well i dont know all the history of them, but they are good people. honest hardworking reliable. i got nothing against them, and nothing but respect for them. i used to go to their church from time to time (im catholic, well sorta). seemed like most other churches. they sing alot, talk about good things, doing good work. i visited a few joho churches too. they are ok.  i dont know why people are always knocking them. its not like they sell drugs and jack cars, they just believe in something different. i never met a mormon "criminal".  the way i see it, theres a whole lot of people out there that are way worse then religious people. my wife is a devout catholic. she prays before she starts her car!!! keeps a copy of her rosary on her. reads her bible every day. people made fun of her all her life and put her down for it. but she believes in something, and most of them have fucked up lives, taking drugs and drinking, doing stupid shit. she just keeps on rolling along, "by the grace of god" ... shes as kind as the day is long.  if you believe in nothing, you'll be taken by everything.
Canada