The country we live in is changing. We were each born into a world in which America was synonymous with hope, freedom, and opportunity. America has been a beacon of freedom for over two centuries, and has been a greater force for good than any other nation that has ever existed. There is no claim that America has been perfect. It is a union of imperfect people. The plight of the early saints is just one example of imperfections in the history of our land. Nevertheless, America has been a light in a dark world since it first changed the course of human history by declaring independence, based upon the idea of human rights being a gift from God to man. This changed the paradigm of history. No longer did the so called “divine rights of kings” shape the political destiny of men. Rule by the elite was vanquished and government was established by the people, for the people and of the people. This was according to God’s divine plan.
It was no accident that a nation of political and religious freedom was established at the precise moment in history in which it was needed to prepare an apostate world for the light of the Gospel, soon to be restored. The founding of our nation was the great prologue to the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. There is abundant witness from ancient and modern prophets alike that the establishment of this nation was done under divine inspiration. The men who were chosen to serve as founding fathers of our republic were choice spirits raised up by God to do a particular work, and they were led in their efforts to produce a miracle never before experienced in the history of our planet. The Constitution these men created, under the guidance of divine providence, represents the greatest form of government ever devised for man. It is so because it is based on principles delivered to them by God.
It is precisely because the founding of our nation was based upon inspired principles that America has overcome many of her imperfections and been an unparalleled force for good in our world.
But the country we live in is changing. The fundamental principles that have characterized the strength of our nation are being eroded at every turn. This erosion has been epidemic in our society for the past several decades. The America that emerged from World War II is only vaguely reminiscent of the America our children are being born into today. Despite the efforts of many so-called “progressives” in the early 20th century, America survived the Great Depression. The American people rejected a concerted move toward collectivized government that was thrust upon them by Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and others. All these challenges have been overcome because the core of the American way of life remained rooted on fundamental principles that were revealed by God to see us through troubled times. America has always been a country founded upon God. Christian values have served as our moral compass. Decency and civility have been considered virtuous, and the idea of selflessness and sacrifice were ingrained in our citizenry. Hard work, honesty, and personal accountability were the price of achieving the American dream. Were it not so, the land of liberty would have ceased to exist long-ago, for God has said concerning this land that "it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity." (Ether 2:9)
But the country we live in is changing. The 1960’s represented an epic shift in the fabric of our society. We have seen large portions of our society in a moral tailspin for the past 50 years. Whereas God had represented the basis of our society ever since it was founded under His divine inspiration, there has been an organized move to remove him from the public discourse. The words “In God We Trust” have been eschewed by those claiming to stand in defense of the Constitution, that He, Himself inspired. Highly funded and well-organized groups have systematically endeavored to remove any reference to divinity from the public square, using a variety of nefarious tactics. The courts have too often been complicit in this effort through activist legislation and liberal interpretation of the words of our Founding Fathers.
Decency in our society has dissolved into a never-ending parade of filthy images in magazines, on television, and in the movies. Video games celebrate crime, death and destruction, striving for more and more realism in the debauchery experienced vicariously on the screen. Pornography has become so available and abundant that it has become difficult to avoid even unintentional, casual exposure, which far too often leads to piqued interest and dangerous addiction.
The value of a hard day’s work has been replaced, to an alarming degree, with a sense of entitlement. Rather than working to enjoy the fruits of honest labor, far too many look for the government to provide them what they did not earn, yet still feel entitled to receive. The law of the harvest is replaced with a compulsion for people to reap where they did not sow. Selflessness is consequently subdued by the selfish impulse to take from others what they have rightly earned, under the guise of fairness and equal distribution.
The very sanctity of life is being undermined, cloaked in a thin disguise of expressing freedom of choice. How ironic that many of those so willing to impugn individual agency at almost every turn, insist that agency be preserved when it comes to ending the lives of the unborn. Contraception and abortion are inculcated as alternatives to chastity and family units are being subordinated to a myriad of public programs. Truly it does not take a village to raise our children, it takes a stable family.
The law delivered to Moses on Sinai began as the Ten Commandments, but then became the ten suggestions, then the ten inconveniences, and finally the ten relics of an outdated moral ideology.
Perhaps none have expressed the spiral of American society over the past decades as succinctly as eloquently, nor as alarmingly as President Gordon B. Hinkley.
