By now, everyone in Utah has heard Reverend Al Sharpton’s comments concerning Mitt Romney. Although Sharpton was directing his comments towards an atheist, Christopher Hitchens, Romney’s campaign saw a political opportunity. And Sharpton’s apology and overblown statement now appear to be Romney’s chance for some free press.As an LDS member myself, most of us have heard many ridiculous and outrageous statements made about our faith. Yet, some Mormons seem to be very offended by Sharpton’s comments. While local conservatives are claiming Sharpton is politicizing Romney’s faith, Republicans in turn are politicizing Sharpton because he is a Democrat. Romney has already encountered numerous anti-Mormon comments in the past few months. But Romney has dismissed those comments because he was surrounded by Republicans. Obviously, Romney is trying to win the attention of evangelicals and the Religious Right.
However, the Al Sharpton incident has re-opened some questions for LDS Democrats. Why do so many LDS members align themselves with a party that is clearly dominated by the Religious Right? These Evangelicals, like James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Charles L. Wood and all of the Southern Baptists claim that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a cult. Nevertheless, many LDS members try to rationalize the Religious Right as a minority. But that minority may very well keep Romney from winning his party’s nomination. Conservative columnists, George Will and Robert Novak, also claim that Romney has little chance of winning because of his faith.
Another troublesome issue is the hypocrisy of so many Republican Mormons wanting the nation to take the LDS Church seriously and they attempt to show everyone that Mormons are Christians. Yet, many local Republicans believe you cannot be a good Mormon if you are a Democrat. This is despite the fact that the Church has advocated political neutrality for more than 100 years. Yet, too many Republicans believe the Church supports only one party.
Every LDS Democrat has stories of being ridiculed by local Republicans. For instance, the Salt Lake Tribune interviewed Elder Marlin Jensen nine years ago about being an LDS Democrat, yet the Utah GOP blasted Elder Jensen for his comments. In addition, many LDS Democrats still hear jokes about being the “token” Democrat in the ward while others ask, “Why are you a Democrat?” And there are those statements from the Republican Party claiming that the GOP “resonates” with the values of Utah. I wonder if those same values include the “cult” status the Religious Right has labeled our church.
Last week, local Republicans were quick to demand an apology from Sharpton, but for decades, Republicans have never apologized to LDS Democrats. And it is doubtful that we will ever see an apology.
The values of hypocrisy from the Utah GOP is reflected from a line in the TV series M*A*S*H when Colonel Potter said, “Just remember, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do everything and the wrong way is to keep trying to make everybody else do it the right way.”
See Todd Weiler's article here.
2 comments:
The difference is simple. Romney is a good man and a devout Mormon. Sharpton is not a good man and is a devout Moron
Dear Richard,
Kudos to you for being both a good Mormon and a good Democrat. You may be surprised to learn that I, as a Mormon Republican, am very grateful that you do exactly as you are doing.
Not only do I sincerely respect you for following your political conscience. But, I am convinced that it is imperative for our divided community that there be faithful Mormons in both parties. The truth is that it would be a disaster for our people if political affiliation always followed religious lines in this state. (Thank you for doing your part to spare us that nightmare scenario.)
Also, let's be honest, no party provides either of us with a perfect fit. There are certain positions associated with our respective groups that cause each of us to hold our nose sometimes. And, we both are very much aware that each party has powerful constituencies that misunderstand, mistrust, and misrepresent Mormons. (Certain Evangelicals among the Republicans and certain Secularists among the Democrats) Thus, there are compromises we each have to make in order to be loyal party members.
Because of that, as brethren, I think we can cut one another a little slack and wish one another well. In that spirit, I promise to limit my teasing of my Mormon Democrat friends. I can imagine that such behavior gets old. Besides, I don't want them calling me a "hypocrite" under their breath. Ouch! That hurts.
Love,
Alienated Wannabe
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