Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, . . .

Crazy California, the perennial leader in Socialistic pogroms, er, programs, sorry, has once again lead the way, passing another law to protect someone from being offended.

I somehow missed the Amendment 1.1 to the Bill of Rights that guaranteed citizens could not offend one another. I know we encourage Kindergarteners to be kind, but now we need Big Brother Jerry Brown to make sure adults talk nice too.

The LA Times reported this morning that Governor Brown signed into law a bill that restricts all school districts in California from using the name "Redskins" as a team name or mascot. It also cautions school nurses and dermatologists to exercise caution when diagnosing patients with any illness that manifests "red skin". It is important for them to add a verbal "space" between the words to not be in violation of the new mandate.

Ironically, the new law only restricts the usage of the term "redskins" and then, only in connection with team names and mascots. School districts can still freely use titles such as: Indians, Warriors, Savages, Squaws, Papooses, Nits, Lice, etc., for team names and mascots.

Districts can also still use the R-word for the name of a school, after-school enrichment programs, awards for excellence and achievement, as well as, offensive tirades by teachers and student against Native American students.

The scuttle-but is that the law was created and passed to place more pressure on the Washington Redskins to change their team name. Can't see how that will make one bit of difference. You can be sure that if the Redskins ever were to change their name from pressure, the next step will be to exact reparations from the team to compensate the Native Americans for insults and injury the R-name has cause over the last 300 years.

There is no one like those with a tomahawk to grind, that can create a law, that makes a bigger mess, than what they tried to fix.

You Catch More Bears With Honey Than With Vinegar

The old adage teaches us that you catch more bears with honey than with vinegar.

My experience has shown that there are 2 different camps that vocally oppose the Mormon Church.
1) Christians who honestly feel that faith alone will bring us the Grace of God and they sincerely want to save us from our errors.
2) Former members of the Mormon Church who don't want to live the Gospel and search for every opportunity to rationalize their rebellion.

Both groups are usually so well versed in their dogma that rational dialog proves to be pointless in changing lives. What does make a difference, is sincere acts of caring, concern, and service. In other words, simply living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The best example of this is a recent documentary by Bryan Hall called "Us and Them, Religious Rivalry in America". After crossing the country searching for the reason behind the animosity, Mr. Hall realizes that the solution to all the cacophony is the honest implementation of the Gospel.

Rather than arguing with protesters at General Conference, we should be giving them water, hot chocolate, donuts, cookies, blankets, etc., to make their stay easier and more comfortable. Kind words of appreciation for their unwavering faith in Christ will go further to positively impact the heart than heated dialogue and caustic confrontation.

We defend the Savior better by sharing understanding and compassion, lifting up the arms that hang down, and encircling all people with the arms of love. We can not teach positive principles using negative techniques.

So, when someone confronts you about the Church; listen quietly to their concerns, sincerely express your love for them, and share your simple testimony of your love for your Savior and your gratitude for his Atonement in your life.

That is the Savior's way.