I write to express my disappointment in Michael Hirsley’s column (June 24) comparing Joseph Smith with David Koresh. Such a comparison is extremely offensive, not only to me but to the nearly nine million other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
These millions and the myriad others who preceded them over the 164-year history of the church comprise Smith’s legacy. Because of Smith’s efforts, today in some 150 nations and territories these faithful Latter-day Saints have been and are taught to pattern their lives after the teachings of Jesus Christ; to be honest, law-abiding citizens; to live moral lives; to develop and maintain strong, close families; and to contribute to the general welfare of their local and national communities.
I realize that journalists are trained to conjure up provocative leads that will grab the reader, but the cruel comparison that was made in the column about the anniversary of Smith’s martyrdom essentially amounts to a second assassination-this time of his memory.
