Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Trump's Inauguration

[Watchmen]

What are your thoughts about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing at Trump's inauguration? I suspect those who supported trump will support the choir and those who do not like Trump will question the Mormon Church's decision to send what is, perhaps, its best ambassador (the choir) to the inauguration. The choir also performed for Reagan and both H.W. Bush and W. Bush.

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

What are your thoughts about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing at Trump's inauguration? I suspect those who supported trump will support the choir and those who do not like Trump will question the Mormon Church's decision to send what is, perhaps, its best ambassador (the choir) to the inauguration. The choir also performed for Reagan and both H.W. Bush and W. Bush.

Does the MTC have a tradition of performing at Presidential inaugurations?

 

[Katzpur]

Does the MTC have a tradition of performing at Presidential inaugurations?

Over the past 30 years or so, yes.

 

[Katzpur]

What are your thoughts about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing at Trump's inauguration? I suspect those who supported trump will support the choir and those who do not like Trump will question the Mormon Church's decision to send what is, perhaps, its best ambassador (the choir) to the inauguration. The choir also performed for Reagan and both H.W. Bush and W. Bush.

I don't know if you saw the statement the Church issued on the subject, but here it is:

“The choir’s participation continues its long tradition of performing for U.S. presidents of both parties at inaugurations and in other settings, and is not an implied support of party affiliations or politics. It is a demonstration of our support for freedom, civility and the peaceful transition of power.”

I suspect that whichever candidate had won the election, had he/she asked the Choir to perform, the invitation would have been accepted. I definitely don't think the Choir's acceptance of the invitation means, "We love you, Donald! Almost as much as you love yourself!" I was personally very, very disappointed that Trump won, whereas I would have only been very disappointed had Clinton won. I can't stand either of them, but I love good music.

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

Over the past 30 years or so, yes.

Thought it might be something like that, thanks.

 

[Brickjectivity]

What are your thoughts about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing at Trump's inauguration? I suspect those who supported trump will support the choir and those who do not like Trump will question the Mormon Church's decision to send what is, perhaps, its best ambassador (the choir) to the inauguration. The choir also performed for Reagan and both H.W. Bush and W. Bush.

Its probably a smart move considering that Mitt R. who is publicly known as a Mormon went publicly against the president elect, perhaps causing some resentment not merely against himself but against people like himself. That could cause Mormons trouble over the next four years, so having their choir show up for the inauguration is adviseable. This may not really matter, but it doesn't hurt to be careful and wave the "We aren't haters" flag.

 

[Watchmen]

I don't know if you saw the statement the Church issued on the subject, but here it is:

“The choir’s participation continues its long tradition of performing for U.S. presidents of both parties at inaugurations and in other settings, and is not an implied support of party affiliations or politics. It is a demonstration of our support for freedom, civility and the peaceful transition of power.”

I suspect that whichever candidate had won the election, had he/she asked the Choir to perform, the invitation would have been accepted. I definitely don't think the Choir's acceptance of the invitation means, "We love you, Donald! Almost as much as you love yourself!" I was personally very, very disappointed that Trump won, whereas I would have only been very disappointed had Clinton won. I can't stand either of them, but I love good music.

When has a democrat ever asked the choir to sing at the inauguration?

 

[Katzpur]

When has a democrat ever asked the choir to sing at the inauguration?

Never, as far as I know, but it's certainly not as if one couldn't.

 

[Watchmen]

Never, as far as I know, but it's certainly not as if one couldn't.

Of course they could. I just doubt they would (and they haven't). They'd probably rather have Kanye and Beyoncé. Which is fine. To each his own.

 

[GoodbyeDave]

When has a democrat ever asked the choir to sing at the inauguration?

Johnson invited them. I see Trump has also asked the Rockettes (more his style?) and they've allowed any member who objects to opt out.. I wonder if the MTQ will do the same?

 

[Katzpur]

Johnson invited them. I see Trump has also asked the Rockettes (more his style?) and they've allowed any member who objects to opt out.. I wonder if the MTQ will do the same?

