08-14-2008, 05:21 AM | #1 | |||||
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Happy Valley, PA
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Thanks to BDB
http://cougarguard.com/forum/showpos...93&postcount=1
I've been thinking about similarities and differences between the debate over prohibition and the debate about gay marriage. While comparisons inevitably break down if conducted too closely, I found some interesting quotes from the New York Times that seem to correspond in some ways to the current discussions about church, politics, and morality. I don't want to oversimplify: it was a complicated time in history - the Great Depression and prohibition were integrally combined in the context of these stories as longtime Senator Reed Smoot, an LDS apostle, sought re-election (but lost) in 1932. Prohibition was repealed in late 1933. Nevertheless, I thought it interesting that some of the same elements of the gay marriage debate surfaced in my reading of Prohibition-era sources. August, 1932 [discussing LDS stance on prohibition] Quote:
October 1933 - Utah decides to hold a referendum on whether or not to support the repeal of prohibition. Quote:
November, 1933 - on the eve of the referendum it is uncertain to the nation which way Utah will vote: Quote:
November, 1933 - Utah overwhelming votes to repeal prohibition. Quote:
It's tough to tell from the New York Times just how involved were LDS leaders in Utah in day-to-day campaigning for/against the issue in 1932 and 1933. Here's the closest I could come at this late hour: Quote:
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I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free. - Epitaph of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957) Last edited by Solon; 08-14-2008 at 05:40 AM. Reason: stupid formatting |
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08-14-2008, 05:32 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
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Interesting stuff. What an ironic and strange precedent to cite for helping the LDS Church's opposition to gay marriage. This is also interesting. It makes me think that something dreadful has happened to LDS Church members since 1933 that eliminated their ability to think for themselves.
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08-14-2008, 06:46 AM | #3 | |
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BDB and Solon, thanks. Those are interesting reads.
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