuted and then massacred thousands of American Indians and stole their lands. The early Mormons had a similar experience, albeit on a much smaller scale. Were they paranoid? Probably. I think I would be too.
Stenar | 2:13 a.m. May 25, 2008
Of course, the LDS historian is going to say that the former LDS president didn't do it. DUH. That's not impartial investigating.
Comments continue below
Benjamin | 2:26 a.m. May 25, 2008
It seems to me that anyone who would claim a belief that Brigham Young ordered the attack is basing their position on complete and utter conjecture.

As the LDS authorities have stated, this event was a reprehensible act which is so gruesome it is difficult to contemplate. I agree with this statement. Be that as it may, I find it interesting that nobody seems to take an interest in understanding or explaining the conditions these LDS pioneers were subjected to prior to making such an awful decision. Nobody would take such horrific actions unless placed under their own set of horrific circumstances. I'm not trying to excuse their actions in the least, but I think it helps to understand the bigger picture.

As for anyone who would discount the apparent conclussions of this book, or would press forward with accusations of culpability aginst Brigham Young, I would say please present the proof.

Alternatively, let's theorize that the irrefutable proof existed. The result would be a terrible pronouncement of guilt upon a church leader, not the church itself. There are examples of prophets in the bible that fell from their calling due to sin, without calling into question Christ's church.
Tough To Judge | 5:58 a.m. May 25, 2008
It is so difficult for us, living as we do today, to judge the deeds of another time and of people in a different situation. Although some will deny any findings of research contrary to their predetermined mindset, others are grateful for illumination about a most difficult time and a most tragic event of the old west. I know of many pressures that were simmering to make this area and time and situation a powder keg. May God help us to learn from the past so we do not allow ourselves today to become so volatile. With the teachings we have, we need to learn and grow and do better today and in the future.
Bitter, party of one . . . | 6:06 a.m. May 25, 2008
This will not stop anti-Mormon pseudo-scholars, hobbyists, and other bitter disaffected-types from continuing the fun fact-free romp through fantasy-land.

Why let a little thing like "lack of evidence" get in the way of a Don Quixote-esque quest for "truth"?

On to the windmills!
diligentdave | 6:57 a.m. May 25, 2008
I would agree with the "Tough to Judge" analysis. And, I would further say that those who attempt to judge past generations and individuals for their actions in light of today's often 'pollitcally correct' standards do so unwisely. Relative isolation, past wrongs done to them, and rumours all likely combined to create a paranoia and skewing in judgement to create what became a lamentable scenario.

Look at how often the Saints had been wronged in the past. Look and see how their naivetee about what their enemies would and did do to them in New York, Ohio, Missouri and Illinois, led to the trampling of their rights, and horrible treatment.

We "Mormons" today should see the prejudice and misjudgement of us by our countrymen today as a likely precursor to renewed and growing discrimination and persecution. Between the Romney campaign, and even something as trivial as David Archuleta and "Idol", with the accompanying FLDS crises in TX, UT & AZ, and the misassociation of them with us, should help us see how bigoted and undiscriminating so many 'gentiles' are of us and those they lump us with.
How to spend your time? | 7:15 a.m. May 25, 2008
You could debate and research this your whole life and never find conclusive evidence one way or another. I live in Europe and read lots of history and biographies so find the topic interesting and like to hear balanced sounding opinions but...how much is really worthwhile and how do you really want to spend your time? Reading up on endless opinions in books (we really can't know the truth on this for sure)? Or getting involved in some worthwhile causes.

I suggest it is better to find ways to serve others, help with young people, the poor and homeless, the elderly, local schools, the unemployed or underemployed. The list goes on. What would you rather be known for??

