I think you could make a strong argument that Glenn Beck is among the most famous Mormons in America, certainly at this point up there with Mitt Romney and Harry Reid.  His Fox news show is tearing up the 5 p.m. Eastern hour (not traditionally a good time slot), his radio show is among the top five (and perhaps top three) nationwide after Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.  And he’s written several books that have done quite well.

The Bloggernacle has already passed judgement on Glenn Beck, and, in short, we hate him.  See here for one example and here for another.  See the links and comments on T&S and BCC for practically daily examples.

I’m not interested in this becoming another post where everybody points out how much they hate Glenn Beck.  That has already been done.  Repeatedly.  Instead, my question is:  can and should Mormon intellectuals find anything redeeming in his hysterical, populist style?  Can we acknowledge the value of his muck-raking journalism, which has gone out of style with other media?  How about his defense of the Constitution and his promotion of non-partisan politics (he is not a Republican, by the way, but calls himself an independent leaning toward libertarian)?

Continue reading →

My stake in Colorado has asked everybody — but especially teenagers — to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the school year.  The stake estimates that if every member of the stake reads the book 5-10 minutes a day, they will finish by May.  The plan is to then send a letter to President Monson — signed by the members of our stake — giving our testimony as to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

Continue reading →

After almost 33 years, I can still remember, quite vividly, actually, the first time I heard Peter, Paul and Mary sing one of their most memorable and well-known songs, “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

I sat captivated by the unique sound and joyous harmony of three very talented folk singers.

Today, sadly, one of these voices is now silent.

Mary Travers, of the group Peter, Paul and Mary passed away September 16, 2009 after a courageous battle with lukemia. She was only 72.

She never knew me personally, nor I her, but I feel like I came to know her and her fellow singers through their music. Our politics were as divergent as anything, but music can bridge almost any gap. It did for me, anyhow.

I admired her principled zeal and tireless work for the many social causes which she and her trio embraced and supported. Her music transcended politics and embraced her love of all humanity.  Her passing has a left a hole in my heart and in the soul of  the America she loved dearly.

And so today–almost 33 years since I first heard her melodious voice and a charming tale of innocence lost–I feel a deep sense of personal loss and a realization that my childhood friend is now gone.

God be with you, Mary. Rest in peace.