Just Because I Am Mormon Doesn't Mean I Vote Republican!

I had a bishops interview to renew my ecclesiastical endorsement last night. My bishop mentioned to me that he "strongly dislikes" Hillary Clinton (the topic came up because of the super Tuesday wins in Texas, Rhode Island and Ohio). He then struggled for a few minutes explaining to me why he doesn't like either Democratic candidate and how he hopes for another Republican.



Thank you sir for ASSUMING that I agree with you. He must have assumed that I felt the same way, as he spoke with me with no thought or care that I might think differently. So I mentioned that I like Barack Obama, and if it comes down to it, I would vote Hillary Clinton over any Republican nominee in a heartbeat. He asked me why I like Barack Obama -- and I told him why.



Why is it that it is constantly assumed out here that every LDS person has to vote Republican? This concept drives me insane and I wish, oh how I wish, I could change things around here. Mark and I both love Barack Obama. We watch CNN together, we read his platform together and overall I feel that our decision is a well thought out, intelligent choice -- for us at least.



So I said to my bishop -- "Let me guess Bishop, you like Mitt Romney?"



He responded, "Yes, yes I do like Mitt Romney..." (a few seconds went by) Suddenly, "BUT NOT BECAUSE HE IS MORMON!! ...I think he is a good business man too."



What a defensive statement considering I implied nothing of the sort! (Okay, maybe my tone of voice did it. I may have stereotyped the poor man, but I don't feel bad because I was right).



The conversation went on...he signed my endorsement (he didn't even ask me if I obey the honor code (boys out at midnight, etc)...which means I didn't even have to make the decision to lie!). I actually really like my bishop. He is a good guy with a sense of humor, which I do appreciate in a land full of people who need to lighten up.



This situation made me realize something. Politics (and sometimes religion) make some people really ugly. Defensiveness is bad news. And so is assuming what people think (I realize the hypocrisy of this as I clearly judged my bishop for liking Mitt Romney). I have a few friends who think differently than I do when it comes to politics. Nothing ever gets heated or awkward. We can talk about our differences, even laugh about them, and put it away. I wish some other people could manage that.



Anyway, Go Barack!