Another question is: what is the ultimate objective of the people who want to destroy the LDS (or any other) faith? What will they really find at the end of their journey? What a sad way to spend your life!!!
Anonymous | 7:18 a.m. May 25, 2008
Finally some final closure to a bad memory. It is as it is now move on. The book has been written and it's not pleasant but the hard work was written and good can be done with those descendants who mourne their relatives on both sides of the old issue. Finally some good reading and getting to know some old stories, I ;ove history don't you.
Hey Bitter | 7:24 a.m. May 25, 2008
Don't just toss your stereotypes out there. They are insulting, to you. I am ex-mormon and often accused of being Anti-mormon. I am also a big fan of history. I see no reason for surprise in suggesting Brigham Young did not order and attack. The political and religious tension was exceptionally high at the time and I liken it to the 9/11 Iraq events with Iraq as MMM. Lincoln broke his promise to "leave the mormons alone" instead threatening to send troops out. Mormons were already in fear of war directed at them and hoarded ammunitions. That a few overresponded isn't shocking in the least. Where are those weapons of mass destruction in Iraw? OH, it was all false rumor, that oddly most forget the early church members were not immune from either. Was it a tragedy? Yes, as are all actions involving murder. Don't paint all people with the same broad brush stroke and I in turn will follow suit.
Waiting to read | 7:53 a.m. May 25, 2008
Stenar, the only way we'll know if their investigation was partial or not is to wait for scholars to critique their research. I'm waiting for the book, and I'm waiting for comments from scholars who will have studied the research.
Timj | 8:27 a.m. May 25, 2008
I don't believe Young ordered it.
However, a church investigation isn't exactly an impartial one, despite what the researcher claims.
Freeman | 8:37 a.m. May 25, 2008
Genocide? My how we throw around terms we don't understand. For all the similarities between MMM and other "genocides" out there, there are twice as many glaring differences. First and foremost is scale--120 deaths, while horrible and inexcusable, does not approach the genocidal numbers we've seen with the Jews in Europe (6 million), the Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda (800,000), or the victims of the Janjaweed in Darfur (400,000). For this and many other reasons, throwing around the term "genocide" in an MMM discussion is irresponsible and just plain ignorant.
Mimi | 9:06 a.m. May 25, 2008
We all agree that the MMM was a despicable act. Anyone responsible or involved is long dead. There are no responsible PEOPLE left to point fingers at, only an organization, the members of which are plenty disgusted that this event took place. As another pointed out, we have today's problems to deal with. Let's ALL move on. The Haun's Mill Massacre is a good example of how easily this can be done.
Truth | 9:17 a.m. May 25, 2008
People who look for wrongdoing don't believe the evidence when the truth is presented one way or another. They just continually search to prove the LDS church leaders are at fault.
I believe there are many who are bitter with the church who continually desire to tear it down no matter what is found.
DLT | 9:23 a.m. May 25, 2008
There are just as many people in the church who say Brigham Young was guilty of the Mountain Meadows Massacre as there are non-members. I personally know one of his descendants who thinks he master minded the whole event. As for me, I do not care one way or another. I still go to church, If he did have something to do with the massacre, so be it. Things were different back then, and the massacred wagon train probably had a part in causing the fight, as did the Indians. The Indians had guns not arrows and most Indians disliked the white man.
open mind | 9:37 a.m. May 25, 2008
There are many Scholars who say Brigham Young was involved. Lets not get bias on this matter or shove all the blame on some hard working LDS settles. Have an open mind.
Paul | 9:40 a.m. May 25, 2008
Um, Bitter, Lincoln wasn't President for another, what, 5 years. Now, Buchanan you can blame.

