A Sun Still Rising

In the summer of 1787, from May 25 to September 17, fifty-five men, representing 12 of the 13 American colonies (Rhode Island did not send delegates to the convention) met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to undertake one of the most significant tasks in history. Among these were many of the most learned and wise men of their time. Their names have echoed through the years as those most instrumental in sustaining freedom for the children of God, as they were responsible for designing a system of government in which the freedom of men could be protected and perpetuated. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Charles Pinckney and many others joined the venerable Benjamin Franklin and the revered George Washington to institute the will of God for a free people. Of these men President Gordon B. Hinckley stated, “what a singular and remarkable group they were. As I look across the world today, I search in vain for such a group as walked together across the stage of history when this nation was born. It is my conviction that while we have had a few great leaders since then, there has not been before or since so large a group of talented, able, dedicated and inherently wise and good men as those whom we call the Founding Fathers of this nation.”



As the group concluded their work in September of 1787, they had produced a singular work that remains without parallel in the annals of history. George Washington had been elected as the President of the Convention. As president he occupied a seat on the dais at the head of the room. The chair Washington used during the proceedings had a stiff, wooden back with an ornately carved replica of a half-crested sun at the top. At the conclusion of the months of sessions in the hot Pennsylvania summer, James Madison recorded the following statement made by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is quoted as saying, “I have often looked at that behind the president without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now I. . . know that it is a rising sun.”

This is a picture of the actual chair used by George Washington during the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787. The engraved half-sun in the center inspired Benjamin Franklin's famous quote mentioned above. This chair still occupies its rightful place on the dais at Independence Hall.

It was my opportunity on September, 17th of this year (Constitution Day), exactly 222 years from the date on which these men committed the product of their labors to mankind, to stand in that room in Independence Hall and reflect on what they had done. It was the culmination of countless sacrifices made during a bloody but providential revolution, and a heritage left to future generations that cannot be over-esteemed. It was indeed a sun just beginning to rise on the world. Consider what has occurred since that time. The rest of the world took notice, and freedom has come to many other nations as they’ve sought to emulate the American model. A climate was created in which religious freedom was respected, at least to the degree in which a restoration of God’s church could occur. From this land of freedom the Gospel has been spread across the globe. The spark of freedom that was ignited that day has fanned into a flame. Only one generation later slavery, one of the greatest scourges in all of history, was abolished. In the next generation universal suffrage was achieved. A system of free economics led to the greatest accumulation of wealth in all of history. Poverty, as known throughout the millennia of history preceding the formation of our nation, and as still existent in many parts of the world today, is virtually unknown in our land. Although the poor and hungry can still be found in America, even the most destitute among us enjoy a quality of living and material possessions far beyond the meager subsistence a vast majority of human beings on this earth have endured. Civil rights have gained greater expression in this land, and have been translated into legally protected freedoms moreso than in any society. Mankind has found the freedom of expression, the freedom to pursue happiness, the freedom to succeed, and the freedom to fail in this land to a degree that is unmatched by any other nation or kingdom. It is all due to that incredible event 222 years ago in Philadelphia.

A depiction of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signing the document.

A photo of the actual interior of Independence Hall

Over the many years since the signing of the Constitution men have used their freedom to abuse their freedom. Our history has not been without trouble, hardship, suffering, or pain. But these abuses have not been because of the system established by these men so many years ago, they have been due to the spite of men for the system, and the subordination of this system to mankind’s selfishness. We have endured these detractors and risen above them. Despite dark moments in the history of America, our nation has lived up to its divine calling. America has been a force for good in the world. I’m confident that as our founding fathers contemplate what America has stood for, and what it has accomplished in the two centuries since they stood together in Philadelphia, they would be proud. They would conclude that the sun continues to rise on a bright day of freedom and opportunity.

All of these thoughts were with me as I spent my few moments in the footsteps of these great men in Independence Hall. As the tour guide droned on through her scripted presentation, I looked around the room and tried to imagine Benjamin Franklin sitting with the Pennsylvania delegation, his foot up on a chair to relieve his painful gout, and his signature walking stick lying on the table in front of him. I tried to imagine George Washington sitting beneath the carved sun in his chair on the dais, quietly presiding over the proceedings. I imagined James Madison sitting at the front intently taking notes of the debate, and the various delegates making points and counter points about the many facets of governing a free land.


