Skip to content

One of those outrages, presumably, was Joseph Smith’s…

“One of those outrages, presumably, was Joseph Smith’s vocal opposition to slavery, and the governor’s executive order was the culmination of years of anti-Mormon sentiment, spurred by what were perceived as Joseph Smith’s designs on taking over American civil society. A manifesto written and…” quote by Jeff Flake
Download Open image
““One of those outrages, presumably, was Joseph Smith’s vocal opposition to slavery, and the governor’s executive order was the culmination of years of anti-Mormon sentiment, spurred by what were perceived as Joseph Smith’s designs on taking over American civil society. A manifesto written and signed by hundreds of Missourians, including elected officials, had preceded the extermination order, calling Mormons “a pretended religious sect,” and “deluded fanatics.” Mormons, then, have had foundational and horrifying experience with some of these worst impulses of mankind and became both refugees and immigrants in our own land. And so when someone starts talking of religious tests and religious bans, we know better. Because we have seen this all before. When we say “No Muslims” or “No Mexicans,” we may as well say “No Mormons.” Because it is no different. That kind of talk is a dagger in the heart of Mormons. It is a dagger in my heart. Because we know firsthand that America was made great not by giving in to these impulses but by fighting them, and defeating them. Governor Boggs’s Mormon ban was officially on the books in Missouri for 138 years. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed long before it was officially rescinded in 1976.””

Jeff Flake

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Historical bans on groups reveal patterns of prejudice that repeat when new minorities are targeted.

In simple terms: Past bigotry repeats with new groups.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and oppose all forms of exclusion.

Themes

tolerance prejudice history

Mood

reflective cautionary

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • immigration discussions
  • educational curricula
  • community dialogues

Key Concepts

social dynamics civil rights group identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What lessons from past bans can guide current policy?
  • How can societies prevent repeating exclusionary cycles?
A Different Perspective

History shows bans can be reversed, but resistance may be slow.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jeff Flake

Explore all 57 Jeff Flake quotes

More Civil society quotes

Browse all 322 Civil society quotes