What's in a name?

There has been recent chatter on some blogs I happen to read concerning which school qualifies to be called the Lord's university. It seems to me the issue really has little to do with who has attended which school. It clearly has nothing to do with athletic prowess in any particular sport.

Both schools were established under the direction of a prophet of God. Both schools employ faithful members of the Church among faculty and staff. Both schools enroll faithful members of the Church as students. Both schools boast talented, faithful, distinguished alumni. And both schools have areas of academic excellence that are worthy of serious institutions of higher learning.

And, unfortunately, both schools have their share of those among students and alumni who bring discredit to their institutions and tarnish the good reputation each enjoys.

But only one of the schools is sponsored by the Church. Only one of the schools receives any of its financial support from tithing funds. Only one of the schools has prophets and apostles serving as its board of education. And only one of the schools has a currently serving General Authority as its president.

Hmm. Perhaps only one of the schools qualifies for the title.

A historic moment

A historic moment for our country. Last night enough of my fellow Americans (including some of my children) voted for Barack Obama to make him the first African American president of the United States. We've come a long way since the civil rights struggles I remember from the 1960s. And that is good. Very good. I had no problems with Obama's race but had grave concerns about his liberal record and promises. But now, or at least on inaugural day in January, he is our president, and I pray for him and all the other leaders elected yesterday.

Of course, had John McCain won instead, we would have had our first female vice-president, Sarah Palin. I thought she was the best thing about the Republican ticket. But that was not to be. She goes back to serve as governor of Alaska. Perhaps we will hear more of her in the future.

By nine o'clock Mountain time the race had been decided, and Senator McCain gave an impressive concession speech that was full of class and reconciliation. Too bad many of his supporters who were gathered there in Phoenix did not have similar levels of class.

Is this a great country or what?