OLD NEWS - NEW THOUGHTS

I was thinking back about the events that have transpired since the Miss USA runner-up gave her honest answer to Perez Hilton about her opinion on gay marriage.  I have a personal issue with this, so I figured I would weigh in.

First mistake was Perez Hilton asking the question.  I always thought that these pageants are supposed to be political-free and bring people together for a common cause, "world peace" we can all agree on.  Evidently, Perez felt that talking about gay marriage was going to "bring people together".  He should have known better. 

Second, why use Perez Hilton as a judge? Who is Perez Hilton anyway?  Is he related to Paris Hilton?  Is he an actor? Has he been in any films?  Has he written some thought-provoking book?   Some people these days, I wonder just how they get famous.

Thirdly, there are many in the gay community that feel that his "rant" afterwards was out of line and was even a set back in their mission.  I can understand that and let me explain.

Personally, I feel that there is no problem giving gays the same marriage opportunities as any heterosexual human being.  They are God's children too and I am sure he loves them just the same.  The problem with changing the idea of marriage and granting the same rights to gays is what you just saw in Perez Hilton (as well as many of the people protesting outside the church temples).   Look at how mad gays can get sometimes.  Look at the hatred and "take-overness" that can seem to come across when trying to make things "equal".  

I personally have a hard time "loving" someone that is forcing me to love them.  I know that's a stretch, but you know know what I mean.  Long term changes in society take time and need to be understood by all.  

I can see more now what the church was doing by giving their two cents in the matter in November.  There were church members that were concerned that giving gays the right to marriage would then force the church to marry gays in the temple, thus closing temples.  Then there were those on the other side of the issue that would say "that would never happen".

Now look at the protests afterwards.  Are you telling me that with as angry as the gay community gets they won't try to force the church to perform marriages?  Look at how they reacted.  You give them an inch, they will take a mile.  THAT is what I am afraid of.  

You work so hard to be tolerant that you get in trouble in the process.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't.  

BIG LOVE... BIG DEAL

I went to my local Mormon Chapel last night to watch the fine youth of our ward give speeches on what they believe in.  It was a speech festival and it was good to see the future of our church express their thoughts and feelings.  

As I perused the hallway on my way to the chapel, I saw a print out of the churches stand on the recent issue about our temple ceremony being re-enacted on "Big Love".  

For those who don't know, it is a sacred ceremony that enhances our understanding and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  An irreverent way of putting it (and I can be fairly irreverent), it's a lot like a couples' sex life.  You sort of know what's going on, but you don't discuss it in public, except under the most sacred of circumstances.  

It's sacred, not secret.  You can read much of it in the Old Testament.  But a lot like sex, Hollywood holds nothing back to glamorize something sacred. Typical "genius's" who feel in order to "tell the story" they need to "show it all". 

Basically The Church's response to the matter (in my natural man's language): "Big deal". Or maybe it was more like "bring it on". Or something like that.  

In fact, The Church said nothing to the producers of Big Love (one of whom is Tom Hanks... get the connection.  His recent bull crap rant against the church for Prop 8).  Yet it is ironic that they would produce this episode, talk about it, and turn around and apologize... (yet they keep the episode as it is: that is called an un-apologetic, apology).  

But what are they exactly apologizing for?  

The LDS Church didn't even say anything about it before the apology.  This is a lesson to learn about marketing.  Make a wave where no wind is present.  The only way to do that is to paddle your own boat.  (Thanks, I made that up myself). 

I think The Church has handled this issue with class and dignity.  In this document, they gave recent examples of (1)Mitt Romney and Lawrence "tolerant-sphyncterboy" O'Donnell's rant against Mormons being racists, (2)being portrayed on South Park (who at the church office building watches South Park) and (3) our wonderful appearance (yet non-appearance) on many cable shows during the "stand-off" at a polygamist ranch in Texas.  

The Mormon Church went on to say that members are going to do what they do, but as for the church, they will remain silent.  I have to admit, I am having a hard time following that advice.  

Some days, I would love to just use my gifts that God gave me and start rants against the likes of Tom Hanks, Lawrence O'Donnell and others.  But I know we have to be civil and strive to be as the Savior.

If you remember, two weeks after the election, I went to San Francisco to YouTube Live and spent a day rehearsing Will it Blend next to the leaders of the TV show Mythbusters.  They were fans of Will it Blend and were very gracious and fun.... until we told them we were from Utah.  I would have loved to argue with them about the truth of the election, but I had to protect Blendtec and Will it Blend from the thousands of left-leaning YouTube stars who all claim to have a hand in electing Brarak Obama. (But it's the Church's fault for passing Prop 8, see what I mean?)

I guess we will see our youth grow up into what could be more "intolerance" in a so-called "tolerant" society.  I will imagine they will be very strong or they will be very weak.  Just like the parables where the Savior showed us this type of separation, always starting with "The Kingdom of God is like unto..." 

Ah, the fun of being Mormon in these latter days.