Is there much difference between Russians interfering in our elections and the LDS Church asking women members to take a 10-day fast from social media?
For me, the intent of both actions is to change the outcome of an election to better serve the objectives of special interests, whether political or religious.
If Salt Lake County Council candidate Michelle Quist is questioning what to do because she wants to "follow my church leader's directions or request, but … don't want to hurt my campaign," I am prompted to vote for her opponent. How do I know she won't defer to her church rather than my needs as a voter? There is a reason for the separation of church and state.
It is concerning that women candidates who are of the LDS faith are so willing to adhere to the request of President Russell Nelson, an LDS white male, who apparently feels men do not need the same admonition. Should women resume their "go to" position of baking brownies and waiting for their man to come through the door? If women want the votes of women who are strong in their determination to see democracy served, they may have to whistle a different tune.
Joan Provost, Salt Lake City
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