In his recent letter (Readers' Forum, Dec. 27), Matthew Gundersen claims that the Republican Party alone harmonizes with accepted LDS doctrine and is therefore the preferred political choice of "reasoned" Mormons.
The fact is, the Democratic Party better addresses many issues central to LDS principles and beliefs. Take education, for example. Utah ranks dead last in the nation in education funding per student, and yet the LDS Church teaches that education is of paramount importance. Jesus taught his adherents to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for the sick and widowed. The Democratic platform consistently provides superior plans to help the aged and infirm, the hungry and the ill, the poor and disadvantaged.
Yes, some Mormons may balk at certain aspects of the Democratic platform. But they should feel similarly about certain aspects of the GOP platform. "Reasoned" Mormons can be Democrats.
M. Todd Ethington
Salt Lake City