Ann Cannon's column of Jan. 2 was thought-provoking in her description of the feelings of her non-Latter-day-Saint neighbor who had grown up in Utah but felt displaced because of not being a member of the LDS culture.
After 20 years of military service, I have lived in a variety of communities where I was a member of a small minority. This is still the situation for most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I would submit that, while there is no shortage of "Utah Mormons" who are insular in their attitudes, it is just as likely that the Mormon next door is someone who converted as a young adult from another faith, served a mission in a place where Mormons are few and far between, attended graduate school in Washington, worked on the East Coast or served in the military. I would suggest that Ann Cannon's friend should look for those many Mormons who have had those culturally broadening experiences. She will find plenty of good neighbors among them.
Raymond Takashi Swenson
Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Idaho Falls, Idaho