Comments on: Immigrants and Strangers

By: Frank Staheli

Frank Staheli — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:05:12 +0000

I fear that some people think upholding the law at all costs is most important, even if it turns them into haters of other peoples and cultures. This probably also explains why so many Utahns developed a follow-the-king mentality in following George W. Bush on the Global War on Terror.

In reality, however, the problem is with the law itself. If some families are waiting 10 and 20 years to immigrate legally, and paying legal fees the whole time, something is way out of whack. In cases such as so-called illegal immigration, we need to do a better job of understanding the concept of civil disobedience–that when a law (in this case immigration law in general) is highly flawed, we are duty-bound to agitate against it in order to get it fixed–and be willing to suffer the consequences of our civil disobedience if necessary. When “positive law” contradicts “natural law” we are duty bound to be civilly disobedient.

By: adam

adam — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:21:12 +0000

I think some people feel that if they do not denounce illegal immigrants then they themselves are somehow sinning, which is a paradox. How do you love a “stranger” and feel like you’re upholding the law? This type of situation is one thing I love about Mormonism. I think God allows for these conundrums to see what we’ll do with it.

By: Aaron Orgill

Aaron Orgill — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:34:57 +0000

I am with you all the way on this. I couldn’t believe how sadistic the far-right was on this issue, even with their stubborn history, and their refusal for any compromise. Now when a more liberal stance is adopted when the issue is revisited in a couple of years (most likely under a Democratic President) and the problem has gotten worse, they will have no one to blame but themselves.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:01:35 +0000

Thanks Derek. I’m teaching primary these days and miss out on Gospel Doctrine. Why is it human nature to look for villians? People sure seem to want scapegoats and enemies!!

By: Wordsfromhome

Wordsfromhome — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:14:59 +0000

Have you sent this to our illustrious Mormon Senator Orrin? I think he is probably tired of hearing from me on the issue, and you have expressed it in a wonderful way! Also to Rep Bishop. Those guys ought to be ashamed of themselves for their anti immigrant stances.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:18:35 +0000

What an astute observation. I hadn’t thought of it like that before!

By: Rob Miller

Rob Miller — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:19:28 +0000

Jeff!

JK!