I BELIEVE THIS EXCHANGE BEGAN WITH A POST I DID ON SOME VAST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MORMONISM AND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, INCLUDING DISTORTED REFERENCES TO JESUS CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF MORMON. I QUESTIONED HOW THIS MIGHT AFFECT A PRESIDENCY UNDER MITT ROMNEY.
A YOUNG FRIEND OF MINE -- CAMERON SPENCER, WHOM I MET ON THE PANTANO CAMPAIGN TRAIL, TOOK ISSUE WITH MY COMMENTS. (HE'S NOT THE FIRST.) I THINK I HAVE PIECED TOGETHER MOST OF THE MAIN PIECES OF THE DIALOGUE.
CAMERON IS SMART AND CAPABLE. HE IS JOINING THE U.S. ARMY AND WILL GO TO OCS. I CAME AWAY WITH A BLACK EYE AND A BLOODY NOSE, BUT WITH MY HONOR INTACT -- AND WITH RENEWED RESPECT FOR CAMERON. HE IS THE FUTURE OF AMERICA.
AN OLD DOG CAN LEARN NEW TRICKS. HE TAUGHT ME A FEW, AND I'M GRATEFUL.
HERE IS A LINK TO MY POST ON USA DOT COM:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000069803763
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Cameron writes: "I have no problem with the Mormon faith. What about the differences between Christianity and Judaism? I believe you're a big supporter of Israel. Do you not feel a contradiction or sorts since Jews don't believe exactly what you do as a Christian?"
Verne writes: In a word -- no. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord to always stand by Israel. Mormonism doesn't get the same divine attaboy -- for obvious reasons. Love you like a brother, Cameron, but you're struggling on this one.
Verne writes: (Referencing photo of Cameron at a graduation.) Hey, there's my buddy at the halls of higher learning! Let's patch things up. Sorry things got a bit testy. I have a lot of respect for you, and surely you know that. Take care, and do a good job for the USA. I know you will.
Cameron writes: Verne, absolutely no hard feelings. I think you've been dead wrong on a lot of the national issues lately, but that's the way it goes. The generational gap between you and I is becoming more apparent. I realize we're moving forward and as we do the world around us is growing increasingly comlicated and diverse. Like it or not, things ...have changed and there's no turning back the clock. I'm not sure you and the loyal readers of your blog realize this. I'm as conservative as they come, but I've noticed more and more of my fellow conservatives are not one bit logical or realistic in much of their thinking and it's troubling. No solutions, just complaining...day after day.Verne writes: Very bold statement, sir. And quite disappointing. Youth, as they say, is wasted on the young. I think you're judging my generation harshly. I would disagree that we are out of touch, and we're certainly not lacking commitment or solutions. People my age have come through a lifetime of "complicated and diverse" times in history. Perhaps you're unaware of that. I could challenge many of your other assertions, which I would characterize as surprisingly naive. You're a good man. You'll live and learn also. And accomplish much. God bless you, buddy, and have a good life. Verne.
Cameron writes: "Verne, I think you're taking this conversation too personally. Don't. Fact is, I'm keenly aware of where your generation has been and I'm greatful for the handwork and incredible scrifices. I also see the current predicament we're in and realize some non-traditional solutions are likely the only way forward. Sometimes I feel like the Tea Party and the far right would rather stonewall than role up their sleeves and implement some practical solutions. Reality is: taxes are going to have to go up, Fox is biased...so is MSNBC, Obama is a citizen, a Tea Party candidate will never beat Obama, the debt limit is going to have to be raised, millions of illegal aliens will likely be granted some form of amnesty, both sides are to blame for the outrageous debt, Obama claims to be Christian...so we should take him at his word, Sarah Palin is not electable...she quit on the people of her state and can hardly put together a cohesive sentence while speaking on the air. I'd imagine you'd likely disagree with at least some of my points...if not, then I've misinterpreted your views. Let's continue the back in forth. Maybe we'll learn something from each other."
Verne writes: Cameron, you know, what truly hurts and surprises me is not your feeling that I am out of touch with reality in my writing. That I don't take as personal. And I've been told that many times before. But also I have plenty of company where the views I express are concerned. What I write is controversial, and is going to draw challenges and even derision. I have my mission, and I am going to continue with it. Jesse Helms, who mentored me at WRAL-TV and in later years as well, was called "Senator No" by many left-wing crusaders because of his votes against destructive liberal philosophies. But where there is a negative, there is also a positive. Therefore, when we are opposed to disrespect for deficit spending, we are FOR fiscal sanity; when we are opposed to UN homogenization of Western power and culture, we are FOR the concept of U.S. exceptionalism. Perhaps you get the idea. Opposition to the outrageous agendas of liberals, atheists, socialists, and misguided do-gooders of myriad descriptions is warranted. Our nation is being destroyed. Barry Goldwater, cruelly attacked for his conservative views, said, "Extremism in defense of liberty is a virtue" (or words to that effect.) I heartily subscribe to that.
I appreciate your frustration. But I appeal to you not to jettison the conservative tenets to which you have been exposed. You've learned from the best. It is that tendency I see -- frustration turned to anger -- to bail out on Ilario Pantano, Jesse Helms, Ronald Reagan, John Bolton, Allen West, Sean Hannity, the Tea Party, and the real defenders of freedom, that is my chief concern.
We need you, my brother. We need your faith in our cause. We need your youthful vigor and idealism. And, though you may not see this now, you need us and our beliefs, based on Christian and patriotic values. I sense that I have left myself open and vulnerable to some sharp criticism. Let it come. Just be as fair as you can. God bless you, my friend. Verne.
P.S. THESE TWO FIT IN THERE SOMEWHERE:
usadotcom.blogspot.com
Cameron W. Spencer The Mormons I know are solid citizens, hardworking, extremely disciplined, and totally devoted to their families. They may not technically be Christians but they practice values that would put a lot of Christians to shame! So, I have no problem with Mormons and I'd vote for Romney or Huntsman tomorrow.
TO BE CONTINUED:
Comments welcome on topic thread at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000069803763
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