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Powder scares at 2 LDS temples, Catholic plant

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Actions speak louder than words | 7:52 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Dr Dude,

"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."

Anything's possible but there are actual videos and pictures of them attacking people, vandalizing the Los Angeles Temple and threatening people. There is also evidence of them singling out members of the Church and protesting their homes, and businesses. One family who owns a Insurance business had protesters show up with signs that read "Purves Family Supports Homophobia."

I'm sorry but actions speak louder than words and these tyrants are intent on trying to intimidate anyone who opposes them and there are instances where people who opposed Prop. 8 come under attack such as Amy Kuschel who had an employee who donated in support.
Henry @ 7:30 p.m. | 7:58 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
"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..."

I get your point, but they are also very different.
Those missionaries were foolish, were roundly condemned for their acts by fellow church members and leadership, expressed remorse and made amends, and did nobody any bodily harm.

Where is the equivalent reaction of horror and condemnation from the pro-gay side? Nowhere. All we hear are reports of current protest and the next one being planned.

I hope these powder incidents are harmless and that the perpetrator can be found and brought to justice, but now that a Catholic enterprise has been affected, it is quite clear the mailings are linked to Prop 8.

Those saying it is being done by someone trying to gather support for the LDS Church is engaging in wishful thinking. Try checking out the more extreme gay websites and you'll find they've been advocating acts very similar to this on Pro8 entities.
To Dr Dude | 8:01 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
What you say is quite possible, but if you peruse the more extreme gay websites you'll find they've been advocating acts very similar to this against Pro8 entities.

It could be what you suggest, but I think now with the inclusion of the Catholic Press, it is more and more unlikely.

I have a bad feeling we'll wake up tomorrow and find several more entities have also been targeted.
Comments continue below
Find out who he is and arrest | 8:03 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
The attack,

"is on you tube."

The video is shocking and I feel more sorry for the reporter who you could tell was really scared. Every day reporters put themselves in the line of fire to report the news to us. Some do it in Iraq where they could be killed while others do it at protests where mobs form to intimidate the American people.

My heart goes out to this reporter. There were times in the video where protesters deliberately blocked the camera. It was at those times that my fears for them increased.

Knowing that nothing happened to them provided some comfort but imagine the fear this poor reporter and her cameraman must have felt at the time. They have violated the rights of the majority for too long and their tyranny must not be allowed to stand. The man in the video should be arrested for assault.

He committed a crime and should pay for it.
disgusted Californian | 8:12 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Knights of Columbus and two LDS temples receive letters and you wonder if it is connected to Prop 8? It is obviously someone involved with the no on 8 issue.

Yes two missionaries created problems with poor behavior in Colorado(no excuse for what they did), but that doesn't compare to the thousands who are demonstrating at temples. They are disrupting services, defacing private property, hanging very insulting signs and threatening the LDS church. Now the powdery substance.

An LDS member in California was forced to resign from his job because when it was discovered he contributed $1000 to Yes on 8 his business was threatened with a boycott.

It is insulting that no government official has come out to condemn the actions of the gay community. If it was the other way around, we definitely would have heard condemnation from government officials.

We have spoken, here in California, with our vote. It is time that people listen. If they don't like the results, let them seek their remedy in the courts or with the voters. Stop the threats, insults, and irrational hate before someone is injured.
Your bigotry isn't well received | 8:12 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Henry,

"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."

The difference is in how they behaved. Two members or 19 members of a group do not represent the entire group anymore than a handful of gays would represent the gay community but their votes and their behavior after their vote does represent every opponent of Proposition 8. Their opposition to Prop. 8 and their attempts to force their will on the majority of the people is the very reason why they are considered tyrants and terrorists.

"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."

