M. Russell Ballard Dies

[Gadianton]

well in that case prophets aren't perfect...

[drumdude]

The stress of the scandal going public can’t have been good for his health.

Lets see how it affects the others…

[BeNotDeceived]

RIP Ballard.

The guy had been profiting handsomely with the 'church' ever since it swooped in and saved he and his family from financial ruin in the '70's from their failed theater up in Cache Valley. Given the OUR scandal that just erupted with his involvement in it, the timing of his death sure looks suspicious.

[Kishkumen]

There is no doubt that the timing will fuel conspiracy theories. I think the most likely scenario is that it stressed the poor guy to the point that it compromised fatally his delicate health. Don’t have much respect for Elder Ballard at this point, but I still wish his family solace in this time of grieving.

[Marcus]

I agree.

But, there is a Sci fi angle that could be explored. What if second anointings instill some sort of immortality, like that enjoyed by the 1000 year old Constance in the Preston/Child Pendergast novels?

In that case, we can imagine Ballard on a lovely beach somewhere, rocking a Speedo, sipping a virgin Pina Colada and cackling along with his own zoom funeral.

[Kishkumen]

I agree.

But, there is a Sci fi angle that could be explored. What if second anointings instill some sort of immortality, like that enjoyed by the 1000 year old Constance in the Preston/Child Pendergast novels?

In that case, we can imagine Ballard on a lovely beach somewhere, rocking a Speedo, sipping a virgin Pina Colada and cackling along with his own zoom funeral.

Is it wrong of me to pray that you write this novel?

[I Have Questions]

In 1961, Ballard was the president of Keystone Securities Corporation in Salt Lake City. The Securities and Exchange Commission opened an investigation into Keystone in 1962 after accusations that Ballard and Keystone had violated the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933. The investigation centered around "manipulation and fraud."[16] The SEC completed its investigation in 1963. Keystone, with Ballard as the primary cause, was found to have violated the Securities Act of 1933 in the following charges: providing false statements to the SEC, and aiding and abetting Shasta Mineral and Chemical Company in making false statements that included misrepresenting the relationships of the Shasta officers with both Ballard and Keystone. The SEC revoked the broker-dealer registration of Keystone as a result.[17]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._Russell_Ballard

The Church was recently found guilty of, and fined for, the exact same thing.

One highlight of Ballard's business career was his presidency of the Valley Music Hall in Bountiful, Utah, which offered family entertainment. There Ballard worked with Art Linkletter, Danny Thomas, Bob Cummings, and other Hollywood celebrities who were advisers to the enterprise. Although the music hall failed financially, investors recovered their money when the LDS Church purchased the building.[18][19]

So Ballard lost investors money and the Church used tithing to bail him out by laundering it through a property purchase?

[Dr. Shades]

I think the most likely scenario is that it stressed the poor guy to the point that it compromised fatally his delicate health.

Yes, that's the most likely scenario.

Nevertheless, if the junior Ballard is found unalived or suicided, then I'll take a second, much harder look.

[I Have Questions]

I wonder who will replace him?

- maybe a first black African apostle (only 45 years after the racist priesthood ban was lifted)
- maybe a first female Apostle?
- maybe an openly gay/single Apostle?
- maybe an Apostle under the age of 40?
- or maybe just another something/American over 60 who’s fully demonstrated an ability to be a Yes man

[Kishkumen]

I wonder who will replace him?

- maybe a first black African apostle (only 45 years after the racist priesthood ban was lifted)
- maybe a first female Apostle?
- maybe an openly gay/single Apostle?
- maybe an Apostle under the age of 40?
- or maybe just another something/American over 60 who’s fully demonstrated an ability to be a Yes man

At this point we could use someone who is honest replacing him. That would certainly improve the honesty quotient of the group.