Romney's Religion Problem

The New Republic: Mormon Candidate Should Hope For More Attacks From Dems — Or Become One

(The New Republic)  This column was written by Michelle Cottle.

---

Is it possible that Al Sharpton has finally said something so politically stupid that even he realizes the need to shut the hell up?

During a debate on religion this week with professional grump Christopher Hitchens, Sharpton remarked of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, "As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways, so don't worry about that; that's a temporary situation." Al being Al, the remark was seen by many as a slam on Romney's Mormonism, prompting the governor's campaign to denounce Sharpton for religious bigotry. The good reverend, in turn, has been backtracking furiously as he struggles to explain what he really meant, who he was really talking about, and what he really thinks of Mormons. No one should expect an apology from Sharpton any time soon. Big Al doesn't do apologies. But at least the reverend is making an effort to avoid a theological pissing contest as he attempts to extract his wingtip from his fat, flapping pie hole.

Which is a good thing. Because if there's one way to help Mitt Romney win the hearts of the Republican base — and allow him to emerge as a formidable contender in the general election — it's by helping him paint himself a victim of religious persecution by Democrats. While many in the GOP find Romney's Mormonism objectionable and creepy, it's safe to assume they find Sharpton even more so. Besides, if the reverend wants Romney's faith to sink his candidacy, his best bet is still to sit back and let religious conservatives do the work for him. The doctrinal distinctions between Mormonism and, say, Methodism may not mean much to secular types inside the Beltway. But the folks praising Jesus around the rest of the country remain torn.

In the wake of last week's Republican debate, in fact, I started calling around to chat with social conservatives about the field of presidential wannabes. One prominent activist graciously took time out from burning an effigy of Rudy What's-the-Big-Deal-About-Roe? Giuliani to share this tidbit: "I asked a friend of mine who's a pastor in Middle America, 'You have a choice between two candidates: Hillary Clinton versus someone who is good on social issues and who is a Mormon.' And my friend said, 'I don't think I could vote for a Mormon.' "

Think about that: A social conservative is given the choice between a Mormon and Hillary Clinton — the modern personification of Evil for GOP wingers — and he can't make up his mind? This does not bode well for Mitt's fortunes in the Heartland.

Not that one anecdote an election makes. But this is representative of the kind of story that the conservatives I've been talking to say they're hearing from the conservatives they've been talking to. It is also the sort of sentiment contributing to poll numbers indicating that between one-quarter and one-third of Americans would not vote for a Mormon — a number that grows much bigger when you include less definitive options, such as those who say that they wouldn't be comfortable voting for a Mormon or those who believe the country isn't ready for a Mormon (two-thirds of America, if last September's Gallup poll is on target.) Not insignificantly for Romney, a February 2007 Gallup poll showed that, the more religious a person is, the more likely he is to have a negative view of Mormonism.

As of now, the candidate is largely ignoring the issue and hoping that it will fade. But it's tough to imagine that the widespread, if utterly irrational, unease over Mormonism is likely to get much better on its own any time soon. For starters, the second season of HBO's Mormon-themed "Big Love" starts June 11, once again spotlighting that whole unseemly polygamy stereotype that continues to plague the church, official policy notwithstanding. Then there's the September Dawn movie coming to theaters in late June, recounting the 1857 episode in which a group of Mormons slaughtered some 120 Arkansas settlers bound for California. As Bob Novak, who saw an advanced screening, described it, the movie depicts then-church president Brigham Young, "as a 19th-century Osama bin Laden. Calling himself a 'second Muhammad,' he insists on the 'shedding of blood' of 'gentiles.'" In a nation where most folks know vanishingly little about Mormonism, Team Romney had better start praying that the movie tanks.