You are right about that but every person who voted against Prop. 8 represent themselves and they did attempt to force the majority to bow to their will. To suggest that those who do not share your views on this are prejudiced is bigoted.
a point | 8:22 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
While there is no evidence that this is a response to the Prop 8 vote, (and I do believe we shouldn't judge), the gay community has cast suspision upon themselves by their sour grapes response to the vote of the majority. Protesting outside buildings and churches, targeting the LDS church, threatening to boycott Utah... all of this makes them the natural first suspects. I don't know if this or any of the other vandalism is related and I won't draw any conclusions until there is some sort of proof, but the gay community shouldn't be upset that people suspect them based on their other recations so far.
I'm.... | 8:22 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Non-LDS and a backer of prop 8. Please let the investigators do their jobs and not jump to conclusion. I know it is coincidental that things are happening during the protesting of prop 8, but lets wait until all of the investigative facts are in.
Gays stop shoving your will down | 8:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Editorial,

Let me express my sympathy for you and your wife and family. Your family shouldn't have had to go through that and I am truly saddened that your wife's choice to exercise her freedom of speech resulted in these hateful and bigoted comments.

Those who support same-sex marriage have never been about tolerance instead they have favored imposing the will of a minority upon the majority who hasn't violated their civil rights. The days of the early Church aren't that far in the past and today we are still faced with tyrants and traitors.

Many of us know and understand how you feel because we also have been treated the same way by these evil tyrants who want to intimidate us. We must not allow them to win.

Your wife and your family should stand tall knowing that no matter what happens you are only defending your rights and liberties against those who would deprive you of them. We must continue to exercise our rights and stand up for ourselves and our loved ones against those who would attack us and attempt to impose their tyrannical rule upon the majority through the courts. May God bless you.
Someone | 8:27 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I just hope it isn't toxic.
Well | 8:27 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I am not seeing anybody in the gay/lesbian community condone such actions even if they have nothing to do with it. Even previous acts of hateful words and such haven't be condoned.

So step your cause up, prop 8/gay marriage supporters. If you truly teach tolerance and want to come off as the better group, then step up. Because the silence isn't helping your cause.
Liberty will prevail over tyrant | 8:31 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
dj,

"I'm frightened. Strong beliefs are one thing, commitment and purpose are others, but violence to push such is frightening."

A lot of us are frightened but we must have courage and not be intimidated. If called upon to give our life for our freedoms and liberties we should do so. Those who support forcing same-sex marriage on the majority should not be allowed to intimidate us. We should stand call. Being frightened is okay since it makes us aware of danger and the danger that these tyrants pose is great enough to warrant a reasonable fear.

There are many who have called for Temples and our Churches to be burnt down, for attacks on those who voted for Prop. 8 and who threaten to harm their own families who disagree with them. The more united we are and the more solidarity we express in defending our rights the more angry they will become at not being able to violate our rights.

They cannot and will not destroy the Constitution or deprive us of our rights. In the word of Mahatma Gandhi they may take our life but they will not have our obedience.
Robert Oh | 8:32 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Mr. Editorial, what you really want is for those who believe differently than you do to be quite and sit down (in the back of the bus). It'd be easier for you to throw illogical rationalizations at your fears to justify your need to have others conform to your beliefs.

Yeah, It'd be easier for me to go back to a time when I believed in Santa Claus. It's not going to happen.

You may not like it, but there are many who have had enough. Lots of people have been motivated to find their voice to express what they've hidden for a very long time. Some may be better at it than others, but that's no reason to shut them up.

It's not going away!
Tired | 8:38 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Don't you just love the radical gay community and their supporters? "We can't have our way so let's become terrorists. That will solve everything." Sheesh, what a bunch of losers! I'm sure the vast majority of that ilk are well meaning and sincere but these radical outbursts are more than counter-productive to their cause.
Rise Above | 8:51 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I guess it was not Homosexuals that vandalized the L.A. Temple. Lets not accuse anyone, It is just a coincidence that this happens after the California public done the right thing. Homosexuality is Blasphemy and it says so in the Bible. Brothers and Sisters you do not have to bow to public pressure and accept these sinners. What these people are doing is morally wrong and we all know it. They could repent and forsake their sins, but they don't. They just try to force the World to accept them. When the Prophet takes up a cause it is for good reason. Listen to the Prophet, Be vigilant and prayerful constantly brothers and sisters, Be faithful to the Lord and keep his commandments and ordinances, live your life and let them condemn themselves. Don't hate but instead try to bring these people to the Lord if they will. Show mercy and mercy will come. But we all know that sin is sin and they must repent to be saved. Remember Prop. 8 is a very good thing and every state should do one. We as Saints should rise above this bickering and proceed as usual.
Anonymous | 8:53 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
It's just kind of interesting, because if this has to do with Prop 8, it's not like the Mormon church makes up more than half the population of California. In fact the Catholic church is the largest church in the state.

