Baa ram ewe

Today, BYU NewsNet posted a special reader's forum because of the massive response they've gotten over the whole Cheney-speaking-at-spring-commencement brouhaha.

There are a couple of gems in particular that I'd like to point out:

I was shocked to learn so many people were upset over this visit. I was especially surprised to see two alumni and four faculty members of BYU were urging others to protest the First Presidency's invitation to Vice President Cheney. This is ridiculous. In the letter they referred to the war in Iraq and how they disagreed with it, but the First Presidency urges us to support our nation's present leaders, and I am sure our prophet knows what he is talking about. Support our Prophet.

and:

I am extremely disappointed with many members of the church who are associated with BYU and speak out against Vice President Cheney's visit knowing the First Presidency approved the invitation. I am surprised by your lack of devotion to our prophet and his counselors. In a temple recommend interview you are asked if you support the First Presidency. How can you in good conscience say yes, when you so strongly disagree with an invite they approved? By going against a decision endorsed by the First Presidency you are not only disagreeing with them but also every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who sustain the First Presidency as prophets, seers and revelators.

Why do the words "mindless sheep" immediately come to mind?

Disagreeing with BYU does not mean lack of faith in the First Presidency, just as disagreeing with Bush administration policies does not mean lack of support for the troops.

TJ pointed out yesterday that Gordon B. Hinckley acts in several capacities: as prophet of God, as president of the Church, and as chair of the BYU Board of Trustees. Let's not confuse these roles. BYU spokeswoman Carrie Jenkins made it clear that the First Presidency's approval of Cheney's visit was an administrative decision made in their capacities as chair and vice chairs of the Board of Trustees--not as seers, prophets, and revelators.

As members of the Church and citizens of this country, we're expected to play a role as responsible citizens by becoming informed about the issues and speaking out when we disagree with the actions of our leaders. Encouraging a culture of blind obedience only undermines those duties.