Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Tommy’s Big Move


LDS Prophet and Mega-Corporate-Sole President Thomas S Monson is aged.  Rumors abound that he may suffer from severe health limitations in his capacity as "prophet".  He may even be convalescing in his many residences—by my count now standing at 4 addresses.

That’s a lot of property for a man whose 60-year career spent most of its time, since his 30th birthday, employed as a "clergy" of the LDS Church (starting as a mission president). The four residences total in value just under $2 million by most recent assessments.  Most of you already know about his primary home in Salt Lake City at  4125 S Carter Cir, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. (Parcel 22-04-202-080-0000).   Many know about his latest vacation home at 140 W Farm Rd. Midway, UT 84049.  (Parcel 00-0001-3776 ).     And his old family property up Provo Canyon at 6742 North Fairfax Dr   (Parcel 540370053007 ). 
However, as most do not know, the LDS Church apparently also granted Tommy a condo worth upwards of $600K at Gateway Condos, on 40 North State Street in Salt Lake. Now, he doesn't outright own this penthouse, but he's lived there for many years rent free and does as he wishes there. The condo complex is actually a downtown Salt Lake 8-floor building, with well-to-do penthouses on the top level.  Four condos sit atop the tower, in 8-A, 8-B, 8-C and 8-D.  Three of these apartments are owned by Property Reserve Inc. (PRI)—the main property arm of LDS Inc.  These include 8-A, 8-B & 8-D.Interestingly, condo 8-C is listed as owned by the Corporation of the Presiding Bishopric, and is the most valuable, at nearly $600K. ( Parcel 09-31-385-057-0000 )

My contact in the Utah market that often gives me good property information (going under the online moniker "Bite Me") tells me that unit 8-C is officially listed as over 8,190 sq.ft., but that includes other areas owned in the building that constitute a part of unit 8-C.  It's real square footage should be similar to the other "C" unit on the 7th floor, probably somewhere around 2,500 sq.ft.  Units at the Gateway Condos complex are difficult to buy, rarely hitting the market.  Property Reserve Inc. seems to have a first right of refusal on everything.  Perhaps that is so they can keep "undesirables" out, similar to how it works at a co-op board in NYC.

The 40 N State St property is a secured building. Access is very controlled and any real estate showings of 'For Sale' units are strictly by private showing. Besides PRI and the Corp of the Presiding Bishopric as church owners, additional entities that appear owned by the church include: Deseret Development Holding Company, LLC., and also Deseret Title Holding Company.
The Gateway Condos are managed under the Utah Properties Management Association (UPMA), formerly known as Zion Securities and affiliated with the many-armed LDS “Reserve Inc.”  companies.   There’s more to UPMA going on right now that might interest my readers.

In his nearly 51 years as an apostle, Tommy has spent a lot of hours at the Church Office Building (COB).  It’s now an aged building at 42 years old, and rumor has it, Tommy’s developed Big Plans to move to a new office before he goes.  UPMA is making plans for the Church to construct an even bigger church office building at the corner of 100 S and Main, right next to the newly announced and
upcoming “Crown Jewel” Performing Arts Center (est. 2016 completion).    This new version COB-2 will sit across 100 S from City Creek Center, and rumor has it, should be much larger than COB-1, with Goldman Sachs as an anchor tenant.  (however, Goldman Sachs has a long term lease at 222 S Main which may be hard to break.)  It should be luxurious and pricey, just like City Creek Center, with underground access for those officious church leaders working the $60-billion corporation of the LDS empire.
Despite all the excess cash and momentous building of the LDS kingdom, Tommy’s big move, however, might hit a roadblock from across the dark pond, because Tom has made a move. (dark pond could just mean a metaphor for death, folks)  News coming...  The question is, how aged is Tommy and will he use his age-limitations to squirm out of storms on the horizon?  I know some of my friends have read my (unpublished) novel, and one of the victims shed some very little light on events like the ones we are seeing unfold.  I think before the performing arts center is even framed, you will be entertained.

This ain't some old school church. This is the new Mega-Church Office!

Postscript:  The delay in the latest Topic Essay addressing the ~13 issues the church wants to address is rumor from an insider of the Church History dept who says, “They [the  Topic essays] were scheduled to be released every two weeks through March. However, they typically try post them as quickly as they get the green light from the Quorum. It could be as simple as the Quorum being busy with other things. I dunno. But rest assured, nobody involved were thinking these would be the 'silver bullet' to those who have already gone down the rabbit-hole. The best explanation for these articles is on the comments of the recent 'Mormon Matters' podcast episode which dealt with the Book of Mormon translation article.”

