Why Mormons should support Ron Paul
Early Mormon history is littered with examples of persecution by mobs, communities, and even state governments, which is why they trekked across the United States to make a home in an inhospitable area in the West.
But the greatest threat the LDS church ever faced was not the mobs. It was the Federal Government. It was the politicians in Washington D.C. who believed more in the 'moral safety' of America than the personal freedoms of the Americans they represented. The United States government threatened to destroy or confiscate everything the Mormon pioneers had struggled and sacrificed to create, simply because the politicians in Washington didn't approve of their lifestyle.
I am not a member of the LDS church, but my great grandfather spent time in prison for practicing polygamy (with other consenting adults). Mormons, more than most, should understand the dangers of an unrestrained government.
But today, Mitt Romney does not represent the freedom that his ancestors so desperately longed for. He represents an attempt to bring the Mormon church into the 'mainstream', where they can fully participate in the political game of group/special interest warfare that happens in Washington--the same game that nearly destroyed his church.
Mormons should look back to their heritage, and embrace the principals that would have allowed their ancestors to be free to practice their religion. There is only one candidate that represents that freedom. Ron Paul.
Mormons For Ron Paul
I think that many mormons are questioning Mitt Romney. Most mormons I know love the Constitution and are pretty vocal about it. I discovered this just recently: www.mormonsforronpaul.org
Gotama was smart....
There are only two things: name and form. Romney calls himself a mormon, but, of course, he certainly does not function as one. Another example of name and form. He gives himself this "name", yet it is completely meaningless because the form does not match that which most would associate with the name.
Hitler might as well have called himself a peace activist.
"Truth is treason in the empire of lies." - Ron Paul
Romney Disappointed LDS
Romney went on TV and directly contradicted some of the teachings of the Latter Day Saints. I think it caused some of my relatives to begin wondering if he can be trusted, and it drove my Dad towards Ron Paul.
Because as someone else said, Mormons hold the U.S. Constitution up as a divinely inspired writing.
Some support evident even now
I think there was a Utah straw poll last summer in which Dr Paul came in 2nd to Romney, who would be expected to win there. Also remember seeing photo of a big gathering for Ron Paul in Salt Lake City months ago.
Thanks for the persuasive link below. I'll pass it on as appropriate.
knee deep in utah
6/8/07 5.4% of the vote, not to shabby considering Romney is well known for being a Mormon and the SLC Olympics and Paul wasn't even the "dark horse" yet.
Mormons 4 Ron Paul
Though there probably are more members of the LDS Church that support Mitt Romney, I personally know A LOT of Mormons who like Ron Paul and most of them will probably vote for him regardless of what Romney does.
Could some of you lds write
Could some of you lds write some "Open letter to Mormons"s letters about why they should support Ron Paul?
I'm quite familiar with mormanism (being from Idaho) but I'm not mormon myself.
Tracy
Here's a letter
Here is a link to a letter to friends and family. It might be a little more personal than what you're looking for: http://lds4ronpaul.blogspot.com/search/label/Backing%20for%2...
Personally, I think that this more personal approach is the best way to talk to Romney supporters. The idea of an Open Letter seems a little bit like a sermon, or like I'm trying to speak for all Mormons. Although most Mormons might seem pretty conservative, they actually may have pretty wide ranging opinions on political matters. But most of us will respond to:
Integrity
Respect
The Constitution
And I think RP beats all of the other candidates hands down in these areas.
Also, probably not a good idea to bash Romney too hard. He's got a lot of good qualities. If he only had a deeper understanding and respect for the constitution, and a little less position shifting for political purposes.
Ron Paul has shown great respect to ALL people of all faiths and background without pandering to any group. With all of the talk of politicians over the years wanting to bring people together and unite us, the constitutional, hands off approach does it best.
5% of people make things happen
10% of people watch things happen
85% say "What happened?"
Mormons and Ron Paul
Do Not, I repeat, Do Not judge Mormons and the Mormon Church by Mitt Romney. Mormons teach our Constitution and the respect for it from an early age. I know of no other group that has a better understanding of the principals this Nation was founded on. You might want to Google any of the following Mormon Church Presidents, David O. McKay, Spencer Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson or Gordon Hinckley to read their writings and speeches on Liberty and responsibility to the Constitution and the rule of Law.
Voluntary Association + Mutual Cooperation + 110% Personal Responsibility = 100% Individual Liberty
Great article...
I linked this article in another thread. It quotes Ezra Taft Benson.
http://hearmythunder.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=viewnews&i...
I am talking to all the Latter-day Saints that I know personally and trying to get them to "understand" what Romney is and what he isn't (and what Ron Paul definitely is....).
Thanks all .....
Thanks for the link.
I wasn't aware of ETB's stance on the constitution. That's good to know. I can point it out to my family.
Very nice. I think there is
Very nice. I think there is also a PBS documentary of this Mormon plight across the continent...any link?
Indeed there is.
http://www.pbs.org/mormons/