Face the music. The people voted and according to our democratic government, they were heard, and the majority won twice (lest we forget prop 22 back in 2000). I wonder how many people actually have looked into the fine details of prop. 8 and what it would force churches to do in regards to marriage. Going back to history, this country was founded based on freedom, and that includes freedom of religion. The vote for most people probably had nothing to do with hate, it most likely had to do with personal beliefs and church doctrines. So should people have their beliefs taken away from them too?
Late learner | 8:55 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
And to think I was starting to lean towards no on 8. This is a disgrace. I didn't realize the message before, I realize now that this was an issue of religious freedom and not gay marriage. I now see which side was telling lies.
Heidi | 9:00 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Those protesting the passing of Prop 8 said they would not give up until they get their way. I think it is very nice of the authorities to not assume that Prop 8 protestors are behind the vandalism at churches, and leaving a burning copy of the Book of Mormon on the steps of a church, and now the white powder sent to 2 temples and a Knights of Columbus building. It may just be baby powder, but it was obviously intended to appear as anthrax powder. Whoever is behind all of these attacks should be tried with the harsher hate crime penalties. Not all hate crimes are against homosexuals. It's my opinion that protestors of Prop 8 are behind these attacks. But that's just me.
Fundraising | 9:13 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I've never seen better fundraisers than these anti-prop 8 activists.

I only chipped in a little bit last tim. Next time, I'm all in.
Anonymous | 9:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
How ridiculous to suppose that a friend of the Church or a Mormon sent the powder to garner sympathy! I think it was a carefully planned terrorist plot by the fringe of the fringe who targeted LA and SLC and also the Knights of Columbus building in Connecticut--where a leftist judge made homosexual marriage legal yesterday. The KC group I think would be obscure to most Mormons here in the West. I would just assume that the Catholic Church in Connecticut voiced disfavor in the judge's judgment of yesterday.

Prop8 losers also voiced anger against African-American ministers who encouraged their congregations to vote yes. I think the Rainbow Coalition is finally showing us their true colors!
Anonymous | 9:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I'm only sorry that it was probably a hoax.
Blondie | 9:28 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
For heaven sake, people, settle down! Why don't we wait to see what the white powder is and see if the authorities can find out who did what to whom before we go making all these ridiculous speculations and accusations. For all anyone knows it could have been "Avon calling" with a sample! Give me a break!
A sorry mess | 9:31 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Until we find out who sent the envelopes, the suspicion will be on the Gay community who are gathering in increasingly larger crowds--LA, SLC, NYC. To the average American this pattern will appear vengeful and threatening, and will only weaken their message of tolerance, love, and acceptance.
We have had it with you tyrants | 9:33 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Robert Oh,

"Mr. Editorial, what you really want is for those who believe differently than you do to be quite and sit down (in the back of the bus). It'd be easier for you to throw illogical rationalizations at your fears to justify your need to have others conform to your beliefs."

So anyone who disagrees with you must be labeled in this manner. How dare you hijack what my people went through and compare it to what is happening now. You have no right to compare what happened to blacks who had our civil rights violated to those who want the law changed.

"You may not like it, but there are many who have had enough. Lots of people have been motivated to find their voice to express what they've hidden for a very long time. Some may be better at it than others, but that's no reason to shut them up."

Who is trying to shut someone up? It seems to me that those who support same-sex marriage are the ones trying to shut people up who have found their voice and are voting and speaking out in defense of their rights and liberties.
Anonymous | 9:38 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Weak people will go after the weak. The gay agenda is weak and has chosen to go after the smallest and weakest of religious institutions involved in the matter, Nice job and mighty big of you. Leave the lds church alone, it did you no harm! You are both struggling groups and it does not good for each of you to go at each other, it just draws each of you down in credibility and support.
nothing to do with gays? | 9:39 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Oh, sure, after all the violent protests, vandalism and threats made verbally and on the Internet by hard-core gay rights advocates who have demonized Mormons, Catholics, blacks, Hispanics, and any demographic that supported Prop 8, there's no reason to suspect these envelopes containing a white powder meant to symbolize a deadly chemical had anything to do with a hate crime against Mormons and Catholics. Are you people nuts?
How much further? | 9:48 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
The no on prop 8 people have done themselves further harm. Do they think this will stop people from going to the temple? I think not. Now the FBI and Federal Post Office is involved, I have faith they will investigate this thoroughly. Media attention only feeds the frenzy these protestors stir up. This is indeed an act of terrorism and hate crimes. I say 2 and 2 make 4 against the no people, but it could possibly be someone taking advantage of the situation for their own hate agenda. I know where my opinion lies. The protestor's actions point the direction.
Marie | 10:11 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
The ridiculousness of the whole thing is that the gays don't understand LDS history. In 1890, we were told to discontinue a practice regarding marriage that was unpopular. And we did - without terrorizing or picketing or protesting or threatening or calling names or anything else.

