so silly what Mormons consider persecution garments are considered magical protection from evil. the whole temple stuff is about secret magic rituals handshacks and doctrines which are not a of part of christainity Mormons claim persecution to keep people from knowing the truth of what they really believe

I am not a Mormon, but I find it highly offensive that in thie country of religious freedom and supposed mutual tolerance, this reporter found it acceptable to single out a religion and belittle it through such a slur. This wouldn't be acceptable if it were directed toward a particular race or ethnicity and it certainly shouldn't be tolerated toward the religious beliefs of any of us as American citizens. It is dissapointing that in this election cycle, it seems to be perfectly tolerated for bigotry to run rampant through the narrative advanced by reporters, pundits and others in regards to each of the political candidates. I think as a nation we are better than that and this is truly dissapointing.

The Mormon garment can also be compared to priestly vestiments and robes, clerical collars, and other symbols worn by clerics as reminders to the world that they have made promises to serve the Lord and their congrations. Mormons wear their reminders on the inside, hence the undergarments. A comparison can also be made to the rosary, which Catholics use as a reminder for specific prayers. We should have respect for all faiths--even those with which we do not agree.

I'm a mormon. I accept his apology. Let's move on...

Every religion has symbols: crosses, stars, beads, sashes, robes, wraps, the list is nearly endless. If not understood, those symbols are meaningless; understood, they represent a virtue close to the wearer. I suggest that we learn about the wearer's virtue before we critic his symbols. To speak otherwise is to expose one's ignorance and miss a great learning opportunity. -Steve, UT

Hopefully we will all come to the table as responsible parents/adults and remember that respect is what we would all hope for. I'm afraid that my experience has taught me that most, not all, but most columnists take liscense with their words, they somehow tend toward the low road and say things they would never want there children to repeat. They seem to feel they are in a different catagory, not responsible, just attack the keyboad and let it fly, what ever brings attention to their comments. Some would say low self esteem is at the core, I would tend to agree. If they knew who they are, and had a sense of value, they would never consider many of the comments they make. Hopefully this comumnist will come to that understanding at some point in his life and regret the many rude words he has slung out into the world. He may even have a change of heart at some point, and find himself making right all the wrongs he has committed. Just think what a great turn around that could be, he could develope self respect and be an example for good..... for his children.......who are watching.

I don't care about his underwear. I care about Mitt Romney's cut-throat Bain Capital and his wife Anne driving two cadillacs. I don't like the idea of Romney using his money to quash his opponents. Mitt Romney is fake. We'll be crazy to send Mr. Wall Street to the White House.

Come on, guys. We're talking about underwear here. They're not magical; who claims that they are? Wouldn't it be kind of odd to say stick this in your jockey's from one guy to another? It's underwear, dude. Fixate elsewhere.

Apologized does not mean nothing... when you offend God first., If you are a good American Citizen you don't talk without thinking or post any comments without knowloge. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm ????... I won't read the New York Times anymore. Wonder are you still working there ?... Hart to believe !! People without integrity ! SHAME ON YOU !!!!!!!!!

I'm a single parent and I'm a Mormon and I wear my Temple garments. I'm sure the columnist just got caught up in his desire to distance himself from Mitt the conservative more that Mitt the Mormon. I'm sure he's doing a super job as a single father but the fact still stands (and has been proven over and over) that kids do much better in a two-parent household. As a single parent I don't feel offended by that fact nor do I feel that Mitt was saying that I have somehow failed as a parent. The writer's attempt to explain that 'no' these aren't magic underwear was not bad, at least he tried - The Temple garments we as Mormons wear are sacred and a symbol of the covenants we have made with Jesus Christ just as the Jewish Yarmulkes and Tzitzit are sacred and a symbol of they covenants they have made with God.