In <k2X9uD23w165w@bwalk.dm.com>, on 10/03/96 at 07:35 PM, dlv@bwalk.dm.com (Dr.Dimitri Vulis KOTM) said: .attila <attila@primenet.com> writes: . .> <pro-GAK mor(m)on propaganda skipped .> .> "The only natural criminal class in America, the U.S. Congress" > .> --Mark Twain .Mark Twain had some very negative things to say about your criminal cult. . WRONG, read the entire article. in the balance he was rather positive in his "review" of the Mormons, particularly family life and work ethic. the first part of his rambling was critical more from the very negative attitude to the Mormons in MIssouri at the time Samuel Clemmons was growing up. The three bloody marches in winter with a loss of over 6,000 lifes were less than 10 years history in his childhood. One of our most basic beliefs in the 13 Articles of Faith (in addition to the ten commandments) is that we believe everyone should be allowed to practice the religion of their choice, any religion, as they wish to observe; we only ask the same of them. For instance, when the Catholic Church established a parish in Salt Lake City, they had no meeting place. Brigham Young granted them the free use of the Tabernacle on Temple Square why they were raising money to build their own church. The same was true in St. George; the classic tabernacle at main & tabernacle was used free of charge by the Catholics until they were able to erect their own church, school, etc at 200 N 300W, two blocks down the street from Brigham Young's winter residence. I have never believed we have been persecuted for religion. the work ethic, and the extended 'ward' family, where everyone cooperated on advancing the community --for instance, one family took the responsibility of making soap (nasty job which takes time) for everyone, and so on. This is cooperative "husbandry"/industry, and it was beneficial to everyone; there are numerous others. even today, our wards are organized so individual families have a "skill" for the ward should we find ourselves isolated in a wall street disaster, a natural disaster, or whatever. do you have 3 years of food storage? almost 4,000 lbs. and 9,000 gallons of drinking water for 3 years for a family of 5? --that's 72,000 lbs (36 tonnes!... ) almost 10,000 cu. ft. we work and we share. which means prosperity, which means economic success, which usually means stable, cohesive politics. and this too often creates not only jealousy and hostility from our non-Mormon neighbors, but fear. therefore, the basest of arguments and untruths are used against us to justify the quick annihilation of the "offenders in our midst." but what inflames the anti-mormon passions the most is the paid clergy of other organized religions whose employment is the paid ministry to their flock. Mormons threaten their jobs; the mormons have no paid ministry; it is all part of our "callings" to do the Lord's work. The 40,000 young men and women who leave MTC in Provo, and other training centers, each graduation to scatter to every country in the world, have earned their *own* money to support themselves on their two year missions. these young men and women return with unbelievably positive attitudes and the satisfaction they earned the money themselves --which took planning and perseverance. Dimitri, try reading a balanced analysis of the LDS faith, the teachings, and their accomplishments before you jump off and prove your ignorance and bigotry... it will not harm you, and you might be surprised at what you learn, particularly "forgiving those who trespass against us." -no retaliation. remember, all members are missionaries in a way; noone will *ask* you to join. all we do is offer you the opportunity to *investigate* our beliefs and our community. After *you* study the materials and ask questions, it is up to you to get on your knees and ask the Lord if you should join. We neither ask nor tell you you will die an agonizing death, again and again in eternity, if you do not join. everyone is there own free agent, and we can not influence your "free agency" --we will not pursue you if your prayers are not answered; but we will still be you friend, and our offer to participate in our services and our activities is still extended. For instance, I will never attack you with hate speech, and even my sarcasm is questionable, despite the fun a good play on words provides; you could probably snitch me off to my bishop and I would likely face a church council. As a high priest, that is a serious matter. something else you probably do not know: we NEVER pass the plate at any service. tithing is a private matter. -- "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts." --Will Rogers