Then, inevitably, I began to consider the state of our nation today. I wondered if there had been prior moments in our history as rife with conflict and controversy as we are now experiencing. Undoubtedly men have always disagreed. Even the best intended men and women haven’t seen eye-to-eye on all matters. It was so even amongst these great men in 1787. But we’re now facing calamity that is different than petty bickering and conflicting ideas. We are now seeing a face off of ideologies of a magnitude not seen among a free people, at least not in our lifetime, or that of our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. It is the forces of freedom arrayed against the forces of tyranny. We have faced terrible threats from without and emerged victorious, but never before have we encountered such massive threats from within. Many today consider this to be a gross overstatement and irresponsible exaggeration. Certainly those who propose a new way aren’t enemies of freedom! Certainly those who want progress, fairness, and greater involvement of government in the lives of citizens are not pro-tyranny! Its reported frequently in the media that these claims are nothing more than racist tendencies coming to the surface, or an attempt to smear and destroy those with whom we don’t agree. History will ultimately decide the issue, but I, for one, don’t want to wait for history to issue its verdict. Especially since that verdict could be in the form of freedom lost.


The heart of the struggle we are facing today is whether the constitutional government that was established 222 years ago this past week was divinely inspired. If it was at that time, then so it is today. If the constitution of the United States of America represents the form of government God intended for His children, and if He intended man to be free, then so it is today. There are those among us who believe that the constitution of our land is outdated. That it no longer applies to a post-modern world that has moved beyond the local concerns of a largely agrarian society. There are also those who believe that the founding fathers of our nation were racist white elitists who acted in their best interest and could not possibly understand the world we live in today. These two groups of people believe we need to evolve as a nation. They believe that we must progress. That America is due for a makeover. Our president ran on a platform of change. He stated shortly before his inauguration that he was going to “fundamentally transform” America. Several weeks ago I sat in a rental car, driving to a meeting somewhere (sometimes I lose track of where I’m at) in utter disbelief as I heard on the radio that we were witnessing the emergence of the founding fathers of a new America.


I stated earlier that I believe the founding fathers, our true founding fathers- not those who try to vainly take the title upon themselves- would be proud of America as they considered all that America has stood for and accomplished. But as I stood on 9/17 in Independence Hall, I couldn’t help but wonder what they would think of America today. How would these men feel about the growth of government into so many facets of our lives? These men feared that if government became too large it would begin to erode the freedoms of the citizenry. They had endured the abuses of an encroaching British government and knew what tyranny looked like and felt like. George Washington had said, “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action”. What would he and the other founders think as they observe a formerly troublesome servant became a more and more powerful master of the people?


I believe we are at a crossroad as a free nation. In one direction we will preserve what our founders gave us. In the other direction there will be the founding of a new America. If we choose wisely, and follow the direction of our creator, the sun Benjamin Franklin determined to be rising will reach its zenith and we will enjoy enduring freedom. If we choose the other direction, we must be prepared to accept what the sun will reveal on a new day in a “new” America. How brightly does the sun shine on a people bereft of the freedom they squandered? History has answered that question time after time, yet so many refuse to acknowledge and understand.


I walked out of Independence Hall last week grateful for inspired men and for God-given freedoms that I far too often take for granted. I felt humbled at the sacrifices of so many in my behalf. I felt blessed to live in a nation with a rich heritage and a divine destiny. And I felt a renewed sense of urgency to stand up in defense of the freedoms with which we are blessed.

Richard

A Very Special Day

Yesterday was a unique day for me. I found myself on another in a seemingly endless string of business trips. I was away from my family, yet again, missing Natalie and the kids and wishing I was back home with them. This time I was in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The meetings had been long and tedious, just as they always are. But this trip was shaping up to be different from the others for a few different reasons. First, because I was in South East Pennsylvania. Second, because the date was September 17th. And third, because I finished meetings the night before, but my flight home wasn’t scheduled to leave until after 5:00 that afternoon from Philadelphia.

9/17 is a special day. On September 17, 1787 fifty-five delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document that created the greatest form of government ever devised for man. I can’t think of a better place to be on Constitution Day than in Philadelphia, where the Constitution became a reality, made ready for ratification by the colonies. The actual location of one of the most important events in all of history.

But before I get to that, there was another reason this day was so special. Conveniently located between Allentown and Philadelphia is Valley Forge.