Compounding the problem, Romney's Mormonism threatens to turn some of his electoral pluses into question marks. Most notably, his fund-raising prowess should serve as a show of his political potency. But with a huge chunk of it raised from Mormon-dominated Utah, the storyline has been more ambivalent, with various political watchers noting that it complicates Romney's attempts to reassure voters of his independence from the church. Then there's the candidate's smooth, too-perfect demeanor, which raises all sorts of mouth-watering questions: What is he hiding? Did he cut a deal with Satan for that hair? Is he a charismatic cultist looking to amass political power and then impose his version of God's will on the American people? These are the sort of gut-level intangibles on which a U.S. presidential election can turn.

Richard Land, head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public-policy arm of the Southern Baptists, believes Romney must tackle the Mormon issue head on and says he has counseled Romney to give a speech à la JFK on Catholicism in the 1960 race. Message: I am not a creature of my church. But while Romney has reportedly studied Kennedy's speech, he has thus far declined to attempt something similar, instead sticking with his Americans-are-above-that-sort-of-bigotry line. As he told Sean Hannity just this week, "That's a great thing about this country. We don't — we don't decide who's going to be in office based on what church they go to."

That may be the great thing about We the People in general, Mitt. But that's a risky position to take with the Republican base. (For a fuller accounting of why, see Amy Sullivan's piece in the September 2005 Washington Monthly.)

Indeed, if Romney is really serious about becoming president, I'd like to propose an even more radical course of action than Land's: The governor should switch teams altogether and run as a Democrat. Admittedly, the polling on Dems' views of Mormonism is no more promising (and in some cases less so) than on Republicans'. But my guess is that this has to do less with theology than ideology, with most Democrats assuming that a generic Mormon candidate would be far too conservative for their tastes.

But we're not talking about a generic Mormon. We're talking about Mitt Romney, who once upon a time supported abortion rights and vowed to fight for gay rights more vigorously than liberal lion Ted Kennedy. His past support of government funding for stem-cell research should sit well with Dems, as should his past support of gun control. Admittedly, the governor would need to shift left on a range of issues including taxes and Iraq. But come on! What's another conversion or two for a guy who has already shown himself to be so ideologically flexible? At the very least, as a Democrat, Romney wouldn't have to shoulder the burden of guilt that must come from concocting patently absurd stories about his life-long love affair with varmint hunting.

So why not take a walk on the dark side, Mitt? Forget about trying to convince all those nervous evangelicals of your doctrinal acceptability and start thinking about ways to cut greenhouse gases, woo immigrants, and get us the hell out of Iraq. If you don't like it, you can always flip-flop back to the GOP in 2012. In the meantime, just think of how much fun you and Sharpton could have hanging out at next summer's Democratic convention.

[dkb218-2009]

I love the way reporters take sound bites and make them mean what they want them to. In my world this type of person is called a liar. I guess the reporting industry should change its name to the liars club. Michelle Cottle is a liar.

[drivelphobe]

If a muslim can hold office why not a mormon? Al Sharpton is not only physically repugnant, but an embarassment to the human race. Who greases down his hair? Just go away Al.

[jasonmcj]

A Mormon recantation of its racist foundation cannot happen because racism is directly hard-wired into the source code of the entire program.

JOSEPH SMITH Discoverer of the Golden plates. First Prophet and President and Founder of the Mormon Church: - "Had I anything to do with the negro , I would confine them by strict law to their own species and put them on a national equalization.''

BRIGHAM YOUNG 2nd Prophet and President - "You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable, sad, low in their habits, wild, and seemingly without the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind%u2026%u2026"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."

JOHN TAYLOR 3rd Prophet and President - "...after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation a upon a the earth as well as God;"

To correct the bigotry now would mean that Joseph Smith could not have translated the golden plates. Perhaps Smith could not even translate anything at all! Could it be that Smith was a fraud and Mormonism is his colossal hoax?

[jasonmcj]

Mormons are racist...by doctrine!

So which is it:

Your religion was founded with racist scripture?

John Smith was a con-man?

I'd love to hear an EDUCATED debate as to why it is neither.