I believe they already have. Choir members must be present for a certain percentage of their performances (not sure sure what percentage, but it's something like 90%). I'm sure some will opt out, but with 360 voices, there'd have to be quite a few who didn't want to participate in order for the quality to be at all diminished.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

What are your thoughts about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing at Trump's inauguration? I suspect those who supported trump will support the choir and those who do not like Trump will question the Mormon Church's decision to send what is, perhaps, its best ambassador (the choir) to the inauguration. The choir also performed for Reagan and both H.W. Bush and W. Bush.

I think it sends a signal of support for Trump, despite the choir's claims to the contrary.

Whether you see this as good or bad probably depends on how you see Trump... and religious organizations endorsing politicians.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Of course they could. I just doubt they would (and they haven't). They'd probably rather have Kanye and Beyoncé. Which is fine. To each his own.

The difference, of course, is that when Kanye or Beyonce perform, their performance isn't an official act of an arm of a church.

 

[Katzpur]

I think it sends a signal of support for Trump, despite the choir's claims to the contrary.

Whether you see this as good or bad probably depends on how you see Trump... and religious organizations endorsing politicians.

Well, as I already said, if Clinton had won and asked them to sing at her inauguration, they'd have almost certainly accepted. And I guess that would be a signal of support for Clinton. The bottom line, IMO, is that Mormons tend to do their best to support their nation's leaders, even if they don't always agree with them. And I find that commendable, to be perfectly honest.

Also, you kind of have to keep in mind that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is not one person supporting another person. It's 360 individuals, some of whom (God knows for what reason) probably think Trump is the answer to the world's problems. If "the Church" had declined the invitation, some of the Choir's members would probably think, "Hey, nobody asked me! Don't I get a voice in this?" And that brings up an interesting scenario... I wonder why they didn't actually take a vote and let the Choir members decide. The results of such a vote would have been pretty interesting.

 

[psychoslice]

Good on ya Trump, he's the man.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Well, as I already said, if Clinton had won and asked them to sing at her inauguration, they'd have almost certainly accepted. And I guess that would be a signal of support for Clinton. The bottom line, IMO, is that Mormons tend to do their best to support their nation's leaders, even if they don't always agree with them. And I find that commendable, to be perfectly honest.

In this case, though, we aren't talking about individual Mormons giving political support; we're talking about the LDS Church itself giving the support. I think that crosses a line.

Also, you kind of have to keep in mind that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is not one person supporting another person. It's 360 individuals, some of whom (God knows for what reason) probably think Trump is the answer to the world's problems. If "the Church" had declined the invitation, some of the Choir's members would probably think, "Hey, nobody asked me! Don't I get a voice in this?" And that brings up an interesting scenario... I wonder why they didn't actually take a vote and let the Choir members decide. The results of such a vote would have been pretty interesting.

I don't have an issue with any of them choosing to perform as individuals, or with the ones who support Trump forming their own group outside of the LDS Church and performing in the name of that group.

 

[Revoltingest]

I just can't stop seeing "Mormon Tab & Apple Choir" when I see the thread's title.
Anyway, everyone will do what they want....sing or not sing for the coronation.

 

[Katzpur]

In this case, though, we aren't talking about individual Mormons giving political support; we're talking about the LDS Church itself giving the support. I think that crosses a line.

Well, to each his own.

 

[Scott C.]

I think it sends a signal of support for Trump, despite the choir's claims to the contrary.

Whether you see this as good or bad probably depends on how you see Trump... and religious organizations endorsing politicians.

This issue is very simple and very clear to me. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir would sing at the inauguration of any U.S. President from any party. It's the patriotic thing to do and in no way endorses a party, a candidate, or policies. On the other hand, a refusal to participate would absolutely signal a political view. Participation is politically neutral. Refusal to participate is not neutral.

 

[Katzpur]

Participation is politically neutral. Refusal to participate is not neutral.

Absolutely. I wish I'd thought to put it that way.