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Bush meets with First Presidency

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Courtesy visit | 9:32 a.m. May 29, 2008
Nice gesture by the President. Would love to know what they discussed.
Annonymous | 9:38 a.m. May 29, 2008
I got to see President Bush in his car just as he was coming out. It was awesome!
Anonymous | 9:42 a.m. May 29, 2008
There's nothing more that Bush can get from the MormonChurch that Reagan and the Republican party has not already extracted. As of the mid-1980's the Church fulfilled its longstanding deal with the Republican party that if the Republicans approved statehood (which they did) Utah in return would have to take its commanding Democrat majority and split the population to 1/2 Dems and 1/2 Republicans (which they did in church meetings all across the territory by splitting the families down the middle of the chapels - one side Dem the other Repubs) and then work to eventually make Utah a commandingly Republican party state, which they did with the so-called Reagan revolution.

The MormonChurch claims it does not get involved in secular politics but leaves it to the people, which in my lifetime was largely true until the Equal Rights Amendment came up and for some time the Church was neutral on, that is until Roe-v-Wade happened, and then the Church rallied its forces in ward and stake meetings for its members to defeat it. Don't think this happened? Well... I was in many of these meetings and it did happen!

Today, they're more sophisticated and behind the scenes about it.
Comments continue below
re Courtesy visit | 9:32 a.m | 9:47 a.m. May 29, 2008
take a guess

1) Its an honor to meet with you.
2) Were praying for you
3) Utah is a beautiful state
.
.
.
LDS | 9:51 a.m. May 29, 2008
Uh, I gotta say, this visit seems pretty embarrassing.
Anonymous | 9:53 a.m. May 29, 2008
What would they possibly discuss? This is just the rich and powerful in politics meeting with the rich and powerful in religion for no reason that could possibly benefit those who are NOT rich and powerful. It stinks of conspiracy and elitism and inappropriateness.
Prayers | 9:55 a.m. May 29, 2008
Of whatever religion we might belong to my prayers have been with the president and the other governing authorities of the different states in this nation. Prayers extend to the rest of the world and today my prayers have been for the First Presidency as well. There's a sentiment that we live in wonderful and horrible times. There's a spiritual cold front and there are warm fronts as well, but one thing I do know is that our nation needs to give greater reverence to God. We also need to remember selfless and Christian acts of kindness and greater live lives like Jesus Christ would have us live. Even as I write there are certainly those who look to entangle my words, but there are more with us then there are those who are against us. Those who have passed on and yet to come as well. We all have a lot to do.
cj | 9:57 a.m. May 29, 2008
Could not have discussed much if the visit was under an hour. I think it was more of a courtesy visit.
Omaha | 10:00 a.m. May 29, 2008
President Bush Rocks!
Bert | 10:10 a.m. May 29, 2008
What happened to avoid "the very appearance of evil"?
re: re Courtesy visit | 10:13 a.m. May 29, 2008
Probably a moment in President Bush's presidency when his nerves were calmed more then they've ever been. I'd imagine that would be the case - even if the discourse was as boring as surface talking about the weather or something. But I'd venture to say as well that Utah is unique for the reason that it is the headquarters of the church. I'd think if something were to happen in George's and Laura's and the presidential family's spiritual progress - if the president were to somehow arrive to the point of finding that the church is what it says it is, I wonder how that would be. - just thinking ideas out loud - it would be interesting. I dare say I know. I'm also aware of others' beliefs and so forth and me knowing doesn't mean that it's necessarily easy to come to that knowledge as well. Scripture study and prayer and sincere seeking are always recompensed by higher powers then our own.
Anonymous | 10:18 a.m. May 29, 2008
Every time a President visits our state,Democrat or Republican,they meet with the First Presidency. It has nothing to do with politics. And the church does not get involved in secular politics,just moral issues!
How about he visit the poor? | 10:22 a.m. May 29, 2008
How about a president that visits the poor and the needy and comforts them? Shrub is a joke. He isn't a very good human being, let alone a good Christian.
Gordon | 10:29 a.m. May 29, 2008
To the " the disgusted and anonymous" who seem to never say anything positive. Such anti-americian feelings are hard for me to understand. They seem to have all the answers yet never seem to contribute anything but dissention. There is never respect for anyone or anything. Sure is sad. They must truly be a miserable group. I do not agree with everything this or other presidents have done, but at least, they are in the arena trying.
What have YOU done lately "disgusted & anonymous"?
Texas | 10:39 a.m. May 29, 2008
For Disgusted: Big word for a small mind. You ought to get out of Utah once in a while. Why is it when people you don't like visit, it has to be something of a conspiracy? Maybe the president and the first presidency talked about you ... so see, nothing important.
GIve it A Rest | 10:45 a.m. May 29, 2008
RE: Disgusted

