It is so sad what people will resort to these days. #sabrenaturner is the ONLY candidate that attacks peoples religious views. An open letter to Mrs. Sabrena Turner. As a voter in District 7, father of five children, attorney, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon), I was shocked to see a facebook post today by your campaign manager (Jonathan Mason) regarding Mr. Smartts religious views - namely that because hes a “Mormon he does not fit into your definition of a Christian. This is clearly an attempt by your campaign to scare voters or suppress support for Mr. Smartt based on his personal religious convictions. I cannot tell you how offensive, bigoted, and wholly inappropriate this post is. Is your campaign suffering so much that you have resorted to personal attacks on another candidates religion? But more importantly, I wonder how the voters in District 7 feel about this new approach of yours? By allowing this post to circulate you have chosen to alienate the hundreds of Mormon voters who live in East Brainerd, Apison, Collegedale, and surrounding communities. You have chosen division and bigotry over tolerance. Youve chosen to ignore the issues and facts in the campaign and instead try to destroy your opposition by waving the flag of religious superiority. Reminds me of some of the tactics used by the current administration in Washington, D.C. But I digress. While we may have legitimate differences from a theological standpoint, I can assure you that we talk of Christ, preach of Christ, rejoice in Christ, and know that it is ONLY through Jesus Christ that we have any hope of resurrection, forgiveness of our sins, eternal life, and being with our families after death. We know that it is only through His grace that we are saved - after all we can do. For heavens sake, the name Jesus Christ is emblazoned on every Mormon structure! While you may disagree on theological issues, meanings, and definitions, please do not denigrate an entire religion (or some of the hard working voters in this District) by trying to destroy your opponent by personal religious attacks. Your campaign managers facebook post asked what does the Bible say? Well, one thing the Bible says is to love your neighbor as yourself and it also teaches that by their fruits ye shall know them. Let me share with you some of the local fruits of this religion. Having been affected by the tornados (twice) in recent years, it was my Mormon neighbors who were first on the scene with chainsaws, tarps, water, generators, and comfort to those who were affected. Indeed, our local congregation (East Brainerd and N. Georgia) spent over 2 months and thousands of hours helping our neighbors on Cherokee Valley Road, Ringgold, Apison, and all points in-between. Our sister congregation in Harrison, Apison, and Collegedale did the same. It was the Mormons in Salt Lake City who sent multiple 18-wheelers to Chattanooga loaded with supplies to help in the rebuilding - and it was free to anyone who needed help (regardless of religion). It was thousands of Mormons from Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, and as far away as Michigan, that drove to Chattanooga to help in the clean-up effort. More recently, it was the Mormons who just hosted a free Emergency Preparedness Fair, and a free Family History fair. Both benefited hundreds within the District. It was the Mormons within Chattanooga who just this week secured and delivered $500 worth of supplies to the Chattanooga Room In The Inn. It was the Mormons in North Georgia and East Brainerd who just last weekend spent a Saturday rebuilding the large playground barrier at Boynton Elementary School (at their sole cost). And by the way, Phil Smartt, his wife, and large family were deeply involved in each of the aforementioned activities.Why do we do this?? Because we strive to live by the two great commandments: (1) love God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, and (2) love your neighbor as yourself. Also, we believe its what the Master Jesus Christ would do if he were here. Finally, I wonder if Mr. Jonathan Mason would have felt so emboldened to attack Mr. Smartts faith if he were a Muslim or a Buddhist?? I suspect not since thats outside the lines nowadays. What if he were a Catholic, Presbyterian, or Episcopalian?? All have differing views of the Bible, Jesus, and His doctrines. Again, I think not. For some reason, Mormons seem to be the only religion left that some of our good Christian “neighbors” feel empowered to attack. Which begs the question - as a self professed Republican who exactly did you vote for in the last Presidential election? The Mormon Mitt Romney?? Or did you sit it out due to religious convictions? Im sure the voters of District 7 would be interested to know the answer. In conclusion, I call on you to stop hiding behind your campaign managers attacks on a persons religious views. If you feel this is topic is fair game in the campaign then go for it. Just come out and say it yourself! If you (like me) think this is way outside the lines of civil discourse in a Hamilton County Commissioner race, then I would ask you to make sure Mr. Masons offensive post is removed immediately. He speaks for you after all and apparently runs your campaign . . . . Third, Id ask you to issue an apology to the residents of District 7 for being the ONLY candidate in Chattanooga / Hamilton County to attack a persons religious views. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, James E. Ward
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 19:57:11 +0000
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