INVITATION TO ALL MORMONS TO VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE
LDS Church encourages member involvement in political process
By Carrie A. MooreDeseret News
Published: Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 12:28 a.m. MDT
While the LDS Church has long affirmed its political neutrality regarding political parties, platforms and candidates, it is reminding its members of their duty to vote and of the church's right to speak out on political and social issues.
In a letter sent to priesthood leaders dated Sept. 11 to be read from the pulpit in LDS congregations nationwide on Sunday, the church's First Presidency titled its message "Political participation, voting and the political neutrality of the Church."
Church leaders each year read a statement of political neutrality from the pulpit and encourage members to get involved in the political process, but this year's letter differed from previous years in the urgency with which it encourages individual political participation.
"As citizens, we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future," the letter reads.
"Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties."
"Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government," the letter said.
As in the past, the letter affirms the church's "neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues."
In June, the First Presidency sent a letter to church leaders in California — also to be read from the pulpit — asking church members to "do all you can" to uphold traditional marriage. The move came following a ruling earlier this year by the California Supreme Court that overturned a previous referendum outlawing gay marriage.
Voters there will decide in November whether to approve the proposed amendment, and opponents have grown increasingly vocal in their criticism of the church's stance and the political involvement of its members.
E-mail: carrie@desnews.com
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First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation
SALT LAKE CITY | 22 September 2008 | The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States: Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future. Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties. Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues. Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Uchtdorf The First Presidency
Greetings!LDS Members are invited to join Mormons for Obama!This is a group dedicated to bringing together members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) who support Barack Obama.We encourage all people to participate with their local Obama groups (i.e. Utah for Obama).Please read Obama's speech on faith.Also, please use the blog feature for discussions, and make announcements over the listserv. The listserv is now moderated.The Mormons for Obama email discussion group can be found here.Visit the Mormons for Obama Store!Some other Mormon groups for Obama:Oregon Mormons for Obama 08AZ Mormons for ObamaLatter Day Saints (Mormons) for ObamaDFW Mormons for Obama
Greetings!
LDS Members are invited to join Mormons for Obama!
This is a group dedicated to bringing together members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) who support Barack Obama.
We encourage all people to participate with their local Obama groups (i.e. Utah for Obama).
Please read Obama's speech on faith.
Also, please use the blog feature for discussions, and make announcements over the listserv. The listserv is now moderated.
The Mormons for Obama email discussion group can be found here.
Visit the Mormons for Obama Store!
Some other Mormon groups for Obama:
Oregon Mormons for Obama 08
AZ Mormons for Obama
Latter Day Saints (Mormons) for Obama
DFW Mormons for Obama
Really, how else would you explain this coincidence?
Yesterday, the Chinese were able to not only predict the outcome of their shuttle launch (success!) but were able to quote the astronauts before it even happened!
BEIJING (AP) - A news story describing a successful launch of China's long-awaited space mission and including detailed dialogue between astronauts launched on the Internet Thursday, hours before the rocket had even left the ground.
And just one day later, John McCain is able to announce that he's won tonight's debate, which won't occur for another 6 hours, as of this writing.
Although I try not to allow myself to become wrapped up in conspiracy theories, I really believe that what just happened is that the Chinese have invented a time travel machine, and somehow McCain convinced them to share it with him! Anyone have a better explanation?
November is less than 10 weeks away, as Justin of the Young Democrats of Utah reminded me via the email below. We can't just wait around and see how this turns out, we have to be a part of changing how it turns out!
Misty, With the election closing in on us fast, it is time for us to get in gear and start working to get Democrats elected. The Young Democrats will be knocking on doors every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1 PM Please come out and join us. This Saturday we will be meeting at Dimple Dell Rec Center 10600 So. 1000 E. in the 10600 So. parking lot. Come out knock a few doors, meet some new friends, and get a free t-shirt. To RSVP: Email justin@youngdemsofutah.org Phone 801-824-4073 We will also be making phone calls every Thursday from now until the election. Our Headquarters are located at 1063 E. 3300 So. (in the Corroon campaign headquarters) If you have any questions about these events or how you can get involved please let me know. Justin
Misty,
With the election closing in on us fast, it is time for us to get in gear and start working to get Democrats elected.