There are few places on earth that carry as much significance as this area in Southern Pennsylvania. The historical significance of Valley Forge is unquestionable, but the site is special not just because it was the location that Washington’s army encamped during the winter of 1777-78. The true significance of Valley Forge is the tremendous price that was paid there for the freedom we enjoy.

Washington’s army moved into the Valley Forge area in December of 1777 with over 12,000 men. The army was already sorely destitute of supplies, but this was only a shadow of the challenges that the troops would face in the coming months. In freezing temperatures, Washington could not secure food or clothing for the troops, and the Continental Congress was either unwilling, or unable to assist. The soldiers were instructed to build small 11 x 7 ft log huts with nothing but a dirt floor, bunk beds and a single fireplace.

Exterior view of troop quarters.

Interior view of troop quarters from the front door. Twelve men would share this living space for the winter months.

Conditions were so bad during the stay in Valley Forge that over 2,000 men died from starvation, freezing and sickness. Over 4,000 men were admitted to makeshift hospitals were conditions were worse off than in the general living quarters. Many men stayed at their posts despite debilitating sickness just to avoid being sent to the hospitals.

The state of affairs in Valley Forge became so bad that General Washington stated at one point that "that unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place... this Army must inevitably... starve, dissolve, or disperse, in order to obtain subsistence in the best manner they can." If the army had disbanded, the travails of Valley Forge would have ended the revolution.

General Washington and his troops at Valley Forge

It was overcast and raining yesterday as I walked through the replicas of the cabins built to house the soldiers. I couldn’t help but think that the chilly, wet day I was experiencing was only the slightest taste of what those men and women experienced, but it still seemed somehow appropriate that the weather was dark, gray, and wet.

The green open areas and the dense woodlands around the area were breathtakingly beautiful. It seemed so ironic that an area of such beauty was the site of such suffering. I saw about a dozen white-tailed deer wandering through the area, along with scores of Canadian Geese and even a badger. I couldn’t help but think what the troops would have given for the ability to hunt for fresh meat at the time, but harsh weather and the large number of mouths made game scarce and insufficient.

My emotions were close to the surface during my visit. Natalie actually called on the cell phone while I was there, but I had to keep the conversation short because I was overwhelmed with so many different thoughts and feelings. It was clear to me that I was walking on hallowed ground, made sacred by the sacrifice offered by so many. It was very similar to how I felt when I stood several years ago in the upper room of the Carthage Jail. I believe there is something unique and special about those places where great sacrifices were made for the good of mankind. In my mind, Valley Forge is, without a doubt, one of these places.

General Washington's quarters at Valley Forge. The interior is much smaller than it looks. This space was shared with over 25 staff members. It has three very small bedrooms and a loft. General Washington's office was on the ground floor and had a window that overlooked some of the encampment. From here he wrote in April of 1787 "To see the men without clothes to cover their nakedness, without blankets to lie upon, without shoes...without a house or hut to cover them until those could be built, and submitting without a murmur, is a proof of patience and obedience which, in my opinion, can scarcely be paralleled."

Throughout the time I spent in the Valley Forge area, I couldn’t escape thinking about the responsibility we have to honor the great sacrifices the location represented. I kept trying to figure out what I could do to honor their sacrifice, show my gratitude, and make my modest contribution to help cover freedom’s high price. The little I do so infrequently and so ineffectively to defend freedom never seemed more inadequate. So many in our day seem willing to barter the freedom purchased for us that winter with the lives of over 2,000 men, and the bitter suffering of thousands of others. What would those men and women think if they were able to see what is going on in our country today, and how we are trifling with our liberty? If we lose the freedom they fought for, starved for, froze for, suffered for, and died for, will we be able to look them in the eyes when we pass through the veil? It will depend on whether we stood up when we could, and represented what we should.


With all my heart I agree with the statement made by George Washington that is inscribed in the impressive National Memorial Arch located in the park.

"Naked and starving as they are

We cannot enough admire

The incomparable Patience and Fidelity

of the Soldiery"

-- George Washington

National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge Natl Park

In my next posting I will share some of the pictures and thoughts from my visit to Independence Hall on Constitution day to see the location of the signing of the document.

Thanks,

Richard

A Moment To Catch My Breath

Several weeks have now passed since I've put thoughts down in this blog. I have every intention of writing at least every couple of days, but you know how it goes with the best laid intentions. . .

