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Show 2 THE GREEN SHEET Thursday, Aug. 25, 1988 rm E C i run OUR READERS WRITE Stirred To Write TV - TT J i . . Lctti jjuiior; This controversy over the motion picture, The Last Temptation of Christ has stirred me to write. I take issue with Mark Cartwrights Hollywood Hotline column of Aug. 11. Mr. Cartwright reasons that people who have not seen the movie should not be protesting it. Enough information, however, has been released to know that the movie portrays biblical individuals out of character and makes a mockery of significant historical events. A fundamental premise of Christianity is that Jesus Christs entire life was in perfect harmony with the will of God; a principle that Christians believe can make the difference between eternal happiness and everlasting regret. Christ, being perfect, was the only individual who could mediate a reconciliation between his fellow mortals and their Creator. Yet Mr. Cartwright trivializes the Christian movement by labeling the movies protestors as "twits" and "holy Joes". to People dont have to see a movie make a correct judgement about it. Is that not one of the purposes for movie ratings? Are we never to pay attention to movie reviews? Maybe just the ones Mark Cartwright writes! Mr. Cartwright also erroneously reduces the issue down to freedom of speech. I am not aware of any protestor seeking government imposed censorship, but rather trying to influence Universal Studios and the public directly. No one is denying the right to show or see the movie. Freedom of speech is not the issue, but the portrayal of events (as if they could have happened) that desecrate the nature of Jesus Christ. The controversy becomes even more interesting when you compare it to current events. What if a major motion picture were released that tarnished the image of one of the current presidential candidates; depicting events of their lives that never happened even though no one claimed them to be first-han- d movie-goin- Movie Doesnt Tempt This Twit Its been awhile since Ive been in trouble with the masses, so I may as well jump in with both feet. factual? Weve got a running feud going between our theater critic Mark Cartwright and those readers he offended by calling protestors of the film The Last Temptation of Christ "holy Joes" and "twits." There have been calls and letters. Im one of those who has not seen the movie. I probably wont. When the choice comes between a movie, any movie, and live theatre, the stage wins out. When I do see a movie, I try to choose carefully, opting usually for those W of the highly entertaining mode. But I wont pretend to tell you whether or not you' should see the extent, I agree with Mark that we film. Thats a matter of personal cant know of that we have not taste and since its controversial seen. But the writer who said we have 'to' experience in the area of religion, it becomes dont "everything" made a valid point. a matter of free agency. However, I can find no fault with those religious leaders who I think Marks premise that no one has the right to say the have suggested that members of film should not have been their faith not see the film. That too is their right. Those of us who released is a correct one. choose to participate in organized Green Sheet staffer Ralph Goff religion often look to our spiritual read the book upon which the film leaders for advice. If that makes is based many years ago and me a "twit," so be it. Christians insists that it is a fine piece of have been called worse. And so have Mormons. literature. has not a Censorship yet gained The opinion of a church foothold in this country and does not take away my leader will. never it hopefully As for Marks twit and holy Joe agency to do as I wish. reference, well, that falls back into the personal taste mode. It I personally dont plan to go out was probably one of those off the and picket the film. Thats not my cuff remarks that tend to get style. I refuse to sign a petition writers into hot water. Knowing against it. Nor do I plan to use Mark, I suspect he welcomes this space to tell you that you controversy. Any writer is thrilled should or should not see it. to know he is being read. To some I suspect that Universal Studios Editor: Eveiyone is entitled to his own opinion of whether the Bennion application for annexation into Murray should be given favorable consideration. A position in opposition was well expressed by L. Clark Cushing in last weeks Murray Eagle. My view is different. Murray is not applying to the people in the Bennion area requesting that they be annexed into is bigger or smaller the issue. Murrays Murray-n- or involvement hinges upon the fact that since Murray has been a city, it has projected a view of a quality life, a friendly and considerate government, good neighbors, a well managed public utility system, a good school system and orderly and planned growth for the future. We cannot prevent that opinion of fence Murray from going beyond a regardless of how high that fence is built. The only way we will be able to block requests for annexation is to become such a poor example as a neighbor and as a city that no one wants to associate with us. This is not only distasteful but totally unacceptable. If we try to withdraw within our shell we will not remain as we are. We will regress. We will be the ones who are petitioning for annexation into an adjoining political unit. We should be proud of the fact that there are people close to us who see values here that they and their families would like to share. Frankly, it may not be practical for Murray boundaries to include the areas in Bennion that have applied for annexation, but I believe that we owe it to our city, to ourselves and to our friends adjacent to us to at least conduct a thorough review of the application and its impact upon all concerned. When the facts are available, then an honest and considered decision can be made regarding annexation. The school system impact is of extreme importance and must be addressed carefully. The matter of sewer, water and power are not of the concern to me that was voiced by Mr. Cushing. The public utilities commission will not allow a community to be disconnected from adequate service. It is possible that practical considerations would not permit Murray city water or power lines to be extended into 10-mi- by Michele BotcsS and director Martin Scorsese are laughing all the way to the bank over this attention to what might have been a largely ignored motion picture. No publicist could have enjoyed this much success. