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Powder scares at 2 LDS temples, Catholic plant
163 comments | Read story
Hmmm | 5:01 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Let's see, wonder where this came from...
Seattle Guy | 5:01 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
These Gays have taken it to a new level....the fact that they are willing to do
this shows how nuts they are.
Cam in California | 5:03 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
It would appear that Anti-Prop8 protestors have resorted to using terrorism to
attack the LDS Church.
Comments continue below
Double standard | 5:11 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I highly doubt that had the vote on Proposition 8 gone the other way that any
gay headquarters would be threatened, harassed, picketed, and now possibly
terrorist attacked. Where are all the 'moral' leaders' outrage
now? Where is Jesse Jackson? Where is Obama our new president? Where is the
ACLU? I'm sure this helps the gay cause...
Not impressed | 5:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
So this is protesting?
I could be wrong and this event along with recent protests against the church regarding proposition 8 could be completely unrelated, and I would welcome being proved wrong.
I completely respect the right to assemble given to all Americans. It's a necessary right guaranteed by the constitution. I don't respect people who carry around envelopes full of white powder, presumably harmless, and pass it around to scare people.
I could be wrong and this event along with recent protests against the church regarding proposition 8 could be completely unrelated, and I would welcome being proved wrong.
I completely respect the right to assemble given to all Americans. It's a necessary right guaranteed by the constitution. I don't respect people who carry around envelopes full of white powder, presumably harmless, and pass it around to scare people.
Why | 5:18 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Can't the people who support proposition 8 just leave the Church alone,
this is beginning to become a joke.
Chris | 5:31 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Wow, it's interesting to me that so many liberal people talk about
tolerance and acceptance but when it comes right down to it, they do exactly the
opposite. If you're going to "talk the talk", then "walk
the walk". Have respect for others.
Friend of the Church | 5:32 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Unbelieveable. If this were the government being sent an envelope with white
powder it would be considered a terrorist act, to gays it would be a hate crime,
but because it is to the Church, the mainstream media, and enemies of the Church
could care less. Give me a break. This is getting out of hand.
Slow to judge | 5:39 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Seattle Guy seems to have inside information. Hmmmm.
Eric | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
As a supporter of Propostion 8 and a strong opponent of the Church's
involvement in this issue, I am embarassed. We all know what this is about.
There are much better ways to handle this.
baseless? | 5:45 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Why the baseless accusations?
Michael Jay | 5:45 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Don't just jump to conclusions, it could be some other party or person that
hates the church and saw this as an opporutinty to drive a wedge even farther
between The Church and other groups.
Anonymous | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
This is completely uncalled for. However, just because some nut sent some white
powder to the temple doesn't mean all gays are nuts. LDS people don't
want to be stereotyped and gay people don't want to be either.
Stop pointing fingers so fast | 5:52 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
This probably has nothing to do with gay people. You are showing the kind of
prejudice and hate that they keep accusing us of having against them. Let's
just hope there was no harm done and move on without pointing fingers until the
authorities have actually confirmed something.
California Voter | 5:54 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I was not a supporter of prop 8. But this kind of childish intimidation against
the LDS is completely unacceptable. It is wrong and extremely pitiful.
What?? | 5:55 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
There was no where in this article that stated homosexuals sent the substance.
And was it the homosexuals that sent the white powder out years ago when this
threat first started??
Sad Situation | 5:58 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
How amazing would it be if both sides tried to foster a little more
understanding. How great would it be if we valued people, not only people who we
agreed with.
No on Prop. 8 has its merits. Yes on Prop. 8 has its merits also. Neither side is completely wrong, neither side has no poor repercussions if their side won.
What do we do when we cannot come to a consensus? We have a vote. The people voted. Let's not call them bigots, on either side. They are doing what they feel is right. Let us all do that, and then be tolerant enough to let people have their own views.
No on Prop. 8 has its merits. Yes on Prop. 8 has its merits also. Neither side is completely wrong, neither side has no poor repercussions if their side won.
What do we do when we cannot come to a consensus? We have a vote. The people voted. Let's not call them bigots, on either side. They are doing what they feel is right. Let us all do that, and then be tolerant enough to let people have their own views.
plankton | 5:58 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Could be an act of terrorism too. What a bunch of miserable thugs!
Typical methods | 6:06 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Typical of liberal thinking bozos. No free speech if you oppose their way of
thinking. Scare tactics if you disagree with them. Nice work gay community;
that will change peoples minds about gay marriage.
