BYU Democrats, Republicans far from enemies

The BYU Democrats and Republicans met to debate last week, but rather than take their usual stances, the two groups argued for issues opposite their political beliefs.

Democrats took the side of laissez-faire capitalism while Republicans championed democratic socialism.

While members of both clubs had to argue for ideas they didn’t necessarily believe in, they also found common ground.

“Everybody has the capability to move on and be successful,” said Colleen McDermott, a member of the BYU Democrats from Las Vegas, arguing for the benefits lax government regulations in capitalist economies. McDermott cited President Obama and Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid as people who overcame their circumstances.

Members of both clubs agreed on a few issues, including the use of the acronym “CTL.” The acronym was brought to light last week in a letter to the editor, when student called a shirt with those letters — which stands for “choose the left” — inappropriate.

“I think that although CTR is a powerful symbol … it’s a cultural symbol,” said Jeff Whitlock, president of the BYU Republicans from Gilbert, Ariz. “I would not categorize it as a sacred symbol.”

Regardless, the BYU Democrats have not made shirts with the phrase on them but not because they don’t think it’s clever.

“It also stands for choose to leave,” said Will Matheson, president of the BYU Democrats from Lake Charles, La.

The clubs have several other events planned this semester including debates over topics such as gun control and social issues.

“We don’t hate each other by any means,” said Matt Larsen, vice president of the BYU Republicans from Kearns. “We’re united in our love for politics.”

From the article: The BYU Democrats and Republicans met to debate last week, but rather than take their usual stances, the two groups argued for issues opposite their political beliefs. Democrats took the side of laissez-faire capitalism while Republicans championed democratic socialism. While members of both clubs had to argue for ideas they didn’t necessarily believe in, they also found common ground.

Ah, how "sweet." The truly "mushy" world of Mormonism...where BYU campus Republicans debate and turn everything topsy-turvy and "champion democratic socialism."

I think this is all just one further hint at how it is that Mormon leaders through the years have...
...labeled Adam & Eve's Garden rebellion as an "upward fall" -- something to be celebrated...
...taught that every spirit when it dies initially goes to the same "spirit world" -- no matter their lot in life...
...leaders like Lds "apostle" Bruce McConkie came to BYU in March, 1982 to hold an across-the-campus devos telling BYU students to NOT seek a "special relationship" with Jesus and that Mormons are NOT to worship Jesus...even though in his book Mormon Doctrine, McConkie twice said Mormons worship Jesus!...
...stressed to its adherents they are to pray only to Heavenly Father in Jesus' Name -- and not pray directly to Jesus...even tho the Book of Mormon has several instances of supposed Jesus disciples praying directly to an already-ascended-and-returned Jesus!
...a statement on abortion that sounds "pro-life" -- but says if the mom prays about it and the Mormon god says "OK," then its off to "Butcherville" for baby...which is, btw, only one of SEVERAL exceptions...such as a vague "health" stipulation...or if the abortionist recommends it...or rape, incest, etc.
...Mitt Romney say in the same sentence in a December 2007 interview with Katie Couric how it's OK for parents to give up their embryos for adoption -- or -- donate him or her to "research" (embryo destruction)...

Such is the upside-down world stretch of Mormonism!!!

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