Doh.
ParadiseDestroyed | 10:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I think we should be careful not to blame the "No8" crowd but with all the recent protests and attacks, I think its fair to put them at the top of the suspect list.

I think lots of people are afraid that our Constitutional rights are being attacked in the form of intimidation, attacks, and blackmail. Politicians abandoned have abandoned Constitution and the will of th people and are doing whatever they can to over overturn Prop 8 even though traditional marriage was voted on and passed twice by California citizens.

It used to be unthinkable that homosexual movement would ever be accused of committing hate crimes but with recent events, its possible for people and institutions to be victims of gay hate nowadays.
Kevin | 10:21 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Please. If you people on here think this act is some concerted effort on behalf of homosexuals, you are insulting your own intelligence. Who knows who did this? There are a small number of vandalism crimes, and this crime to terrorize.

People who obviously are not concerned about advancing the interests of homosexuals are carrying out these crimes. Who in his right mind would think something like this would bring about positive change in favor of homosexual rights?

Also, please keep in mind, the 9/11 anthrax scare wasn't even perpetrated by the Islamic terrorists.
Anonymous | 10:24 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
People have a right to protest, but they don't have a right to rough up, spit on and push around old ladies with a cross. They don't have a right to vandalize property. Where is the public outrage?
just me to WELL | 10:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I'm confused by your remarks. Did you confuse the word condemn with condone?
I dont think | 10:27 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
that its the no on prop8 folks there are tons of others that dont like the mormon church, seems like now is the time to attack. Its not cool to protest in this manner.
Red Rocks | 10:51 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I hate, hate crimes. Can't we all try to be more peaceful and loving to each other, in a very mixed up world, with mixed up people? Let's all try to be nice and not so judgmental of one another. I say, Peace to ALL and a very goodnight.
irishman | 10:52 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Robert Oh, it was sent to Church Headquarters, as I was there when they came with the Haz. team.
Whatever | 10:53 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
sympathy I had for gays is GONE FOREVER.

ALL MAINSTREAM MEDIA SHAME!!! | 10:58 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
They cover a protest and they show Gay union supporters giving their opinion and they question 'should we really interfere?' etc but they DO NOT talk about this!? And people wonder why as members of the church we say we have to defend ourselves from anti-LDS talk all the time. I support prop 8, I also support the rights of those who are against prop 8, their rights are to voice an opinion. I support this as I support my religions RIGHT to speak to its members about issues and try to spread what we believe is good. The LDS church can try to influence everyone to do what we believe is good. Why? BECAUSE INFLUENCE IS NOT FORCE. We try to convince others that our 'philosophy' is right. GAYS DO THE SAME! But people voted, we didn't force anyone. The church did nothing wrong. The members did nothing wrong. We stand for what we believe along with millions of others of different faiths, no faiths, ethnicities in what is only NATURAL and has been accepted as correct for more than a millennia. But now we are evil, bigots, and discriminatory? LEARN TOLERANCE OF OUR OPINION, it's hypocritical!
True Colors | 11:02 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
The picture of the gays at the LA Temple with the sign "Mormon Scum" and other disparaging remarks show their true colors.

Why no outrage by the national media? Governor Swartzenegger? President Elect Obama?

Why no apology from all of you gays that are trying to convince us that isn't your true colors and we shouldn't judge an entire group by the actions of a small minority?

How about a press conference apologizing for the criminal damage at the temple and the frenzied masses intimidating people who exercised their right to vote?

