“Their own public Idaho: Twin Falls, a conservative city in Idaho, likes refugees”

I’ve been gratified and proud that, on the whole, Latter-day Saints have been very resistant to the appeal of Trumpism.  (The Economist of London noted this back in March.)  Whereas, to their shame, many Evangelicals and Evangelical leaders — including a number who vocally denounced Mitt Romney as a “non-Christian”–  have fallen all over themselves in their rapturous embrace of Mr. Donald Trump, Mormon voters in Wyoming and Idaho contributed substantially to Mr. Trump’s defeat there, and he suffered perhaps his most dramatic primary loss in Utah.

When Mr. Trump suggested an unconstitutional, unworkable, and internationally offensive ban on Muslim entry into the United States, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement that, although it didn’t mention him by name, was very obviously intended as a response to his suggestion.

So it’s once again with considerable satisfaction that I see an article in The Economist about the surprisingly positive attitude of one Idaho town toward refugees — an article that makes specific mention of the Mormon element in the story:

“Their own public Idaho: Twin Falls, a conservative city in Idaho, likes refugees”

The honorable behavior of the people of Twin Falls demonstrates that social-political conservatism doesn’t entail xenophobia.

And, if we Mormons are to be known for anything, nationally and internationally, I can’t think of anything better for which to be known, especially in a time when millions seem too angry to care about such virtues in their politicians — than charity, kindness, hospitality, graciousness, benevolence, and Christ-like behavior.