"We, as a people and a nation have increasingly neglected and abandoned time-honored virtues that have been proven through the centuries to keep human beings individually, and therefore collectively, strong. . . The single most substantial factor in the degeneration of the values and morals of our society is that we as a nation are forsaking the Almighty, and I fear that He will begin to forsake us."
What I believe to be the most fundamental principle revealed by God to the founders of our republic is the agency of man. This was the first of all divine rights bestowed by God upon his children in the pre-mortal realm. It was the central issue of the great war in heaven and led directly to the expulsion of the adversary and his followers. Elder Ezra Taft Benson stated, “The right of choice—free agency— runs like a golden thread throughout the gospel plan of the Lord for the blessing of his children. . . the war in heaven over free agency is now being waged here on earth.”
As with the other fundamental principles upon which our country was founded, individual agency is under attack. There are those in society who feel that man is not smart enough, or not wise enough to choose for himself. If left to their own devices, they believe individuals will not choose properly and the collective will suffer. Therefore, the rights of individuals are subjected to what an elite group deems to be for the “greater good”. In this way individual liberty is lost while the government assumes the right of agency on behalf of her citizens. The new ruling class in government then exercises the rights stolen from individuals to further their own agendas and consolidate their power, moving society away from liberty and into the tyranny of ages past.
The country we live in is changing. It has been changing for some time, but the change has been gradual, and fundamental freedoms of our country have remained intact because the value-based principles of our nation have endured. But these principles are now on the verge of utter extinction in our society, replaced with popular, thinly rooted virtues such as fairness, tolerance, diversity, and progressivism. In the name of fairness natural consequences are being sidestepped. In the name of diversity destructive lifestyles are being celebrated. In the name of tolerance depravity is being embraced. In the name of progressivism freedoms are being surrendered. With the ever-increasing loss of our national values, how long before change overcomes us? How much longer do we have before the fears of President Hinckley are realized and God begins to abandon us?
The country we live in is changing. But we shouldn’t be surprised. We have elected a man to the highest office in the free world on a platform of change. He has not been secretive about the change he intends for our nation. He has stated that he wants to “re-make” America. His change is not a return to the principles of our Constitution. His change is not a reaffirmation of the values that led to the greatness of America. His change is simply a punctuation mark on the change that has been creeping over us for many years now.
The most pressing and urgent question of our lifetime is whether we will support this effort to re-cast America in a new mold, rooted in the counterfeit values of a morally corrupt society and power hungry leaders, or whether we will champion a return to the divine principles which God dictated for our land. When Barack Obama and his legions of fans chant “Yes We Can!” and tout “Change We Can Believe In”, will we join the crowd or stand up for the traditions of our forefathers? There are a great many who believe that the “new America” envisioned by some in our government represents the future. It is up to each of us to decide if we will join them. We face a choice of basing the future of our nation on our Constitution and the vision of our Founding Fathers, or upon the vision of those wishing to be the founding fathers of a new kind of America.
The country we live in is changing. As for me, I believe I’ve seen all of the change I can stand.
While it is given to us to choose for ourselves, we must never forget that the work of the Lord will not be frustrated. Just as in the war in heaven, we are free to choose which vision we will support, but the consequences of our choice will not be altered. The great hope which underlies the fear, frustration, and foreboding of our current circumstance is the promise that God is in control. There is a divine destiny for our republic, and no force can alter the decrees of our Father in Heaven. The destiny of our land was not fulfilled when General Washington achieved victory in the revolution. It was not fulfilled when the heavens opened to Joseph Smith. It was not fulfilled when the Gospel was restored, priesthood power conferred, and missionary efforts launched. The great destiny of America includes all of these marvelous events, but will not be fulfilled until the New Jerusalem is established and Christ returns to rule in righteousness in our midst. God holds America in His hands, and her destiny is fixed. Our choice is simply whether we will be part of fulfilling this destiny, or if we will fall, frustrated, with those who seek to change her character.
Yes, the country we live in is changing. We cannot be idle. Now is our moment of truth. Let us give heed to the words of a Prophet of God.
“No greater immediate responsibility rests upon members of the church, upon all citizens of this Republic and of neighboring republics than to protect the freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States.” (President David O. McKay, General Conference April 1950)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A Call To Action
Please take 7 minutes and watch the following video, then take 2 more minutes and read the rest of this blog post.