Can't President Bush meet with LDS church leaders without you Bush haters making into some covert plan for political gain? Give it a rest!

What will you say if Obama or Hillary Clinton becomes President and they come to visit Utah and drop by to see the LDS First Presidency? Let me guess..."they were curious about their roots...it respectful to visit those leaders while in Utah". Again--Give it a rest!

Rich | 10:46 a.m. May 29, 2008
To Anonymous and other who think the church meddles in politics behind the scenes.

Your theories make sense but have little basis in fact. I've been a high priest for 10 years, and the only advice I have received pertaining to politics has been limited to the following:

"Get involved in politics rather than sit on the sidelines."

"Vote for people who reflect my standards and who will vote for issues about which I care."

"Voice my opinion about bills and referenda to outlaw or ban homosexual marriage."

"Do not allow the pulpit or any church building to promote a candidate for any political office."

"Do not feel that I must vote Republican (or Democrat) to be a good church member."

In my lifetime I remember seeing the church get involved in politics over four issues: Utah's liquor by the drink bills, the Equal Rights Amendment, the homosexual marriage issue, and the building of a nuclear defense system in the Utah desert. I have supported the church's stand on all four issues, though I don't think the church as a worldwide organization should lower itself to get involved at all in our state's politics or laws.
Time for change | 10:49 a.m. May 29, 2008
Photo op, that's all it was. Nothing was discussed of great importance. Neither of the meeting groups has anything to say that hasn't already been said, thousands of times.
But it is great to live in a land where we are ALL free to worship how we want (at least that was the intent of the founding fathers) and express our discontent with the governing party if we want.
It is, however, time to end the two party system.
Colorado | 10:57 a.m. May 29, 2008
Anonymous @ 9:42AM. You obviously haven't been to too many church meetings. I've been an active member of the LDS church for 46 years, am a former bishop. I've NEVER EVER heard the subject of politics brought up; much less, been encouraged to lean in one direction or the other. The only times we've ever been asked to get involved have been on "local" and/or moral issues that run contrary to gospel teachings and principles.

Active members of the church SHOULD know intuitively,who or what to vote for without any pressure from the brethren - especially along strict Constitutional lines.

If anyone wants to know the direction our elected leaders are taking us, all they have to do is read the Book of Mormon - it was written for our time and according to prophecy, what has been prophisied, will occur.

Oh, by the way, the visit to The First Presidency was nothing more than a courtesy visit - no hidden agenda.
I pray ,too | 10:58 a.m. May 29, 2008
I was impressed with your words, and they echo my own thoughts as of late; it is to be the best that we should strive to be, not just when the cameras are on us.
Why ONLY the LDS? | 11:01 a.m. May 29, 2008
We all know that the strong LDS are now a minority in this state, yet the Republicans continue to kow-tow to them.

