6EQUJ5 Posted October 3, 2016 Posted October 3, 2016 This came up in the thread about the leaked video and thought it deserved its own. There wasn't anything in the videos that is salacious or all that interest. But I was very disturbed by Gordon Smith's comments. And I will admit that were I a citizen of Oregon I would be absolutely livid. Gordon Smith was not elected to represent the interests of the Church. He was elected to represent the State of Oregon. What would he do if the wishes of his State differed from the Church? Would he represent the people who elected him or would he serve the Church? I get the feeling he puts the Church first, then the State he was to represent. He talks about the Iraq war. The people of Oregon were generally opposed to that war if my memory is correct. Yet, he voted in favor of war -- which will always result in bloodshed and the suffering of innocents -- because it would open up Iraq to LDS converts? To me that is a horrible reason to go to war. FWIW, I supported the war personally. He also talks about working with Indian officials to serve the interests of the Church. That's time he should have been working for the State of Oregon. Anyway, do LDS politicians have a problem? I try and support politicians who live faithful and good lives (and I would put Smith in this category) and I think it is great for politics to be influenced by faithful principles. But I think it is completely out of line for an LDS politician to act as a lobbyist for the Church. Just like I would oppose a Catholic who lobbied for the interests of the specific interests of the Vatican. I know Smith is retired but I wouldn't be surprised if he receives a censure from the US Senate. His actions were really out of line. So how can LDS politicans walk this line? How do you separate religious principles from the political interests of the Church?
Jeanne Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 (edited) I don't think it is possible. It depends on the level of faith and commitment but when all parts of a state/country are not LDS..you have some big decisions to make. The fact that some go to Bishops/Stake Presidents to be released and/or even ask for permission to run for office doesn't speak well for those who are not of the faith. As for a personal opinion,, I wouldn't trust an LDS person to go with any majority of people that would be against a principle. Trust..it just isn't there. Doesn't mean that they are not a good citizen, neighbor or friend, but if those covenants reign in a session in Congress..forget it. This was my biggest concern when Romney ran for President. Some can separate church/state but it would be difficult, Edited October 4, 2016 by Jeanne
Duncan Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 I'm watching it now and the NHL game, other then his ego I don't find it a problem really. I don't really follow politics but I wonder if this kind of thing goes on all the time, he can be a man on the ground-rather than some outsider.
Jeanne Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 I would think it would be unwise to be "church broke".
Calm Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 49 minutes ago, 6EQUJ5 said: This came up in the thread about the leaked video and thought it deserved its own. There wasn't anything in the videos that is salacious or all that interest. But I was very disturbed by Gordon Smith's comments. And I will admit that were I a citizen of Oregon I would be absolutely livid. Gordon Smith was not elected to represent the interests of the Church. He was elected to represent the State of Oregon. What would he do if the wishes of his State differed from the Church? Would he represent the people who elected him or would he serve the Church? I get the feeling he puts the Church first, then the State he was to represent. He talks about the Iraq war. The people of Oregon were generally opposed to that war if my memory is correct. Yet, he voted in favor of war -- which will always result in bloodshed and the suffering of innocents -- because it would open up Iraq to LDS converts? To me that is a horrible reason to go to war. FWIW, I supported the war personally. He also talks about working with Indian officials to serve the interests of the Church. That's time he should have been working for the State of Oregon. Anyway, do LDS politicians have a problem? I try and support politicians who live faithful and good lives (and I would put Smith in this category) and I think it is great for politics to be influenced by faithful principles. But I think it is completely out of line for an LDS politician to act as a lobbyist for the Church. Just like I would oppose a Catholic who lobbied for the interests of the specific interests of the Vatican. I know Smith is retired but I wouldn't be surprised if he receives a censure from the US Senate. His actions were really out of line. So how can LDS politicans walk this line? How do you separate religious principles from the political interests of the Church? Judt to be sure...did you watch the video yourself or rely on others' reports?
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