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There are no pentagrams on our garments. Really.

I'm still trying to determine whether Mitt is the best candidate, I can't stand Harry Reid, and long ago was disappointed by Orrin Hatch.

I'm also disappointed that porno mags and video (on the TV,ten feet away from the Book of Mormon in the nightstand drawer) are available in Marriott hotels.

I thought that the SLC Olympics was tacky in many ways and have a lot of empathy for non-LDS who in Utah are de facto diluted by the "predominant culture -- I probably wouldn't fit in as a citizen of Utah.

And I have an automatic skepticism concerning rich, famous, and/or "powerful" Mormons.

Really, we don't all vote and walk around as a mindless block. I only have a problem with people telling me that I'm too dumb to know what I believe. Please, no invitation for a flame-war here.

But an APOLOGY from me to to you, to Elsie, and to others here re: the bad example I have been, flawed critter/work-in-progress that I am. I need to keep in mind that Satan is the "father of contention."

Tracer well said and I agree. It hurts to see people spout untruths about something we believe (or know) but at the same time realize we can’t fight back because that’s exactly what the father of all lies wants from us. We are all works in progress, most of us (LDS) don’t walk in lockstep, and like you, I haven’t made a decision on who I’ll vote for yet. I do know, however, that I will vote “anyone but Hillary” when election time comes around.

There are no pentagrams on our garments. Really.

That wasn't my comment, that was Semperfiwife's (I don't go around checking for logos on undergarments :() )

Well, I'm sure the APOLOGY is necessary for others, like Elsie, but you haven't offended me.

I'm still trying to determine whether Mitt is the best candidate, I can't stand Harry Reid, and long ago was disappointed by Orrin Hatch...Really, we don't all vote and walk around as a mindless block.

I've talked with other LDS with the same sentiments.

I'm also disappointed that porno mags and video (on the TV,ten feet away from the Book of Mormon in the nightstand drawer) are available in Marriott hotels.

I appreciate your transparency.

I only have a problem with people telling me that I'm too dumb to know what I believe.

Trace, ya gotta admit many people (pick whatever denomination you like) who call themselves "Christian" don't know their history. It's not an exclusive club. It just happens to be that when most historic Christians finally get to know their "true" history (whatever that may be), it doesn't cause some frightening crisis of faith. On the other hand, while that it also no doubt true for most LDS, you can't get around the fact that over half of "ex-Mormons" list "LDS history" (not "bad-boy" Evangelicals in threads like these) as the reason of departure.

Finally, since you seek understanding in your post (I think you have worthwhile motivations there), just know that I only have a problem with people telling me that I'm too dumb to know what I believe... is a two-way street.

Just as you don't like others inserting XYZ as your beliefs, I'm sure every member of every church didn't like Joseph Smith claiming that EVERY creed of theirs was "an abomination" to God and that their leaders were/are "corrupt." (First Vision LDS Scripture account) That's basically like telling them that they have 0% discernment to know what is and what isn't "abominable" to God; and it's like telling them that their trust in leadership was entirely messed up.

Now since Joseph claimed this happened in the 1820s, well before any non-LDS person ever said one single word about "Mormons," who exactly was the original provocateur? (Do you see what I'm saying?)