Being very busy, I try not to have my attention diverted by articles like the one of Feb. 18, in The Salt Lake Tribune's opinion section, by James W. McConkie.
However, after seeing this latest take about anti-Mormon discrimination and bias at the University of Utah, as related to his Axson-Flynn lawsuit, I find it necessary to send my reaction to his article to The Tribune and begin by saying, "How dare you, Mr. McConkie?"
Yes, how dare McConkie complain that Tribune columnist Paul Rolly's article of Feb. 11, somehow cast aspersions on his Axson-Flynn case. Rolly mainly wrote about the McConkie family and its long affiliation with the Democratic party. And, being referred to as a prestigious Mormon family, this was pointed out as being unusual in Republican Utah. Rolly also rightly pointed out how the Mormon church dominates Utah's society, politics, etc. This is indisputable. McConkie suggests Mormons were stereotyped in Rolly's column, too. Please! This is not funny, McConkie. Mormons stereotyped themselves a very, very long time ago, as you should know at your age.
Paul Rolly correctly questioned the actual intent of the McConkie letter, sent to 42 Utah legislators. It intimated that our widely acclaimed University of Utah might be willfully promoting discrimination and bias against Mormons. How ridiculous! Again, I must say, "How dare you, Mr. McConkie?" In a state where nearly the entire Utah Legislature is composed of Mormons who are elected by Utah's population, the vast majority of which are, guess what, Mormons, what could you be thinking?
Now, if McConkie were talking about the problem of non-Mormons being discriminated against, that would be logical. Ms. Axson-Flynn and her gripes about naughty words, etc., as offensive to her religion, would pale in comparison with all the non-Mormons who are told daily, "Leave if you don't like how you're treated here."
Most non-Mormons are astonished at the bias that greets them all the time, but eventually get used to it. Some do leave, but others never will. They like Utah and it is just one state in the USA. One doesn't live here because of Mormon values, and no one knows exactly what that means. All places have values, pioneers, goofy customs, etc. -- not just Utah. Ms. Axson-Flynn is just another Mormon in Mormon country. That's hardly a reason to sue a fine University that is respected the world over, even though located in Utah.
In his response to Rolly's column, McConkie mentioned he grew up living in other areas and hadn't experienced too much discrimination or prejudice. Well, surprise! People in other areas of the country, where there is no majority of Mormons or any other type of religion, aren't likely to begin a conversation by asking about your religion or what your political leanings might be.
If you are educated and were well brought up in the manners department, you'd be regarded as very crass or low-brow for asking such personal, intrusive questions. Although Mormons have their own lexicon -- wards, stakes, primary, mission, conference, etc. -- most non-Mormons find out about all these things, and much more, soon enough. It's good McConkie once lived outside of Utah, and certainly understands this. Things take time, no matter where you are.
Our family has lived among wonderful Mormon people for years and regard them as friends . . . just as we do our Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, atheist, Episcopalian, humanist, Methodist and other types of friends.
Getting along takes educated work, kindness and lots of determination. It's hard, but good.
McConkie and the Axson-Flynn lawsuit have just opened up a real can of worms for those of the predominate faith around here. Surely Mormon leaders, aware of their fragile Utah theocracy, do not relish having things closely examined -- things they would rather have left alone.
After all, non-Mormons pay proportionately most of the taxes in Utah, supporting education of large Mormon families who often pay no taxes, aiding welfare-loving polygamists, paying for many "exempt" businesses and corporations -- not to mention bolstering the existence of hundreds of non-taxable church properties that don't even pay for fire and police protection.
Yes, Utah's tax money has a way of filtering around through state-aided Mormon-run parks, theaters, memorials, etc. Way too much to contemplate.
Even BYU is helped by funds from all Utahns, not just Mormons. It's all a giant spider web and, inadvertently, McConkie has given us a new chance to inspect another sliced-out section. Oh, well!
In closing, I'll say once again, "How dare you, Mr. McConkie?" Paul Rolly and The Salt Lake Tribune are not to blame for the response to your odd attack against the University of Utah.
The Axson-Flynn anti-Mormon discrimination lawsuit would be far better suited for Massachusetts, Montana, Colorado or any other state, not in Utah where the world's largest enclave of Mormons can be found.
The University of Utah's president must be shaking his head. Many are.