For the moral and legal implications of Al-Awlaki’s killing, see the Dissenter and the Founder.
Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, candidates for the Republication nomination for president of the USA in 2012, have been given a gift as if served on a golden platter. The killing of Anwar al-Awlaki is a chance to differentiate themselves from the crowd given their affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or the Mormons.
Reflecting on the death of Al-Awlaki, writes Mark Paredes, “for the second time this year, Americans can celebrate the elimination of another enemy of the state.” His article appears in Deseret News, an Utah-based publication of import to Mormons. He explains the logic of this killing, which, pared down, comes to this: The president is wise to hold a secret list of enemies who can be targeted without judicial procedure, and killing these enemies is laudable, which proves the wisdom of the president holding this list. The subtitle of this article is “Why Ron Paul Isn’t Ready for Prime Time.” Paul, also a candidate for the Republication nomination for president, was cited as “one relevant politician” who opposed the killing without trial, thus making himself into an enemy of the USA.
Why should this be of special import to Mormons? The brief history of their founder, Joseph Smith, in the Show-Me State provides a very similar situation with a different outcome.
In the 1830s, Mormons were not popular in Missouri, which led to disapproval with Governor Liburn Boggs and even to physical clashes with other groups. Joseph Smith and two others were arrested by the state militia on suspicion of organizing terrorist acts through an armed group called the Danites. After a speedy military trial by Maj. Gen. Lucas, the three were sentenced to death by shooting. However, “It is cold-blooded murder,” claimed Col. Alexander Doniphan, refusing to shoot the men. “I will not obey your order… and if you execute these men, I will hold you responsible before an earthly tribunal, so help me God!”
Romney and Huntsman could argue, had Col. Doniphan been “patriotic” and killed off Mormonism—following orders—they and their fellow Mormons would not exist.
