OK, declining an invitation wouldn’t be antagonizing a political opponent, the MoTab is not a political group (plus, the tactics that Trump used to win prove every part of that idea completely wrong). Second what exactly could Trump to negatively affect the LDS church? Trump’s behavior and past do not reflect LDS morals in any, way, shape, or form. The MoTab has no business singing at his inauguration. In so doing, it shows that they have no moral backbone, and neither do you.

I’ve done a little work at my state legislature to advance the interests of my occupation. I work equally well with Ds and Rs, environmentalists and industrialists, men and women, people who share my values and those don’t. There is nothing to gain by antagonizing your ideological opponents, especially when they are in a position to push policies that affect you negatively. This is the reality of politics and interpersonal relations.

Perhaps another comparison to be made is the actions of the church while seeking statehood for the Utah Territory.

Look at the thoughts of why Cook would go to Trump Tower to have, perhaps, a preview of why the MTC (and the church) would still remain positively engaged with the Trump administration.

I thought it was quite funny, actually, and clearly meant that way – but almost immediately Trump’s political opponents in the media began spinning it as if he were seriously encouraging Russian interference in the election. Your comment would seem to demonstrate that they were successful in their objective, proving the adage that a lie, repeated often enough, will eventually become truth. I’ve not been able to find any record of Trump having said anything outside of this one statement – clearly made in jest – that could be even remotely construed as encouraging Russian hacking. I think there’s plenty enough about Trump to criticize without twisting his words to mean things he never really said.

I think it’s also worth noting that no one knows exactly when the invitation was issued to the MTC by Trump’s Inauguration Committee, or how long the Brethren took to decide to accept it. Many of the criticisms I’ve read here are based on inferences or assumptions about timing and motives, but with few (or no) actual facts.

Before reading this, I assumed the issue was more one-sided than I now see it. Initially, it was a shock to see the choir associated with Donald Trump through the inauguration, but then I valued how it set an example of impartiality, tolerance, and patriotism. I still largely feel that is the case.

However, it almost seems as if the decision to sing and participate will be a boon for the Church and its message to those not familiar with it, whereas it confuses and turns off many of those who are members or familiar with the Church. In particular, for those outside of the US, I can easily see how this has an effect opposite of what is likely intended,

Sometimes certain events must take on greater importance than the people involved. There are no perfect politicians, no perfect choir members, no perfect Church leaders, no perfect observers. The principles of American government are designed to see the country survive beyond the influence of dangerous elected officials, whoever they may or may not be.

As a Utah Mormon who does not support Trump, I support the decision for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to sing at the inauguration – although I am saddened at some of the vitriol I have seen displayed on both sides of the issue. I also believe it adds significantly to the discussion to address how it discusses those outside of the US.

Thanks, Walter.

“When I first auditioned and entered Choir, it was to follow deep personal impressions, and to honor my late father, who was among the best of men. Now I must leave Choir for the same reasons. My father ( who was an expert airforce bomber) hated tyranny and was extremely distraught over the holocaust. He and Mom both loved people greatly.
I have deep patriotic feelings for this country and for the freedoms of people everywhere throughout the world. I am troubled by the problems we face which seek to destroy our love for liberty and respect for humanity internationally.”

Wilfred (70) I actually agree completely with you. It’d be quite different if MoTab wasn’t one of the few acts willing to work with Trump.

Geoff (69) I don’t think that can be said enough. There are huge social gaps between Europe and the US (with Canada falling somewhere in between although probably of late closer to Europe)