MITT ROMNEY, AND MORMONISM

Writer misrepresents Mormon religion

I have a feeling that Christianne Campbell (letters, Sept. 14) was trying to get a rise out of Mormons with her letter about Mitt Romney. That is usually what happens when one’s religion is distorted and maligned.

She did get a little rise out of this one, but there is not enough space allowed to clarify the misconceptions and strangeness (for want of a better word) misrepresented by Christianne. However, I would like to say, that when John F. Kennedy was our president, I was never concerned that he would go to the pope for Cabinet member choices, or any other decisions. Also, getting President Thomas S. Monson on the phone very often would not be an easy task, even for the president of the United States.

I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, if you really want to know about Mormonism, bag “Mormonism for Dummies” and go to mormon.org, and/or contact the missionaries to bring you a copy of the Book of Mormon.

JUDITH MAURER, Boise

Website should end religion confusion

Ms. Campbell obtained her information about the LDS church by reading “Mormonism for Dummies?” How about going to the LDS church website at LDS.org and getting a correct and complete explanation about our beliefs. How can she judge someone or something without relevant and true facts? I’m an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in Christ, I follow Christ, I am a Christian.

I’m voting for Mitt Romney not simply because he is of the same faith. He has my vote because he is the better candidate with the experience needed to revive our economy. I want a president who knows what it takes to build a successful business and can help get the economy back on track. I want my children and grandchildren to have hope for the future and pride in their accomplishments.

So many have been negatively affected by Mr. Obama’s lack of experience in making good judgements on behalf of the American people. Could it be that he has been reading “How to be President for Dummies?” Let’s not forget what this election is all about — the economy! Mitt Romney will do the job well.

CAROL BLAISDELL, Caldwell

Mormons qualified to be president

In response to Ms. Christianne Campbell's assertion that a Mormon is unqualified for the U.S. presidency. I have to respond with a few facts.

I will not even attempt to refute the misrepresentations of our faith she gleaned from some publication. One should visit Mormon.org if you are interested in our doctrine.

The claim that Romney or any other LDS elected official will take orders from the church is just false. The church membership is diverse and comes in all sorts of political persuasions. In fact, 17 percent are Democrats, many independents, and lots of Republicans. Harry Reid is a Democrat and LDS. Our views are as diverse as the nation.

Here are a few more facts: 100,000 LDS soldiers served in World War II; 5,714 died. Equal numbers served and died in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

I served in Vietnam along with my fellow countrymen. No one cared what church we went to, we were all Americans. Thousands of their names attest to their devotion to God and country on the memorial wall. To say our faith calls into question our right to run for political office is simply unAmerican. Michele M WALT KING, Star

Attack is un-Christian

In response to Christianne Campbell's attack on the Mormon faith, I found her comments to be both un-Christian and uninformed. I certainly wouldn't deem any book named “Mormonism for Dummies” as an authoritative resource. If you want to know how Mormonism affects a person's actions, look at the majority of your Mormon neighbors who spend most of their lives caring for others, being good citizens, and raising strong families. As a fellow Christian, I am sure Campbell is familiar with the scripture "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." It is also an insult to insinuate that Mormons do not think for themselves. I consider myself independent, and my husband is a Democrat. In fact, if this were any other group being spoken of, Campbell's letter would be considered hate speech.

MICHELE CZEREPINZKI, Boise

VOTE DEMOCRATIC

Republicans should oppose party’s stands

Republicans, your vote counts. Your party platform states “no abortions,” period. Even, pay attention now, if your daughter, your wife, your mother or your sister is brutishly raped and left for dead. Your vote for the Republican Party ensures your loved one will have no other option than to endure the birthing process to bring her attackers abomination into the world against her will. This position is horrible, despicable and your vote for Republicans supports this immoral outrage against women. Democrats support a woman's choice, equal pay for women and thanks to “Obamacare,” 40 million women now have free preventative “girl stuff” health care. Use this benefit from “Obamacare” now because if you vote Republican, Romney says he will destroy “Obamacare” the first day. Why? President Obama plugged the medicare “donut hole” for seniors, provided insurance for your children over 18 and stopped predatory insurance companies from dropping you from coverage. These are good things. Further, Idaho is a very poor state under Republican rule. The U.S. Catholic bishops call the Romney-Ryan budget “immoral” because their budget hammers the poor. That's you Idaho. Hammered to give tax breaks to the wealthiest. Vote Obama/Democrats instead.

MARK COOK, Hailey