Prophet, Seer and Revelator | 6:12 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I am reminded of President Hinckley's comment about the changes around the
Salt Lake Temple were because he felt the need to protect it....
Get ready the hoe is digging deep in the weeding out process!!!
Get ready the hoe is digging deep in the weeding out process!!!
Another Opinion | 6:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Putting white powder (simulated or real anthrax) in an envelope and sending it
to the LDS Church has one purpose and one purpose only, to imply, or commit an
act of terrorism.
If this cowardly act is linked to the "No on Proposition 8" supporters, it speaks volumes. In addition to being prosecuted by Federal authorities, the leaders of the "No on Proposition 8" movement should denounce and condemn the act.
This type of behavior will do far more damage in the court of public opinion than any "message" those responsible for this hoped to make to the LDS Church and its members.
If this cowardly act is linked to the "No on Proposition 8" supporters, it speaks volumes. In addition to being prosecuted by Federal authorities, the leaders of the "No on Proposition 8" movement should denounce and condemn the act.
This type of behavior will do far more damage in the court of public opinion than any "message" those responsible for this hoped to make to the LDS Church and its members.
Mark Bredthauer | 6:18 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I can be okay with the picketing but sending an unknown powder into the temple
is going too far.
r2 | 6:18 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I personally could not care less if gays get married.
I have 2 other serious concerns however that neither side seems interested in answering.
First that if marriage is to be redefined that it be the will of the people on a federalists (state by state basis) Just like acceptance or rejection of abortion, redistributive taxes, and immigration all need to get off the federal level or we are going to head to another civil war. Let states reap the good and bad from their decisions rather then forcing their morality on the rest of us.
Second soon after gay marriage is legalized any religions that teach homosexuality is a sin will be susceptible to hate crime charges. This would eventually include casting such church leaders into prisons and revoking their tax exempts status. (it will just take one violent psychopath who the media can paint as religious to give politicians the excuse)
Even those churches that disallow gay people to marry in their buildings or temples will also be sued or declared non-tax exempt. (this has already happened more then once in states with gay marriage)
In short it is either freedom of religion or gay marriage.
I have 2 other serious concerns however that neither side seems interested in answering.
First that if marriage is to be redefined that it be the will of the people on a federalists (state by state basis) Just like acceptance or rejection of abortion, redistributive taxes, and immigration all need to get off the federal level or we are going to head to another civil war. Let states reap the good and bad from their decisions rather then forcing their morality on the rest of us.
Second soon after gay marriage is legalized any religions that teach homosexuality is a sin will be susceptible to hate crime charges. This would eventually include casting such church leaders into prisons and revoking their tax exempts status. (it will just take one violent psychopath who the media can paint as religious to give politicians the excuse)
Even those churches that disallow gay people to marry in their buildings or temples will also be sued or declared non-tax exempt. (this has already happened more then once in states with gay marriage)
In short it is either freedom of religion or gay marriage.
terrorism | 6:19 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
plain and simple.
Anonymous | 6:25 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Amen to Anonymous.
Frank | 6:29 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I have to agree with Michael Jay. There are many uninvolved people out there
who would love to see an out of control fight start who could be responsible.
And even if it was a antiprop8 extremist, its exactly that an extremist.
Extremists don't define the group.
I may be anti-gay marriage but I dont want to see this escalate any farther than protests and discussions. However due to recent acts of vandalism and assault being associated with no2prop8 supporters they need to act quick to distance themselfs from this one.
I may be anti-gay marriage but I dont want to see this escalate any farther than protests and discussions. However due to recent acts of vandalism and assault being associated with no2prop8 supporters they need to act quick to distance themselfs from this one.
Re:Anonymous | 6:29 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Nobody blamed all the gays for this. You are creating predudice. Who
stereotyped? You are inventing predudice. You are a hypocrit!
The church leaders asked us to love and not judge. You could learn something from them before you speak again and throw both Mormons and gays under the bus which you just did in your comment.
The church leaders asked us to love and not judge. You could learn something from them before you speak again and throw both Mormons and gays under the bus which you just did in your comment.
Robert Oh | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Doesn't pass the smell test.
Why would someone send something like this directly to the SL Temple? Why not Church HQ?
Doesn't all the mail go through the office building mail room?
I think we need more info.
Why would someone send something like this directly to the SL Temple? Why not Church HQ?
Doesn't all the mail go through the office building mail room?
I think we need more info.
John Pack Lambert | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
My first counsel in for people to calm down. There is no cear indication
where this envolope came from. We do not know if it was harmful, and we know
even less about why it was sent, so it might be good to not assume anything.