[cpaide]

So I guess today's Mormons are out of luck due to crimes committed in the 1800's. That sounds reasonable. But no one will vote for women, blacks, Jews or Catholics as president. Just ask your bigoted pastor friend from Middle America if s/he would vote for one of those.

And by the way, Brigham Young was no "19th-century Osama bin Laden." He called himself the American Moses (not Muhammad). He dealt with terrorists the way Americans always have: he trained and used a group of Native Americans to kill some 80 Missouri and Arkansas terrorists bound for California.

They included people who murdered Mormon leader Parley P. Pratt in Arkansas just prior to that time, not to mention the dozens of men, women and children at Haun's Mill in Missouri.

So what if polls indicate that "between one-quarter and one-third of Americans would not vote for a Mormon." Recent election results indicate that one-half of Americans won't vote for anyone!

[joehawkinson]

Racism is indeed part of Mormonism, however they want to twist the truth now does not matter. Mormon Founder Smith was a racist and a fraud. Today's mormons like to divert the debate to other topics such as Jesus or badmouth other religions when you question their fragile belief. Too bad a lot of sincere good hearted people fall into this trap. One word about Romney, he is a piece of sh*t.

[terrapin78]

The GOP can put anyone that hey want as their nominee. It doesn't matter. They will take a bigger "thumpin" tahn in the last election.

To quote the Chimp- "Bring 'em on!"

[cmp271]

This article is about Sharpton's racist bigotted remark about Romney's religion.
Where is the outrage to oust Sharpton from his position?
Romney's religion is no better than any of the ones usedby all the fanatics today. Christianity was founded by a rebellion against Roman rule, it got out of hand when it gained power and lost what it was supposed to be. Christianity is also very violent, as well as Islam and all the rest except Wicca and paganism. Their own creed is "do what ye will an harm ye none" sounds more peaceful than the others.

Romney is a good guy. He may be good for this country.

Sharpton needs a giant muzzle!!

[eddyizy]

Thank you to jason and joe for reaffirming the fact that bigotry is still alive and well in America. Do you people even read what you write, or does the sheer vehemence and anger of your thoughts blind you to the ignorance of your hate?

Do you crucify the catholics for the Inquisition?
Do you question the history of catholicism and their dual excommunicated popes?

Of course not, that would take actual relative comparison terms. To you people, you rip out any set of information that best suits your agenda. This is the textbook fallicy of what NOT to do when going through the scientific method.

All things equal, I find it a constant source of humor that self proclaimed "liberal free thinkers" are the first to attack any idea or institution that doesn't jive with theirs while in the self same breath advocate open tolerance toward the issues they deem as important. But I guess when the grand scheme of things is evaluated, this internet comment pool is only a medium for any ignorant bigot to voice his/her opinion without the constraint of having to defend said opinion.

[kirstinharr]

Hey, JasonMcJ, the reason the LDS Church backtracked on the "negro" issue was that they would lose their status as a non for profit organization (that means paying taxes on all the entities they own) if they continued on a path to ban "negroes" from joining the LDS Church. It's a little like the caffeine thing. LDS doctrine held for years that caffeine should be banned. Then, they bought PepsiCo and had a vision that it was only HOT caffeinated beverages that should be banned! That vision should suffice until they buy Starbucks...

[kirstinharr]

If Romney somehow wins the nomination, even though I'm a lifelong Republican, I'll vote for the Dem.

[conservevoic]

The Mormons follow a set of lies and fables that no intellegent adult would consider valid. No man who follows this "faith" should be put in charge of our nation.

[conservevoic]

cmp271
You need to be as honest as you seem to be. You should be able to see the difference between thos who claim to be Christians and those who are true followers of Christ. The one group can be as violent and stupid as any other. The real followers love their fellow man and have been responsible for most of the good done in this world. Don't paint all lovers of Christ as the monster you believe many are.

[bwessels]

"Is he a charismatic cultist looking to amass political power and then impose his version of God's will on the American people?"

Yes, but so is Bush.