This video clip sums up very well much of what many of us feel. President Benson is direct and clear about the freedom we enjoy, and the responsibilities that are ours if we want to preserve freedom for our children.
As an Apostle of Jesus Christ Elder Benson stated, referring to a statement made by President David O. McKay "we therefore command and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to understand constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us. We wish all of our citizens throughout the land were participating in some type of organized self education, in order that they can better appreciate what is happening and know what they can do about it."
Later, as President of the Church, President Benson stated the following in the Saturday morning session of General Conference, 1987:
"Have we read The Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?"
If you would like to get involved in helping others in your community learn more about constitutional principles and the fundamentals upon which our nation was founded, please visit http://freedomforumprovo.blogspot.com/
There will be a Freedom Forum meeting at our home on August 20th at 7:00pm. Those in the Utah Valley area are invited to join the group and attend on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. If you are located elsewhere in Utah, you are welcome to attend the meeting on August 20th, or any other session. There will be information and assistance in starting a neighborhood study group in your area. Please email me at defenseofliberty@yahoo.com for details and further information.
Consider the following statements by Latter-day Prophets:
“There never was a better constitution on the face of the earth than the constitution of the United States. There is nothing but the people of God could enjoy under it. But the Federal constitution is trodden under foot. All that I am afraid of is that the Elders of Israel will forget their God.”
- Brigham Young, JH [8 Jul 1849] 3
____________________________________________________________________
“As we have progressed the mist has been removed, and in relation to these matters, the Elders of Israel begin to understand that they have something to do with the world politically as well as religiously, that it is as much their duty to study correct political principles as well as religious, and to seek to know and comprehend the social and political interests of man, and to learn and be able to teach that which would be best calculated to promote the interests of the world.”
- John Taylor, Journal of Discourses 9:340
___________________________________________________________________
“Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man.”
- John Taylor, Journal of Discourses 23:63
___________________________________________________________________
“you owe it to humanity everywhere; you owe it to that free and constitutional form of government, which has been bequeathed to you through the precious sacrifices of many of your forefathers—to do all in your power to maintain religious liberty and free, republican government in these mountains, and to preserve every constitutional right intact"
John Taylor, MFP 2:346
__________________________________________________________________
"For the last few years, especially, the Constitution at times, has been looked upon as a matter of the smallest consequence. In some respects, however, it has been a blessing to us as a people, and it is to the whole nation, as far as it is carried out. But in order to fully receive its blessings we have to honor its precepts.”
- Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses 12:275
__________________________________________________________________
"I counsel you, I urge you, I plead with you, never, so far as you have voice or influence, permit any departure from the principles of government on which this nation was founded, or any disregard of the freedoms which, by the inspiration of God our Father, were written into the Constitution of the United States.”
- Heber J. Grant, Admonition and Blessing, p. 695
____________________________________
"I say to you that our only hope, and the hope of the sons and daughters that God may bless us with, to enjoy peace and liberty in this land, is in standing by the Constitution that God has inspired to direct this government."
- George Albert Smith, Conference Report October 1911
___________________________________________________________________
“When the Constitution of our country is assailed, openly or subtly, by those who have no understanding of the purpose of God regarding this great country, it behooves those who do understand to consider seriously and faithfully the benefits that will flow to us by honoring and sustaining the principles of government that were divinely established. . . .”
George Albert Smith, Perpetuating Liberty, p. 93-94
___________________________________________________________________
“Be true to the Constitution of the United States, to the Bill of Rights. Do not let any theories of immigrants or misguided politicians induce you to do anything that will deprive us of our liberties as vouchsafed by that immortal document.”
- David O. McKay, Stepping Stones to an Abundant Life, p. 112
___________________________________________________________________
“I thought it would not be amiss or out of order to say something about the Constitution, to give a little history of it perhaps briefly; for I am convinced that the people generally of the United States have not studied it. Many of them have never read it, and some know nothing concerning what it is all about.”
- Joseph Fielding Smith, Founded in the Wisdom of God, p. 370
____________________________________________________________________
"We urge members of the Church and all Americans to begin now to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution, and of adherence to its principles."
