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And again, I ask you, what the heck is wrong with having the press conferences at the church? Is it because it is the Mormon church, or a religious institution? I've stated my reasons why I don't think the press conferences would be held in front of the Smart home every single day. But since you keep reading some weird conspiracy into everything that happens in Utah, believe what you want to believe.

Any public relations person can tell you that background is a crucial part of any press conference. For example, after 911, all politicians had numerous American flags behind them while addressing the nation.

The background itself is part of the message. The background also enhances the message.

By appearing in front of a Temple, the Smarts are making several statements. One is that they have the power and authority of the Mormon Church behind them. Another is that they --the family--are longtime upstanding members of the Mormon community, an by association, above reproach.

If they moved the venue to a parking lot in front of the Justice Center, e.g., they would be sending a message to the kidnapper that they had the entire justice system on their side, and that the culprit didn't stand a chance.

Public Relations 101. You can look it up.

Excellent post, Palladin.

RE: Public Relations 101
I worked for a large PR firm and was continually amazed at the seemingly minute visualizations that were used to get a point across to the public. The solutions were always "containment" of the situation. This could be a similar idea.

"By appearing in front of a Temple, the Smarts are making several statements. One is that they have the power and authority of the Mormon Church behind them. Another is that they --the family--are longtime upstanding members of the Mormon community, an by association, above reproach."

Early articles in the Deseret News reported that President Hinckley himself had contacted the elder Mr. Smart, and had also personally visited with Ed and Lois Smart. Additionally, it was reported that church leaders had issued what was termed an "unusual" statement of concern and support in this case.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with President Hinckley and the Mormon leaders offering public support to the Smart family. I am simply pointing out that based upon these published reports, one might easily conclude that the Smart family has the power and authority of the Mormon church behind them. Why is it that any suggestion of this immediately gets debunked as "some weird conspiracy"?

The Smarts aren't appearing in front of the Salt Lake Temple. They are using their local church house PARKING LOT for their press conferences. The press conferences are being held outside. I have rarely seen the whole of the outside of the church building on any interviews, and almost never the lettering that is on each and every LDS churchouse that says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I do know that most of the interviews have taken place in the church, because of the rooms. I think LKL's interviews have taken place in the Smart home.

And the parking lot of the local Justice Center or police station is being used.

By appearing in front of a Temple, the Smarts are making several statements. One is that they have the power and authority of the Mormon Church behind them. Another is that they --the family--are longtime upstanding members of the Mormon community, an by association, above reproach.

I wish you would do your homework, because you don't know what you are talking about. That isn't a Temple, it's a ward or stake center. IF, they were giving their press conferences from Temple Square, I might agree with you.

Anyone who knows anything about the Church hierarchy, which includes most people in Utah, knows that the Smarts aren't any more influential than any other family in a 10 million member church.