So, you are a professional Dirt Digger, who has issues with the Mormon Church which are personal. This explains a lot.
Is it possible there were just bad people (The politicians from any religion are not exactly the best ant the brightest after all) and not the church itself? Are most Mormons good people in your opinion, or are w all politicians in sheep’s clothing to you?
Not that I expect it to help. If a Mormon offended you in any way, I apologize for any obnoxious or offensive action they may have taken. Truly the church does not teach that we should offend any man intentionally; however, there are those in every religion who are not keepers of the word, but hearers only. Mormons are no exception to this.
I will state that the illegal dealings you list here are not in keeping with the church’s teachings, and I condemn illegality be it land deals, graft, protection, or any other immoral and illegal activity in the strongest terms.
I have no interest in dishing Dirt, so I’ll just take your word that there are those in Vegas who are not keeping the commandments (the sky is blue alert!) I used to go there for conventions for work, I always felt no matter how much I washed, I was not really clean until I got home, do you know what I mean?
Any way, I am sorry some of our flock have given you problems.
ant = and, Sheesh!
"Is it possible there were just bad people (The politicians from any religion are not exactly the best ant the brightest after all) and not the church itself? Are most Mormons good people in your opinion, or are w all politicians in sheep’s clothing to you?"
As I've said repeatedly, I don't have problems with Mormons on a neighborly basis. However, it is my experience that when in positions of power, certain doctrines of Mormonism magnify the problems that always come with that power - specifically the idea that you get your own planet and become a God. Harry Reid is a prime example of this, but I have dealt with others. Dangerous situations, and very real.
"Not that I expect it to help. If a Mormon offended you in any way, I apologize for any obnoxious or offensive action they may have taken. Truly the church does not teach that we should offend any man intentionally; however, there are those in every religion who are not keepers of the word, but hearers only. Mormons are no exception to this."
Look, there are many things to be admired about the Mormons in general, and I appreciate your apology. And as a Lutheran any serious student will know Martin set off wars that eliminated large chunks of Europe, so I could understand a Lutheran fielding questions on that. Similarly, I believe Mormon doctrine offers strife at the presidential level that deserves discussion, and my beliefs are the result of repeated experience in business and political settings as well as research.
"I will state that the illegal dealings you list here are not in keeping with the church’s teachings, and I condemn illegality be it land deals, graft, protection, or any other immoral and illegal activity in the strongest terms."
Well, Harry Reid is a mafia linked Mormon, you should take that up with the Bishops. While you are at it, I have a former Mormon business partner who lives across from the Vegas Temple who I am about to turn into the IRS for avoiding taxes on $5 million. Have a business mentor that wants me to research another Mormon swindle as well.
"I have no interest in dishing Dirt, so I’ll just take your word that there are those in Vegas who are not keeping the commandments (the sky is blue alert!) I used to go there for conventions for work, I always felt no matter how much I washed, I was not really clean until I got home, do you know what I mean?"
Vegas is the land of opportunity, both legit and illegitimate. I do very legit business here but by necessity have to know both sides. Consequently I know saints and mafioso, a lot of things fall into a grey area where everyone interacts. For example, I used to work with Don Williams, Reid's original campaign manager, who I thought a decent guy - but he freely told me his culinary and buffalo mob stories. You have to be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater here.
"Any way, I am sorry some of our flock have given you problems."
I appreciate the apology, but the string of occurrences is quite long now. While normally I don't make a stink - I voted for and supported Gibbons here for Gov.- Romney at the presidential level will get my strident objection on both political and religious grounds.