Monday, June 30, 2008

Tourists' questions and comments

I don't know if tourists in the summer are stranger than during other times of the year, or if they just stick out more. I had someone say, "I'm really concerned about the early practice of polygamy among the Mormons, with so many children in the family wasn't there a danger of brothers and sisters accidentally marrying because they didn't know they were siblings?" I assured him that even in the biggest family all the brothers and sisters knew each other.

I decided to make a list of other questions and comments people have had.
-Is it true that no building in Salt Lake City can be taller than the temple?
-Is Utah a dry state?
-When I was in Utah thirty years ago it was illegal to smoke. Is it still illegal?
-The Mormon Church owns Coca-Cola.
-The Mormon Church owns Pepsico.
-The Mormon Church used to prohibit the use of caffeine but since they bought Pepsico they can drink Pepsi products.
-When did they put the wall around Temple Square? It wasn't there last time I visited Salt Lake.
-Is the white stuff in the mountains salt?
-Is it true that it is written in the Utah State Constitution that the governor of Utah has to be a Mormon?
-It's obscene the luxery Joseph Smith and his family lived in while everyone else was living in poverty! (I found out he thought the Joseph Smith Memorial Building was the Smith family residence.)
-Is the Church still the wealthiest entity west of the Mississippi?
-Is Richard Elliott the president of the Church?
-Are you a missionary for the Mormon Church?
-How many Mormons still practice polygamy?
-How many wives do you have?
-The Church gardeners are working as fast as they can to get flowers planted for President Bush's visit.
-Why is the city called 'Salt Lake'?
-Is it true the Church withholds tithing from all its employees paychecks?
-The Church financed Mitt Romney's campaign for the White House.
-The Church established the Mafia to maintain its control over Las Vegas.
-The Church owns Morton Salt. (Confusing MORton with MORmon?)
-The Church owns Costco. (Confusing Kirkland with Kirtland, Ohio?)
-Are we going to see any Mormons on the tour?
-This may sound like a stupid question, but where are all the Mormons? (I told her they don't come out until after dark.)
-Which building has the throne of solid gold the prophet sits on?
And probably my favorite - When I was here several years ago there was a building with a golden angel hanging from a cable that would fly around the room but I can't remember which building it was in. (I never convinced the woman that there was no such building or angel.)

3 comments:

G'pa and G'ma Woody said...

Wow, are you about ready to publish a book? Or at least a pamphlet? Keep writing those questions down, because they could make you millions one day. Or at least a couple of bucks! Thanks for sharing! love ya, Jane

G'pa and G'ma Woody said...

I'm going to send this to the editor of the Tabernacle Choir's newsletter. It will come out at conference time. If they print it I'll get you a copy.

Scott

Kim-the-girl said...

HILARIOUS!!!