Now I ask, what could be diverting the Quorum from green lighting these essays, which are clearly in que to post on the Topic website?  Something has their attention, and it isn't this pressing matter of members' concerns.  Could it be building better church offices?  Could it be sinking tithing?  Could it be Monson's health?  Could it be across the pond?  Well...we shall see.

51 comments:

  1. Just another senseless and angry attack on God's prophet. He's an author who's earned his income honestly. You're an ass.

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    1. Hey you exmo-ass dimwit. Check out deseret book and you'll see that Thomas S Monson is listed as author on over a dozen books. As a prophet and with as much limelight it brings, that equals a hefty salary as a writer.

      http://deseretbook.com/search/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=thomas+S+monson#q=thomas%20S%20monson&page=1&sort=score&facets=category:1

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    2. Yes, Mr./Ms. "I need my mouth washed out with soap"... He did publish works - While being paid a HEFTY salary as a member of the elite 15 top executives of the LDS Corporation. Get a life!

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    3. I take it you've never heard of ghostwriting? I bet you believe the 15 even write their own talks for conference? There, there. *chuckle*. It's okay.

      -JK

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    4. Ghostwriting? That's not dishonest! If the GAs use ghostwriters and earn a living while paying those writers, so what~!!? They still earn an honest living and are not stealing from the church. You pieces of sh*t are constantly trying to make a mole hill into a mountain.

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    5. So you're fine with a prophet putting his name on a religious work that originated from someone else? Seems like he's selling his position for money. I wonder if he'll include signs and tokens with that.

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    6. Just because they are ghostwriters does not mean that they weren't speaking to Monson and putting his words into a book. The books does not mean it is the church works it clearly is written by a church authority. However, it isn't officially, from the church, because it isn't put out as offical doctrine. In other words it isn't, "official," church materials. Monson is doing what just about every church official does, and that is write books. It happens in all religions, and in fact David T. is working his way towards making money off of the church in his own twisted way by writing his slanted story about the church!

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    7. Yeah, if they'd refund my tithing I'd stop being an "anti-Mormon" (aka truth-teller) immediately. Until that happens, f*** TSCC.

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    8. You know what cracks me up about you antis? You don't even get the subtle meanng of your own arguments. Ghostwriting--EVERY book by the prophet, whether written by another individual or not is written by a ghost. The Holy Ghost is what gave every one of them their words. He doesn't earn a dime. That's as pure as it gets! Lamos.

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    9. Oh, I doubt you'll get anything from your book...that is IF you can find someone to publish it. However, I do think that is your hope. You can be sarcastic about it, but the truth is you are seeking your own fame and fortune.

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    10. " you are seeking your own fame and fortune "

      OMG, how horrible of a blogger to seek fame and fortune. I mean, he did say he's only doing this because he was called of god and he's a righteous man and he's not after riches. Oh, wait, I got confused, that's what the LDS profits say. Never mind. On your way, David.

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    11. If one is using a ghostwriter, then they are not an "author" - the ghostwriter is. If you have a name, gotten through ordination to a high office of the Church, and enter into agreement to publish works using this position of authority to bolster your sales, is called priestcraft.

      The difference with David is that a) he's actually written a story, that he (b) admits is fiction, and (c) is not using ecclesiastical authority (priestcraft) or position in the church to sell. He has earned a name for himself, which works in his favor, but this is by virtue of the hours and risks he has taken personally to do actual work.

      -JK

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  2. the point is that his only income... from not supposedly receiving a 'wage' from the church is his employment by 'the church' ... so if anyone thinks the leaders of the church do not get paid .. THEY DO GET PAID.

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  3. "News coming... The question is, how aged is Tommy and will he use his age-limitations to squirm out of storms on the horizon? I know some of my friends have read my (unpublished) novel, and one of the victims shed some very little light on events like the ones we are seeing unfold."

    I'm confused about this part and don't really understand what you are saying.... can you help me figure out what you are trying to say?

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  4. My daughter has a friend who's mom is one of Tommy's home health care nurses. I think the only move he's going to be making is to an assisted living facility

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  5. Yes. :) The old-town Albuquerque cathedral is a home-grown humble place of worship. In contrast, the COB-1 & soon COB-2 are far from it.

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  6. If God calls a man without money, like Peter the fisherman, to preach and run his church, then he must rely on the charity of others to live. Ghostwriting, members buying books, etc... That's all part of it. Also, Moses had his Aaron to speak for him. Why can't leaders have trained writers write for them? Silly arguments!

