This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am always bothered by letters to the editor that complain about the influence of the LDS Church in Utah with respect to Utah laws, politics and culture. I find it humorous that so many of my fellow Utahns are bothered by this since I don't really believe LDS influence in Utah to be out of proportion to the LDS population in Utah.
These letters are almost always written with a more liberal point of view. So imagine my surprise to read a letter in the Tribune ("LDS Church likes immigration bill; why not Utah delegation?" Forum, Nov. 2) that complains that Utah's four representatives are not on board with an immigration bill supported by the LDS Church. The implication is that because these four representatives are LDS, they should be following the stand the church has taken on this bill. Again, the criticism is coming from a liberal point of view.
To liberal critics of the LDS Church I have one simple response: You can't have it both ways. You can't complain that the LDS Church is too influential when you disagree with its stands and then complain that LDS politicians should follow more closely the church's stands when you happen to agree with the church.
Joshua Harrison
Draper