General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: We Should Lay off Using Romney's Mormon Beliefs as a Criticism [View all]MineralMan
(146,286 posts)The Roman Catholic Church also opposes marriage equality, and has far more political power and members than the LDS Church. Yet, we don't see objections to Democratic candidates who happen to be Catholics simple because they belong to that church. We can oppose the church's positions, but individual Catholics can and do hold different beliefs from the church to which they belong.
I have no problem with attacking either the RCC or the LDS church for its positions on any issue. I have a problem with ridiculing a church's beliefs in other areas, such as "magic underwear," as a means of criticizing a candidate.
This thread was prompted by another thread where exactly that was happening.
As it happens, both the LDS Church and Romney oppose marriage equality. However, Harry Reid, who is also a Mormon, does not. It appears that not all Mormons share that opposition. It's fair game to oppose Romney on the basis of his opposition to that, and it's fair game to oppose the Mormon Church for that same opposition. However, it is not fair game to say that all Mormons oppose marriage equality, because that is not true. It is even less fair to make a mockery of a religion's practices as a means of attacking a candidate. It is a stupid way to oppose someone.
Romney publicly holds positions on issues that can be used to campaign against him. That is more than adequate. Ridiculing him about what underwear he may or may not wear is not a worthy position of opposition.