why... just why?

[MormonMen]

okay. if any of you are gay on this site. then i'm sorry to talk about this like i'm mean or anything. but it's all true.

As additional information for those who missed the news, Mormons have been

targeted by the gay community in California as having been the main impetus

behind the passing of Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage in the state.

Although the population of the state voted on the passing of the

constitutional amendment, I will proudly agree that most of footwork was

carried out by us. It's funny that our opposition knows where the credit is

due, but that's another topic for another day. In light of the gay

community's frustration in the passing of the proposition, our temple came

under attack. I was at the Los Angeles Temple assisting in the security

efforts and it was quite an experience. Our temple is safe and no damage was

done on the grounds. It was a sight I never expected to see. At one point we

had let in about 20 police vehicles through the gates because they were

afraid their vehicles would be damaged as civilian cars were being

vandalized. I removed the Utah plates from my truck just so I could drive

through the mess and park blocks away. My roommate and I traveled on foot

after we had changed out of our dress shirts and ties so as not to be

targeted.

Two full squads of LAPD in riot gear set up their base inside the temple

grounds while SWAT vehicles and hundreds of officers followed the crowds run

up Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards. I've heard that the crowd was

estimated to be over 2,500. When I arrived, all of the gates were shut and a

small group of members had to remain outside the grounds as the direction

was to turn away others who had come to assist. After about a half an hour

two sister missionaries ran up the drive to the East gate. I would have made

more jokes with them, asking them trivia questions to prove they were LDS

before opening the gate, but they were obviously nervous and had left on

their name tags as they wandered the streets. When the crowd turned back

towards the temple from West Hollywood, we opened the gate to those members

still outside so they would not be trapped in the crowd. The officers inside

the temple grounds made a line on the front lawn by the fence. At one point,

with 7 news and police helicopters overhead, the crowd began to climb the

fence and it looked like there was going to be a lot of trouble. We had it

seemed a good forth of a Polynesian ward there so it could have gotten very

interesting very fast.

With lines of motorcycle cops with sirens wailing up and down the street

with the latest outbreak, helicopters continually circling with spotlights

cutting through the sky, and the crowd roaring being led my megaphones

shouting every synonym they could think of that went along with "evil"...it

almost seemed like the very end was at hand. My dad called me every few

minutes to give me updates from live news through the Internet because we

did not have TVs and the police did not even seem to be informed on the

movement of the crowd up and down the streets. I relayed these updates

directly to the head of temple security so we could anticipate when to be

ready. My friend and I joked about what would happen if we were caught in

the middle of the crowd rushing up the lawn. We decided that because we were

still single without much luck in finding wives, it might be to our

advantage to go without a fight and die as a martyrs. If I remember

correctly, that's a free ticket to the Celestial kingdom and I'm sure

there's plenty of girls there to chose from without the dramas of dating.

While I was there, I was not aware of anyone actually breaching the fence,

but we were asked to move far across the parking lot as they were

anticipating the need to shoot tear gas canisters. I never thought I would

see the day when police officers would sit perched on the spire of our

temple as lookouts. All of this happened at about 7:30 pm. It should be

remembered that most likely many of the law enforcement were not in favor of

our stance on Proposition 8, but nevertheless, the men and women were there

doing their duty and protecting our property. For that we are grateful. And

yes, there was an incident with some of our members who had gone to remove

the protest signs from the front fence. One of the protesters did initiate

physical contact with one of our sisters so the details are uncertain as to

whether the response was fully justified. The lesson to be learned is that

it's important to anticipate and avoid such confrontational situations.

Remember the world is watching our reaction and the media is everywhere. In

the end, when we keep our cool, the video footage speaks the truth regarding

which side is really intolerant and appears hateful when we simply do not

respond or do so in a loving and controlled manner.

In all the commotion, I had the chance to sit alone by the side of one of

the fountains and take in all that was happening. It may seem strange to

say, but despite the adrenaline rushing in my blood ready for the next

incident or next bit of news from my dad; I felt a tremendous peace. It came

over me in a wave as I looked up at the spire topped with Angel Moroni. I

can testify that I felt the presence of others protecting the temple

tonight..those we could not physically see. I would even go as far to say

that I felt the presence of someone personally related to me who was there

for my safety. We were not alone. We were protected and our Father in

Heaven is mindful of our efforts and willingness to withstand persecution.

As I later read a quote from Brigham Young, it made more sense why this did

not have to be a fearful experience- exciting yes, in a urgency sense, but

very clarifying as we were able to glimpse into things as the really are,

truth as is really exists, the adversary's war as it really is raging. I

wish everyone of you reading this could have been there just to be reminded

as I was how real this war is. The great sadness is that so many of our

brothers and sisters are unknowing participants, manipulated and deceived by

the grand schemer of it all. The issues may be presented as complex, but the

adversary's agenda was as clear as day. Be prepared friends and family, it's

bound to get much worse before it gets better, but take council from a

prophet:

This was on Tv. two Mormon missionaries knock on the door of an attrctive lesbian couple, 'Hi we're from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!' says the blond one with a toothy smile. 'We're here to take away your rights.' The Mormon zealots yank the couple's wedding rings from their fingers and then tear up their marriage license. As the thugs leave, one says to the other, 'That was to easy'. His smirking comrade replies, 'Yeah, what should we ban next'. The voice-over implores vewers: 'Say no to a church talking over your goverment

Envelopes containing white powder have been sent to Mormon temples in California and Utah; vandals hit other temples

I belive that the 2nd coming is getting here sooner..

[gabelpa]

Those of us who care, already know the details.

[georgia2]

I care but did not know all of these details.

I did see some video's but they did not show all of the details you included.

I do know that some Mormons don't agree with the churches stand but as for me I follow the teachings of the church and the Prophets.

I appreciate your personal insights and testimony. WE have been told that there will come a day that the only place we will be safe is in the temple. There will be others trampling on the outside, even banging on the doors. I guess this is just a sampling of what is to come.

[Aesa]

It's interesting how tolerance is often promoted, by way of the exact thing being fought against.

Christians are intolerant of sin, yes, but so is God.

[Wingnut]

This has all been posted previously, including the story.

[Guest ceeboo]

Hey ceeboo has an idea!!!!

Why doesn't someone start a thread on prop 8 ???

I think it would be an interesting discussion.

:lol::lol:

[Wingnut]

Hey ceeboo has an idea!!!!

Why doesn't someone start a thread on prop 8 ???

I think it would be an interesting discussion.

:lol::lol:

Ugh. Maybe people should read the ones already in existence (since there are at least 93 of them, and those are just the ones in the Prop 8 forum) before they start new threads saying -- literally -- the exact same thing that's already been said.

http://www.lds.net/forums/preserve-marriage-yes-prop-8/15662-account-ben-la-temple-security.html

[MormonMen]

oh. i'm sorry i didn't know others made one like this

[gabelpa]

that's where search comes in handy, and actually reading the site.

[skalenfehl]

oh. i'm sorry i didn't know others made one like this

Don't worry about it. But if you're interested you can check out the many discussions in the Prop 8 Forum:

Preserve Marriage - Yes on Prop 8 - LDS Mormon Forums

Best wishes.

[MormonMen]

okay

[Moksha]

oh. i'm sorry i didn't know others made one like this

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