When, as counselor in the First Presidency, Hugh B. Brown stated that he was a Democrat because Democrats were more sensitive to the poor, he put his finger on an aspect of the gospel that many Mormons separate from their view of religion. Yet many scriptures show that compassion for the poor is central to the gospel. I contend that attitudes of Republicans and Democrats toward rich and poor help illuminate their attitudes toward many issues, such as civil rights, education, campaign finance reform, health insurance, foreign policy, the military, and the environment. It would behoove us to be sensitive to the poor as we vote in next November’s elections.

Todd M. Compton, John Hatch