- Harold B. Lee, News of the Church, 90
____________________________________________________________________
“We encourage all members, as citizens of the nation, to be actively involved in the political process, and to support those measures which will strengthen the community, state, and nation—morally, economically, and culturally.”
- Spencer W. Kimball, Letter from the First Presidency, 6/29/79
____________________________________________________________________
“Each priesthood holder should use his influence in the community to resist the erosion process which is taking place in our political and economic life. He should use the political party of his choice to express his evaluation of important issues. He should see that his party is working to preserve freedom, not destroy it. He should join responsible local groups interested in promoting freedom and free competitive enterprise, in studying political issues, appraising the voting records and proposed programs, and writing to members of Congress, promoting good men in public office, and scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies to see that the will of the people is being carried out. He should not wait for the Lord's servants to give instruction for every detail once they have announced the direction in which the priesthood should go. Each member should exercise prayerful judgment and then act."
- Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, Country, p. 356
_____________________________________________________________________
“How can men of conscience ignore the teachings of the Master in their daily affairs, in business, or in government? We stand by and wink at many things because we fear to do anything about them. We may be against crime or communism, but what do we do about it? We may be against corruption in government or against juvenile delinquency, but what do we do about it? . . . We need to push fear into the background and come forward with a definite, positive declaration, and assume responsibility”
- Howard W. Hunter, General Conference, October 1960
_____________________________________________________________________
Thanks,
Richard
This video clip sums up very well much of what many of us feel. President Benson is direct and clear about the freedom we enjoy, and the responsibilities that are ours if we want to preserve freedom for our children.
As an Apostle of Jesus Christ Elder Benson stated, referring to a statement made by President David O. McKay "we therefore command and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to understand constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us. We wish all of our citizens throughout the land were participating in some type of organized self education, in order that they can better appreciate what is happening and know what they can do about it."
Later, as President of the Church, President Benson stated the following in the Saturday morning session of General Conference, 1987:
"Have we read The Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?"
If you would like to get involved in helping others in your community learn more about constitutional principles and the fundamentals upon which our nation was founded, please visit http://freedomforumprovo.blogspot.com/
There will be a Freedom Forum meeting at our home on August 20th at 7:00pm. Those in the Utah Valley area are invited to join the group and attend on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. If you are located elsewhere in Utah, you are welcome to attend the meeting on August 20th, or any other session. There will be information and assistance in starting a neighborhood study group in your area. Please email me at defenseofliberty@yahoo.com for details and further information.
Consider the following statements by Latter-day Prophets:
“There never was a better constitution on the face of the earth than the constitution of the United States. There is nothing but the people of God could enjoy under it. But the Federal constitution is trodden under foot. All that I am afraid of is that the Elders of Israel will forget their God.”
- Brigham Young, JH [8 Jul 1849] 3
____________________________________________________________________
“As we have progressed the mist has been removed, and in relation to these matters, the Elders of Israel begin to understand that they have something to do with the world politically as well as religiously, that it is as much their duty to study correct political principles as well as religious, and to seek to know and comprehend the social and political interests of man, and to learn and be able to teach that which would be best calculated to promote the interests of the world.”
- John Taylor, Journal of Discourses 9:340
___________________________________________________________________
“Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man.”
- John Taylor, Journal of Discourses 23:63
___________________________________________________________________
“you owe it to humanity everywhere; you owe it to that free and constitutional form of government, which has been bequeathed to you through the precious sacrifices of many of your forefathers—to do all in your power to maintain religious liberty and free, republican government in these mountains, and to preserve every constitutional right intact"
John Taylor, MFP 2:346
__________________________________________________________________
"For the last few years, especially, the Constitution at times, has been looked upon as a matter of the smallest consequence. In some respects, however, it has been a blessing to us as a people, and it is to the whole nation, as far as it is carried out. But in order to fully receive its blessings we have to honor its precepts.”
- Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses 12:275
__________________________________________________________________
"I counsel you, I urge you, I plead with you, never, so far as you have voice or influence, permit any departure from the principles of government on which this nation was founded, or any disregard of the freedoms which, by the inspiration of God our Father, were written into the Constitution of the United States.”
- Heber J. Grant, Admonition and Blessing, p. 695
____________________________________
"I say to you that our only hope, and the hope of the sons and daughters that God may bless us with, to enjoy peace and liberty in this land, is in standing by the Constitution that God has inspired to direct this government."
