deep thoughts on a friday afternoon

Working in the American Heritage office, I am kept up-todate on the recent happenings around the world that have an effect on this small community in which we live. Tuesday, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a devotional at BYU-Idaho. It was entitled "Religious Freedom". It is a brilliant, inspiring and thought provoking talk in which Elder Oaks discusses the importance of the First Amendment of the Constitution and how we as Latter-day Saints must do all in our power to protect and uphold it. Very powerful. Especially seeing as how Elder Oaks was previously a member of the State Supreme Court and was a clerk for the US Supreme Court. He is a very brilliant man. However, after his devotional, many people attacked him. They attacked his references to the unjust treatment of LDS supporters of Prop 8 in California and how he compared it to the intimidation of black voters during the Civil Rights movement. This is one of the most enraging, and sickening things I have watched and seen regarding this issue. I count it as a sign of the times for sure. I just want to say that I am proud of Elder Oaks for addressing such a controversial topic, and for sticking by everything he said. He had to know what would come as a result of some of the things he said, but that did not disuade him. I am proud to belong to a church that stands by moral truths and declares them with boldness and honesty.
I strongly suggest that you read Elder Oaks talk. You will be inspired to be a better US citizen and member of the Church, and he has some insights that I had never thought of before.