Thank you Mr. Ellsworth

Each of us is a public affairs chairman. Hugh W. Pinnock

In response to a recent editorial cartoon in Massachusetts Metro-West Daily News, there appeared the following letter to the editor.

“Shame on Dave Granlund; his Wednesday editorial page cartoon was vicious and not at all funny. I worked for a Salt Lake City based high-tech start-up for three years. It was owned by two brothers. They both tithed - large amounts of money. They were active in the Mormon Church - both elders. One resigned from his company to return to missionary service in Africa. And, they both were and are monogamous.

To portray Mormons in general, but Mormons for Romney in particular, as bigamous hayseeds is untrue, egregiously so. Worse, it is an uncalled for insult. Mormons are almost universally courteous. They do not drink, smoke or curse. They are unfailingly polite, and the worst language that I ever heard from the entire company in the three years I worked with them was "drat." Finally, they are monogamous.

Granlund - shame on you. You have betrayed, certainly, your ignorance but, perhaps also, your bias. This cartoon is not funny, it is egregiously vicious.” John Ellsworth, Ashland, Massachusetts

What would I want us to learn (and do) after reading this editorial?

1. Recall what Ammon teaches. Having been befriended by, and worked alongside Mormons, Mr. Ellsworth freely endorsed and defended Mormons to the press and the community.

Do you remember what the servants said when the King inquired about Ammon’s feats: “Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not: But this much we do know…that he is a friend to the king.” (Alma 18:3)

2. Recommit to a high-touch approach within our communities. John Ellsworth was willing to defend the church, not because of positive press about the church, but because he had worked alongside members of the church and had good experiences with them.

A church-sponsored survey taken in 2002 further underscores the effectiveness of the high-touch approach. Respondents were asked two questions: (1) When you think of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what do you think? and (2) Does your top-of-mind response generate positive or negative feelings? Of the 8% who had a Mormon acquaintance, nearly 100% had positive feelings.

3. Say thank-you.

How wonderful it would be if the members of the church that live in Ashland sent Mr. Ellsworth a note, or better yet, invited him to one of their homes simply to say thank-you. After all, to a small degree he sacrificed his time and imperiled his reputation on their and our behalf.

Comments

[Whitney Johnson]

Dear Wade --

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I especially liked your comment about being ourselves.

Even with something as simple as making a meal for a family, within the church we do this so naturally, and yet, if it's not customary within our broader community, we don't.

Would love to hear more of your specifics around reaching out.

My best,

Whitney

[Whitney Johnson]

Thank you Brent for your comment.

You know I think that a lot of Mormons find the cartoon funny. Because it is kind of funny.

But to your point that most people don't think that we currently practice polygamy, I don't know that this really the case.

In 2002, after the Olympics were over (when presumably understanding would have increased significantly), a person-on-the-street poll was conducted. The question was asked, when you think of Mormons what do you think? The answer scoring the highest? Polygamy.

One would think that this should be lower, but the fact is that only 8% of the people responded that they actually knew a Mormon. Of those that knew a Mormon, they probably knew that we don't practice polygamy today, but if they didn't....

In fact, just the other day, one of our employees told us that whenever she tells people that she works for Mormons, they ask her how many wives my husband has?

Regarding Mr. Ellsworth, what I love about his comment is that, in the passion of his argument, it feels to me as if he has really walked in the shoes of his Mormon friends.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we would, and could, defend our friends and neighbors equally as passionately!

Thank you again for your thoughts.

My best,

Whitney

[Brent Taylor]

Certainly I get the point of the article and commend Mr Ellsworth for sticking up for Mitt and his Mormon acquaintances.

However, his comments are a bit over the top. Granlund's cartoon is funny; it certainly isn't vicious. We ought not be so defensive.

Polygamy is a valid part of our history for which I feel no shame or need to hide it. I often joke myself about my extra wives, and certainly laugh along with others when they comment about this. And everyone I know knows neither I nor other church members currently practice polygamy. And I doubt most Americians are that dumb either.

[Wade Beaudreau]

Mr Ellsworth seems like a good man. I am originally from Massachusetts, joined the Church there. After I moved to Arizona I found a lot of members named Ellsworth; even a main artery street named Ellsworth Rd. after one of the founding fathers of Mesa, AZ.

When Mr Ellsworth's Mormon neighbors invite him to dinner, I hope they will be kind and relaxed and just be themselves. This is how my wife and I were treated when we were 'friendshipped' 24 years ago.
I just found your blog site from Meridian Magazine. It looks great and I expect I will be visiting it frequently.

Wade Beaudreau