It's part and parcel about being a member of the "only true church" that folks wouldn't feel being a real member of without that much vaunted feeling of persecution. But then, that's true for ALL religions.

The answer may actually be answered by Mr. Farkas in the referenced article: "Those that point to religion as the only reason for the persecution of the Mormons ignore the peaceful existence with their neighbors of the Harmonists in Pennsylvania and Indiana, the Shakers, the Wallingford Community in Connecticut and the Oneida Community in New York. Both of these last two practiced free love. Yet none of these received persecution to the degree experienced by the Mormons. For many Mormons, without their even being aware of it, persecution has reached the status of a myth. Frequently the accusation of persecution is given emotionally, but with little or no factual basis. It is all emotion and frequently used as a response to any information that is con-Mormon (as in pro and con), whether it is really persecution or not. They are quick to claim persecution in the present day, but fail to consider: 1) The bad things their own scriptures say about non-Mormons and the Bible (1 Nephi 14:10 and 13:26-29 in the Book of Mormon; Joseph Smith - History 1:18-20 in the Pearl of Great Price. These scriptures are distributed by the millions every year.) 2) The bad things past Mormon leaders have said about non-Mormons and the Bible (Rays of Living Light - Divine Authority by C. W. Penrose, page 1; and Rays of Living Light - Apostasy, by C. W. Penrose, page 3; published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no date given; Journal of Discourses, 16:175-176, by Apostle Orson Pratt; Mormon Doctrine, 1958 edition, by Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, page 314-315; The Seer by Orson Pratt, page 205, 255.) These same Mormons fail to consider that the Bible in Jude 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:7-9, 4:2; Ephesians 6:19-20 and Hebrews 5:14 says all mature Christians should present and defend their faith in Jesus Christ. We have the Apostle Paul's examples in Acts 17:1-2, 17, 22, 18:4. There is more on this subject under "Why Do We Oppose Mormonism?" which can be linked to off our home page (http://www.bcmmin.org/whydoit.html). They fail to consider that some of the problems they call persecution were/are from the Lord because of the disobedience and transgressions of the "Saints" (Doctrine & Covenants 101:2-7; 103:1-4; 105:2-6)." This is a really thought provoking article - I highly recommend it to Latter Day Saint and non-LDS alike! And to summarize and conclude, this quote from "Mormon America" (not considered a polemic or "Anti-Mormon" book by either camp) sums it up nicely: "The thin-skinned and image-conscious Mormon can display immature, isolationist, and defensive reactions to outsiders, perhaps because there is no substantive debate and no "loyal opposition" within their kingdom. With some, it almost seems that the wilderness is still untamed, the federal "polyg" police are on the prowl, and the Illinois lynch mob is still oiling muskets and preparing to raid Carthage Jail. All too often Saints use the label "anti-Mormon" as a tactic to forestall serious discussion." ("Mormon America: The Power and the Promise (2007 Edition)"; Richard N. and Joan K. Ostling; p. 115)

its easier to see how others have harmed you then it is to see how others have been harmed by others something to do with the personal nature of it, just like how its easier for black people to see discrimination against black people then it is for white people to see discrimination against black people.

Note that that blindness occurs on both sides. And it does because the wrongs we suffer have much greater immediacy for us (all human beings) than those we inflict. But the devil does love contention and discord, and will foster it whenever, wherever and however he can.

Are there particular sins you are accusing LdS of, or is this question just "in general"? The stories of persecution against the LdS back east that I'm familiar with tend to portray the actions as being from the community at large (sometimes with government support), with just a few specific non-LdS heroes standing up for LdS rights. Most stories of actions against the Gentiles that I know portray the offending parties as being rogue bands of LdS acting without Church sponsorship. I'm 7th generation LdS. I've lived in a state with a large LdS population and a state where LdS are a small minority. Is it any wonder that the versions of the stories I know tend to portray the Church in the best light possible?

My Answer- People don't like to admit they are wrong in general, much less that they've sinned. It is important though, because without recognition of sins and mistakes how can we ever repent and improve? - My slightly related rant- I don't think sin is ever a collective thing. I think it's very much individual. Sure we both may be part of a mob to drive out the Mormons. Or we may both be party to the massacre on Mountain Meadows. But perhaps I want to drive out the Mormons cause I know they'll leave behind land and valuables I can claim, and you are just trying to protect your family and your home from people you think are raising an army for conquest. Or maybe you sincerly believe that the people on Mountain Meadows is yet another mob to drive you out of your home and I just want to take out my anger and frustrations on someone it doesn't really matter who. - The actions may be collective but the sins are definately individual, because the intent of the heart is differant for each person. - More importantly I do not believe sin transfers by lineage or assosciation. America once permitted slavery that doesn't make American's slave masters. My ancestors were part of the mob that killed Joseph Smith, that's nothing for me to be ashamed of, I wasn't there to stop them or help them it had nothing to do with me. It is not my sin. I also had ancestors among the Mormons driven out of Missouri and Illinois, but I've never been driven out of anywhere. I was not sinned against.