The Young Democrats will be knocking on doors every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1 PM
Please come out and join us.
This Saturday we will be meeting at Dimple Dell Rec Center 10600 So. 1000 E. in the 10600 So. parking lot.
Come out knock a few doors, meet some new friends, and get a free t-shirt.
To RSVP:
Email justin@youngdemsofutah.org
Phone 801-824-4073
We will also be making phone calls every Thursday from now until the election.
Our Headquarters are located at 1063 E. 3300 So. (in the Corroon campaign headquarters)
If you have any questions about these events or how you can get involved please let me know.
Justin
You can also sign up to volunteer through Utah for Obama by calling 801.983.7372. Don't let yourself wake up in November and realize that the wrong person got elected at any level of politics. Do something today!
Hi everyone!
After a summer break to see how all the events in the primary season would go down I am excited for the oppertunity to help Senator Obama get elected this Fall!
The reason I'm writing this is because I feel like there has been a lot of false rumors floating around Utah. My aunt has been sending out emails to all her family members of forwards she has recieved saying Barack is a secret Muslim, that he won't say the pledge of allegence, etc, etc. Now we all know that these things are complete lies but I think that now many of the republican base here in Utah are starting to look at Obama and the first thing they are seeing are the old rumors and scaretactics of the primary season.
I'm sure we are all dealing with this so I would encourage you all and myself to take some steps to correct these rumors when we can and encourage people to check out http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/factcheckactioncenter/.
Good Luck!
Melinda Thatcher
Utah State Students for Obama
According to Dictionary.com, "respect" has 16 definitions. Here are the ones I find relevant to the subject of Hillary Clinton's withdrawal from the Presidential race:
3. esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: I have great respect for her judgment. 4. deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: respect for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for the elderly. 5. the condition of being esteemed or honored: to be held in respect. 6. respects, a formal expression or gesture of greeting, esteem, or friendship: Give my respects to your parents. 7. favor or partiality. 8. Archaic. a consideration. –verb (used with object) 9. to hold in esteem or honor: I cannot respect a cheat. 10. to show regard or consideration for: to respect someone's rights. 12. to relate or have reference to. —Idioms 13. in respect of, in reference to; in regard to; concerning. 14. in respect that, Archaic. because of; since. 15. pay one's respects, a. to visit in order to welcome, greet, etc.: We paid our respects to the new neighbors. b. to express one's sympathy, esp. to survivors following a death: We paid our respects to the family. 16. with respect to, referring to; concerning: with respect to your latest request.
–verb (used with object)
—Idioms
Listen to what Senator Obama had to say about Hillary Clinton on Tuesday.
We've spent the last year and a half looking at her as the competition. Many have other reasons for disliking or not wanting Senator Clinton to become our first woman president. But, today, that is irrelevant to our goal of having Senator Obama as the 44th President.
Do we want Senator Clinton's supporters to now support Senator Obama as the Democratic nominee? Well, I do. In order for that to happen, we need to redirect ourselves at this point in time.
We need to understand that the bitter voters that the media told us about don't represent all of Senator Clinton's supporters, and I'd venture to say they are a small minority. I've spoken to many of her supporters, and I have yet to meet one face to face that holds that sort of resentment. Many of them are grateful to have been part of her campaign, but are ready to move on with Senator Obama as the nominee. Some of them will join us in campaigning for Barack. Some of them will watch quietly from a distance, and cast their vote for him in November. Some of them will have discussion with us, trying to decide whether they can support Barack.
As we engage in discussion with the Hillary supporters, we need to respect what she accomplished, without bringing any of our negative feelings into it. We don't need to debate the reasons we didn't support her. We don't need to question her supporter's motives. We don't need to be negative. Period. Dot. The end.
We need to do as Senator Obama did, and recognize the positive aspects of her presidential run. We need to be gracious about Senator Obama's win, and the role that Hillary played. If anything, her constant testing of him helped set the tone of the General election - he's been tried and tested, and come out on top. We wouldn't be going into the General knowing he'll succeed against the GOP attacks, if it weren't for that.