[taygud]

kristinharr-
Your "knowledge" is a little mislead. Maybe do further research before making yourself look worse.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I refute any accusations that I am racist. Being called so is offensive.
To defend my religion, I have always been taught to believe that God does not discriminate between people and neither should I.
To defend my church, it wasn't too hard for the majority of people in the US to be racist. Move on, your predecessors weren't innocent either. What matters is that we as AMERICANS move on and embrace everybody around us.
To defend those of you who cruelly believe the teachings of your pastors, leaders, etc. about other religions, namely mine, it's probably best if you learn about Catholicism from Catholics, Protestantism from protestants, Lutheranism from Lutherans, etc. Wouldn't that make more sense? Look at what politics and the media have done to us - the point is to become better people everyday, or at least try. Move on.

[clestes-2009]

Al Sharpton is going to remain what he has always been, a big mouth religious and racial bigot.

He desperately wants to be someone important in politics and he isn't now and isn't ever going to be. He will always be remembered in the history books as a footnote. A political candidate who was always on the fringe and a presidental wannabe.

In some ways he reminds me of Zacharious Moussoui who was always bumbly around the true bigshots. Basking in the reflected glory but never generating any themselves.

[taygud]

ConserveVoic-
You've obviously been misinformed somewhere and maybe it's time to read the Book of Mormon yourself. The title is "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." We are also seeking to be with God again, we have never taught otherwise. I'll tell you what I have faith in. I believe that God is my Eternal Father and that Jesus Christ died for the redemption of the sins of the world and that we must repent in order for salvation to become our reward. How is that not truth? How is that not Christian? Maybe this isn't a discussion for this board.

[interobserv]

"Religion is the opiate of the masses."---Karl Marx.

That being said, I don't care about a candidate's religion. It is, and always will be "a matter of conscience" (Madeline O"Hare). What I am concerned about is how is he going to address the quagmisre that is Iraq? How is he going to resolve the education and health care crises? What are his policies on energy, immigration, tax reform, social security, corporate gouging, corporate welfare, stem cell research, reproductive rights, and a whole host of issues facing this country in the next 4 years?

Now, if he uses his religious convictions to drive his decisions then he is going to have a real problem with the American people. Bush is the greates example of that.

[kirstinharr]

taygud, I wish you all the best in your life in the LDS Church. My research comes from a family of leaders in the LDS Church who worked through the legal issues regarding the banning of African Americans in the LDS Church, some years back. You would benefit to learn the facts, as well. While I respect your right as an American to worship in any way you prefer, I will not vote for a candidate who belongs to your Church. I suspect many mainstream Christians will not vote for Romney, either.

[hypnotoad72]

I don't care about his faith.

I care about what he has said about America and his plans for it. And that is where he has already lost credibility.

His religion has nothing to do with it at all.

Indeed, that's where the Founding Fathers' idea OF "separation of church and state" has relevance.

[ctr022501]

First of all, the LDS faith only believes in ONE GOD. We have the Father, His Son and the Holy Ghost. They are not ALL GODS. They are all part of the God Head. WE believe they are three different bodies, but one purpose. The only difference is that we believe they are three different people, not one like most other Christian religions.

Are the people in the church perfect? No. No one is perfect. But would you not vote for a Cathaloic because of what those Priests did to the young boys? Or a White thats great great great grandfather owned a slave? You can't judge Mitt based on what his ansterers did. If he is not the BEST for the job, dont vote for him. Just like I, as a Mormon, will not vote for him JUST because he's a Mormon. I wil vote for whoever *I* feel is going to do the best job. As of right now though it just so happens that it's him.

I'd rather have someone spritual in office then Hilary Clinton. She couldn't run herself out of a paper bag.

[perception5]

I wonder what Martin Luther King Jr. would say abuot this issue?

Maybe he would say "don't judge me on what religion I am ...........but instead judge me on the content of my character"

If America is ever going to evolve into the greatest country in the history of our planet we need to get away from judging people on:

1. color of their skin

2. what religion they are .....or not

3. what Party they belong to.

