Mormon had custom long before the draft

It was distressing to see Gary Trudeau’s (Doonesbury) mockery of Gov. Mitt Romney’s religion. I lived 20 years as a Lutheran among the Saints and I found that though they did not believe as I did, they always respected my right to exercise my faith as I thought proper and were friendly and good neighbors.

I was asked if I would like to hear about their religion and I did. When they had explained their tenets, I politely declined. They went their way and I was never bothered or my decision questioned.

The one thing I always felt was the respect they had for me and my family. I know, also, that many of other faiths were exempt from the draft while carrying out missionary duties. The LDS Church custom of asking their members to take missionary assignments after completing their secondary education predates the establishment of the draft.

Shame on you, Mr. Trudeau.