LATTER-DAY SAINT

LAWYERS AND THE PUBL iC SQUARE

BY ELDER QUENTIN L. COOK OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE

am grateful to be with you this evening. I have always enjoyed being

with lawyers. Let me take this opportunity to express my heartfelt i gratitude to our Church general counsel: Elder Lance B. Wıckman, ----- This talk was presented at a J. Reuben Clark Law Society fireside at the Church Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 13, 2009. -----

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRADLEY SLADE

William Atkin, and Boyd Black. They render Kimball’s son is attending the University of was divinely inspired. He said he wanted magnificent service to the Church overseeing Utah Law School and is here tonight with them to know about his personal beliefs and the General Counsel’s Office. some of his classmates. predilections. He recognized that the students I am sure each of us here has a reason we As I began preparing for this talk and would need to reach their own conclusions. decided to attend law school. The genesis paying more attention to what is being said This announcement made quite a stir at of my own decision to become a lawyer today about lawyers and the law, I was inter- the law school and engendered both discus- came from two sources. The first was my ested in an article in the January 12, 2009, sion and humor. The students would inquire father. His uncle, David S. Cook, had been issue of Forbes magazine and in a subsequent of each other, “Do you attend the inspired a successful attorney and had created in account in the New York Times by Evan R. constitutional law class or the uninspired con- my father a favorable disposition toward Chesler. Mr. Chesler is the presiding partner stitutional law class?” the law. (Incidentally, this uncle had roomed at Cravath, Swain & Moore, and the Forbes My intent here this evening is not to deliver with Albert E. Bowen at the University article was entitled “Kill the Billable Hour,” a scholarly discourse on the u.s. Constitution. of Chicago Law School. Elder Bowen, of with a subheading of “Lawyers Should Bill However, before I speak to the two concepts I course, was later an apostle.) In addition to the Way Joe the Contractor Does.”1 I have to do want to cover, a historical overview of how his uncle, my father had utilized lawyers in admit that there were three aspects to my some have viewed the inspired aspects of the his various businesses, and as he used to say, interest in his statements. First, I have always u.s. Constitution might be interesting. Both in a tone that made it clear he wasn’t serious had a soft spot in my heart for the Cravath President J. Reuben Clark and Elder Dallin and with a big smile, “Lawyers have a license firm. In 1966 when I graduated from law H. Oaks, two apostles who had previously to steal.” To be completely fair, he used the school as a new lawyer, Cravath increased the been eminent lawyers, share a common view same language to describe doctors. I suppose “going rate” by a few hundred dollars to a of our understanding that the Constitution that, viewed from the competitive business magnificent sum exceeding $8,000 per year is divinely inspired. Neither of them has seen world in which he was involved, the law for beginning lawyers. My new firm decided every word of the Constitution as being seemed like a pretty safe haven. My guess to match that rate, and I was the grateful ben- inspired. Elder Oaks has said, “[Our] reverence would be that most of us here would not eficiary of what at that time seemed like a sig- for the United States Constitution is so great concur with my dad’s assessment, particu- nificant increase. Lest you think we were that sometimes individuals speak as if its every larly with the difficult economic times many starving to death, very adequate homes could word and phrase had the same standing as lawyers are experiencing today. be purchased for $20,000–$30,000 in those scripture.” He continues, “I have never consid- The other person who influenced my days. Second, Mr. Chesler described himself ered it necessary to defend [that possibility].”2 decision to become a lawyer was my second as the presiding partner of his firm. That is President J. Reuben Clark enunciated a simi- mission president, Elder Marion D. Hanks, new terminology to me. When I was practic- lar view in an address given in 1939.3 I concur who is also a lawyer. In a serious conver- ing, the term was managing partner. But even with their assessment. sation I had with him near the end of my then it seemed like an oxymoron. Managing President Clark saw three elements mission, I told him the educational options lawyers, an almost impossible task, has always of the Constitution as being particularly I was considering. He told me that he thought resembled the oft-quoted comparison to herd- inspired. First is the separation of powers I should pursue a legal education. From that ing cats. Third, and most important, any- into three independent branches of govern- very moment my decision was made. It wasn’t thing that would take away the burden of ment. Second is the guarantee of freedom of just because he said it, but because I knew he billable hours would constitute an improve- speech, press, and religion in the Bill of was right. ment to the legal profession. Rights. And the third is the equality of all While I thoroughly enjoyed the practice When I was a second-year law student men before the law. of law, I did not feel inclined to influence our at Stanford University, a visiting professor Elder Oaks, while concurring with children toward any particular occupation. arrived to teach first-year constitutional law. President Clark on these three elements, also Nevertheless, two of the three did become His name was Arvo Van Alstyne, and he was includes the federal system with the division lawyers and are both here this evening: my then a law professor at ucla. He had also of powers between the nation as a whole and daughter, Kathryn, who after a 14-year hiatus been president of the Los Angeles California the various states and the principle of popu- raising four wonderful children has returned Stake. He was teaching constitutional law to lar sovereignty. The people are the source of to part-time legal practice; and my son, half of the first-year class. The constitutional government. Larry, who practiced for a time on Wall law teacher for the other half was Gerald I think most of us would agree with Street for Sullivan and Cromwell and is now Gunther, who had clerked for both Judge President Clark and Elder Oaks that these a partner in a private equity firm. Learned Hand and Chief Justice Earl Warren. incredibly significant fundamental principles I should also mention that I have two He had been my teacher the previous year. elegantly combined in the constitutional doc- cousins who are distinguished lawyers, and In the first few days of class, Professor Van uments are indeed inspired and coincide with they are both here. One is Judge Dale Kimball, Alstyne informed his students that he was a doctrinal principles in our scriptures. It does who is a federal district judge here in Salt committed member of the lds Church. He not require detailed analysis of the Constitution Lake; and the other is Kimball Johnson, explained to them that as part of his faith he to see that these five basic fundamentals have who is in the Utah Attorney General’s Office. believed that the United States Constitution been a great blessing to the United States

