Emily HollingsheadThe LDS and Democrat Discussion
For the past 3 days I have been pondering a thoughtful post Called “Sacrament Meeting” by Rob Miller of the Utah Amicus, which can be read in entirety, here.
And I quote:
For far too long the LDS pulpit has been used by members of the Republican Party to marginalize members of the Utah Democratic Party. In a state that so badly needs the return of a two-party system, I cannot see how statements like the one made from our stake high councilman helps anyone. I am constantly speaking to members from both Parties who understand and believe this, and that is why I am writing this post.
I have pondered this statement and even wrote my own response to Rob, telling him that I agree with his thoughts and that I pledge to go out and be a better Democrat *and* a better Latter Day Saint by not hiding from my own politics. I have to admit that over the last several years, I have tried to stay completely politically neutral at church, and have adopted a creedo of “silence” and doing nothing when someone made a comment that I felt was out of line or not appropriate in a religious setting. I would literally just sit and squirm, but never bring contention. It is probably a good policy, but that this hasn’t helped anybody, either. As a matter of fact, I’m beginning to think that this type of response is completely wimpy.
I am reminded of the Sunday immediately following the 2004 presidential election. That Sunday’s Relief Society Lesson happened to be on patriotism. One very young twenty-something and newly-married woman made the comment that “there are people in this country who are very mad right now that John Kerry didn’t win. It’s our responsibility to educate them about the truth and help them to understand that he didn’t win because he is immoral.” (I’m majorly paraphrasing, but you get the point) Although I was not a huge John Kerry fan (that topic deserves its own post), the comment made me crawl out of my skin. She (and many other people in this country) TRULY believed that John Kerry was the “immoral” choice. I’ll say right here that he was *not* the right presidential candidate and his team did *not* run a good campaign. But he lost because he was “immoral”… ??? I couldn’t take it, and got up and left the room.
The very next day I was visiting with a customer. Somehow the topic of the election came up. This customer made a similar statement about Senator Kerry’s “immorality.” This time, I told my customer how I felt about his comment and that I did not feel he was completely accurate in his assessment. I went on and on and on about protecting freedom, protecting religion from government, and all kinds of other things that I can no longer recall. All my customer could say in return is “wow, I guess I am not paying attention.”
Bingo! The perception is that the Republicans are *moral* and the Democrats are *not* - If I had a buck for every time I heard about the “immoral liberals,” I would be able to finance my current campaign for the Utah Senate with nary a donation! And yes, dear people, you are not paying attention.
I guess this is why Rob’s post about Sacrament Meeting touched me so much. So many good Utahns sit in sacrament meeting and their leaders make comments about the “liberals” — these well-meaning speakers say things like “if it weren’t for liberal such and such, our world would be a better place” and “we must protect our familes from the liberal this and that” … and the good people sit and nod in agreement. I think that there are many folks who *really* believe it is the “liberals” of America who have caused all of the world’s problems. And the good LDS people, many of whom I love and adore and go to church with every week, buy into this theory, hook line and sinker.
This past spring, the “letter” from the church came out that stated “principals compatible with the gospel may be found in all political parties.” People in my ward *actually* said, out loud and in front of everybody “this means we have to be nice to the Democrats.”
I don’t know what to do about it. Until the Democratic party can recover from the stigma that its members are “godless” we have an uphill battle. As long as pundits like Bill O’Reilly go on and on about “wars on Christmas” we will continue to to be misunderstood. And if our Utah Legislature continues to spend all of its time on moral message bills, we will never get the citizens of Utah and LDS members as a whole to pay attention to focus on the real issues at hand. Rob Miller says, and I agree, that we desperately need a healthy two party system in Utah, because it would help to overcome these crazy misperceptions.
