Comments on: Rep. Donnelson Takes on Illegal Immigration

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:50:28 +0000

It seems that many of us have a vague notion of that Joseph Smith story…The following might help. It demonstrates a love of the law and obedience with a compassion for humanity.

Once, as the Mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois he was told of a black man in Nauvoo named Anthony who had sold liquor on Sunday; which was a violation of the Nauvoo City Code. Mormon writer Mary Frost Adams tells us what happened:

“While he was acting as mayor of the city, a colored man named Anthony was arrested for selling liquor on Sunday, contrary to law. He pleased that the reason he had done so was that he might raise the money to purchase the liberty of a dear child held as a slave in a Southern State. He had been able to purchase the liberty of himself and his wife and now wished to bring his little child to their new home. Joseph said, ‘I am sorry, Anthony, but the law must be observed and we will have to impose a fine.’ The next day Brother Joseph presented Anthony with a fine horse, directing him to sell it, and use the money obtained for the purchase of the child.” (Young Woman’s Journal, p.53

The horse was Joseph’s prized white stallion, and was worth about $500; a huge sum at the time. With the money from the sale, Anthony was able to purchase his child out of slavery.

By: Cameron

Cameron — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:31:53 +0000

Regarding the Joseph Smith story, Truman Madsen tells a story of a man that was caught drunk on the Sabbath, which was against the law. Joseph Smith was mayor at the time and handed down the fine required by law. He then told the man to take his (Joseph’s) horse and sell it to pay the fine.

By: Karen Bridge

Karen Bridge — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:10:21 +0000

We have two choices: Begin enforcing the laws we have; or, start over! As an ESL paraprofessional (unlicensed teacher/helper to immigrant students) @ Park City High, nobody loves these kids more than I do. But we are so overwhelmed! We can’t take EVERYBODY. I would like to see the existing immigration laws erased and rewritten. Lets keep the kids we have and give them everything we’ve got, but try to stop further immigration. We need to start new and document the people who are here. I am not an immigrant, but I am documented, and my fingerprints are on the books. If immigrants feel like they have to hide-out, they will be afraid to come forward in instances of crime (like a hit-and run.) “Sending them all back” is not an option. I also hate seeing immigrants arrested when they are at work. The laws have been ignored for so long that we don’t even know where to begin! How about closing the borders and beginning a worker program where immigrants are hired and receive work visas before they enter the U.S.? We are all benefitting somehow by their presence. My big house was only affordable because it was built by immigrants.

By: Aaron Orgill

Aaron Orgill — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:56:53 +0000

I should hasten to add that yes, people should respect the laws. I don’t deny that. But if you really paid attention to the rest of Joseph Smith’s message, and even that particular story, as well as what we have only recently been told by our current leaders who we sustain as prophets, you might see the importance of compassion in a complex and sensitive situation like this. If I remember correctly, at least in the film, Joseph Smith actually helped raise (or paid himself?) for the freedom of the man’s son.

By: Aaron Orgill

Aaron Orgill — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:27:57 +0000

JP, I think you are being a little presumptuous in assuming you are following Joseph Smith’s example. I just pointed out that the Brethren issued a statement urging Latter-Day Saints to have compassion. We accept them as living prophets, and quite honestly there is very little compassion in the angry attitude many of our people are showing.

By: JP

JP — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:40:28 +0000

I received a lesson in church that may illustrate how some mormons feel. There was a freed slave that had saved up the money to free his enslaved son. This freed slave broke the law though and was required to pay a fine. Paying the fine would mean that he would not be able to free his son. The freed slave asked Joseph Smith what to do and Joseph Smith told him to pay his fine. Joseph Smith didn’t say lets have compassion and put the law second, he said obey the law first. I hope that some of you can understand that some of us are trying to follow Joseph Smith’s example.

By: theorris

theorris — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:46:13 +0000

There is a frightening allusion to “The Final Solution” in all the talk about “rounding them up.” I just don’t get how seemingly good and honest people can’t see what they are really saying. I would suggest you stay far away from the KSL comment boards, unless you have a brass stomach. The hate displayed there is truly stunning.

By: WP

WP — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:18:08 +0000

Do we know what religion, in a formal way, Rep Donnelson affiliates with? I am not sure that he listens to a prophet’s voice as he is at the forefront every year of trying to marginalize my friends who are brown through the RULE OF LAW.

Thanks for the post Derek!

By: jennifer

jennifer — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:41:42 +0000

Yes, Aaron, I had the same thought. I hope that the legislators will give more heed to HQ than they do to their constituents. I saw this today in the Trib

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_8103713

I am often shocked to hear the angry cries to”round ‘em up and ship ‘em out” (as though immigrants were some other life form) coming from people I would have figured more understanding than that. For example, I was reading the above Trib piece while a coworker was around - - - she expressed disagreement with the plea for compassion - - - sad.

By: Aaron Orgill

Aaron Orgill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:00:06 +0000

Does anyone else find it sad that this is happening almost right after we were encouraged in a letter by the First Presidency to handle this matter compassionately? All while everyone gives lip service to President Hinckley and what a wise and noble leader he was. Makes me wonder if some of our people are listening at all to anything the Brethren say.