When electing our political leaders shouldn't it "really" be on the "issues"???

What do you think?

[patriot2461]

Wow! JasonMcJ and others confirming the very bigotry spoken of in the article. You people are missing the whole point: let's judge people on their own merits rather than on what their fathers or mothers or leaders said and did in the past (in this case more than a century ago). When you make blanket statements about a group of people (the Mormons in this case) using that type of rationale, you make it seem as though you've never left your house. Go outside and meet some people. Mormons are some of the most kind-hearted, educated and open-minded people you'll meet. You also make it seem like those statements were truly radical back then. I would recommend a Black History course at your local college - I think you will be shocked at what some of the founding fathers, religious leaders and other prominent individuals had to say about Blacks during that period of time (many thought they were animals, literally). According to the recent PBS documentary there are more Mormons outside of the US than inside and they have a substantial presence in Africa. Keep things in proper historical context - a lot of your perceived beliefs about Mormons are just wrong now.

In fact, before we make Romney explain this racism misconception or Guiliani explain the Spanish inquisition, here's a novel idea: let's judge candidates on their individual merits and ideas. Can we get back to talking about the candidates, their platforms and how they're going to solve the problems of TODAY?

[patriot2461]

Wow! JasonMcJ and others confirming the very bigotry spoken of in the article. You people are missing the whole point: let's judge people on their own merits rather than on what their fathers or mothers or leaders said and did in the past (in this case more than a century ago). When you make blanket statements about a group of people (the Mormons in this case) using that type of rationale, you make it seem as though you've never left your house. Go outside and meet some people. Mormons are some of the most kind-hearted, educated and open-minded people you'll meet. You also make it seem like those statements were truly radical back then. I would recommend a Black History course at your local college - I think you will be shocked at what some of the founding fathers, religious leaders and other prominent individuals had to say about Blacks during that period of time (many thought they were animals, literally). According to the recent PBS documentary there are more Mormons outside of the US than inside and they have a substantial presence in Africa. Keep things in proper historical context - a lot of your perceived beliefs about Mormons are just wrong now.

In fact, before we make Romney explain this racism misconception or Guiliani explain the Spanish inquisition, here's a novel idea: let's judge candidates on their individual merits and ideas. Can we get back to talking about the candidates, their platforms and how they're going to solve the problems of TODAY?

[gerbintosh]

To the people who keep pointing out that the mormon leaders were racist, did you forget that almost every religion was founded by someone who was racist. Hell, maybe your parents were also. And if they were, from now on I will think you are racist regardless of what you do. Your children and grand children will be racist as well because you were.

If I wanted to I can bash every single white person daily because they were raised by parents who were racist or had racist influences at one point, but that would be being just like you, ignorant.

[hossinator3]

Quote from taygud:

"As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I refute any accusations that I am racist. Being called so is offensive.
To defend my religion, I have always been taught to believe that God does not discriminate between people and neither should I."

Really? I went to college in Idaho and worked at Sears to pay my way (paid by commission sales). I actually had Mormon customers ask if I was LDS and decide not to buy from me because I wasn't. After graduation, I worked at a semiconductor company and was passed up for several engineering promotions by lesser educated individuals because I wasn't LDS.

My wife was born and raised in a town in Idaho that was 80% Mormon. She was constantly discriminated against because she was not Mormon. The Mormon boys couldn't ask her on dates or to high school dances.

Mormons don't discriminate...please!

[hossinator3]

Quote from taygud:

"As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I refute any accusations that I am racist. Being called so is offensive.
To defend my religion, I have always been taught to believe that God does not discriminate between people and neither should I."

Really? I went to college in Idaho and worked at Sears to pay my way (paid by commission sales). I actually had Mormon customers ask if I was LDS and decide not to buy from me because I wasn't. After graduation, I worked at a semiconductor company and was passed up for several engineering promotions by lesser educated individuals because I wasn't LDS.