There are many things that are encouraging. There are also things that are discouraging. LDS Democrats have a lot of work to do. We have to stop hiding, we definitely need to stand up for ourselves, and we must become more politically involved. My good friend Steve Olsen has told me that “Utah Democrats are a little disorganized, mildly discouraged, tremendously underfunded, starved for resources, and breathtakingly misunderstood.” But he also encourages all LDS Democrats to keep the good fight, continue with the energy, and don’t give up.
July 23rd, 2006 at 9:03 am
Oh, Emily, You are a breath of fresh air. I think I just fell in love. May your example echo throughout the churches of Utah!
What’s your website? Where are you running?
Your message by it self has changed my entire perspective on the LDS membership. One can only hope that there are very many behind you silently cheering you on, waiting for their moment to say, YES, you are not paying attention.
It is the democrats that will preserve your religious freedoms and your personal liberties. The rpebulicans cozy relationship with evangelical Christians can only result in trouble.
July 23rd, 2006 at 9:40 am
I remember sitting in a teacher’s improvement meeting when the guy giving the meeting got angry and said, “and we can thank Bill Clinton for teaching our children that oral sex is okay!” He was mad, I was too, but I’m the only one who kept my mouth shut. The statement had nothing to do with the meeting, but it became the main topic for five minutes as the other’s in attendence got all bent out of shape.
Next time I will add, and George W. Bush has taught our children to lie. Tom DeLay has taught them to take bribes, and Dick has taught them to shoot first and ask questions later.
July 23rd, 2006 at 4:36 pm
DarkStar -
I am running for Utah Senate District 28, which covers most of Southwestern Utah. I live in Cedar City, which is my “base” but there are 4 1/2 other counties that I would also represent.
Interesting story about my race can be found here: Another Republican Scandal
My website is http://www.emilyhollingshead.com - there’s a district map in there so you can see how large the district really is. Some diehard Dems tell me that I don’t use the word “Democrat” enough throughout the site. Some very conservative Republicans email me and wonder what political party I am (because if I’m the Democrat, I can just forget it) - my point in *not* putting the political affiliation there was because it really shouldn’t matter *what* party I belong to — a good idea is a good idea, and that’s what I pledge to do for Utah and how I promise to represent my district.
However, with my newfound commitment to not hide behind my politics, I have decided that I will interject a few more “Democrat” things into the site. I even put some donkeys in there. I’m not afraid of myself anymore. And if some well meaning conservative wants to try to bring me down because of my politics, then good for him. I won’t back down and I’m ready to WIN THIS THING!
Thanks for your good note. Life is great, isn’t it?
Emily
July 25th, 2006 at 10:59 am
Absolutely right, Emily! We LDS liberals must not be silent, nor hide our political ideology like we are somehow ashamed. I know of a number of my liberal LDS compatriots who have been driven into virtual inactivity because of the routine disparagement of liberals or democrats at our LDS services or functions. Sadly, that response does neither the LDS church nor we liberals any good. We need to be nourished by the fellowship and instruction of our brethren at our services and meetings–on spiritual subjects, of course–and miss out if we are absent. And the Church membership are mislead if they are continually fed conservative dogma mingled with scripture, unchallenged by those of us who know better.
I have always been active within the LDS church. And I am committed to standing for what I believe is right–which includes the liberal ideology. I don’t believe we should employ the same tactics as the “opposition,†intruding blatantly political conversation on what should be spiritual instruction and discussion. But I do challenge the blatantly political statements of “the opposition†in a rational, spiritually-oriented manner. Doing so has made some membership think and reconsider their preconceptions of the differing ideologies. And it has made certain members more cautious and thoughtful about the statements they make, keeping the topic on the spiritual subjects where it belongs. Hopefully this will make the other members who, like us, have a different political perspective than the majority, feel more comfortable attending and taking part.
July 25th, 2006 at 9:43 pm
Emily,
Good thing that plenty of American LDS people voted for President Bush. He only cusses at important international meetings… Mormons condone such behavior, right?