When we do run across Hillary supporters that have not accepted Obama as their candidate, we don't have to convince them of anything. We do have to respect their opinions, and avoid debates. We don't need to give the media or the Republicans any fodder for their cannons. Only when those supporters of Hillary feel that we respect them and their goals will we stand any chance of uniting with them behind Senator Obama.
August gives everyone time to gain perspective, and watch as Hillary stands behind Barack's candidacy. August is the next big date on our timeline leading to January 20, 2009. These are exciting times for us, but we have to focus on the November election, and realize that our hard work during the primary needs to continue into the General election. That is our focus, and we no longer need to work against Senator Clinton.
I think that these two statement summarize my thoughts well:
If we want Hillary's supporters to respect us and our candidate, we must do so first.
If we want Barack to be our leader, we must follow his lead.
When we see the media publishing crap articles like the op-ed from Maureen Dowd in such an untimely manner, we need to realize that it's an attempt to create drama that the media thrives on. Ignore it, or deny it, but don't be sucked into it, and don't let it affect your ability to have respect.
Hillary Clinton has yet to admit that the Democratic Presidential Primary is a done deal, but the tone of media chatter that I've heard is that she's going to - on a night of her own choosing, when she can have the spotlight on her for a moment. My personal feelings about that very, but at the moment, I feel like that's an OK thing. Granted, her 'offer to be Obama's VP, in order to unify the party' seemed rather out of line, to me. But, hey, I'd be happy to follow he lead and offer myself as Obama's Technology Czar. Ezra Klein put it best, I think:
If you were Clinton and, on the one hand, you had your hated adversaries in the media clamoring for you to drop out, and on the other, you were mobbed, every day, by devoted supporters who had invested their hopes in you and begged you to keep up the fight, and you yourself wanted to continue prosecuting your case, well, what would you do?
I don't think there's a chance in hell that she'll be Obama's VP. In fact, I think McCain would be more likely to offer her the job than Obama, but we all know that's not very likely, either. Obama will likely choose someone to round out his skills, maybe someone strong on foreign policy, to satisfy those who believe he needs more experience. I do believe he'll make a wise choice, no matter who it is.
If Hillary gets a job in the Obama administration, I could see it having to do with healthcare, since that is one of her strong points, and the one she seems to be the most passionate about, at least if you narrow it down to things Obama and Clinton can agree on. And that would satisfy a lot of people.
Last night, about 5 hours after I scheduled the "Yes We Did" party, people began to show up at the SkyBox Grille. Kurt Bestor beat us all in the door, and was just beginning a snack as I walked in with Dimitrios and his girlfriend (sorry, I suck at names) to the back room where the big screen awaited us. Not long after, people began arriving, eager to own another little piece of this campaign. Many were people I'd never met before. Others were the people who I've known since this all started, like Theodore, Strider, Brandon, Janet Lee, Laurie Noda, and so many more. Rob Miller brought Utah Attorney General candidate, Jean Welch Hill, and Pete Ashdown and Robin Ballard brought their two youngest children. I would guess attendance at about 40 people. Which really isn't bad, considering the short notice everyone had about the event.
Chris Vanocur, of ABC 4, sent down a camera to check out the activities. Halfway through Senator Obama's speech, I was asked to do an interview, and so I missed much of the speech. I love technology, though. It's all on YouTube, and if you else would like to (re-)watch it, just head over to the official Obama Blog. Kurt Bestor and Theodore Cowan were also interviewed, presumably because of their status as elected National Delegates for Senator Obama. ABC 4's video feed isn't allowed on this blog's setup, so I can't post it here. But, you can view it on ABC4.com.
KSL also had some interesting coverage yesterday regarding the Democratic Primary, including Donald Dunn's take.
There were two other reporters there last night. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that they were reporters until it was too late, and they were gone. Apparently, one was from the Salt Lake Tribune.