On the other hand, I have to admit Eric at 5:43 really confuses me. Either he does not understand Proposition 8, is really confused about the position the church took, or does not like it when other people espouse his political position.
On the other hand, I have to admit Eric at 5:43 really confuses me. Either he does not understand Proposition 8, is really confused about the position the church took, or does not like it when other people espouse his political position.
John Pack Lambert | 6:33 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Why at 5:18 is also confused. Well, besides the fact there is no evidence
presented in the article that would link this event to Proposition 8, it would
be those against Proposition 8 who are mad at the church.
Hey for all we know this was sent by someone mad about polygamy. The fact that the church has been excommunicating people for practicing polygamy for nearly a century does not prevent people from vocally speaking out against the churh on such issues, and so there is no reason to believe it prevents hate acts based on this issue as well.
My point is there are many reasons people decide to hate the church.
Hey for all we know this was sent by someone mad about polygamy. The fact that the church has been excommunicating people for practicing polygamy for nearly a century does not prevent people from vocally speaking out against the churh on such issues, and so there is no reason to believe it prevents hate acts based on this issue as well.
My point is there are many reasons people decide to hate the church.
Joe Moe | 6:34 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
As a Mormon and a Prop8 proponent, I have to say, odds are this is a response to
the recent vote. However, it's also very possible it's totally
unrelated, or even something mailed by a Prop8 proponent to inflame the issue
even further and reflect poorly on the Prop8 opponents (anyone could foresee --
and can now see plainly -- what assumptions could be made).
No use blaming this on every gay or every Prop8 opponent. It's just one wacko out there somewhere.
No use blaming this on every gay or every Prop8 opponent. It's just one wacko out there somewhere.
Mike - Riverside, CA | 6:35 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Local TV stations in LA are now reporting that the LA Temple also received an
envelope with white powder today. The TV stations are not getting confused with
the SLC Temple becasue in the same broadcast they mentioned that that temple
also received an envelope with with powder.
Anonymous | 6:37 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
The local LDS bishop lives near. He had Yes on Prop 8 signs. It never crossed my
mind that taking it was acceptable. Being a liberal, means tolerance to me. In
all movements there are extremist. Read about Porter Rockwell.
Californian | 6:47 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
The LA temple was also closed today due to a white powdery substance mailed
there. Anyone still doubt who's behind this?
Chuckles | 6:48 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Mormons rock the world! They are the nicest, most awesome people you will ever
meet. Whether this letter be from some enraged homosexual or some idiotic
person just trying to make a joke, it doesn't matter. The LDS people
don't deserve this, no matter how full of goodness and righteousness they
get.
now | 6:55 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
this is a little too much in a land that's known for freedom!!
Interested | 7:06 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I'll be interested to see if the national media covers any of this.
It's not a good idea to point fingers until we know anything for sure, but after Mike-Riverside, CA at 6:35 p.m. posted that there was an envelope delivered to the L.A. temple, it would appear that this could be going in the direction of a definite hate crime.
Still, I think we must act in a mature manner, and understand that these are extremists who do things like this. But what the public does with this information, well, that's a different story. Seems like they like to choose who they rally around if it fits their agenda and biases. Even so, it's useless to get bitter. Better to move forward.
It's not a good idea to point fingers until we know anything for sure, but after Mike-Riverside, CA at 6:35 p.m. posted that there was an envelope delivered to the L.A. temple, it would appear that this could be going in the direction of a definite hate crime.
Still, I think we must act in a mature manner, and understand that these are extremists who do things like this. But what the public does with this information, well, that's a different story. Seems like they like to choose who they rally around if it fits their agenda and biases. Even so, it's useless to get bitter. Better to move forward.
There's reasonable cause | 7:11 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Stop pointing fingers so fast,
"This probably has nothing to do with gay people. You are showing the kind of prejudice and hate that they keep accusing us of having against them. Let's just hope there was no harm done and move on without pointing fingers until the authorities have actually confirmed something."
There is a lot of evidence that it was a gay person who was behind this. They vandalize the Los Angeles Temple, attempt to intimidate worshipers at the Salt Lake Temple, make hateful comments online about how our Temples should be burnt down, how we should all watch our backs. Now there is evidence that people are burning copies of the Book of Mormon, setting fires outside of LDS Chapels. When you add it all together its safe to assume that a gay person is behind this.
The very nature of their protests are a tyrannical attempt to intimidate Mormons into not voting in the next election or donating to opposition to same-sex marriage. Even by themselves these protests are all terrorist acts.