There's a lot of us out there, who MIGHT consider voting Republican, except for this continual, obvious display of State-sponsored religion.
Alex | 11:01 a.m. May 29, 2008
Bert:

"What happened to avoid "the very appearance of evil"? "

Yet another good reason to meet with Bush. ;)
Carl | 11:01 a.m. May 29, 2008
Good for them all!
Blinders | 11:02 a.m. May 29, 2008
Talk about liberal blinders! If the President (ANY president) were to make a visit to the center of any other religion, those religious leaders would want to meet with him, as well, if only to voice a dissenting opinion with the president's policies. Claiming "conspiracy" where none exists is just like having your head stuck in the sand. It's just the view happens to be anti-Bush, anti-conservative. Besides, the president can only do so much face to face. Most of the time, the real nitty-gritty is left to those the responsibility is delegated to. Get real.
Bob | 11:04 a.m. May 29, 2008
As the entire world receives the news that Bush's own press secretary has thrown Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield and Karl Rove under the bus, the Deseret News finds no place for this story on the front page of this web site. Are you a newspaper, or not?
republican | 11:12 a.m. May 29, 2008
As a long-time Republican, I am completely disgusted with the Bush Administration. Billions spent forcing an unpopular war on Americans and we are now hard hit by rising gas and food prices. Here in CA, we pay 4.33 a gal for regular and 5.12 a gal for diesel. We are already seeing low income families who can�t afford to get to work. The welfare rolls are next to rise. Bush�s reckless policies are not only damaging, but personally I have no respect for a Commander-in-Chief who will not stand in any weather to greet and thank the members of our military, wherever they are gathered. Traditionally, our men and women in the military have heroically stood in filthy, muddy trenches fighting for American freedom. The very least our leaders can do is stand with them and not run like a coward to Air-force One to avoid a little spring shower.

Bush has doomed the Republicans. Bring on the Democrats.
Simon Says | 11:22 a.m. May 29, 2008
Why was the Catholic Church not lambasted when Bush hosted the Pope at the White House? I don't recall much bashing for either the Catholic church or the President when that happened. Stop criticizing and be grateful that you live in a country where you are free to think, act and do as your conscience dictates. Please allow all people the same privilege.
I would be surprised if the President came to Utah and did not visit the LDS leadership, just as I would be surprised if he went to Italy and did not call on the Pope.
Why so much negativity and critism out there? Imagine, the leader of the most powerful nation and the leader of a global church meeting together, regardless of the topic of discussion - sounds like a meeting most would love to have been at.
Hummmmm? | 11:30 a.m. May 29, 2008
Well, all I have say is...hummmmmmmm?
re: Gordon | | 11:35 a.m. May 29, 2008
How can you refer to anyone who dislikes Bush and his crony Republicans �anti-american�? That is the most idiotic statement I have ever heard. Should the entire country belong to one party? Maybe we could turn the US into a monarchy or better yet, subject ourselves to a communist rule. The freedom to express dissenting opinions and to lawfully support or oppose our political leaders is one we hold dear. You may pound away at your keyboard spouting your views; please allow others the right to do the same.
Alex | 11:38 a.m. May 29, 2008
republican:

You obviously aren't one now. I doubt you ever were.
Paul in MD | 11:46 a.m. May 29, 2008
to Why ONLY the LDS -

Maybe because the LDS church is the only one to have its global headquarters in Utah?

If GW were to meet with every religion's local leaders everywhere he went, he would either have to meet with them all at once in a school gymnasium, give them each 2 minutes privately, or take three weeks at every stop. None of those is very respectful to either party.

When he visits the area home to the Episcopal church, I'd expect him to meet with their leader. Same for any other church anywhere in the world. Go to Italy, meet with the Pope. Go to England, meet with the archbishop of Canterbury. Simply a matter of respect.
James H | 11:49 a.m. May 29, 2008
To Gordon:

Since when is political dissent un-American? Would you silence opposing opinions just because they don't match your own, or that of the majority rule?

