Are Mormons plain belly sneetches of the Republican party

[Guest]

Why do Mormons want to be accepted into the GOP so badly? And why is the GOP so desperate to find anyone but Mitt to be their nominee?

[_Buffalo]

It really is a sad relationship. Mormons want desperately to be accepted by mainstream conservative Christians, but the latter think the former are brainwashed cultists and likely always will (until Mormonism completes its journey on the way to into generic American protestantism)

[_sanjara]

Why do Mormons want to be accepted into the GOP so badly? And why is the GOP so desperate to find anyone but Mitt to be their nominee?

For over a century it's been drilled into the LDS culture that the GOP is synonymous with family values, smaller government, lower taxes, etc. and this has resonated with the LDS ever since. Some even think the GOP platform is the harbinger of Zion. Of course, saying that the GOP hold to the above may imply that Democrats do not. However, this is an oversimplification of politics at its best. A careful consideration of views from both parties is necessary to move our country in the right direction.

In reality much of the GOP south is evangelical and despise Mormons (who trumpet family values). Talk about irony.

This leads to the next part of your question. Mitt is LDS and many in the GOP may be suspicious of his faith. This may be the overriding reason. I'm not sure. However, Mitt has somewhat undercut his credibility in moving from his progressive views to the far right. This may put off those in the far right GOP who question his motives.

At this point it appears that the far right (which includes the south) has control of the party and as long as it does Mitt will have an uphill battle to get the GOP nomination. However, in the end it will probably be Mitt and many GOPers will go to the polls, hold their nose, and vote for him.

[Guest]

Well, since believing Mormons can't be good Democrats or any party to the left of them, what party would you suggest or should we create our own? I say believing Mormons have a much better chance of being accepted as Republicans now. Currently, there is nothing standing in the way of Romney being the GOP nominee and his candidacy will eliminate most GOP prejudice against Mormons. I don't think he's the best the GOP can offer, but I will vote for him over any Democrat.

In order to be a Democrat, a Mormon must give up key doctrines and principles or at least look the other way when they are torn down. The GOP doesn't require any such thing. If Mormons took their votes and money to a third party, we'd simply be re-electing Democrats who are in direct opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ. A Mormon doesn't have to align himself with any party (as I don't), but the GOP is the best party for Mormon support right now. Has been for the last 40 years or so and I predict at least another 40 more years as the Democrats do not look to be coming around ay time soon.

[_Buffalo]

Well, since believing Mormons can't be good Democrats or any party to the left of them, what party would you suggest or should we create our own? I say believing Mormons have a much better chance of being accepted as Republicans now. Currently, there is nothing standing in the way of Romney being the GOP nominee and his candidacy will eliminate most GOP prejudice against Mormons.

In order to be a Democrat, a Mormon must give up key doctrines and principles or at least look the other way when they are torn down. The GOP doesn't require any such thing. If Mormons took their votes and money to a third party, we'd simply be re-electing Democrats who are in direct opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ. A Mormon doesn't have to align himself with any party (as I don't), but the GOP is the best party for Mormon support right now. Has been for the last 40 years or so and I predict at least another 40 more years as the Democrats do not look to be coming around ay time soon.

Agreed. Liberal Mormons should leave the church to the reactionaries.

[_Buffalo]

the GOP is the best party for Mormon support right now. Has been for the last 40 years or so

Ever since the GOP became infested with Dixiecrats and white supremacists, you mean?

[_bcspace]

Agreed. Liberal Mormons should leave the church.

FIFY.

To the reactionaries.

Define reactionary. Most believing Mormons like me are mainstream conservatives. In fact, when it's all boiled down, conservatism itself appears to be mainstream America.

[_Buffalo]

Agreed. Liberal Mormons should leave the church.

FIFY.

To the reactionaries.

Define reactionary. Most believing Mormons like me are mainstream conservatives. In fact, when it's all boiled down, conservatism itself appears to be mainstream America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactionary

[_sanjara]

In order to be a Democrat, a Mormon must give up key doctrines and principles or at least look the other way when they are torn down. The GOP doesn't require any such thing.

I couldn't disagree more. The tension between the parties is what is supposed to make the system work (albeit it's not always entirely successful) for the good of the country. You seem to be advocating for a one-party system by summarily pronouncing that the Democratic party philosophy is opposed to the gospel and thus evil. This is patently not true and represents narrow mindedness at its best. Any thinking person knows that a one-party system (GOP or Democrat) would fail miserably. And what do you do with all the LDS Democrats?

[_bcspace]

Define reactionary. Most believing Mormons like me are mainstream conservatives. In fact, when it's all boiled down, conservatism itself appears to be mainstream America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactionary

LOL! Nothing wrong with returning to a state when the Democrats actually had some conservatives (or classical liberals) among them. But I was thinking you might be brave enough to actually identify some policies and positions.......