July 26th, 2006 at 7:43 am
All I am going to say about who the LDS community votes for — I hear *a lot* about voting for “the less of two evils” - but to these folks, “Less” is always the Republican, usually without question.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:46 am
It’s nice that you can feel good about yourselves in these little mutual appreciation liberal mormon blog support groups. Unfortunatly, the entire philosophy and teachings of the LDS church are based on people being given choices and being able to take care of themselves. There is a very good reason that such a large percentage of Utah votes republican and it isn’t because of stupidity or ignorance.
What is ignorant is some of these comments about George Bush swearing or Dick Chenney’s hunting accident(obviously we have never caused an accident or cursed). And corruption, as if that didn’t exist in both parties.
YOu can continue to be angry at the world and hold on to your philosophy or just look a little deeper at life. As the Church teaches, we have been given choices to teach us to grow and learn. A large, clumsy, government making choices for us and taking care of us is exactly what we don’t need in our lives. Fortunatly most Mormons understand that and the Republican party is the obvious choice.
July 26th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
Dave:
You actually think OneUtah is a “liberal Mormon blog support groups.�? You’re kidding, right? Now that’s ignorant. You may want to dig a little deeper and get a better understanding of where you are slinging your accusations. Take your head out of the sand and truly see why Mormon’s vote Republican; it’s because they are sheep, following their shepherd. They don’t need to think, feel, or know. It’s so easy and they never have to take the blame. I don’t get the feeling that Emily is angry; she is someone who has taken the time and energy to be informed and think for herself. Try it; you might learn something – for yourself.
July 26th, 2006 at 1:32 pm
Dave -
Can you tell us how you *really* feel? :-)
For the record, I’m not angry with the world or anybody else. I’m a pretty happy and well-grounded gal who does a LOT of deep thinking, contrary to what you might think. The fact that I’ve come to a different conclusion than you doesn’t mean I haven’t thought a lot about it.
For you, the teachings of the LDS church make the GOP the “obvious choice.” I get that, and I respect that. But I know lots of good LDS people who vehemently believe that the Democratic party is the obvious choice. So which is it? Is it possible that we could *both* be right? The whole point of my post was that Democrats should not be villified from the pulpit just because we’ve simply chosen a different political philosphy.
Really, I think you’re missing that point altogether… And so let me explain this to you one more time: When negative comments about Democrats or Liberals are preached over the pulpit, it is wrong. Most people don’t stop and think that there is any difference between a “Liberal Hollywood Type” and an LDS Democrat. We are always being throwin into the same big political pot, assuming that our politics must dictate a certain lifestyle that is incongruent with LDS teachings. That’s the part that makes my blood boil.
The other problem is the assumption that all LDS membership is Republican. I have a dear friend who lives in a small Utah community. Last time she went to vote, the poll worker asked her if she knew that her political party was listed incorrectly on the records, and that they could “fix that right now.” My friend looked and saw that it said “Democrat” - she told the woman, “no — that is correct, I am a registered Democrat.” The woman told her that she assumed it was a mistake, and that there was no way this stake young women’s president could be a Democrat!
And thus, the struggle continues.
To sum it up, this post was written by a visitor to my blog:
July 26th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
For a little levity. How do o these topics even qualify as interesting?
If church republicans cannot see the disaster of their choices with regards to politics by now, what on earth is a progressive blog like this attempting to do? Start a fight?
Anyway;
It is important for all of us — of all faiths — to recognize these four
Religious Truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s chosen
people. (who does?)
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. (He was disguised as an anti capitalist commie)
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the
leader of the Christian world. (who would what with the ridiculous hat)?
4. Southern Baptists(Mormons?) do not recognize each other at Hooters. (remember avert your eyes, look to the left)
Now that ought to start a fight and we atheists can have SOME PEACE!!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
I apologize if my original comment came off more defensive than it should have been. I was scanning through some fairly liberal sites and was linked here.
