As a former Utahn and LDS missionary, I was deeply saddened to see people at the Utah Republican convention boo Sen. Mitt Romney for daring to criticize President Trump’s moral failures, especially since Utah has always tried to shine as a light on a hill to the rest of the world. I had expected better of Utah Republicans.
I would have thought Romney would be respected for taking a stand on principle rather than be vilified by his own people. But then I’ve always admired an 1800s moralist who said: “I want the liberty of believing as I please. It feels so good not to be trammeled.” (Or, in the present case, not to be booed for a principled stand.)
Of course, Utah Republicans aren’t listening to Mitt Romney any more now than most people listened to Joseph Smith — the quoted speaker — back in 1843. (Discourse, April 8, 1843, Joseph Smith Collection, Church History Library)
It’s a pity.
Michael Barrett, Ashburn, Va.