Too small? Too bad.

Last week, we learned of a baby who was "too fat" to be insured, so it should come as no surprise to hear that another child has been denied coverage for being "too thin."

The logical question to ask is "From what point exactly do we being to measure pre-existing conditions?" It would appear that the process of determining your risk to the insurance companies begins in the womb. Hope you've got good genes.

The Mormon Ethic of Civility

In light of all the recent bickering in the political realm, the LDS church newsroom posted an article expressing the need for civility in our interactions with others. It was actually a great article which you can read here. But for my purposes, I want to highlight a few things that stood out:

The Church views with concern the politics of fear and rhetorical extremism that render civil discussion impossible. As the Church begins to rise in prominence and its members achieve a higher public profile, a diversity of voices and opinions naturally follows. Some may even mistake these voices as being authoritative or representative of the Church. However, individual members think and speak for themselves. Only the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles and their designated representatives speak for the whole Church.

Yes. We don't want anyone to think that folks like Glenn Beck are representing the beliefs of the LDS church do we? That's why I was so surprised to learn that Deseret Book, THE LDS owned and operated book store is actually selling Glenn Beck's book "Arguing With Idiots.

Are. You. Serious? The title itself is anything but civil.

If you're going to call for "rigorous debate and not rancorous altercations" then why are you marketing a book written by the man who called our president a racist? You ask "Where are the voices of balance and moderation in these extreme times?" I would argue that Glenn Beck is the epitome of extremism at its worst. Who else would advise people against getting a possibly life-saving vaccine because "the government is out to get us."????

Forgive me if I'm a little confused but I don't see you practicing what you're preaching. (And when I say you, I have no idea to whom I'm referring since LDS newsroom articles seem to appear mysteriously from no person in particular). If we are to be inspired to be civil in our discussions of partisan politics, then how does one exactly justify the appearance of this book on your shelf (the cover of which itself is disconcerting - as I'm assuming the Beck is trying to paint liberals as fascists?).

As a member of a church that believes in embracing all forms of truth, it is difficult for me to understand why so many of us turn to a guy who continues to promote malicious half-truths, distortions, and outright lies about the president of our own country. It is astonishing to me that Deseret feels obligated to sell his ridiculous word vomit just because he happens to be LDS. Something about being able to buy this stupid book from the same place I buy my scriptures just doesn't sit right with me.