I agree fully that politics have no place in church, and the Republican Party is not the LDS party and shouldn’t be promoted in church functions. But I don’t think church meetings are too oppressive for Democrats or brainwashing right wing politics. Sure a comment will come up here and there, but what part of society is perfect in this respect. Politics are a separate interest that sometimes finds its way into meetings, and the church as a whole can’t be judged on the actions of some of its members
I was trying to respond to the implication that Mormons are Republican because we are blind “sheepâ€. I do feel that credit should be given to the bulk of church members who are smart and have thought out their standing on issues. I am not rejecting the right of Democrats to their political thinking, but most Mormons are right-wing, I feel, because it better fits with the LDS philosophy on personal choice. And unfortunately the Democratic Party is associated with far left-wing Hollywood liberals and that doesn’t help people’s opinions.
July 26th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Dave -
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, the politics thing happens at church more than it should, even if it only happens a few times a year.
You are right about personal choice and responsibility, but I don’t think people make life decisions based on their political affiliations. They choose political affiliations based on their life experience.
The problem is illustrated in exactly what you sai d- “The Democratic Party is associated with far-left wing Hollywood liberals” - that’s a perception that we need to change, and the LDS Democrats and other “Democrats of Faith” unfortunately have the burden of changing the perception.
I am still hearing that the “left wing liberals” are the problem. I don’t need to remind anybody that there are plenty of Republicans who have made some interesting life choices. Ted Bundy was a Republican… but we don’t blame the republican party for his actions.
July 26th, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Dave,
Yo said “A large, clumsy, government making choices for us and taking care of us is exactly what we don’t need in our lives. Fortunatly most Mormons understand that and the Republican party is the obvious choice.”
I assume you are repeating the mantra that democrats are big gov’t tax and spend. Does that mean if it turned out the Bush adminstration oversaw the largest increase in the size of government since the new deal, that you would stop voting replublican?
Because that is the case.
And about tax and spend? Are you unaware that this adminstration has spent us into the ground?
As a conservative, it is expected that you will hold on to the past - yeah, past beliefs, and false ones.
August 14th, 2006 at 11:01 pm
[...] I met Rob through my association with the Utah Democratic Party. Rob was also very instrumental in getting me to just go for it and run for the Utah Senate. At first he told me it was “OK” to be the sacrificial name on the ballot - he told me that it was OK if I didn’t do anything but just put my name out there. However, once I decided to GO, and run a real campaign for senate seat 28, Rob has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. Recently, Rob shared his thoughts on being an LDS Democrat. I felt inspired to weigh in on the subject and shared some of those thoughts right here on this blog. [...]
September 29th, 2006 at 6:24 am
Emily, I am from Michigan and we have the same problem here as you are having in Utah. This is a Church wide problem. I’ve been told by Mormon republicans that my membership needs to be questioned because I’m a Democrate. There is no easy answer to how to solve this problem. Iwish you all the luck in combating this in your area.
November 6th, 2006 at 9:10 am
“I have pondered this statement and even wrote my own response to Rob, telling him that I agree with his thoughts and that I pledge to go out and be a better Democrat *and* a better Latter Day Saint by not hiding from my own politics.”
I found the above quote from Emily interesting. I received a mailer from her last week. On one side was a quote from Ronald Reagan. Nowhere on this flier was there any mention of her party affiliation. Would this qualify as “hiding from her own politics?” I think so. She’s lost my respect and my interest in her as a candidate.
April 16th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Blate, Blate, Blate -
I am writing to this several months after the election. I agree that I made some mistakes in my campaign. But if anybody were to ask me, I told them I was the Democrat. I will do it differently next time, I promise you this. But I still maintain that most people won’t even open the door if they think it is the Democrat knocking, and I *did* have the door slammed in my face more than once.
The only thing I wish… I you would have taken more opportunities to get to know me.
On Saturday, I was elected the chairman of the Iron county democrats. I don’t think there is *any* chance of me hiding now!