My wife was born and raised in a town in Idaho that was 80% Mormon. She was constantly discriminated against because she was not Mormon. The Mormon boys couldn't ask her on dates or to high school dances.

Mormons don't discriminate...please!

[billpl-2009]

Posted by perception5
"What do you think?"

I agree with you 100%!

....well as long as, of course, if they're not Mormon.

[nicean]

For the Anti-Mormons possing as historians,nothing like paid ministry, the twelve apostles got paid pretty good didnt they?, Have you ever heard of the council of Nicea? The name of this article says it all, Romney's Religion problem, bigotry in america is alive and well, and Mormons are fair game becuase they belive that SomeBody saw Jesus and His father God and that they spoke to him. Also that he spoke to other people besides the jews(book of Mormon) I know they practiced poligamy and Brigham young ate little children, did some one say the church owns pepsi, thats the funniest one yet. In the Bible which everone claims to know so well it says that satan was the accuser of our bretheren and acussed them before god day and night, Shame on any of you who bears false witness against his neigher and says he has sinned when he has not sinned. We are used to these tired attacks, you guys need to have a new meeting and come up with some better pamphlets and videos, the very fact that Mr. Romney is even a marginally serious canidate is eveidence that your little propaganda machine needs some new fuel.

[jsl45]

I don't think the American people will elect a Mormon when they know the truth about how the religion came to be and what they believe. Some of their beliefs are as far out there as Scientology!!

Mormons reject the unified Trinity and teach that God has a body of flesh and blood. Though Mormons revere Christ as Saviour and certainly call themselves Christians, the church is rooted in a rebuke to traditional Christianity. Joseph Smith presented himself as a prophet whom God had instructed to restore his true church, since "all their creeds were an abomination in his sight." He described how an angel named Moroni provided him with golden tablets that told the story (written in what Smith called "reformed Egyptian" hieroglyphics, never seen before) of an ancient civilization of Israelites sent by God to America. The tablets included lessons Jesus taught during a visit to America after his Resurrection. Smith was able to read and translate the tablets with the help of special transparent stones he used as spectacles. He published them as the Book of Mormon in 1830.

Twelve years later, Smith explained to a Chicago newspaper that "ignorant translators, careless transcribers or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors" in the Bible, which he revised according to God's revelations. Mormon leaders were identified by the church as God's prophets on earth.

[nicean]

ok ok, hosinator three is right, if Im a Mormon I must be racist, and since I come from a multi ethnic, multi relgious family I must inform them that they are no longer welcome at my house and Im moving to Idaho, Thank you for deliverying me form the abiss of ignorance.

[jsl45]

I doubt the American people will elect a Mormon when they understand what they blieve, some of it is as far out there as Scientology!
Mormons reject the unified Trinity and teach that God has a body of flesh and blood. Though Mormons revere Christ as Saviour and certainly call themselves Christians, the church is rooted in a rebuke to traditional Christianity. Joseph Smith presented himself as a prophet whom God had instructed to restore his true church, since "all their creeds were an abomination in his sight." He described how an angel named Moroni provided him with golden tablets that told the story (written in what Smith called "reformed Egyptian" hieroglyphics, never seen before) of an ancient civilization of Israelites sent by God to America. The tablets included lessons Jesus taught during a visit to America after his Resurrection. Smith was able to read and translate the tablets with the help of special transparent stones he used as spectacles. He published them as the Book of Mormon in 1830.

Twelve years later, Smith explained to a Chicago newspaper that "ignorant translators, careless transcribers or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors" in the Bible, which he revised according to God's revelations. Mormon leaders were identified by the church as God's prophets on earth.

[hossinator3]

nicean,

You'll fit in nicely in Idaho with spelling and grammar like that!

[nicean]

P.s Hey hosinator is your wife a nappy headed hoe, If thats the case I wouldnt want my boy with her either, tell the truth does she have some loose morals.

