BYU and the "Strategic" Use of Alcohol

[_Mister Scratch]

I was curious what others may have heard about this. I have heard from a number of sources that when VIP non-LDS visit BYU, alcohol is sometimes served. Now, this isn't necessarily in any kind of "official" capacity. I.e., it's not as if the University President orders up a tankard of Guiness for the visiting scholar from Harvard. But, rather, the VIP is taken to such-and-such Dean's or Professor's home, and is, in effect, "plied" with alcohol. It puts the VIP at ease and helps him/her feel that yes, in fact, these Mormons aren't so frightening and uptight after all. I sort of imagine it going down like this: "Well, Dr. So-and-so. The Saints have suffered great persecution over the years, and so we appreciate your sympathy and attention. Here---Professor Peterson will top off your glass of Cristal."

Can anyone confirm whether this is true or not? I rather suspect that it is, since we know of other situations (the Yale conference, for example) in which money was thrown around in an effort to essentially "buy" respectability. But has alcohol been used in a similar way?

[_Yoda]

I would have a hard time believing that alcohol would be served in this manner.

Now, I could see taking a non-LDS VIP out for dinner, and picking up the tab if he/she decides to order a glass of wine, etc. with the meal. (And, essentially, not really making a big deal out of it.)

This is pretty common in any type of business setting.

It seems a little hypocritical, though, to keep alcohol on hand in someone's home for entertaining, particularly a member who would not ordinarily have alcohol in their home.

I could be wrong. Just speculating, obviously.

Maybe DCP or someone who works there would have a better idea?

Where, exactly did you hear this from?

[_The Nehor]

The paranoid voices in your head do not count as "sources".

[_Ray A]

If you were talking about Joseph Smith, yes, I'd believe it, but I don't believe it in regard to BYU professors.

[_Yoda]

But, rather, the VIP is taken to such-and-such Dean's or Professor's home, and is, in effect, "plied" with alcohol. It puts the VIP at ease and helps him/her feel that yes, in fact, these Mormons aren't so frightening and uptight after all. I sort of imagine it going down like this: "Well, Dr. So-and-so. The Saints have suffered great persecution over the years, and so we appreciate your sympathy and attention. Here---Professor Peterson will top off your glass of Cristal."

Actually, this whole scenario sounds very strange. I know that I would feel awkward if I was the only one drinking, particularly in a business setting. I would get the impression that my colleagues were trying to get me "liquored up". LOL

Normally, in business settings, alcohol is paired with food. I would think that the restaurant scenario I posed would be a lot more plausible. Or, if an event is occurring at someone's home, the wine is bought in conjunction with the meal or Hor'dourves. That being the case, I really wouldn't have a problem with BYU money being used for that purpose. It's simply a business expense, and one that occurs in virtually every successful business in the US.

[_Jersey Girl]

Scratch,

Interesting topic. I'd like to know precisely why you think someone from BYU would do this. In other words, what do you see as the desired outcome?

Jersey Girl

[_Droopy]

If you were talking about Joseph Smith, yes, I'd believe it, but I don't believe it in regard to BYU professors.

Or Ray.

Disgusting.

Really...

[_Daniel Peterson]

I've been involved in the hosting of more ambassadors and visiting VIPs than I can count, but I've never seen nor even heard of anything like this.

[_Trevor]

Or Ray.

Disgusting.

Really...

Shame on you, Ray. For shame. The very idea that Joseph Smith would serve alcohol to anyone. Next you're gonna tell me the guy ran a tavern or something. Anyone who can lie egregiously about the Prophet as you do must be a despicable anti-Mormon, since no fair person would ever say or write such horrible things.

[_Ray A]

Shame on you, Ray. For shame. The very idea that Joseph Smith would serve alcohol to anyone. Next you're gonna tell me the guy ran a tavern or something. Anyone who can lie egregiously about the Prophet as you do must be a despicable anti-Mormon, since no fair person would ever say or write such horrible things.

I'm stung by Droopy's chastisement, Trev. Just stung. I may never get over this.

I might as well go all the way into anti-Mormon mode and accuse the Prophet of once riding down the streets of Nauvoo -smoking a cigar!

What do I have to lose?