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    1. But at what point, i.e. house-s, do you stop "rely[ing] on the charity of others to live"? Once you own a house, should you start donating that "charity" to others in need? Or should you keep accepting "charity" until you have a second house? Or maybe until you have a fourth house. Didn't Peter, the fisherman, have, like 9 houses? I think I read that in Acts somewhere.

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    2. Next you're going to tell me that Jesus had vacation homes and his apostles lived like Kings. It never ceases to amaze that people fail to see the hypocrisy that is as plain as as day. A church that teaches it's members to pay tithing before all other expenses should demand that their leadership live a humble, Christ like existence. It's hard to find a more pharisaical group than the Mormon Bretheren.

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  7. How long do you have to be vague about things? Does this have anything to do with the formerly talked about "October Surprise?"

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  8. The church runs a highly ethical, legally proper running organization. They hire auditors, lawyers, accountants and more to triple check that all the funds used are done so in accordance with the highest principles and practices of the industry fitting God's kingdom. All of your banter notwithstanding does nothing to change that, Mr. David T.

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    1. Yes, Audey, you're right. Teams of lawyers and accountants always indicate a dedication to ethical business practices. Do you have any idea the MAIN role of corporate accountants and attorneys? To limit liability.

      Must be a whole lot of potential liability brewing there...

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    2. Enron - "They hire auditors, lawyers, accountants and more to triple check that all the funds used are done so in accordance with the highest principles and practices of the industry..." Need I say more

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  9. Audrey, how do you know this? Have you seen any audit reports? Do you know how even a single penny of your money is spent by the church? No, of course not. I know you trust them, but you have zero basis (other than blind faith) to conclude that the Church is a "highly ethical, legally proper running organization."

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    1. The simple fact is this church is scrutinized more than any other church. you can be sure that they make sure everything they do is legal and above board.

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    2. I'm sorry but you dont know that. They TELL you that they have auditors and everything, but that is is. Nobody does, the church keeps its finances totally secret. Even general authorities don't see this information! Take a look at this link and then lets talk: http://mormonthink.com/tithing.htm#howdoes

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    3. Will and Dave,

      The government would be MORE than happy to catch any church doing things with money they think they may be missing out on. Especially if they think that church is making TONS of money.

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    4. Ok, being serious, I wonder if Anonymous has any idea what kind of money it takes to occupy as much of the US government the Mormons do? A shit load of the $60 billion in assets and income LDS inc hoardes? Probably not that much.

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  10. You jerks here think you are better than the men who spent their lives devoted to the Savior. You believe you know better. All you have are your books and no vision. President Monson has seen God and Jesus. He has communicated with them. He knows what you can never know. Because of that, your knowledge is futile.

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    1. Hang on. This is pretty important for me to know, and I'm not trying to be smart here. The current sitting president of the churcj, TSM, has SEEN not just Jesus, but God also. Ok. Tell me more. I assume that was to deliver a revelation? Where can I read that? Was it in a book I didn't buy. Please clarify and substantiate. Thank you

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    2. He's a Special Witness to Jesus Christ. And Jesus shall reveal the Father unto him. Read your scriptures dimwit. President Monson will not cast pearls before swine. These special witnesses and experiences too spiritual to share are not published because the likes of you will mock them!

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    3. Ah, the CULTure of personality. Where men (note certainly not women I might add) are "better, wiser and more worthy, never mind more inspired", simply due to their calling. Tell me, which church do you belong to again? Because there is nothing in LDS doctrine to support this god is a respecter of persons philosophy
      . It certainly goes against the doctrine Christ taught, as well as the actual theme of Christianity. But then I guess our church does give certain selected leaders Second Anointings, so it stands to reason that some would think these men are gods and kings already. Sigh. I wonder why god needed Abinidi, Samuel, Nephi, Levi. I mean they weren't the Lord's anointed.

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    4. I too am very interested in this. Sincerely. Can you post the link to the General Conference talk where President Monson stated that he had seen Jesus or God? I would love to read that talk.

      Does he say he is a "special witness"? I don't think saying that is the same as saying he has seen god, but I don't remember him saying that either. In fact, I have done some searches on LDS.ORG and I cant even find any recent instance where he bears his testimony of the truthfulness of the church.

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    5. Excellent points, Rock. The Bible has multiple people talking about how they saw God. Joseph Smith wasn't shy to talk about all the times he saw God and Jesus. So what happened? Did the church fall into apostasy? Are the Big 15 keeping their special experiences to themselves? Maybe the church would stop bleeding so badly if they'd share a little more. Or maybe they'd bleed more and they know it...

