In response to Eric Wadley ("LDS for Obama," June 7): Anyone familiar with Latter-day Saint doctrine will know that Mormons believe the U.S. Constitution is divinely inspired. They will also know that charity, in its true Christian sense, is a good thing, while forced charity, in the form of taxes, is not necessarily so. Which prompts the question: How does selectively ignoring the Constitution and foisting upon the American public larger and more intrusive welfare-state programs coincide with basic LDS beliefs?

Early and modern LDS leaders have stated that we should support those who will sustain the principles of civil and religious liberty, who are aware of the great dangers inherent in socialist and communist ideologies, and who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers. When was the last time you heard Barack Obama or John McCain even mention the Constitution?

Ron Paul is the candidate who upholds the original intent and spirit of the Constitution and has an extensive congressional record to back it up.

Michael Cordell

Salt Lake City