[processor2]

Isn't Harry Reid (D), Senate Majority Leader, a Morman???

Thought I saw that on Public TV last week on their 2-part special on Mormonism.

According to PBS anyway

...

[utahgenesis]

go mitt romney!!! wow i never thought i'd read such far out slanderous/bigoted comments about mormons. the intentions are too obvious but the good news is the new media seems to be telling the truth about who mitt romney is & his stances on the pressing issues that really matter here. i truly believe that when biased media continue to run stories, etc that are clearly ??? -people can tell the author's intention & will turn these biased medium off. Fortunately for mitt romney, there's the new media that's been on his side putting out positive news coverage and focusing on telling america about his impressing background & leadership ability. i think in spite of the negative anti mormon rhetoric coming out recently (what a coincidence) w/ movies i.e. big love or stories from 100 years ago about massacre (filled w/ lies), i doubt very much that any educated person who does his/her research on mitt's background would care what this biased media nonsense is trying to do.
mitt is a leader & all the followers of biased media can take that to the hole!!!
posted by queenie123

[guysdigdirt]

Really? I went to college in Idaho and worked at Sears to pay my way (paid by commission sales). I actually had Mormon customers ask if I was LDS and decide not to buy from me because I wasn't. After graduation, I worked at a semiconductor company and was passed up for several engineering promotions by lesser educated individuals because I wasn't LDS.

My wife was born and raised in a town in Idaho that was 80% Mormon. She was constantly discriminated against because she was not Mormon. The Mormon boys couldn't ask her on dates or to high school dances.

Mormons don't discriminate...please!
Posted by hossinator3
-------------------------------------

Maybe it is just that you are not a good sales person, not smart enough to deserve a promotion and your wife is ugly? Stop finding faults in others for your shortcomings and face up to your own responsibilities.

[guysdigdirt]

My research comes from a family of leaders in the LDS Church who worked through the legal issues regarding the banning of African Americans in the LDS Church, some years back. You would benefit to learn the facts, as well.
Posted by kirstinharr
------------------------

If you want to advise others to get their facts straight and you want others to believe what you say then you should know what you are talking about. The Mormon church never banned blacks or any other person. They did not let them hold certain positions in the church, not too different than other chruches do not let women hold certain positions today. All races have been welcomed with open arms.

[guysdigdirt]

I love the way reporters take sound bites and make them mean what they want them to. In my world this type of person is called a liar. I guess the reporting industry should change its name to the liars club. Michelle Cottle is a liar.
Posted by dkb218
-------------------------

You are so right!!! The media will bend the truth or avoid reporting all those truths that do not agree with their own postions on matters. Do not base your opinion on what you read in magazines, newspapers or web-sites alone. do deep research if you think an issue matters enough to get an opinion on it. This presidential election is just such an issue. Study it out.

[guysdigdirt]

I love the way reporters take sound bites and make them mean what they want them to. In my world this type of person is called a liar. I guess the reporting industry should change its name to the liars club. Michelle Cottle is a liar.
Posted by dkb218
-------------------------

You are so right!!! The media will bend the truth or avoid reporting all those truths that do not agree with their own postions on matters. Do not base your opinion on what you read in magazines, newspapers or web-sites alone. do deep research if you think an issue matters enough to get an opinion on it. This presidential election is just such an issue. Study it out.

[guysdigdirt]

Romney is a good guy. He may be good for this country.

Sharpton needs a giant muzzle!!
Posted by cmp271

________________

Well said.

to set the record straight. the Mormon church did not ban blacks from membership, they welcomed them. Blacks were not allowed to hold certain positions in the church, but is that different than other churches banning women or other minority groups from holding certaing positions? It was not changed to allow for tax breaks as some moron stated either.

[cpaide]

Let's be honest: the story of Joseph Smith and the golden bible is no more ridiculous than Moses and the stone bible or Muhammad and the Qur'an bible or Constantine and the new bible. ALL religious leaders can appear to be a little freaky.