The Deseret News had some other interesting news coverage yesterday. They quoted Wayne Holland as confirming rumors that I keep hearing, about Helen Langdon and Karen Hale switching from Hillary to Barack, as well as saying that Jim Matheson would be coming out for Barack. I've been hearing about the first two for a long while now, and from many different people. I had almost begun to think it was wishful thinking, but regardless, this is good news!
Now we can get on to the serious business of facing John McSame McCain. You know, Mr. 4-More-Years-Of-Bush, who thinks that spying on Americans is patriotic and on registering new voters across Utah. Watch for a summary very soon about the successes we've already had!
“My most fervent prayer is to be a President who can make it possible for every boy in this land to grow to manhood by loving his country - instead of dying for it”
~Lyndon B. Johnson (American 36th US President (1963-69). 1908-1973
I believe that the photo of Rev. Wright with Bill Clinton which was taken at a White House breakfast during the Lewinsky fiasco where a number of religous leaders also attended does not demonstrate a relationship between Clinton and Wright.
I think that what the photo demonstrates is that Wright is not some wierdo fanatic on the fringes of society, but someone who was mainstream enough to be invited to the White House.
Bill Clinton, like Barack Obama, thought he was acceptable.
This doesn't excuse Wright's comments (albeit only a snippet and taken out of context) - it just shows that Obama was not ridiculous for choosing him as his pastor. The guy obviously has been doing something right to get invited to the White House.
Tresa
Utah
According to the Salt Lake Tribune:
Democrats and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in that primary. (Members of other parties, such as the Green Party, will technically be considered unaffiliated voters, except for those registered in the Constitutional Party.)
Utah by the numbers * 1,709,629 registered voters * 1,043,905 independent (not affiliated with any party), 61 percent * 538,305 Republicans, 31 percent * 125,992 Democrats, 7 percent * 1,427 Constitution Party, 1 percent Rules of the game * Independent (small i) voters have a choice. They can vote in the Democratic primary just by asking for a ballot. If they are willing to sign up as a Republican at the polls, they can vote in the GOP primary. * Registered Republicans can vote only in the GOP primary; registered Democrats only in the Democratic primary.
Obama Statement on the Passing of President Hinckley Campaign Cancels Event in Utah SALT LAKE CITY, UT-- Due to President Gordon B. Hinckley’s funeral, the Obama campaign has cancelled Senator Obama's visit to Utah on Saturday. “Last night I spoke with President Thomas Monson and expressed my deepest sympathies to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” said Senator Barack Obama. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Contact: Erin Fitzgerald: 312-505-4893 (c) Shannon Gilson: 702-539-0796 (c)
Obama Statement on the Passing of President Hinckley
Campaign Cancels Event in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UT-- Due to President Gordon B. Hinckley’s funeral, the Obama campaign has cancelled Senator Obama's visit to Utah on Saturday.
“Last night I spoke with President Thomas Monson and expressed my deepest sympathies to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” said Senator Barack Obama.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Contact:
Erin Fitzgerald: 312-505-4893 (c)
Shannon Gilson: 702-539-0796 (c)
After the Volunteer Meeting and Nevada Debate Watching Party last night, a few Obama supporters decided to head downtown, and they were able to wave Obama signs around during the local news. I can't post flash here, so I've posted it at my other blog, Saintless.
Thanks, Willow (& your husband, I'm sorry I didn't get his name!) & Eric! You guys did a great job! We'll definitely do more of this!
We have some other great ideas like this, so if you want to be a part of them, please let HQ know. We'll probably post most of them on the local events, too. And if you have ideas, pass them on!
