Not much change
I read with interest and appreciation the Associated Press article “Former heart surgeon set to become next Mormon president” (Tribune-Herald, Jan. 5).
The article quoted Patrick Mason, an associate professor of religion at Claremont Graduate University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would like to point out the distinct difference between my church and perhaps many others, namely that in our church there are no politics involved. We do not seek position nor power.
There are no “factions” or competing interest groups. We believe that the men serving in the Quorum of the Apostles and First Presidency are indeed prophets, seers and revelators. There is no seeking for power or position or political agenda in the process of determining who will be the next president of the church.
Mr. Mason’s words to “expect more continuity than change” could not be more true. Why? The head of our church is Jesus Christ, and it is He who determines … what should be done.
This revelation will always be regarding how to conduct our lives and help serve others.
Jan Kuester
Pahoa
The nanny state
I agree 100 percent with Ron Hart’s letter to the editor supporting euthanasia (Tribune-Herald, Your Views, Jan. 4) and his comment: “The patient’s right to choose, and not the choice itself, should be the primary consideration.”
This philosophy could be expanded to other areas where the government is sticking its nose into individual choice. Prostitution, gambling and abortion come immediately to mind.
Don’t get me wrong. Of course, government should be involved in regulating potential abuses such as being forced into prostitution, taking gamblers for a ride or aborting a viable fetus. But, try as it might, the government will never be a good parent.
It’s time to stop trying to protect people from themselves and focus on protecting people from other people.
Fred Fogel
Volcano