As for whether Young was involved, there can always be a seed of suspicion (whether founded or not). The only way this could have been put to rest is if the researcher has presented evidence that he had ordered it. Presenting a case that Young wasn't involved just leaves room for conspiracy charges against the Mormon Church. I can't see any non-Mormon researchers having total access to Mormon records, so this is unlikely to be settled.
Not fair & balances | 9:42 a.m. May 25, 2008
Deseret News is owned by the LDS Church and censors opposing opinions. They don't have the guts to even let this show up.
Wassup | 9:48 a.m. May 25, 2008
DLT, who cares what someone thinks? What are the facts? Have you seen any credible evidence, outside of theory, that would suggest BY ordered this masacre? BTW......who ordered the Hauns Mill masacre? We do know a governor had an extermination order out on a group of people. That is fact. And dispicable!
Gordon Hill | 9:51 a.m. May 25, 2008
A church historian says the MMM was caused by the women and children who were murdered.
And you mormons don't understand why people don't take you seriously.
Gulp down that purple cool aid. Even your own members aren't buying it.
The world is watching and you are being very dishonest about your own history. Your playing into the hands of your enemies.
jimmyz | 9:55 a.m. May 25, 2008
This, although a horrible act, is quite miniscule compared to the millions of those murdered and enslaved by other religious entities past and present, Christian as well as others... lets all get over it and move forward!!!
New story | 9:56 a.m. May 25, 2008
Why is the church still trying to prove Brigham Young was innocent of the MMM ? Is this event too hard to to bear? People say let it rest, but the church isn't helping with letting it rest with their new story. It is probably more bias than all the rest of the much older stories.
Brigham Young had an awful lot of wives, and when did he ever have time to do much of anything else? I have tried myself very hard to figure out the thinking of Brigham Young, and find it is quite impossible.
boblaurabyu | 10:09 a.m. May 25, 2008
if we look at the MMM in historical content it is clear that Brigham Young would want nothing to do with it
the 1850's were a time of conflict leading to the Civil War and the powers in Washington would have welcomed a mormon diversion that postponed the slavery issue, Brigham had to know this
in addition with the east and California being settled it was clear that America was going coast to coast, Brigham had to know this too,
Brigham wanted a secure state, powerful enough to be of value to the United States and storng enough to make it difficult or worthless to remove out the LDS people, he would want nothing to do with MMM,
it was a local act of hysteria
Truth | 10:12 a.m. May 25, 2008
There is no point cutting down another religion. This is the most destructive thing on this planet. We wonder why wars are waged and yet we still start new ones every day. An Anti-LDS person has no need to do it, but they want to fight, thus they start wars(with words for now)

Then supposing that this is actually a truth and historical battle. There is HARDLY enough evidence to prove one way or the other.

The Church is the most likely source of evidence because the church has the largest collection of Brigham Young's possessions. The church some of the most sophisticated technology at its disposal. BYU alone has enough departments and specialties to try to prove anything.

So whether the historian is lying to deceive people or trying to prove the truth is irrelevant to most of the comments on here.

Media outlets and even films now are showing it as Brigham ordered it and ONLY could have. How does this represent Innocent until proven guilty? There can only be an agenda behind so many people arguing against the LDS church as murders when they cannot even provide hard evidence that even suggests direct involvement.
hey paul | 10:17 a.m. May 25, 2008
I didn't say President Lincoln, but Lincoln for a reason. Simply because he wasn't president didn't mean he had no power.
3 words | 10:17 a.m. May 25, 2008
YES

HE

DID
Appreciate the Apparent Honesty | 10:20 a.m. May 25, 2008
I am a member of the Church who has long struggled with the obvious LDS whitewashing of history and doctrine. But I am very pleased by some of the comments that were made by the LDS historian authors of this book. Particularly the comments against blindly following sustained leaders. This is not the kind of thing LDS leaders particularly want Church employees writing and it takes courage to highlight the tragedy that can occur when leader's directions are not "questioned" or "tested". Those comments alone give me a level of comfort that these authors did not have an agenda or fear of wherever the facts lead.
R T Tom | 10:22 a.m. May 25, 2008
Why is the Church NOW trying to prove Brigham Young had nothing to do with this unfortunate event? Of course he did, It doesn't take a Moron to figure this one out. Lets be fair folks. It looks worse on Brigham Young to just shove all the blame on a few Mormon pioneer settlers, who would have done anything for Brigham Young, that he would have asked of them. You are talking about faithful members of the church. Is this fair to blame them entirely for what happened? I really don't think it's a good idea to turn your back on those early Mormon settlers. Their descendants are in the thousands today, and many are good and faithful members of the Mormon church. I have researched some of these people, and their stories are fascinating. Good old down to earth religious folks.
three more words | 10:28 a.m. May 25, 2008
HE DID NOT
Ample Evidence? | 10:28 a.m. May 25, 2008
After reading the article, I came to the conclusion that nobody will ever know. The evidence that they presented to show that Brigham Young could not have ordered the massacre was based on other historical events such as the Holocaust and Salem Witch Trials. While patterns of history can run fairly consistently, it still does nothing to address an unaddressable question: Did Brigham Young say "yes" or "no?" It only takes a moment in time to give permission to do something and that moment in time is most likely undocumented. We have also seen from a more recent current event in Texas, that faithful followers will protect their prophet no matter how right or wrong and I would compare the zealous FLDS in Texas to the LDS culture at the time of Brigham Young. I'm sure that the historians "hired" by the LDS church conveniently forgot about that. Why not give anyone access to the church archives? Hiring someone to research history on your behalf is like hiring an expert witness to give testimony on your behalf in court. They say that they will be objective , but in the end they work for someone.
Nate | 10:28 a.m. May 25, 2008
Well here we go. Heroification at it's best! Making one person seem innocent and upstanding by covering the atrocities that they committed to make them look like a better person. Like most of the US history has done with others. here it is happening again. Wow is it an actual surprise that the people writing this book are employed by the church? How did they come up with this book? and exactly what evidence? did they question the people involved? It is impossible to determine unless they actually talked to Smith. and then if he would tell the truth.
rocco | 10:36 a.m. May 25, 2008
I love Mormons and non-Mormons alike. There are plenty of modern issues to deal with instead of wasting time hating the Mormons. They have bent over backwards apologizing for this. Let's move on. As a once drugged up British hippy used to sing "All you need is love".
Anonymous | 10:41 a.m. May 25, 2008
Wow. It's amazing that so many are SO invested personally in the idea (NOT fact) that Brigham Young is a bad guy that they can't abide anyone stating that the facts just don't even come close to indicting him. "My mind is made up; don't confuse me with the facts" seems to be the modus operandi of the Brigham bashers . . . these people won't accept a verdict they don't like regardless of who delivers it, whether they be LDS or not. Closed minds (and hearts) are sad to behold, and sadly our culture is full of them.
History Nut | 10:49 a.m. May 25, 2008
Juanita Brooks got it right years ago. Everything else is frosting on the cake. Young created the conditions for it to happen, definitely covered it up, and was an accessory after the fact. There is incontrovertible evidence that Bagley and now Turley et. al. have added nuance to. But the basics are well known and haven't changed since Brooks.