My work travel schedule has been a nightmare, and I've been so consumed with that pesky day job that the things I enjoy most and consider most important, like writing about our freedom, have had to take a back seat. If I just didn't have to attend to all those little annoyances like paying the mortgage and feeding the family, perhaps I could focus more on what I want. Here's a thought, maybe the government could step in and take care of those things for me! Just think, if I couldn't pay my mortgage, maybe the government could just force the bank to change the terms of my loan and keep me in my house. It doesn't seem fair that other people can stay in their homes, just because they choose to work for their living. Then I could get foodstamps to cover the grocery bill, medicaid to cover our healthcare (until we get a universal government option), and then I could file for an unemployment check to pay for the remaining necessities that I am entitled to, like sattelite TV, a cell phone for each family member, and, of course, high-speed internet service so I can do my blogging! Its the new American Dream. . .

Okay, I'm obviously being sarcastic, but how sad that there are so many who agree with such an irresponsible and unfortunate perspective on life.

While I've been on the road so much recently, there has been a lot bouncing around in my little pea brain. There are a number of blog posts I have up there waiting to make it on to the page. Airplane reading always tends to send my brain into hyperdrive and I end up with so many thoughts I want to put down on paper, but too seldom find the time to actually do it. I'll get to them all eventually. . . I hope.

But before I subject you all to a massive brain dump, I thought I'd use this post to share a few of the sources that have been causing my neurons to fire.

Over the past year I have been working on building a "Freedom Library". This is a collection of books that outline some of the very best information, and provide clear thinking on the topics of freedom, liberty, and the destiny of our nation. I've been truly inspired as I've sought out these books and feel blessed that I've been able to be taught by brilliant men and women who have shared their knowledge and insights through their writing.

In the tradition of David Letterman, and because I usually find time to blog in late night hours, here's my Late Night Top Ten List of what I consider to be the best books in my freedom library.

#10- Stand Fast By Our Constitution by J. Reuben Clark.

In addition to being an apostle and member of the first presidency, J. Reuben Clark served as under-secretary of state and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Few men in the past century have been more knowledgable and passionat about our constitution. This book gives insight into a brilliant mind that understands the freedoms we enjoy, and clearly sees the threats to our way of life. He provides particular insight into foreign policy imperatives and pitfalls.

available at amazon.com starting at $14.98

#9- The 5,ooo Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen.

This book has taken on a new life over the past couple of years as more people have become interested in our national heritage. After years of research and study of the founding of our nation and our constitution, Skousen has distilled the fundamentals upon which our nation was founded down to 28 key principles. Understanding these principles gives tremendous insight into what has made America the greatest nation in history.
available for just $5 per copy, contact me directly if you're interested

#8- Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg.

This is not the easiest read on the list, but is fascinating in its ability to tell the story of progressivism in America. The general assertion made in this book is that fascism, often taught as being the far right end of the political spectrum, is really a direct product of the left. Goldberg chronicles the most infamous fascist governments in modern history, including Mussolini and Hitler, and then shows how the roots of these movements are eerily similar in nature to the fundamentals of progressivism in early 20th century America. Since many on the left today, including President Obama, have picked up the torch of Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, FDR and other past progressive leaders, it is important to understand the premise of progressive philosophy and view what is inevitably found at the end of the progressive road. This is one of the books that really got me concerned with current trends and incited me to dig deeper into our founding principles, and how severly the nation is departing from these fundamentals. available on amazon.com starting at $11.00

#7- Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin.

This book is much newer, so deals with contemporary issues in the news over the past year. The greatest benefit of this book, in my opinion, is how clearly it draws a line between the right and left on the modern political spectrum. If you want to have a clearer picture of what it means to be conservative and what it means to be liberal, this book is one to read. Levin outlines the difference between the statist view, those who desire greater government involvement in our lives, and those who believe government should maintain a limited role as envisioned by our founding fathers. available on amazon.com starting at $15.00

#6- Title of Liberty compiled by Mark A. Benson.

This book is a compilation of addresses given by Elder Ezra Taft Benson, put together by his son Mark. Ezra Taft Benson has been perhaps the most ardent, articulate, and enduring defender of our nation, and has raised the most urgent voice of warning about the threats to our freedom in the past century. Each individual address is inspiring in its own right. Having them pulled together to build upon one another paints an extraordinary picture.

available used on amazon.com starting at $22.99

#5- Common Sense by Glenn Beck.

