So, was that really a great American example? I don't think so. I don't agree with gay marriage nor do I want legalized gay marriage. But I definitely do not want to happen to gays what happened to Mormons. Their constitutional rights were trampled upon by our wonderful federal government.

But it didn't stop there. The LDS Church had almost all property taken away from them, including their temples. That was the breaking point. They had withstood men and women (yes women) being hunted down by federal authorities and thrown into prison. They had withstood the breakup of families and children of plural wives being officially declared illegitimate. They had withstood their voting rights being taken away from them for even believing in plural marriage. But when their temples were threatened to not only be confiscated but closed down -- thereby not giving them a place to practice their sacred ceremonies and saving ordinances, that's when they gave in. So, was that really a great American example? I don't think so. I don't agree w

A very interesting essay Mr. Blackwell, except for only a few minor problems, the main one being that you show a woeful ignorance regarding the history and details of the country's attack against the second supposed relic of barbarism. Do you know why Mormons desperately wanted to be in the union? Because as a territory Utah did not have self-rule and was under the control of the federal government. Utahns (especially Mormons) were mistreated, had their basic civil rights trampled on and had no recourse to protect themselves. Mormons were disfranchised simply for being Mormon. It did not matter whether or not they were practicing polygamy. If they simply believed polygamy had been ordained by God they had their rights taken away from them

It's time for Steve Deace to pulkl his head out and move on...

Then run for president and see how easy it is. I love all of these armchair politician wannabes who go on about how well they could do compared to Romney, etc. You think you're so brilliant? Get out there, create a 50-state network, campaign, etc. and go to it. Have fun. Otherwise, silence is golden.

Your so-called intelligence any day, Gary 919, against Romney's. It wouldn't even be a contest for Romney.

The deep down problem with the Republican Party is they eat their own. If the Democrat candidate loses they regroup and move on (usually blaming the stupid voters). If the Republican candidate loses there is hand-wringing, second-guessing and most certainly heaping mountains of blame onto the Republican candidate. In short, the Republicans eat their own. I'd love to figure out why Republicans can be so stupid.

Hey andafoul, or should I just say brainless little puppy, I realize from what you have been bombarding every essay comment section that you obviously do not know how to read, but the idea is to discuss the essay at hand. Try to get an adult to read this to you -- discuss the essay at hand, otherwise go back to drawing on your bedroom walls with crayons until your mommy catches and spanks you . . .

Hey celia, obviously you're a political expert who knows how to run the perfect presidential campaign. I look forward to seeing you announce your candidacy anytime now. Otherwise, shut up and go back to school.

Luke, I would gently suggest you don't try walking and chewing gum at the same time.

LOSER! Embarrassingly STUPID LOSER!