"This probably has nothing to do with gay people. You are showing the kind of prejudice and hate that they keep accusing us of having against them. Let's just hope there was no harm done and move on without pointing fingers until the authorities have actually confirmed something."
There is a lot of evidence that it was a gay person who was behind this. They vandalize the Los Angeles Temple, attempt to intimidate worshipers at the Salt Lake Temple, make hateful comments online about how our Temples should be burnt down, how we should all watch our backs. Now there is evidence that people are burning copies of the Book of Mormon, setting fires outside of LDS Chapels. When you add it all together its safe to assume that a gay person is behind this.
The very nature of their protests are a tyrannical attempt to intimidate Mormons into not voting in the next election or donating to opposition to same-sex marriage. Even by themselves these protests are all terrorist acts.
Today | 7:12 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
An angry mob of homosexual activists in Southern California attacked an elderly
bespectacled woman carrying a cross then shouted her down during a live TV
interview as she tried to explain to a reporter her defense of the state's
new marriage amendment.
Congratulations | 7:14 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Congratulations Anti-Prop 8 folks. You have now joined the realm of the
terrorists. Your messages of love and peace and understanding have just turned
into a message of hate, religious discrimination, racial discrimination, and
violence. You have just showed America exactly what you are!
Palm Spring, CA | 7:16 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Same gender proponents bashed an elderly lady - marriage defender today - it was
caught live by news cameras.
The attack | 7:17 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
is on you tube.
media manipulation? | 7:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I think they planted it themselves to garner some sympathy.
Bert | 7:29 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Or it could be a pro-mormon person trying to stir things up. You know, that
persecution thing you all talk about.
Henry | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
To everyone who is encompassing the entire anti-prop8 movement, how hypocritical
you are. Only a few months ago two missionaries in CO were arrested for
vandalizing a Catholic church. Did that show the "true colors" of the
ENTIRE LDS faith? No, it certainly didn't. No more than 19 Islamic
extremists crashing planes into buildings represents the entire Islamic
community or the KKK represents all of Christianity. One crazed individual, or
even a small group, does not represent the entire organization. And yes,
re:Anonymous, doing so IS stereotyping and a clear form of prejudice.
Cats | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I believe these people who call Mormons haters and scream persection are
exposing themselves for what they really are. This is an act of terrorism and
many other acts of religious persecution are being perpetrated against the
Church and members across America. Of course, this is nothing new to us. We
have been the victims of persecution since the very beginning.
To The Members in California: Please know that we are praying for you and have been all along. We celebrate your courage. Now your governor and others are calling for the courts to overturn the will of the people instead of defending your religious freedom and your rights as citizens.
Please, we must all continue to work, pray and fight for what's right. Thanks to all the other Churches and individuals who are standing up and defending us. We must all stand together in a righteous cause.
To The Members in California: Please know that we are praying for you and have been all along. We celebrate your courage. Now your governor and others are calling for the courts to overturn the will of the people instead of defending your religious freedom and your rights as citizens.
Please, we must all continue to work, pray and fight for what's right. Thanks to all the other Churches and individuals who are standing up and defending us. We must all stand together in a righteous cause.
Dr Dude | 7:37 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I'm LDS and in favor of prop 8, but I've known many tactless Mormons
in my day. Anyone think of the possibility of this being an actually
"friend" of the church, or even a church member, committing a fake act
of terror to make the opposition look bad? In the modern world of anonymity
it's easy to make your enemy look worse. I could get various websites and
post under the name "GayMormon_Hater" and say nasty, violent things
about Mormons with the intent of making Gays look violent and radical. Settle
down everybody.
Editorial | 7:41 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
My wife wrote an editorial in a newspaper supporting Prop 8 and the people of
California for voting in favor of the Proposition to protect marriage. What was
the result? A bevy of hateful, shameful, mindless and bigoted comments aimed
right at her. I agree with others on this post who comment that the opponents
of Prop 8 who preached tolerance and love for all are now showing what this is
really all about. It certainly can't be tolerance. It is shameful and
hurtful. In some ways, it's beginning to feel like the early times of the
church when violence knocked at the doorstep. It would not surprise me if this
is next. And all in the name of tolerance and rights. Wow.
Anonymous | 7:41 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Charge this as a Federal Crime, with a terrorist sentence.
dj | 7:48 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I'm frightened. Strong beliefs are one thing, commitment and purpose are
others, but violence to push such is frightening.
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Courtney Sargent, Deseret News
Firefighters enter Temple Square in Salt Lake Thursday. Two temples and a Catholic fraternity received envelopes containing powder.
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