A few news items

4 Responses to A few news items

1. Jim F. on June 2, 2004 at 5:53 pm

   Call me stupid, but I find it ridiculous for the writer to say, first, that there is no evidence that abstinence only programs delay the time when teenagers first have sex, but second, “sex education promoting abstinence, but also providing information on the benefits of contraception for those who do not remain abstinent, does delay the start of sexual activity.” I think I am more in favor of the second kind of program than the first. (I’ve not thought about it a great deal, so I’m not sure.) Nevertheless, it is simply unreasonable to believe that teaching abstinence doesn’t work *unless* one teaches it in conjunction with teaching methods of contraception. Of course, people are not always reasonable, so it is possible that is true. But I’m skeptical.

2. lyle on June 4, 2004 at 9:42 am

   note, that the ACLU is _NOT_ threatening to sue. the real question is why? While their _statement_ is welcome…as usual, they fall _far_ short of preserving the First Amendment rights of the religious.

3. A Edwards on June 7, 2004 at 12:40 am

   And speaking of Mormons in NYC…

   We recently had the opportunity to attend the NYC Temple open house with some non-LDS friends. Also at the temple was the ever-present anti-Mormon leaflet brigade. As per family custom, I navigated my 250 lb. bulk between our party and the protesters, effectively and non-confrontationally blocking them from view.

   I later mentioned the protesters in passing to our non-LDS friends and was surprised at their violent reaction to the thought that someone would have the nerve to protest against another faith’s place of worship.

   Our guest’s reaction brought home a line of thinking I hadn’t really considered before: ought we, as LDS, not stand a little firmer against those who contend against us? At least here on the east coast, we tend to expect protesters at our open houses, pageants, and other celebrations. Our collective tendency seems to be a polite nod, a “no thank you” to their vitriolic literature, and an earnest attempt to keep the deacons and priests from being rude.

   But perhaps a little rudeness is in order. How dare they mar our celebrations with their diatribe and hatred! How dare they cast doubt upon our belief and our authenticity? Or, as our (admittedly secular) guest put it, WTF do they expect to gain by protesting against a church!

   I don’t mind people having different beliefs than I do, but, as for my house, we will no longer meekly tolerate scorn and abuse directed towards the Lord’s church. It’s time to rebuke with sharpness!

4. Jeremy on June 7, 2004 at 1:05 am

   Reminds me of a story reported in the local papers here during last year’s Hill Cumorah Pageant. The anti-Mormon loudmouths were heckling people on their way to the parking lot, as is their practice. Across the street came a huge Mormon extended family who had traveled from the west to see the pageant together. One of the antis yelled out at them in a condescending tone, “Which a you Mormon patriarchs gonna call your polygamist wives outta their graves fer the resurrection?” The 6′+, 300 pound father/grandfather of the clan emerged from the crowd, 64-oz refill mug under one arm, McDonalds bag under the other, looked down at the anti, and, in a booming voice, said, “ME!!!!”