4 clark memorandum and were necessary as a precursor to the Path to Happiness for All.” The editorial indi- are issues relating to happiness with which Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. cated that despite significant increases in many people struggle. I understand that some who are listening material wealth, people don’t feel any happier. by satellite are in foreign countries. Many of A few paragraphs from this Chinese newspa- DON’T UNDERESTIMATE the above principles had their antecedents in per editorial might be interesting to you. YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS legal doctrines and philosophies established AND CAPABILITIES in Europe and particularly in Great Britain. Growing stress from work and study is making My purpose this evening is to let the many people blue, as high pressure and long hours Almost all studies of happiness indicate that founding u.s. documents—the Declaration offset the happiness brought by economic well-being. the relationship between how we think we of Independence, the Constitution, and the This is also true for school children. Often are doing compared to others is more impor- Bill of Rights—frame just two concepts that spoiled, these little emperors and empresses don’t tant than our actual circumstances. Arthur C. I will discuss in broad, practical terms. I smile as much as they should, weighed down by Brooks, who has written extensively on this believe the concepts are as applicable interna- excessive homework and endless tests. They also subject, says it this way: tionally as they are in the United States. play less and are physically less fit compared with their parents’ generation. Imagine two people who are the same in income, PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS While the divorce rate soars . . . the outcome is education, age, sex, race, religion, politics and fam- often damaging—especially for young children. ily status. One feels very successful; the other does The first is the concept of happiness. Much Deteriorating morality and manners are also not. The former is about twice as likely to be very has been written about the meaning of the getting people down. . . . Loneliness is also playing a happy about his or her life than the latter. And if words “We hold these truths to be self-evi- role, as interpersonal relationships become more com- they are the same in perceived success but one earns dent, that all men are created equal, that they plicated and people living in urban concrete jungles more than the other, there will be no happiness dif- are endowed by their Creator with certain lose their sense of community. ... ference at all between the two.8 unalienable Rights, that among these are Focusing on [gross domestic product growth] Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”4 is not the right path to happiness.6 Many years ago a very wise consultant The British political philosopher John Locke helped me understand this in a way that was is credited with those enduring concepts. This debate about prosperity and hap- meaningful to me. I was running a health care George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and other piness has been going on for a long time. system and had just been called as an Area Founding Fathers weighed into the writing The great Anglican theologian Frederic W. Authority. I had just returned from a stake of this language. With respect to the word Farrar, in The Life and Work of St. Paul, wrote conference in San Diego and was feeling that happiness, there was at least some element of of the grandeur of ancient Greece, particularly the talks I had given were less meaningful protecting possessions and property. For oth- of Athens. He asserted that those who believe than I would have liked them to be. There ers, the concept of safety was also important. government, culture, philosophy, business, were some merger issues in the business that But it is clear that for the authors of the science, or other worthy pursuits can bring the consultant was helping us resolve. Declaration, happiness was something more permanent happiness are mistaken. He stated: He took me to a whiteboard and went than material well-being and the possession of through the following analysis. He asked, property. One writer described it this way: Had permanent happiness . . . been among the rewards “What are some of the skills that are inherent of culture; had it been granted to man’s unaided power in what you are trying to do?” We then listed Happiness has to do with a life well lived, or a good to win salvation by the gifts and qualities of his own those skills on the whiteboard. I don’t human life as a whole; it involves the achievement nature, and to make for himself a new Paradise . . . remember them exactly, but some of them and practice by a person of such virtues as courage, then such ends would have been achieved at Athens in were giving talks, providing inspired leader- decency, and charity, virtues that are entirely within the day of her glory.7 ship, working with others, delegating, and a person’s own power to attain.5 other similar skills. He then asked me to list He concluded that they definitely were not the individuals I had met in my lifetime who I have been amazed by the number of achieved. were the very best in each of the designated articles in the last two or three years that The relationship between happiness and areas. I was surprised that in many of the skill have focused on happiness. It is clear, for religion that was acknowledged by Farrar has areas, I knew immediately who I thought instance, that nations rich economically been evident to almost all who have studied it. was the best. For instance, I knew that my aren’t necessarily happier than poor ones. John Tierney, writing in the New York Times, mission president, Elder Marion D. Hanks, Also, people at all income levels say they December 30, 2008, stated: “Researchers was as good a speaker as I had ever encoun- would be happy if only they made more around the world have repeatedly found that tered whether it was a prepared talk or one money. The message of many magazines devoutly religious people tend to do better in spoken extemporaneously. The quality of today is we’re never quite happy enough. school, live longer, have more satisfying mar- content and delivery was exceptional. Elder Oaks and I were in Beijing, China, riages, and be generally happier.” With respect to delegation I immediately a little over a year ago. An editorial in the The Church’s doctrine leads to true hap- identified a former stake president, David China Daily was titled “Finding the Right piness, and I will discuss that later. But there Barlow. He was the president of the Ortho