It's not a pro or anti Mormon thing.

BTW, check out Bill MacKinnon's new book on the Utah War for tons of newly uncovered documents that demolish most of the accounts of the 1857 period in Utah History. "At Sword's Point" published by U of Oklahoma Press.
scholars | 10:54 a.m. May 25, 2008
Do you know what they call Church Scholars that find information contrary to the likings of the Church? Former members.
Blake | 10:56 a.m. May 25, 2008
Let's take a moment and reflect on patterns of behavior. Hmmm....a man who for his entire lifetime exhibited love, compassion, charity, service to his fellow beings, all the sudden says "yeah, go ahead and murder a bunch of innocent people in cold blood" and then goes back to the way he was before. Hmmm...does not make any sense. These are qualities which are instilled deep in the soul. Could Mother Teresa just flip out and start buthchering people one day and then go back to normal the next day helping people. I highly doubt it. Look at the pattern. I was not there but I trust that Brigham was righteous and did what God wanted him to do.
An insider | 10:57 a.m. May 25, 2008
A contrasting view by Will Bagley found that BY was responsible for the massacre. However, Will Bagley was paid a hefty sum by his anti-Mormon patron to find the conclusion before he even started his research. Credentialed historians that applied for the advertised, paid "research project" were turned down because they would not commit in advance to what their findings would be. Bagley said he would and he did. His work is typical of all works that come to the "conclusion" that BY is guilty of the crime. BY had his faults... the Mountain Meadows massacre was not one of them.
Sherry | 10:59 a.m. May 25, 2008
I have been reading about the early church and polygamy lately (for obvious reasons given the news). I think it is interesting to note how much of the LDS Church owes its existence to a cultural of non-disclosure and not telling the truth. These things were done in order to protect people from persecution and prejudice but it seems to be a remanent that does not go away. The Church today downplays the role of polygamy in the Church as well as anything else that reflects badly on the Church. The limited access to historical documents is troubling. I would not doubt that Brigham Young was involved in this.
Re: Nate | 11:00 a.m. May 25, 2008
It's obvious you did not read the article nor the posts here. Your last line invokes the name of Smith, and Joseph Smith had nothing to do with this story. You prove that anti's, ex's, and those with chips on their shoulders against the church don't listen to reason, they just jump to conclusions to justify their feelings and rational for not accepting the LDS faith or leaving it.
Martha, TO,Ca | 11:00 a.m. May 25, 2008
If Brigham Young was involved in the MMM, he would have been dropped from the First Presidency faster than a hot potato.