Without political debate and dissent, we'd be back to having the original King George rule. I don't think we want that, do we?
Skip Wright | 11:51 a.m. May 29, 2008
My gosh people, how naive/pathetically stupid does one have to be to write this:
"I'd think if something were to happen in George's and Laura's and the presidential family's spiritual progress - if the president were to somehow arrive to the point of finding that the church is what it says it is, I wonder how that would be."
GET A FRICKIN' CLUE! Bush is one of the most EVIL men with absolutely NO CONSCIENCE whatsoever. He doesn't give a rats butt about ANYBODY but himself, his family, and his cronies, all of whom are profiting immensely from the War in Iraq along with ungodly oil prices.
If people honestly believe Geo. W. Bush would even consider for one mili-second of joining the LDS Church, they need to get over themselves and stop drinking the Kool-Aid. Bush isn't a Christian - he's a Gadianton hiding behind the Christian banner.
IMPEACH!
Paul in MD | 11:53 a.m. May 29, 2008
Someone said the church moved from Democrat to Republican because of some deal. Hogwash.

The LDS church in the late 1800's was one of the most liberal groups in the country because they believed in what were then very liberal ideas, like voting rights for women. Women were given the vote in Utah long before the rest of the country.

When the political landscape drifted to the left, LDS members' ideals remained the same, which pushed them towards the right. THAT is why what was once a predominately Democrat body has shifted to Republican.

I have been in the church for over 30 years. I remember ERA, and vaguely the church's statements on it. There was no conspiracy. The church issued a statement indicating what it thought the implications would be, and how that compared with the doctrines we hold to be true. It said the church disagreed with the amendment, but that we should all study the issue and vote our conscience. There was no conspiracy or pressure.
Re: Why ONLY the LDS? | 11:53 a.m. May 29, 2008
State sponsored religion? Check out President James E. Faust's political history, Marlin K. Jensen's political history, etc.

There was nothing secret about this meeting...it has happened before, it will happen again, with this and all other religions. I, for one, am grateful that President Bush met with them, even if nothing "great and secret" was discussed.
re: Republican | 11:55 a.m. May 29, 2008
Dear "Republican 11:12":
Forgive me if I don't believe you were ever a Republican. You spoke like a typical Bush-hater. As a retired military officer and a current employee of the DoD, who may not agree 100% with the President I certainly can understand why he boarded his plane without greeting the service men in the rain. I have memories as a soldier waiting to see and meet with out former President in the 1990's in perfectly good weather on a couple occations and he did not take the time to even wave or salute. They have a tight schedule to complete and they often can't hold up the group for any EXTRA social gestures.
I wish the President the best as well as our future President, whoever he will be. Whatever their party, they deserve our respect even if we don't agree with their policy. LTC
Rose | 12:02 p.m. May 29, 2008
I think President Bush visit to the first Presidency give's the church a lot of creditability.
It will do a lot to separate us from the FLDS church which so many American's still believe are the same. Can you see Bush calling on Warren Jeff in his cell. Also, the President's, past and present do not make courtisey call's on the head's of other big church's I am proud of this visit for the Church's prespective. I am sure Bush felt the power of the priesthood and the spirit of these men of God. God Bless America!
Colorado | 12:04 p.m. May 29, 2008
re:Simon Says.

"Stop criticizing and be grateful that you live in a country where you are free to think, act and do as your conscience dictates".

Enjoy it while it lasts! Bush's Patriot Act" has all but destroyed our Constitutional liberties. We are fast becoming a police state, all because of the lie that because of some perceived "terrorist" threat, we should be willing to relinquish our freedoms and liberties, that should be protected.
nwo | 12:04 p.m. May 29, 2008
I bet they talked about the role of the church in the NWO
Rich | 12:12 p.m. May 29, 2008
I wasn't going to comment but to republican this is the problem. I'm not keen on Either party and to vote 3rd party is to waste a vote (see Ross Perot) this is how politics works and it's too bad. It seems like conservative means spend lots of money to Kill people none of us will likely ever meet, And liberal means spend more money because you little people don't know how to make your own choices. Where is a party that want's less of my choices & money and maybe a little more world peace, seriously. I can't choose the lesser of two evils, defend my fredom from Iraqius I don't know or from liberals that don't know me. It's tough.
Anonymous | 12:15 p.m. May 29, 2008
President Bush meets with the leaders of the Mormon Church - while Barack Obama meets with Rev. Wright.