clark memorandum 5

Division of Standard Oil, now Chevron, and The consultant then pointed out that we he was absolutely spectacular with respect to often compare ourselves with the a+ per- delegation. I can still remember, as a new high formers in each category that we value, and councilman assigned to the youth, reporting then we feel inadequate and unsuccessful in to him on some challenges that I thought our what we are doing. As the studies I have men- young people were experiencing. He immedi- tioned indicate, when we feel unsuccessful ately concurred with my assessment and then we feel unhappy. asked, “What is the solution?” I had to admit You might ask why I am sharing this with that I had thought deeply about the problem you. Law and the process of becoming a but had no solution as yet to propose. He lawyer are very competitive. The respect for helped me define what I was looking for and credentials can reach an inappropriate level then set a specific time for us to meet to dis- where they are virtually “idols.” In addition, cuss a proposed solution that I was expected to client expectations, regardless of the legal spe- bring to the next meeting. His success in both cialty, often exceed any realistic outcome. This Church and business was most remarkable, can be exaggerated by the crushing impact of and a significant part of that was his unusual losing cases, sometimes in a public setting. In ability to delegate and hold people accountable. the hothouse environment of the law, there are The consultant had me list additional many people who are very skilled, and there is people for each of the other skills or talents. always somebody who seems to be better in all Most of them I was able to identify very the ingredients that make up the qualifications quickly. As I recall, there were approximately to be a lawyer. Notwithstanding these issues, 10 of these skills. He then listed them across I would ask, “Do we have to be an A in every- the top of the whiteboard and asked me, thing to be happy? Do we have to be so hard using an a, b, c grade formulation, to iden- on ourselves?” The scriptures do, of course, tify how each of these superstars performed address happiness, but not in terms of material in the other nine areas. To my great amaze- or academic success or skill or professional ment, I realized that no one got straight As achievements. across the board. Most had significant num- Our doctrine is set forth succinctly in bers of Bs, and many had some Cs. Mosiah 2:41. King Benjamin taught:

clark memorandum 7 I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed that, without comparing ourselves to others, and happy state of those that keep the commandments we should be striving to achieve and would of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, allow us to have the peace I have just both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out described. faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that When the Missionary Department was thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never- working on the new missionary guide, Preach ending happiness. O remember, remember that these My Gospel, we knew that to be successful, things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. missionaries needed to emulate the Savior. We also felt that if missionaries seriously I was impressed a while back by an edito- worked on Christlike attributes, it could rial page article in the Wall Street Journal writ- become a lifelong quest that would supersede ten by Steve Salerno. The title was “The the kind of comparisons I have described. I Happiness Myth.” He remembered asking his respectfully submit that members of the legal dad when he was 13, “Are you happy?” His profession would be blessed if they did not father answered, “Son, a man doesn’t have underestimate their accomplishments and time to think about that. A man just does capabilities. what a man needs doing.” He then recited a second encounter with his father. He said his FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND dad told him, “Life isn’t built around fun. It’s FREEDOM OF RELIGION built around peace of mind.”9 That resonated with me as I read it, because The second concept I want to touch on this one of my favorite scriptures is Doctrine and evening is the constitutional provision that Covenants 59:23: “But learn that he who doeth the United States Congress would “make no the works of righteousness shall receive his law respecting an establishment of religion, reward, even peace in this world, and eternal or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”10 My life in the world to come.” emphasis is religious freedom and the practi- I would suggest a better list to put on the cal participation of people of faith in govern- whiteboard would have been the attributes ment. In speaking of the u.s. Constitution, and teachings of the Savior. That is the list John Adams said, “Our Constitution was

8 clark memorandum made only for a moral and religious people.” 11 ute cards indicating for whom members them that we are neither Catholic nor James Madison, known as the Father of the should vote. We pointed out to them that we Protestant. We are restored New Testament Constitution, added his view that there had have faithful members of the Church in the Christians. We explained to them that if they to be a “sufficient virtue among men for various political parties and used as examples wanted to know how Latter-day Saints live self-government.”12 Thomas Jefferson favored Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and senior their lives, they should look at the Savior’s protection of religion and conscience, but he Republican senator Orrin Hatch. teachings in the New Testament. We attempt also wanted freedom from religion.13 We told them that we always reserve the to emulate Christlike attributes. We were The history of the members of our right as a Church to take specific positions on pleased to report to them our demonstrated Church has caused us to be vigilant on free moral issues. From time to time the Church efforts to help the poor, the sick, and the speech and freedom of religion issues. In our has done this. When the Church does take a needy. Our commitment to fasting and giv- early Church history, the vast majority of our position, it does so in a public and transpar- ing offerings to assist those in need is a mar- members were antislavery.14 This was prior ent manner. The Church does not tell legisla- velous Christian effort. Faithful home and to the Civil War and was a major element— tors how to vote. Legislators and members visiting teachers bless lives in a most remark- along with our religious beliefs—in the hos- are always free to vote their conscience. able, Christlike outreach. tility, the mob violence, and, ultimately, the We then opened the discussions to ques- We pointed to the concluding chapters extermination order issued by Governor tions from them. There were two questions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, where Boggs of Missouri.15 The Prophet Joseph that were asked by almost every editorial the Risen Lord asked His disciples to preach lamented that the u.s. Constitution was not board. The