Abstinent Mormon farmers grow barley for beer

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Abstinent Mormon farmers grow barley for beer
Posted: Sep 08, 2010 2:10 AM CDT
Updated: Sep 08, 2010 2:31 AM CDT

By JOHN MILLER
Associated Press Writer

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo might seem like an unlikely person to be pushing a bill to cut federal taxes on small beer-makers: A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he abstains from alcohol.

But Crapo's effort, with senators from Oregon, Massachusetts and Maine, illustrates the deep bond between Idaho Mormons and the beer industry.

Mormon farmers raise barley for Budweiser and Negra Modelo beers, and last year, Mormons in the Idaho Legislature helped kill a plan to raise beer and wine taxes to fund drug treatment, fearing it could hurt farmers.

Crapo touted the tax cut for brewers during a recent appearance at the Portneuf Valley Brewing Co. in Pocatello and said his position is simple: He won't impose his own religious beliefs on others, especially when it could affect a growing industry.



Read more: http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=13115786

[Downwinder]

1. They also raise horses for racing, but don't gamble. n/t

[JDPriestly]

4. Farmers who love horses.

My grandfather loved horses but in his later years did not, of course, use them in farming. He took in retired race horses -- just for love of the animals. Horses -- the smell -- the personalities -- the beauty of their forms and movement -- gotta love em. Horses are just wonderful. I wish so much that I could have spent more time with horses during my life thus far.

[pipoman]

10. I like horses as long as someone else owns them

they are huge eaters. The last horse we had here, I figured out cost us $45 per hour to ride, not including the value of the time needed to care for her.

[JDPriestly]

13. My grandfather had lots of pasture land.

[Radical Activist]

2. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon.

[customerserviceguy]

7. What if they're one and the same?

For many religious people, the religion is only a cover to get people to do business with them.

[JDPriestly]

3. Can't stand beer, but there is something wonderful about this story!

[formercia]

5. Beer and cigarettes

Two commodities there will always be a demand for. It's what keeps a lot of Mom & Pop convenience stores in business.

[customerserviceguy]

6. That's true for Mormon-owned supermarket chains in the West, too

They're always willing to make a buck, no matter from what. I remember seeing the squawking over on the freeper board when Mittens was running for the Repig nomination, the fundies were upset with the Marriott chain (run by a devout Mormon) selling soft core porn channels on TV's in the motels.

[formercia]

8. Then there's Las Vegas

established right in the heart of Mormon country. They made a fair buck on that deal too.

[johnnyplankton]

9. AT LEAST THEY WON'T DRINK UP ALL THE PROFITS!

Did you ever read a pot dealer's accounting books? Doritos are listed as a huge expense!

[Book Lover]

11. Of course, no Mormon ever, ever, ever drank coffee or liquor

And no Catholic ever ate meat on a Lenten Friday, nor any Muslim or Jew ever ate ham. Ever. It's a religious dictate, and so no adherent of any religion ever went against any of them. Sin simply doesn't exist.

[arbusto_baboso]

12. Ahhh, Mormon hypocrisy at its finest!

And I bet these mormon farmers still look down their noses at the "Gentiles" who drink the beer that is lining their fucking pockets!