Category: Civility

A Plague Infecting White America

Much of white America, especially white male America, is suffering from delusion (Disclosure: I’m a white American man). Too many in my demographic have debased themselves through thoughtless xenophobia, callous sexism, knee-jerk bigotry, and angry cynicism. During the 2016 election, 62% of white males and 52% of white females knowingly cast their vote for a… Continue reading A Plague Infecting White America

Republicans Never Had The Moral High Ground

MANCHESTER, NH - OCTOBER 13: US First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during a campaign rally in support of U.S. Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH on Oct. 13, 2016. (Photo by Keith Bedford/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Everyone in America has heard Donald Trump’s misogynist and offensive remarks or read about his numerous affairs and infidelity. As Michelle Obama once said with power, “I can’t believe I’m saying a candidate for president of the United States has bragged about sexually assaulting women, I’ve listened to this, and I feel it so personally,”… Continue reading Republicans Never Had The Moral High Ground

Arizona’s GOP Censures Senator John McCain

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I personally want to thank Arizona’s Republican Party.  From the removal of concealed-carry permits, to SB 1070, to radical border philosophy, to Sheriff Joe’s posse, and now the attacking of Senator John McCain, misguided legislators are alienating key voting demographics in the state.  The Hispanic vote is growing leaps and bounds, doubling this past decade… Continue reading Arizona’s GOP Censures Senator John McCain

Government Shutdown – The Lincoln Analogy

Obamacare pales in comparison to the importance of freeing the Slaves. And shutting down the government is nothing at all like Civil War. But the principles are exactly the same. President Obama came in inexperienced and made mistakes – so did President Lincoln. But they both promoted the overriding principle of Constitutional government of, by, and… Continue reading Government Shutdown – The Lincoln Analogy

Today’s Founding Fathers

We all owe a debt of gratitude to our country’s Founding Fathers. Their drive and tenacity put into place the longest surviving constitutional republic in the world. The Constitution is nothing short of inspired; stitched together through compromise and collective experience. I do not believe it is chance that such an extraordinary group of individuals… Continue reading Today’s Founding Fathers

Political Food Stamps

A great example of our nation’s partisan politics is the careless discussion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. Lately there have been several measures passed by the House of Representatives which feed on misinformation or play upon voter’s perceptions. As citizens we are left to dissect rampant talking points and blatant… Continue reading Political Food Stamps

Church Leaders’ Political Opinions Aren’t Official Doctrine

In past decades, there have been a few General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have been outspoken on American politics. Some Church members frequently quote from these politically outspoken former General Authorities in order to justify certain right-wing political views, often implying a doctrinal quality to such views, and,… Continue reading Church Leaders’ Political Opinions Aren’t Official Doctrine

Stop the Madness!

With November right around the corner our country is bracing for a barrage of political attacks, skewed data, and faulty logic.  It is our job as citizens to vet these political distortions and hold our politicians accountable.  Forwarding emails, trolling on Facebook, or posting links from partisan blogs does little to support positions and creates… Continue reading Stop the Madness!

The Church’s Political Neutrality

During the last Presidential election season, I wrote the following letter to the editor, which was printed in a prominent newspaper: Lost amid the hype about Mitt Romney’s religion speech and Mike Huckabee’s surge is a story about a church that, unlike most contemporary Christian organizations, does not participate in partisan politics. The Church of… Continue reading The Church’s Political Neutrality

Let’s Tone it Down Several Notches

So far, it appears that the person who targeted Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona for assassination, in Saturday’s shooting rampage that left 6 people dead and many others seriously wounded, was not directly inspired by the virulent and violent political rhetoric that has been dominating the public discourse over the past 2 years and… Continue reading Let’s Tone it Down Several Notches

“Ground Zero” Mosque

The Eleventh Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints states, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” [emphasis added] It is frankly shocking and disappointing… Continue reading “Ground Zero” Mosque

A Renewed Call for Civility from LDS Church Leadership

During the most recent LDS General Conference, we heard yet another call for civility in our public dialogue. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated, “many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. While we understand these feelings, we need to be civil in our discourse and… Continue reading A Renewed Call for Civility from LDS Church Leadership

Right-Wing Terrorism

The news over the past few days has demonstrated that elements of the Tea Party and others on the far right have resorted to blatant bigotry and threats of violence in the run up to and in the aftermath of Sunday’s House vote on the landmark heath care reform bill. As some Democratic lawmakers were… Continue reading Right-Wing Terrorism