first was: “Why are you so secre- His gospel and feed His sheep. We noted that “broad enough to cover the whole ground” tive?” When we probed on this question, we in this dispensation over a million missionar- and the federal government could not inter- were surprised to find that in virtually every ies have served. We acknowledged that at vene when the state militia expelled the case these highly educated, well-informed some times to some people it feels like the Mormons from Missouri.16 people believed that one had to be invited by missionaries are invading their privacy, but During the past year and a half, the a member of the Church to attend a Latter- we noted that the Savior’s commandment Church has experienced many issues that day Saint meeting. Elder Ballard and I were requires us to preach His gospel. have highlighted the significance of freedom astounded, having both recently been in the In most of the meetings there was a dis- of religion. At the direction of the First Missionary Department, working with the cussion of the Nicene Creed to which we do Presidency, Elder Ballard and I, chairman and 53,000 missionaries trying to get every inves- not adhere because of the revelations received vice chairman, respectively, of the Church tigator to attend Church; we could not by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I would have to Public Affairs Committee, have visited with believe what we were hearing. It soon say that they seemed far more interested in many members of the media as well as leaders became clear that they were all confusing our the fact that we worship the Savior and emu- of other faiths. Let me review some of these temples with our meetinghouses. We were late His teachings than in deep theological visits. In the latter part of 2007 and the early able to explain to them that we have approxi- differences with other Christians. part of 2008, we visited with the editorial mately 20,000 chapels, where meetings are Again, I want to note that we were well boards of 12 newspapers, magazines, and held every Sunday that anyone can attend received and treated with great respect. Of journals. These included several influential without permission. We have 128 operating course, there were numerous other questions newspapers such as the Washington Post, usa temples, which were open to the public that I do not have time to review tonight. In Today, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street before their dedication and where tours were many of these meetings, and particularly in Journal, and the Chicago Tribune. given to explain what occurs in the temple. follow-up conversations, the issue was raised In addition, we visited the editorial Then they are dedicated to the Lord and are by some of the media suggesting that the boards of diverse magazines such as u.s. News closed, because they are sacred—not because Church and its members be more vigorous & World Report, the National Review, and the they are secret. with respect to answering legitimate ques- New Republic. More recently we have met with The vast majority of the media were sur- tions people have about our faith and also in broadcast media. For instance, in January of prised to learn that an unpaid lay leader dealing with some of the bigotry that occurs. this year, we escorted many of the media presided over the ward and branch units. through the new Draper Utah Temple open They were also surprised to find that women ACTIVE PARTICIPANT house. We were interviewed by Dan Harris participate in giving talks and prayers at our OR SILENT OBSERVER? of abc for his Nightline program. Other most sacred meeting, sacrament meeting. equally significant media entities were visited. Turning to the second question that was My concluding and perhaps most important One purpose of the visits was to explain uniformly asked—and remember, some of purpose is to invite you highly educated and to the media the neutrality the Church main- this was during the Romney for President talented individuals to do what the media has tains in partisan politics. We do not support Campaign in the u.s.—“Why do some peo- suggested. Additionally, I would like to chal- political parties or political candidates. We ple take the position that you are not lenge you to contemplate how you can explained to them that we do not allow dis- Christians?” They had in front of them our improve the society in which you live. cussions of political parties or candidates to cards describing us as apostles of The Church Participating in government and asserting be made from our pulpits. We do not distrib- of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We told righteous principles in the public square