All of the books on this list give great insight into the threats facing our nation, but this book does it in a way that few others do, because it views these threats through the lens of events unfolding around us today. Beck calls it a case against an out of control government, and that is precisely what it is. If you have had a feeling that what is going on in our country today just doesn't feel right, but you haven't been able to put your thumb on exactly why, or haven't been able to explain your misgivings well enough to explain out loud, this book helps pull it all together, using current events to tell the story. I can't even count the number of times while reading this book I had to set it down just to think for a minute about the implications of what I was reading. Its a quick read, but leaves you pondering quite a bit. available on amazon.com starting at $6.59

#4- The Great Prologue by Mark E. Peterson.

Elder Peterson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has provided one of the best sources to view the destiny of America through past, present, and future events. As Latter Day Saints we know that America has a special destiny in God's plan, but seldom do we see it laid out so comprehensively in such a small book. It doesn't take long to read this book, but you will come away with a much deeper sense of why America is so special, and why we must give everything we have to preserve the freedom on this land. available on amazon.com starting at $2.99 used and $9.99 new

#3- The Making Of America by W. Cleon Skousen.

This book covers much of the same material as The 5,000 Year Leap, but is much more comprehensive. I found this book fascinating not only to read, but a great reference source when I have questions about the constitution. Skousen gives a very good condensed history of the revolution, the founding of the nation, our founding fathers, and the basic ideas and philosophies that gave rise to our constititution. It also provides a good introduction and overview of economics and the importance of a free market system. It then goes through every article and principle in the constitution, and explains what they mean.

#2- This Nation Shall Endure by Ezra Taft Benson.

I found this book to be tremendous. Again, it is not a long book, so can be read and digested without committing a lot of time. In this book Elder Benson lays out everything I have been thinking about and coming to beleive in a concise and articulate way. I have read no other book that is as good as this one in outlining the greatness of our country, the risks facing our country, and what must be done to preserve our nation and our liberty. The book was published in 1977, but every thing in the book is as relevant as if it were published last week. I am astounded at how spot on Elder Benson was about the dangers our nation faces and about what is happening in our country. If it was happening then, imagine how much larger these threats loom after three more decades of Satan's influence and societal deterioration. If you want to really get mentally into the struggle for freedom, this is the book to read.

available on amazon.com used starting at $44.99

#1- Prophets, Principles, and National Survival compiled by Jerrald L. Newquist.

This book is a compilation of statements and writings of latter day prophets and apostles regarding our nation, our freedoms, our constitution, and our responsibility to preserve our liberty. The book was published originally in 1964, so there aren't as many quotes from today's church leadership, but what is included from church leaders between 1830 and 1964 is breathtaking. After reading this book, there is no room left for doubt regarding the relationship between the Gospel and America as a land of liberty. This book contains the words of the prophets, we need to read and give heed. I have said, and continue to believe, that this book is the most important reading that members of the church can do, outside of the standard works and the words of the living prophets in the Ensign. I hope everyone will get a hold of this book and spend some time reading, pondering, and praying about the words of our latter day prophets and apostles.

Other titles from my freedom library that are worth reading include, in no particular order:

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

The Red Carpet by Ezra Taft Benson

The Real George Washington by The National Center for Constitutional Studies,

Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg

Reagan Man of Principle by John Harmer

His Excellency George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis

None Dare Call It Conspiracy by Gary Allen

Godless: The Church of Liberalism by Anne Coulter

Culture Warrior by Bill O'Reilly

An Inconvenient Book by Glenn Beck

The Naked Communist by W. Cleon Skousen

The Real America by Glenn Beck

Let Freedom Ring by Sean Hannity

So there you go. These are the books that have consumed me over the past year or two. I know I've missed many. In fact, I've only scratched the surface. I haven't even touched on such important works as The Federalist Papers, the Constitution itself, the Declaration of Independence, The Law by Bastiat, and many others. Of course, regardless of any list made, no other book is as essential to understanding our nation, our freedoms, and the threats to liberty than the Book of Mormon. I've certainly gained a whole new perspective for what is taught in that most important of all books.

Now I'd love to hear what you think of these books, and what other books you have read that I need to get a hold of. Please respond and let us all know.

Thanks,

Richard