An Actor for Whom I Have Respect

As much as I enjoy entertainment such as plays, movies, and music, I am not the type of person who follows the entertainment media. As such, I really know little to nothing about various actors' and musicians' personal lives. Typically, the few that I learn a little about makes me like them less. The ideology, the politics, the attitude, the lifestyle, and etc., of many of these individuals that hail from the entertainment world tend to rub me the wrong way--it is often better to simply enjoy their acting or their music and let them to their own private lives. I'm sure that such stars would rather be left alone and I would rather not listen to their personal "expertise" on how one should live life.
Imagine then my surprise to find myself reading an article about an actor today. Of course, it isn't that surprising considering that the source by which I stumbled upon the article was realclearpolitics. I enjoy this website as it offers articles dealing with politics from various political persuasions (it is nice to see how democrats view republican issues, how democrats see democratic issues, how republicans view democratic issues, how republicans see republican issues, how independents. . . well, you get the picture). Needless to say, as I was perusing the site I saw a headline that caught my attention: Gary Sinise: A Man for all Services. I've always liked Gary Sinise as an actor but truly know nothing about Gary Sinise, the man. How interesting that his name should appear on real clear politics. I decided to click on the link and read the article, bracing myself for more disappointment with some looney actor with crazy and condescending political views. . . but no, quite the contrary. This was a story about a man, not an actor, who is doing what he feels is right, not to obtain positive press or personal glory, but because he is a human being and has compassion for other human beings. I was refreshed by this article. What a stand up guy who, whether he intends to or not, is living a Christlike life. There is no guile or pride seemingly in his actions. He isn't seeking the praise of men or the spotlight, but is simply taking a sincere interest in the lives of others. If only more people could get beyond the politics and the selfishness and do good because it is right.
I really like Gary Sinise, the actor. I especially like Gary Sinise, the man.

In Defense of the Mormons--Is This The Face of Hate?

In light of the recent protests by gay and lesbian activists who are upset with democracy and wish to use the Mormon church as a scapegoat, I thought that I would write a simple blog by which people may contrast the anger and hate of gays and lesbians with the humanitarian efforts of the Mormons. If you have watched the news reports at all, you have discovered the claims by angry protesters that Mormons are bigots, intolerant, hateful, ignorant and etc. I've also heard these activists yell that Mormons should be ashamed of themselves and should use their money for something good rather than in opposing same-sex marriage. Let me first point out that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) did not donate any money to the campaign for "Yes on Proposition 8." Individual members of the Church, such as myself, have donated that money. Furthermore, it should be noted that while I have donated money to this campaign because I believe in the traditional value of marriage and feel that altering the institution of marriage will lead to more social ills, I have donated far more in charitable contributions which is done through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please take a little of your time and view some of these videos and read through some of these articles that exemplify the humanitarian causes in which The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is involved. Then decide if we are a hateful, bigoted, and intolerant people.

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. . . wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7: 16-20).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Humanitarian Aid Video


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Measles in Africa


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Continent-Wide Day of Service--Africa


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Aid to Myanmar


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Aid to Texas--Hurricane Ike


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Hurricane Katrina Response


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Hurricane Katrina Relief


Here are some articles that exemplify The Humanitarian spirit of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (click on the title to be redirected to the article):

Muslims and Mormons Work Together to Provide Tsunami Relief

Muslims and Mormons Flying Aid to Indonesia Tsunami Victims

Neonatal Resuscitation Training

Church’s Wheelchair Initiative Turns a New Corner

LDS Church Providing Emergency Relief to California Fire Victims

Mormons Aid Flood Victims in Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin

Clean Water initiative

Mormon “Helping Hands” Clean Up After Hurricane Ike

PBS: The Mormons: Humanitarian Programs

Bishops' Storehouses Continue to Send Supplies to Hurricane Katrina Victims

Asia relief efforts

Europe Flood-Relief Efforts Receive Church Donation