Personally, I believe that God must have called Joseph Smith to be His prophet; no one else would have thought of him.

[dianeroman]

Unbelievable! Articles like this show that many of you journalists truly do not know Mormons, their beliefs, their doctrine, nor their faith.
In fact you attempt to mislead and decieve people by painting a dark picture of the Mormon faith that in reality does not exist.The Mormon faith which IS CHRISTIAN and truly does believe in God, teaches goodness,kindness honesty, integrity,and anything that is virtueous. We should not vote for a Candidate based on his religion, but in Mitt Romney's case his religion is an assest, not a problem. Aside from the religion, Mitt romney shows attributes of good character, sincerity,intelligence,leadership,and strength.That is the kind of President that I will put my trust in.

[misskira-2009]

Michelle Cottle....Is your next article going to be on Obama's coke habits? Or on Hillary's cheating husband? Of course not. Most if not all of the Mormons that I have ever met have been very respectable, organized, intelligent, and PATRIOTIC CITIZEN. That%u2019s more than you can say for most people. Good Luck Mitt, Regardless of your religious beliefs.

[acauble1]

Isn't Harry Reid (D), Senate Majority Leader, a Morman???

Posted by processor2 at 03:08 PM : May 11, 2007
............

Yes, Harry Reid is a Mormon. But he's not running for president, which is why he's not being called to task on his religion. Besides, most of his Liberal Democrat supporters reject religion as being important in one's ability to govern. However, Mitt Romney's conservative base feel that religion is everything when it comes to the ability to govern.

In the middle of those two extremes are most Americans, and me.

A politician who is deeply religious and has moral character is a nice 'feel good' feature about them. However, America needs a person who is willing to govern/legislate based on the Constitution, the document that truly keeps America free. We do not need politicians who govern based on misinterpretations of their holy book!

America needs freedom OF religion just as much as freedom FROM religion if one so choses.

[soldat44]

Looks like the mormons are packing the blogs and flooding the media with cash (to no avail).

Reality Check: No mormon will EVER become president of this country.

[guysdigdirt]

However, Mitt Romney's conservative base feel that religion is everything when it comes to the ability to govern.

In the middle of those two extremes are most Americans, and me.

America needs a person who is willing to govern/legislate based on the Constitution, the document that truly keeps America free. We do not need politicians who govern based on misinterpretations of their holy book!

Posted by acauble1
-------------------------

You say you are in the middle but then you say
"We do not need politicians who govern based on misinterpretations of their holy book!"

Here you show ignorance and bias. You allude that Mitt will govern based on his religion, but you have obvioulsy not looked into Mitt's political past .

Your statement "misinterpretations of their holy book" shows you have bias but also shows you either have been reading or listening to those who know not what they talk about or you are just guessing what Mormons believe in. If it is their Holy book, how do they misinterpret it? Are you saying you have read it and know what it says and they get it wrong? Or are you guessing what it is as you have not read it?

Why not look deeper into those things you talk about before you show your ignorance?

[guysdigdirt]

Personally, I believe that God must have called Joseph Smith to be His prophet; no one else would have thought of him.
Posted by cpaide
------------------------

Funny, yet true.

Another place, or two, a lot of people seem to have problems with;
-Joseph Smith was said to be a prophet who God revealed His will to, and the Mormons say they have just such a prophet today in Gordon B. Hinckley. It is so hard for people to believe God cares about his children and wants to talk with them, even though those same people believe that exact thing happened, as they believe in the Bible and the Bible Prophets.

- The Book of Mormon is a history of the people on the American Continent who lived at the same time as the people of the Bible. Is that so hard to believe and accept?

[Geneius]

No one who can swallow this fictional religion created by Joseph Smith should be elected to anything. Mormonism is just a little below scientology.

[Geneius]

No one who can swallow this fictional religion created by Joseph Smith should be elected to anything. Mormonism is just a little below Scientology.