10 clark memorandum would be a commendable and much needed how your values and faith intersect, whether you are and what you collectively accomplish goal. Many times your particular talents are it’s how you as a parent engage with your in blessing mankind and building the king- needed to defend our faith. teens, or whether it’s how you find the time dom of God here on earth. What exactly are we asking you to do? to volunteer in good causes. Countless mem- You have my appreciation, respect, and First, you will not speak for the Church itself. bers of the Church are now doing this. One best wishes. Only the First Presidency and those author- example I recently became aware of is called ized from time to time by them will speak for The Daily Scoop. It is written by a Church n o t e s the Church. We are asking you as individuals sister in Las Vegas. This good woman experi- to respond appropriately and in a Christlike enced a tragic loss of a child in her family and 1 Evan R. Chesler, “Kill the Billable Hour,”Forbes 183, no. 1 fashion whenever and wherever it is necessary. began writing her blog to help her get (12 January 2009): 26.

Elder Ballard, speaking at byu–Hawaii through it. People began to notice, and she 2 Dallin H. Oaks, “The Divinely Inspired Constitution,” and byu–Idaho, asked our young students developed a following as she wrote about Ensign, February 1992, 70. to become more involved, particularly with dealing with adversity. Often she doesn’t 3 See J. Reuben Clark Jr., “Constitutional Government: 17 respect to the Internet. The emergence of mention the Church at all, but sometimes she Our Birthright Threatened,” Vital Speeches of the Day the Internet has generated countless world- does. For instance, she posted comments 5, no.6 (1 January 1939): 177. wide conversations on a huge range of sub- from a talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 4 The Declaration of Independence, United States of jects, including religion. As we all know, at the last general conference on meeting America. many Internet conversations are about the adversity. Some of the responses from non- 5 Haven B. Gow, “What the Authors of the Declaration Church. We see them on blogs, in readers’ members are impressive as they relate to her of Independence Really Meant,” Liberty: A Magazine of letters to online publications, in YouTube circumstances. For some it may have been Religious Freedom 72, no. 2 (March–April 1977): 13. videos, and in a variety of other formats. their first encounter with a Latter-day Saint. 6 Chen Weihua, “Finding the Right Path to Happiness These conversations go on whether or not we She comes across as real, thoughtful, intelli- for All,” China Daily, Beijing, China, 10 November 2007. choose to participate in them. gent, and dealing with the same problems 7 F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New York: Most people, even in America, are uncer- that many others face, but in a remarkable E. P. Dutton, 1902), 522. tain what to make of Latter-day Saints. If way that allows gospel values to shine. 8 Arthur C. Brooks, “Money-Happiness Link Often they know a Latter-day Saint personally, they As people sense the common ground Misunderstood,” Deseret News, 29 June 2008, g3; often have a good impression. But they also they share with you and engage in conversa- emphasis added. hear harsh or mean-spirited criticisms or tions intelligently, they will relate to your val- 9 Steve Salerno, “The Happiness Myth,” Wall Street Journal, accusations against the Church. By training, ues. I’m well aware that part of the Internet is 20 December 2007, a17. experience, and judgment, you are among occupied by people who like to abuse and 10 u.s. Constitution. First Amendment. the Church’s most articulate and thoughtful scream at each other rather than discuss 11 In John R. Howe, Jr., The Changing Political Thought of members. So what is your responsibility dur- things or, as the Atlantic Monthly recently John Adams (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University ing this period of unusual public attention reported, who seem to fit somewhere Press, 1966), 185; quoted in Ezra Taft Benson, The and debate? As Elder Ballard asked a byu between bigotry and stupidity.19 It’s not all Co nstitution—A Heavenly Banner, byu devotional address, Marriott School of Management Society like that. Those sites attract their own follow- 16 September 1986. audience last year in Washington: “Are you ers, but you can rise above that by reading 12 Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, The going to be an active participant or only a and commenting on the more thoughtful Federalist, no. 55. silent observer?” sites and engaging in more respectful dia- 13 See Gordon Smith, “Protecting the Weak: Religious Elder Ballard went on to say: “Church logue, sharing your values, and speaking out Liberty in the Twenty-First Century,” Brigham Young leaders must not be reluctant to participate in for the Church when required. University Law Review, 1999, 479–502. public discussion. Where appropriate, we Many of you are not involved in the 14 See James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard, The Story of will engage with the media whether it’s the Internet, but the principles for being engaged the Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed., rev. and enl. (Salt Lake traditional, mainstream media or the new in traditional media are similar. As you partic- City: Deseret Book, 1992), 81–93, 104–10, 120–30. media of the Internet. But Church leaders ipate, regardless of the media involved, 15 See Leonard J. Arrington and Davis Bitton, The Mormon can’t do it all, especially at the grass-roots remember who you are. You are Latter-day Experience: A History of the Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed. community level. While we do speak author- Saints. Where possible, be peacemakers. (Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 1992), 50–51. itatively for the Church, we look to our Explain your beliefs in gentle, loving terms. 16 History of the Church, 6:57. responsible and faithful members to engage Be wise, thoughtful, considerate, and friendly. 17 See M. Russell Ballard, “Using New Media to Support personally with blogs, to write thoughtful, I am grateful that we have reached the the Work of the Church,” byu–Hawaii commence- online letters to news organizations, and to point where there are thousands of faithful ment, 15 December 2007, and “Making Your Influence act in other ways to correct the record with Latter-day Saint lawyers across the world. The Felt,” byu–Idaho commencement, 11 April 2008. their own opinions.”18 dream of Church leaders when the J. Reuben 18 M. Russell Ballard, address to the byu Management Neither is it always about correcting Clark Law School and this Law Society were Society, Washington, d.c., 19 April 2008. information. Sometimes it’s as simple as shar- established is being fulfilled. I am not sure 19 See James Warren, Dispatch, “When No News Is Bad ing your personal life experiences to show you can fully comprehend how significant News,” Atlantic Monthly, 21 January 2009.

clark memorandum 11