What a disgrace. Way to win over your friends and neighbors.
Whomever | 11:06 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
sympathy I had for mormons is gone forever and ever.
Robbie | 11:14 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Violence begets violence. Perceived attacks by the LDS religion and other religions won't go unattested to; it's the same philosophy in any circumstance. Don't expect to slander millions of Americans and be respected by those same individuals. The LDS church has more enemies than gay proponents, it's wrong to assume they made the attack. Even if an attack was made with that agenda, don't move so quickly to stigmatize the entire gay community - - every religion, gender, nationality and orientation has a violent subgroup that does not represent the entire group. Multiple attack locations may mean multiple attackers, but this does not represent the whole community.
true blue | 11:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
That just inexusable. I can't believe this kind of stuff happens. There are crazy people in the world
JBK from Boise, ID | 11:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
It is too bad, if ultimately the powder did come from the "other side of the aisle" from how LDS people voted on Prop. 8. In our country, voicing your opinion is not looked down upon nor is worshipping how you wish nor is voting the dictates of your own conscience. If the origin is proved as many suspect (and, circumstantially, it seems to point to opponents of Prop. 8), then a line has been crossed. Moving from hurt feelings (i.e., by the passage of California's marriage amendment) to hurting others not only crosses a line, it becomes criminal. And, yes, had I been a Californian, I would have voted against the amendment. But I would live with it or move to another state. It's similar to having to live with Barak Obama as the next president, which is not palatable to me.
Z | 11:29 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I am a member of the LDS Church is good standing. I supported Prop 8 and have been dissapointed in the protests following the democratic passing of Prop. 8. I am saddenned that opponents of Prop. 8 can't seem to be tolerant of our views.

However, I fear that we as members, myself included, run the risk of blowing up this minor persecution into a great ordeal. The truth is, Latter-day Saints have faced far worse, and I'm not just talking about the pioneer days. .

The Church has faced criticism in the past, it will continue to do so. Let's just be happy that Prop. 8 passed and continue to try to be Christlike.
Girl | 11:31 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I'm not sure if this was an act by prop-8 supporters but it is not right to send toxic chemicals thru the mail shouldn't they have detectors for that kind of stuff and to sent it to 2 temples that made me mad I hope they find who did this!
re: Anonymous | 9:26 p.m. | 11:33 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
"I'm only sorry that it was probably a hoax." Thank you for your excellent example of tolerance (sarcasm)
How disgusting.... | 11:35 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
That these terroristic acts are targeting religious groups whose members have the freedom to vote for something. Now it seems that the losing side is resorting to horrific intimidation, threats, vandalism, and terrorism. Way to go anti-prop 8 people, whatever sympathy I was feeling for the gay community has gone right out the window. To target members of religious groups is a hate crime isn't it? Really, I was feeling sorry about prop-8 passing, but now I sure don't. Sorry, the Mormons don't have that much influence to have passed prop 8 alone! I am sure that the 52% of people who voted for Prop-8 feel vindicated that it passed. The outrage by the anti-prop 8 community is sure not winning any sympathy. Harassing people for the way they choose to vote is wrong. I don't want anyone to think that is ok. It seems very un-American to me.
Scott | 11:45 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Just another day at the office....
SoCalOpinion | 11:47 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
Let's start by saying that this issue has nothing to do with being republican or democrat so for those of you who went there, don't even start. People in both parties voted yes and no on prop 8 so you can drop that argument. Now onto the real issue...I am extremely appalled that someone would even try to pull this hoax and to top it off they weren't brave enough to put who they were or their agenda. I know people are saying don't point blame...but it clearly is someone in favor of gay marriage and is aiming their anger at the LDS church. I think these activists are taking a step backwards for gay rights if they want people to be on their side. I agree that this should be considered a terrorist act and if Homeland Security finds the sender, they should be prosecuted. Its one thing to protest but to do this when people are still on edge because of terrorists is just plain dumb.
katherine66 | 11:53 p.m. Nov. 13, 2008
I agree with you double standard..We know EXACTLY who is behind this. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Hopefully someone will be spending some quality time in a prison.
Parker | 12:11 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
I would be willing to bet that if the vote were held again tomorrow, Prop 8 would pass by a much greater margin. Way to go, gays - you are really helping your cause.

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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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