The Mass Shooting Thread

[Jeff Lebowski]

Does everybody hate me?

No. I saw that statement once and thought it was funny.

[falafel]

No. I saw that statement once and thought it was funny.

Dang it, you ruined it. Trying to be paranoid over here.

[Pelado]

Dang it, you ruined it. Trying to be paranoid over here.

Almost everyone.

[beefytee]

No. I saw that statement once and thought it was funny.

The saying I heard was:

“Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean everyone isn’t out to get me”

[Jeff Lebowski]

Looking at the reactions from last week's fundraising, there was a little cynicism like we saw from some of our posters here, but the national response and news coverage from people that matter was overwhelmingly positive. Really nice op-ed in the NYT from David French. Here is a gift link in case you missed it:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/o...smid=url-share

America has witnessed two remarkable acts of forgiveness in the last month. Erika Kirk forgave the man who killed her husband. Latter-day Saints loved the family of the man who massacred their brothers and sisters. A nation that produces such acts of such love is a nation that still has life. It’s a nation that still has hope.

On Tuesday, Kelsey Piper, a staff writer at The Argument, responded to the Latter-day Saints church’s act of love with a beautiful and true statement. “If America is going to make it,” Piper wrote, “it will be because people choose forgiving things they should never have had to forgive over hurting people they have every right to be angry with.”

That is the essence of grace. Last Sunday, the shadow came for the men, women and children of a church in Michigan. But there is still light and high beauty, and last week the light that flooded America came from people of faith who were determined to demonstrate the character of the Savior they love.

[Donuthole]

Looking at the reactions from last week's fundraising, there was a little cynicism like we saw from some of our posters here, but the national response and news coverage from people that matter don't really understand the Mormon persecution complex and our overarching desire for societal acceptance was overwhelmingly positive. Really nice op-ed in the NYT from David French. Here is a gift link in case you missed it:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/o...smid=url-share

FIFY. That was a nice op-ed. I like David French. I'm glad this gesture is bringing positive publicity and shining a good light on the church and its members. It would seem that many who donated are getting exactly what they hoped they would from their donation.

[Omaha 680]

FIFY. That was a nice op-ed. I like David French. I'm glad this gesture is bringing positive publicity and shining a good light on the church and its members. It would seem that many who donated are getting exactly what they hoped they would from their donation.

What percentage of members who donated to the campaign did it primarily to generate good publicity and a desire for acceptance rather than truly trying to practice what the Savior taught in the most challenging of circumstances? Also please share your methodology for determining that percentage.

[Jeff Lebowski]

FIFY. That was a nice op-ed. I like David French. I'm glad this gesture is bringing positive publicity and shining a good light on the church and its members. It would seem that many who donated are getting exactly what they hoped they would from their donation.

This kind of response kills in the Salt Lake Tribune comment section.

[Donuthole]

What percentage of members who donated to the campaign did it primarily to generate good publicity and a desire for acceptance rather than truly trying to practice what the Savior taught in the most challenging of circumstances? Also please share your methodology for determining that percentage.

Oh brother. I'll guarantee you it's more than 0%. And honestly, many of them who are doing it for this reason don't even realize they are doing it for this reason. That's how deep the complex runs. But i'm sure if I culled through all of the comments being left by donors, I would find plenty that demonstrate that people want it to be known that this is coming from the Mormons because Mormons are Christians and Christians turn the other cheek.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Oh brother. I'll guarantee you it's more than 0%. And honestly, many of them who are doing it for this reason don't even realize they are doing it for this reason. That's how deep the complex runs. But i'm sure if I culled through all of the comments being left by donors, I would find plenty that demonstrate that people want it to be known that this is coming from the Mormons because Mormons are Christians and Christians turn the other cheek.

Translation: "Trust me, bro."

My goodness, I can't imagine being this cynical. Ugh...

[Donuthole]

Oh brother. I'll guarantee you it's more than 0%. And honestly, many of them who are doing it for this reason don't even realize they are doing it for this reason. That's how deep the complex runs. But i'm sure if I culled through all of the comments being left by donors, I would find plenty that demonstrate that people want it to be known that this is coming from the Mormons because Mormons are Christians and Christians turn the other cheek.

It took literally all of 3 seconds to find this comment:

Anonymous Giver-
$ 100.00 USD
19 hrs ago

Our prayers to you and your family ! LDS family in St.George UT

Why the need to point out that the anonymous donation is coming from an LDS family from Utah? We know why. So yeah, this donation was motivated, at least in part, by a desire to promote the good name of the Church and its members.

FWIW, i'm not saying it's wrong to want this acceptance. I'm just pointing out that it exists and is a motivating factor for a LOT of Mormons when it comes to the national spotlight.

[Jeff Lebowski]

It took literally all of 3 seconds to find this comment:



Why the need to point out that the anonymous donation is coming from an LDS family from Utah? We know why. So yeah, this donation was motivated, at least in part, by a desire to promote the good name of the Church and its members.

FWIW, i'm not saying it's wrong to want this acceptance. I'm just pointing out that it exists and is a motivating factor for a LOT of Mormons when it comes to the national spotlight.

I pray that God allows you more grace than you seem willing to allow in others.

[Donuthole]

I pray that God allows you more grace than you seem willing to allow in others.

I pray for that every day.

[dabrockster]

I pray for that every day.

Seems your prayers are hallow based on your continued pounding of the pulpit..

Who truly gives a shit the motive for a donation. Good Lord. I didn't donate, don't plan to donate, but I am not going to sit in a glass house and make assumption in what is in another person's mind. Even if they announce they are a member or from St. George or NYC.. Again, who gives a shit... Good is taking place..

[Donuthole]

Seems your prayers are hallow based on your continued pounding of the pulpit..

Who truly gives a shit the motive for a donation. Good Lord. I didn't donate, don't plan to donate, but I am not going to sit in a glass house and make assumption in what is in another person's mind. Even if they announce they are a member or from St. George or NYC.. Again, who gives a shit... Good is taking place..

Thanks for joining the party, even if you are late. You've stated nothing that I haven't already stated--i.e. it's a good thing that good is taking place. But if we truly believe that man "looketh on the outward appearance and the Lord looketh on the heart," is it not worth considering/weighing why we do the things we do? I submit that it is. You are free to disagree.