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  11. David T,
    Enjoy your blog very much. Don't let the Church's little web-army of defenders discourage you. There are lots of members finding the truth right now who greatly appreciate what you and others are doing here and at Mormonthink!

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    1. Don't be so sure David T. Yes I know that most everything on that web site can be verified on lds org and the JSPapers, but they put their own spin onto it and without understanding the context of these things, placing them in the actual history of the time, they lack the honest picture they really are. Never mind the clear agenda of those involved with the web site itself. A little research on the internet can discover a lot about those behind the web site.

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    2. Yeah DCP…that old diversion of these things might be out of context and the authors have an agenda so watch out. How many thousands of times have you guys tried those tired old tactics. But members are seeing through it. No matter how you spin it, the rock in the hat doesn't add up nor does polyandry or not remembering whether God and His Son talked to you or an angel, nor an endless list of things about the church, it's doctrine or it's history that just don't make sense when one steps back and looks with an open mind. But keep trying DCP. You are on a sinking ship.

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    3. While I would literally pay money to watch such a debate, we all know DCP won't take the offer. He knows how ridiculous he would look.

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  12. Disappointing. Their ideas, thoughs, inspiration (even if ghost written), available for all....at a price.
    I made a covenant to sacrifice what to build up the Kingdom of God. These guys don't even have to worry about a modest charge to recover costs to produce, they can have some person on a mission edit their work,,save as an ebook and sell for $0.05 cents on ebookworld.
    Or $25.00 as the book.
    But the means only a few of the wealthy members will ever be able to read their important words.
    Anyone want to enlighten us on the names of any of President Monsons books?
    I have no objection to anyone writing and selling books. I just think that if you made that covenant, and are a paid full time apostle, you know, unto death,,with no debts and a lifestyle paid for until you die, it's pretty uncharitable to sell the wisdom, knowledge and inspiration god gives you, for money. Thus restricting your pearls of wisdom to an 1800 word HeartSell (tm) moment twice a year. But that's me. Clearly most members are pretty happy with this arrangement

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    1. Come on David. It's not like Sheri Dew travels the world with her minions selling these Time out for Women conferences and the associated books, dvds and paraphernalia. It's not like she was handed a gig as general relief society president thus affording her the credibility to do that.
      Oh wait

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  13. Not sure what it is, but there is something sinister about Monson, something nefarious--- a darkness about him that don't see in the other Mormon leaders.

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    1. Joseph Smith famously said that a prophet is only a prophet when he speaks as a prophet.

      Thomas Monson's greatest shortcoming is that he NEVER speaks as a prophet.

      http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2011/10/181st-semiannual-bowl-of-pap.html

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  14. This is so sickening. He has four houses while children are dying in third world countries!? My brother works a second job in the evening just so he can pay his tithing. He is gone from 6am to 10pm and hardly sees his family and barely brings in 40K(minus 4K for tithing). And this guy has four houses? What ever happened to not being worldly? Materialistic? This just makes me mad. This is the worst psychological pyramid scheme built on fear and guilt!

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  15. God blessed Thomas S Monson with several homes because he lives righteously! Seek ye first the kingdom of God and then all these riches shall be added unto you. It's proof that he's the prophet!

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    1. Follow the profit, follow the profit, follow the profit he knows the way!! (To take advantage of all those tithe payers, as long as they don't ask any questions)

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    2. To me, it's just sad that there are LDS folks out there who think having four houses tax-free is a result of righteous living. How miserable they must be, paying taxes on their one and struggling with their own self-worth.

      JK

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    3. While I believe God may at times bless those who live righteously with material blessings, Monson's homes did not come to him as a result of his own efforts and clean living.

      The money was taken from members of the church who believed their tithes were being used for purposes other than to provide the president with additional real estate. Most of those whose monies enable Monson to live in splendor struggle to make the rent on the one apartment they live in.

      Enough with this nonsense about the Lord blessing Monson with more homes than he needs. He did not earn those homes. As sole decider of the corporate church, he took what he wanted without asking. He gets the authority to do that from the corporate charter, not from God, and certainly not from the members.

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    4. "Let's Go Shopping!" Thomas S. Monson

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    5. Uh, correction: Don't mock the 1st Presidency. It was in fact "1, 2, 3....lets go shopping". If you have never seen it, it's on YouTube, just enter 123 lets go shopping. You can see these great men, off to the right looking dorky.

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  16. This is the point I'm most curious about as well.

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