Hi there! We've got a book! Wanna hear about it?
Do you really think it would be wise to elect a Mormon to lead our great nation?
I know it’s politically incorrect to talk about a candidate’s core religious beliefs and upbringing, but if we don’t consider what a person believes when choosing a leader, aren’t we making a rather big mistake?
As I think back upon the religous beliefs of former presidents I have first hand knowledge of, going back say, to FDR, I think that with the possible exception of George W. Bush, reportedly a “born again” believer in the “End Times”, I always had the sense that the religiosity of the people we elected to office was mostly a politically-correct front put up by basically secular, practical people who could be relied upon to act in the final analysis, for the good of our nation and not on the basis of some bizarre metaphysical doctrines. But does this apply to Mormons?
In my considerable personal experience with Mormons (I actually had a Mormon girlfriend a long time ago and while sailing around the world, traveled alongside a Mormon family on a voyage of spiritual discovery in Central America), and a good deal of reading as well, I’d say Mormons are really, really deep-down weird. These are people whose coming of age ritual entails going around dressed in white shirt and tie, knocking on doors, flashing The Book of Mormon in people’s faces, and trying to convince them that their new and improved made-in-America belief is better than the old-world stuff. Many young Mormon missionaries, all boys, go to third world places where people’s misery factor is so high that any book based on gold tablets and purported to be a major improvement upon the Bible that made a shambles of their lives since the arrival of the Conquistadors, is welcome. Romney spent his missionary youth suiting up and flashing The Book of Moron Mormon at Parisians — reportedly a tougher sale.
If you are considering voting for Romney I strongly suggest that you do some research on what Mormons actually believe and do. If you do your homework it will become much clearer to you why Romney is such a wooden character, likes to fire people, hides his taxes, covets riches and is willing to don whatever clothing it takes to win. You can start with one of the many simple lists such as the one found here. A more ambitious, useful and very entertaining read is Krakauer’s, Under the Banner of Heaven.
Whatever the weirdness of your personal metaphysical beliefs, if after learning a bit about Mormon weirdnesses you feel inspired to convert, then by all means vote for Romney and start shopping for church-sanctioned underwear. If not, I suggest you vote for Obama, who is if nothing else, a very practical man
Wouldn’t it be convenient if some aged leftover hemlock juice could be found among the historic belonging of the dikasts? Recall how, in 339 BC, these folks took direct action to remove a prominent and aspiring philosopher who did not agree with the religion beliefs and strictures of the prevailing society.
On the other hand, wild hemlock (Conium maculatum) nowadays grows in parts of the U.S.: so, what about electing the Mormon, serving him some juice, then stepping up to the VP Catholic whose personal beliefs are more in line with the norm, i.e., the non-mormon? That way we would bow to neither of the current presidential candidates. The 1st Amendment nowithstanding, that would be a win-win outcome.
Jeff,
As the history you allude to demonstrates, it’s high time we regard true believers whatever their poison, with great suspicion if we are to have any hope of doing better. In my experience, Mormons are reliably and certifiably among true believers.