Different paths

When we moved to Mapleton, Utah in 1976, an older couple lived across the street from us. After a while, a small trailer moved into their large, open backyard. An old man lived in it. He looked like he had lived a rough life and didn't seem very happy. Since he seemed old enough to be our neighbor's father, I thought that maybe he was a grand uncle. I was shocked to learn that this "old" man was the same age as our neighbor. In fact, he was our neighbor's identical twin brother!  I was amazed to see the difference a lifetime of living, or not living, the Gospel had made in the twins lives. The one who had turned to the light, was happy, healthy, and actively enjoying life and his family. His weathered brother who had turned away and spent his years following a rough road, now found his life empty. The path he had chosen led nowhere, and he was left a grouchy, sick, and lonely old man. 

What Do I Think About Legalizing Marijuana in Utah?

The question with this legislation is not whether some people feel less pain when they use marijuana, but whether this legislation encourages the misuse of the drug marijuana. I don't doubt that marijuana makes it so you do not feel pain. Many drugs affect our perception of pain, but they all have consequences. These consequences can effect the potential of youth, the mental health of others, the innocent they injure, and even the unborn. I have seen many children conceived and not wanted by parents on drugs. I've watched these children face great challenges in their lives and at school, particularly having to deal with being born addicted to a drug. Drugs, even alcohol and tobacco, are not mere toys to amuse us. Problems still remain when the mind altering chemicals are gone. This legislation seems to be a blanket endorsement of general marijuana use. It does not provide adequate regulation to restrict the use of marijuana for medical use. Since it does not take responsibility for the possible physical, social, mental, and legal consequences of legalized marijuana use, I do not support this legislation.

The Official Statement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/first-presidency-statement-on-utah-marijuana-initiative

for a good analysis on the proposed legislation:
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/marijuana-analysis

What does a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe about Blind Obedience and Freedom

Go here to download this fun video. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-1260-act-for-themselves?category=topics/agency&lang=eng

I have often heard, "I would never be a Mormon. They believe in blind obedience. I value my freedom and will not blindly follow some leader, some Prophet." There are dictators and cult leaders who through military force, drugs, and personal charisma are able to make others submit to their will, but they are never able to maintain this control for very long. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1836 nearly two hundred years ago and is now a thriving worldwide church of over 15 million people. Would so many people join and remain in a church where they were required to surrender their right to make decisions, to think for themselves? Are our eighteen year old missionaries that charismatic? Hardly!

People say, but you follow a prophet. Yes, we do. What would have happened to the people of Israel if they had not followed the prophet, Moses, who led them out of slavery in Egypt?  As one of our Apostles explained, "We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see. "