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference and each mans opinion and the action he decides to take. Marks opinion works for him. My. plan of , , action works for me. Those who protest are exercising their rights. We may or may not think much of their efforts. By the same token, we may or may not think much of the film. But look at the bright side. The LDS Church has issued a statement suggesting that its members avoid the film. Mother of head the Angelica, Eternal World TV Network has raised her voice against it. Its the first time in ages that the Mormons and the Catholics have been in agreement. Catholic-oriente- d the proposed area. However, it is unlikely that these services were key in the minds of the people applying for annexation. The matter of police and fire protection are basic and not insurmountable. Fire department costs will be impacted more by the business buildings within development of high-ris- e present city boundaries than anything presently existing or planned in the annexation area. It is my view that we should give positive consideration to this application and assemble all of the information before making a final decision. Kenneth V. Simper Murray Dear Editor: In regards to the fire that occurred at the house on 4593 Box Elder St., that belonged to Elvin J. Nueffer, we as neighbors are issuing a plea to the public for donations of labor and money to restore his home. He did not have insurance due to a technicality that occurred two months earlier. You 4 or may get in touch with Mr. NuefTer at mail donations to him at the above address. Mail is picked up at the post office. He has lived in the home for 45 years and does not have sufficient savings to restore the home. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Neighbors Of Elvin Nueffer 261-340- lines Editor: This note is to thank you for printing the nice thoughts gathered by LaRee Pehrson (Lines From LaRee). have a book of thoughts, and dreams In which I read at times; Where many a long past joy gleams, And Hosts of singing rise." -- Franklin McCormick such a book. "LaRees Lines" go into have too, I, this book. Please keep them coming. I do appreciate the Green Sheet West. Wendella W. Raisor "I Magna Nathan M. Andelin West Jordan Word Of Warning Twits And Holy Joes Dear Editor: I have been an avid reader of not only The Green Sheet, but of Mark Cartwrights column for a long time. Until recently, I found his editorializing and criticism commonplace, but after reading his critique about "The Last Temptation of Christ" I am viewing him in a new light. The man is deserving of commendation and respect for his forthright and honest evaluation of not just the motion picture, but of those who deign to condemn it on the grounds of "sacrilege." Also, the letter to the editor from Pat Rosvall belongs in the waste basket with the opinions of all the righteous "Christians" who profess to know what theyre talking about. Rosvall admits to never having seen a number of movies, which she condemns anyway. Tch! Tch! How Puritan. "Twits and holy Joes?" Cartwright is absolutely right. Too bad he couldnt use stronger language to expose these hypocrites for what they are. "Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their minds and conscience is defiled." Titus, 1:15. "I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him who esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean." Romans, 14:14. Personal opinions are favored by God and Jesus. I was at Treblinka and Dachau, and I have some opinions of my own with which many agree. People speak of a merciful God and a sweet Jesus, yet history refutes these claims. One is not merciful and the other saves no one. Our "merciful" God took the lives of 20 million men, women and children during WWII. Five million of these were babies, who were tortured and experimented with and brutally murdered. Who is this barbaric God who allows such things to happen, then rationalizes His acts by saying, "Blessed is he who believes?" if this is merciful, I want none of it. If Jesus were alive today, he would be confined in an asylum or prison for his acts of violence against established laws, and he would be treated as the paranoid psychotic he was. (Who ever heard of a' normal person beating a fig tree because it refused to bear fruit?) Mark Cartwright is correct in stating that everyone should be allowed to see the movie and judge for himself. We have too many others judging for us as it is. .. As it says in police, training manuals, "Everybody "twits" and has something in his past to "holy Joes" are no exception. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, but lets all go see The Last Temptation of Christ first. To the Editor: I am from Oregon and have recenffy visited my sister in Utah. From what I understand Gov. Neil Goldschmidt from Oregon has been in the state campaigning for Utah gubernatorial candidate Ted Wilson. I am quite unfamiliar with Wilson but know that Utahns are reasonably conservative, more . conservative than the average (regonian anyway. Utahns might want to know feomething about this hide."