Saw an agave in the backyard a couple days ago and became inspired by the long shadow it was casting.
Daily Whip Out: "Agave Double Vision"
And, speaking of groovy succulents on our property.
Jail Time On The Old Triple B Ranch
The Primeval Set Up
"This is America...1857," reads a summary of the new hit show American Primeval. "Up is down, pain is everywhere, innocence and tranquillity are losing the battle to hatred and fear. Peace is the shrinking minority, and very few possess grace—even fewer know compassion."
"There is no safe haven in these brutal lands, and only one goal matters: survival. American Primeval is a fictionalized dramatization and examination of the violent collision of culture, religion, and community as men and women fight and die to keep or control this land."
The Netflix hit—American Primeval—focuses on the Utah War of 1857 and the tragic and horrific massacre at Mountain Meadows. The Mormon forces involved in that incident are portrayed harshly as is the Mormon president, Brigham Young, who is portrayed as an oily, villain in the Snidely Whiplash tradition.
Here is how the LDS church responded
"Brigham Young, a revered prophet and courageous pioneer, is, by any historical standard, egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic. Other individuals and groups are also depicted in ways that reinforce stereotypes that are both inaccurate and harmful.
"As to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which the series inaccurately portrays as reflective of a whole faith group, the church has long acknowledged and condemned this horrific tragedy. It has also taken significant steps to uncover and share the full truth of what happened and promote healing.
"The problem with such deceptive, graphic and sensationalized storytelling is that it not only obscures reality and hinders genuine understanding, but can foster animosity, hate and even violence. This is particularly troubling today when peacemakers are needed more than ever."
"Brigham Young, a revered prophet and courageous pioneer, is, by any historical standard, egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic. Other individuals and groups are also depicted in ways that reinforce stereotypes that are both inaccurate and harmful.
"As to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which the series inaccurately portrays as reflective of a whole faith group, the church has long acknowledged and condemned this horrific tragedy. It has also taken significant steps to uncover and share the full truth of what happened and promote healing.
"The problem with such deceptive, graphic and sensationalized storytelling is that it not only obscures reality and hinders genuine understanding, but can foster animosity, hate and even violence. This is particularly troubling today when peacemakers are needed more than ever."
I could not agree more. And, to their main point, the LDS church has acknowledged the horrific tragedy at Mountain Meadows and has shared the full truth of what happened. I also agree that Brigham Young was portrayed as a cartoonish, evil villain.
Still, we at True West want to give the true backstory of the history, events and characters the show is based on.
I have extended family members who are Mormon and while this discussion may pain them, I do believe that true understanding can lead to healing. In fact, it's the only way we can heal. Recently, I read about our current imbroglio and it echoed the dilemma of America in 1857: "We are caught between the ruins of one world and the unknown shape of the next."
Yes, we need peacekeepers who promote healing more than ever. Maybe understanding what actually happened in that remote area of Utah in 1857 will help with that healing. Let's hope so. We could all use some healing grace.
"The only thing new in this world is the history you don't know."
—Harry Truman
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