And Bush is evil?

You anti-Bush Utahns are an ignorant lot.


Neither Republican/Democrat | 12:19 p.m. May 29, 2008
I am neither a republican or a democrat...I vote in politics by the person. If I feel they have the best interest of this country in mind, I vote for them. But reading all the comments here I would say most Democrats are winers and most republicans see things at face value. I feel that maybe the President of the United States just wanted to visit the leaders of one of the major world religions. Nothing more and nothing less. Sorry all you conspiracy theory guys...most people in this world are just interested in others...not conspiring to do anything at all.
RR | 12:21 p.m. May 29, 2008
Some people who post are so naive and unintelligent. If members of the church were writing terrible things about this meeting, shame shame shame on you. That is just pure wrong to put down your leaders, and accusing them of this and that.

I'm so disgusted with clueless and classless people. These blogs bring out the worst in people. It's awful!!!!
one guy | 12:20 p.m. May 29, 2008
There where so many book of Mormon and Bible prophets that criticized government leaders now we have the 12 article a faith and everybody is ok from Hitler to Bush you just follow your leaders I don�t get it.
Mike | 12:22 p.m. May 29, 2008
I laugh at people's dumb comments... NWO? HA! Grow up people. Come on seriously.
W's visit | 12:29 p.m. May 29, 2008
What a wonderful opportunity for a presidential courtesy visit to bring out the anti-LDS bigots in Utah. As a recent move-in to the state, and Obama supporter, I think these blog postings should be in the Comics section of the paper or better addressed to Dr. Laura.
Willie | 12:31 p.m. May 29, 2008
"Bush...did not walk across the tarmac to meet a couple of dozen airmen...to the great disappointment of the airmen"

Just what do you people expect from BUSH???? How much can one man do???

He has already given up golf to show his support for the military!!! Isn't that enough????
RE: Skip Wright | 12:33 p.m. May 29, 2008
' Scripture study and prayer and sincere seeking are always recompensed by higher powers then our own. '

That comment was meant for you and anyone like yourself. It was meant for all of us and for the president and for anyone.

Your deliberately belittling and belligerent tone is only evidence of your own cold defiance to an otherwise well intended remark. You obviously have a major chip on your shoulder. Who do you think you are to somehow tell me that I can't voice sincere observation? Who do you think you are to somehow gauge another's ignorance on one, small, less then 200 word comment? - Your comment is entirely unconstitutional and spiteful. Your validity and legitimacy in your commentary is immediately cast to a gutter groveling level. - Try gentle persuasion sometime. You might find it more effective then Nazi-istic, zealously judgmental, self absorbed, egotistical, rhetoric that contributes only worthless sludge. - I hope your day goes better for you. It obviously hasn't been a good one so far. Eat well, sleep well, and send any of your loved ones my best.

new meaning | 12:35 p.m. May 29, 2008
Gives new meaning to "mission accomplished"
From PC | 12:37 p.m. May 29, 2008
The courtesy visit was a visit to individuals who share the same basic values as the President. If the Church leaders didn't and were promoting off-the-wall values and teachings, the President wouldn't have visited with them. I understand the LDS Church also provides humanitarian aid to many area's of the World. If I were a fly on the wall yesterday in the meeting, I'll bet the President thanked the LDS leaders for all they do in this area. I also think that I would hear the Church leaders encouraging Pres. Bush that they appreciate his stand on moral issues and that they support him in these efforts. Just some thoughts.

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Eric Draper, White House

President George W. Bush greets Thomas Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the church's headquarters Thursday. Also pictured at right is Henry Eyring, First Counselor.

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