-Thosguy Wilson has advising and campaigning for him. Goldschmidt is one of the most liberal governors in the United States'. In all actuality he is too liberal for Oregon--no- t to mention Utah. Let me cite a very recent example of one of Goldschmidts blunders. In an effort to grab some new tax dollars he called a Sincerely, Albert Potter special session of the Oregon Legislature to increase East Millcreek vehicle the registration fees by 200 percent. This was quickly rejected by the state legislature even the Democrats. His own party opposed him on this one. Goldschmidt also recently signed an executive order supporting gay rights. He did this only after Dear Editor: similar measures were overwhelmingly rejected by I want to publicly thank a teacher who has made a the Oregon State Legislature. Because the difference in the life of my child. legislature and citizenry at large are so against Mrs. Francis at Westbrook elementary sends what Goldschmidt stood for the issue will be placed personal notes to each of her students at the end of on the ballot during the next election. The people each report card term telling them how much she will have the opportunity to overturn Goldschmidt loves them and how special they are and how much on this one. have improved. She finds everything positive they Goldschmidt has been quite popular, but his she can think of to tell them about themselves. She popularity is declining rapidly because of his posture believes every child can learn. She believes every on such volatile issues as tax and fee increases, gay child is special. She watches their moods and talks rights and abortions to mention just a few. It is easy to them when they are troubled. She sets aside time to understand that Wilson and Goldschmidt could be in class to help the students bond with each other. friends, but the fact that Wilson is using such a She invites the entire class to her summer cabin to liberal person to campaign for him is interesting. f learn about the mountains and to learn about Make no mistakes, be sure you examine Wilson nature. closely before voting, because Goldschmidt is much She believes every child in the class is important, more liberal than he presented himself to be during even the handicapped, and tells them that they have his last campaign. to learn to get along with each other. My daughter has learned so much in her class. My Roby Phelps daughter loves her. My daughter has a learning Hellsboro, Ore. disability and yet still learns in the classroom. My has grown a hundred fold. daughters Thank goodness for a dedicated teacher, who belongs in the classroom, and who has chosen to stay there in spite of all odds. Dear Editor: For the third and last time I would like to respond Mary Hammond to letters from disbelievers like John Lemon, West Jordan Roosevelt; D.E. Wilson, West Jordan; LeMar Winegar, Midvale; A. Cook, Midvale; Alan Profit and Amber Bodine, California; Norman Bangerter, and Is C. Flynn, all of whom think the statistics I quoted are lies. They are easily verified and they are all To the Editor: Gods truth. I voted for him in 1986, but I do not think I willk Simply go to the public library and look in every issue of the S.L. Tribune, Murray Green Sheet, and vote for him now. I am absolutely infuriated at my Deseret News, as I did regarding many of the items. Congressman, Wayne Owens. He has done so many For the rest, visit the LDS Church Genealogical things that have been controversial and Library where some very exact records ae kept. questionable that I just cannot vote for him and Next, take advantage of the Freedom of Information sleep with myself. Act and apply for these statistics (as I did) from your Here are a few of my reasons: local police station, hospitals, National Safety on the. abortion issue. He 1) He is wishy-wash- y etc. Committee, is he but on the only abortion vote it, says against Ask Madelaine Scott, who was quoted as saying, "It makes me feel unsafe to live in Salt Lake Citv." this session he declined to show up. Ask Ann Hankinson, who said, "The police never 2) He has questionable ethics. He has had respond to calls to protect member of the middle lobbyists that have apparently worked out of his class. Check with the local hospitals and ask them office, and they have the check stubs to prove it. why AIDS cases have doubled in less than a year. 3) He claims to be a fiscal conservative, yet he Ask realtors why there are more than 37,000 homes voted down a petiton that would get the balanced for sale in Salt Lake City alone. amendment bill out on the floor. He voted 63 budget As one reader put it correctly, "No other place in percent of the time not to cut the budget. America do citizens become so upset when the On talk recent a show radio he declined not to How dont criticized." Utahns sad that 4) is community want to see anything improved. In Utah, the rule out tax increases. I just cannot afford another economy is shot; the housing market has had the tax increase. There is a time when the public says bottom drop out; food and other essentials are as stop, and it is up to the government to determine expensive as in New York and California; the where to cut spending. It is not up the us to do that educational system is mediocre; pollution is for them , that is their job. I simply cannot vote for him anymore. I have had increasing; governmental services are decreasing and police are understaffed and underpaid. enough. I just received my yearly property tax bill. It is exactly twice the amount for the same size residence' David Burmage in California, except that in California the house South Cottonwood , Teacher Thanked self-estee- Third And Last Faith Help Sought Likes - If Mark Cartwright is going to use this controversy to preach the least he could do is stop classifying the movies critics as "sheep who can be so easily led around by the nose", and stop diverting attention from the real issue of the movies content to freedom of speech. OUR READERS WRITE Different View g sells for $150,000. My house is valued at $66,000. I did not And to C. Flynn (Green Sheet, present my comments as only my opinion, but as facts, which they are. I am very informed. So would you be if you spent as much time doing research in church and government offices as I have. What we are concerned with here is not opinions or lies, but facts!? Wm. Ryan P.S. Utah is a pretty, bad state. Why dont you do something to improve it? Lost ... |