Move on.............xoxo
TO- Ample Evidence? | 11:03 a.m. May 25, 2008
AMEN AND AMEN! YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! I WISHED HOWEVER, THAT EVERYONE COULD SEE YOUR POINT OF VIEW AS I DO.
Re: Blake | 11:08 a.m. May 25, 2008
So your final point sounds like you are saying Brigham did do it but only because he was righteous and did what God wanted him to do. Then why in God's name would the church try to cover it up?

It's just like polygamy. Supposedly revelation from God inspired the practice and later revelation stopped it. Yet the church tries to hide it and/or down play it at every turn. If your actions were righteous and faith-based, why hide them?
Good reading | 11:12 a.m. May 25, 2008
I was reading on here last evening where someone happen to mention something about the Brigham Young website...

Brigham Young's Wives and
His Divorce From Ann Eliza Webb-brighamyoungswives). I read the site, but it did not mention the Mormon Meadow Massacre? I thought perhaps I would learn a bit more about the massacre. However, i did learn a bit about Brigham Youngs wives. I wanted to thank the person on here for bringing my attention to this site , but they disappeared. Oh well, I an joyed the website nonetheless. Very informative. But nothing on the MMM.

Thanks
Use Your Brains | 11:36 a.m. May 25, 2008
The LDS church just like the FLDS are all about CONTROL OF IT'S MEMBERS! You can do your own studies on this event in history, and come to your own personal conclusions on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. And learn for yourselves if Brigham Young played apart in the murders, or not. No one can do it for you. Use your own intelligence and go read and research everything you can find---- The truth is out there.
kyle from AZ | 11:38 a.m. May 25, 2008
Where all of you go wrong is believing that history can have some sort of "impartial" view. You are quick to criticize this historian for not being "impartial". History as written by human beings is never completely objective. No matter who writes it or examines it they always have a motive....one way or the other. If they did not have some sort of feeling or passion for examining certain parts of history they would never examine it in the first place. No one is ever going to look at the MMM and say "I have absolutely no interest in the subject so I am going to spend the next six years of my life studying every detail of it to let the objective truth be known." It just doesn't happen folks. Historians are not objective robots, everything they touch, everything they read is examined and interpreted through the lense of their own personal experiences and preconceived notions. I always say that there is no such thing as an objective historian
Cottontop | 11:59 a.m. May 25, 2008
As a person who lives in Arkansas near the families of those who were killed, it is with interest that I've read so many of the comments and articles dealing with the MMM. We hear about it regularly here. What I want to know is this: when will the judging end and the healing begin? History teaches us that this matter (as many others like it) will be being discussed and argued another century from now. Will it change anything? Probably not. There are people here still obsessing about the Civil War and still consider themselves "confederates". Does it change who did what and why? NO If we are to truly learn from history, then what should be discussed is how to change mankind to never make these mistakes again, regardless of whose fault it was. Many have been murdered, killed, martyred throughout history all in the name of religion and other things. Shouldn't the argument be how to not repeat the mistakes of humanity and move towards something greater? Indeed remember those who were lost but vow to love another greater to keep it from ever happening again.
FaithNoMo | 12:00 p.m. May 25, 2008
Yes, "according to the Church" there isn't much evidence. But according to nearly everyone else there is. Of course the Church, who would take a huge 'black eye' if Young ordered it would deny it. Young was a tyrant.
Holy roller | 12:14 p.m. May 25, 2008
There may not be enough evidence to ever know if Brigham Young had anything to do with the massacre, but to say he "did not" is quite cowardly!
Good Idea - to Use Your brains | 12:17 p.m. May 25, 2008
If anyone were to use their brains about this episode they would realize that people who teach peace, who teach forgiveness and love, who endure false and defamatory accusations, who are all about happiness and the golden rule are not the ones who would be also taught to kill. Use your brains. Of course Brigham didn't order it. This was all about fear and panic and a situation getting out of control and a disaster happening that is dreadful. I am so glad I didn't live in that day and have those pressures and have to be involved in the powderkeg. By smart people. Don't condemn. Learn. Lift. Be a better person. Stop generalizing a people. Aren't we past stereotypes today. Aren't we smarter people today because of the mistakes of others in an earlier day, a day we cannot fully understand. Use your brains.

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