Mark Rothacher, the Co-Chair of Utah for Obama, volunteered in Las Vegas, and sent the email and photos below. He apparently had a fantastic time volunteering there!Next Saturday, the 19th, is Nevada's Caucus. This is the first time that Nevada has used the caucus method instead of the primary method, like Utah uses. They need a lot of help for things like knocking on doors and making phone calls to make sure that Obama supporters get out and caucus! We've seen how close the vote has been, and we have to put every effort we have into this campaign. Do you believe in Barack as much as I do? I've heard over and over from Utahns in the last 11 months how much you believe in him, and the change he will bring. Now or never!My sister, Jenée, went to volunteer in Elko today, and just found out that Barack will be speaking in Elko on Friday at 2:30 (PST). There are quite a few of us who are going to Elko on Friday to help with their efforts, and we'd love to have you go with us! It looks like if you volunteer in Elko this weekend you'll be able to help with the event and see Barack speak.Everyone I've talked to has had a blast in Nevada, and told me how incredibly friendly the locals are. The one thing I can promise, if you come to Elko with me, is that you'll have a blast! And, more importantly, you'll be able to make a difference in this campaign. Utah has done so much to help, making phone calls here in Utah, as well as across the nation, as well as all of the grassroots efforts in the past 11 months. And I know that I'm asking you to do a lot and give a lot, but being here in Utah, you probably feel (like I do) that getting Barack the Democratic nomination will be the most important thing you can do. We've only got 3 weeks left until Super Tuesday! 3 weeks! This is kind of like that space between Thanksgiving and Christmas, where you find that you're not quite ready, and you wish you had more time, then find out that "The Time Is Now"! So, if it is in your ability, please come to Nevada with us. For those of you who can't go to Nevada, please consider volunteering or making a donation . Everything that you are able to do will help.Tonight, Tuesday, at 6 PM we will have a volunteer meeting, where we will connect you with various ways of volunteering locally. You will also be able to meet the 5 staffers from Iowa that got here last week. They helped run the effort in Iowa, and they understand how important every effort is, so they can help you find the best way for you to help. We are also looking for Precinct and Neighborhood Captains. After the volunteer meeting will be the Nevada Debate Watch Party. We'll be watching in both the main gathering area, as well as on the projector in the conference room. You can also purchase supplies (I was told they are hoping for the next shipment tomorrow, so there might even be new items!) or make a donation or just connect to other supporters.
It looks like we have 150 people signed up to come to the Volunteer Meeting and Debate Watch Party tonight! This is awesome, because we haven't had nearly that many sign up for this before, and we seem to get far more showing up than sign up. But, this also means that the handful of us that have brought drinks and food won't be able to cover everything tonight. So, if you want to and are able, please bring a couple bottles of soda or some kind of snack. Of course, the party will be a success with or without these things, and we will have the large containers of water, so don't feel like you have to bring anything. I'm guessing that the local media may show up again, as they have been at our big events. So, if you want to bring home made signs, with you tonight, that would be fun. You can also download and print posters. We will probably pass some of the rally signs out as we have in the past. Remember that these signs cost $3 (or is it $2?) each, so if you don't want to purchase them, please return them before you leave. When you arrive, please remember to sign in by the front door. That will make it easier on volunteers who go around to make sure everyone is signed in.If you bring a camera, and take photos of tonight's event - or other events we've hosted - please send them to me.
If you decide you want to go to Elko, please call Aaron at 801-886-2262 (801.88.Obama) or sign up tomorrow night.Hope to see you there!
Here is Mark's email, with his photos below:
Dear Utah Obama Supporters, 1/12/08 I came down to Las Vegas yesterday to help canvas and support preparations for the caucuses here that take place next Saturday. It has been great and really exciting! Yesterday I walked a neighborhood with a young volunteer named Andrew from Oberland College in Ohio. We talked to a lot of people about the upcoming caucuses and there is a lot of interest and support for Senator Obama. The Obama offices here are also alive with eager volunteers. People are manning the phones and directing other volunteers out for canvassing. Also Obama was last night here and I got to see him! I got to help out as an usher. It was the best show in Vegas! He came to a local high school for a town hall meeting and the crowd was pumped! There were about 2,000 people inside and another 2,000 people listening outside. It was all races and ages. His responses to questions about health care, immigration, etc. were well received and a lot of people have signed up to caucus for him. Today we head out for some more canvassing. I can't wait! I have attached some photos of the Obama rally here yesterday. They probably won't come through the listserve so maybe, Misty, you could post them on Flickr for those that want to see them. Hope all is going well in Salt Lake. I am more fired up than ever to make more phone calls when I get back. Mark