- George Albert Smith, Conference Report October 1911
___________________________________________________________________
“When the Constitution of our country is assailed, openly or subtly, by those who have no understanding of the purpose of God regarding this great country, it behooves those who do understand to consider seriously and faithfully the benefits that will flow to us by honoring and sustaining the principles of government that were divinely established. . . .”
George Albert Smith, Perpetuating Liberty, p. 93-94
___________________________________________________________________
“Be true to the Constitution of the United States, to the Bill of Rights. Do not let any theories of immigrants or misguided politicians induce you to do anything that will deprive us of our liberties as vouchsafed by that immortal document.”
- David O. McKay, Stepping Stones to an Abundant Life, p. 112
___________________________________________________________________
“I thought it would not be amiss or out of order to say something about the Constitution, to give a little history of it perhaps briefly; for I am convinced that the people generally of the United States have not studied it. Many of them have never read it, and some know nothing concerning what it is all about.”
- Joseph Fielding Smith, Founded in the Wisdom of God, p. 370
____________________________________________________________________
"We urge members of the Church and all Americans to begin now to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution, and of adherence to its principles."
- Harold B. Lee, News of the Church, 90
____________________________________________________________________
“We encourage all members, as citizens of the nation, to be actively involved in the political process, and to support those measures which will strengthen the community, state, and nation—morally, economically, and culturally.”
- Spencer W. Kimball, Letter from the First Presidency, 6/29/79
____________________________________________________________________
“Each priesthood holder should use his influence in the community to resist the erosion process which is taking place in our political and economic life. He should use the political party of his choice to express his evaluation of important issues. He should see that his party is working to preserve freedom, not destroy it. He should join responsible local groups interested in promoting freedom and free competitive enterprise, in studying political issues, appraising the voting records and proposed programs, and writing to members of Congress, promoting good men in public office, and scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies to see that the will of the people is being carried out. He should not wait for the Lord's servants to give instruction for every detail once they have announced the direction in which the priesthood should go. Each member should exercise prayerful judgment and then act."
- Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, Country, p. 356
_____________________________________________________________________
“How can men of conscience ignore the teachings of the Master in their daily affairs, in business, or in government? We stand by and wink at many things because we fear to do anything about them. We may be against crime or communism, but what do we do about it? We may be against corruption in government or against juvenile delinquency, but what do we do about it? . . . We need to push fear into the background and come forward with a definite, positive declaration, and assume responsibility”
- Howard W. Hunter, General Conference, October 1960
_____________________________________________________________________
Thanks,
Richard
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Price of Freedom
In one of the bleakest moments of the American Revolution, General Washington was in dire need of inspiring his ragged and dejected troops, many of whose enlistments were set to expire soon. The continental army had suffered a series of defeats in New York State and had been forced to retreat toward New Jersey. The prospect of the revolution surviving was in doubt. It was at this time that Washington resolved to embark on one of the most daring and crucial missions of the war. On Christmas night of 1776 he led his troops across the icy Delaware River and marched throughout the night to launch a surprise attack on Hessian forces stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. The victory at Trenton and subsequently at Princeton was key to reviving the revolution and convincing many that Washington's army could stand against the vastly superior British forces.
Washington crossing the Delaware
As General Washington was preparing for this historic campaign, he knew the troops needed to be reminded of the divine errand in which they were engaged. To do this, on December 23, 1776 he had an essay read to the men entitled THE AMERICAN CRISIS by Thomas Paine. It began with the words that have been repeated so often since that time,
“These are the times that try men souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”
Paine’s words were stirring to the troops. The essay continued as follows.
“the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”
These men were being called upon to pay the price the God of Heaven had put on freedom, and it was a high price indeed. As they heard these inspired words Washington’s soldiers rose to the occasion. The cost they paid was great, and the triumph they achieved was glorious.
Much has been said over the years about the stalwart men who stood up at their time in history to sign ‘their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor’ to the declaration of independence that has been bequeathed to us. Consider the price they were required to pay. Fifty-six men placed their signatures on that document in 1776. As cited by Ezra Taft Benson in his book THIS NATION SHALL ENDURE, at least nine of them died as a result of the war for independence or the hardships placed upon them incident to the war. One of these men was Caeser Rodney. Despite the warnings of his doctors and family, Rodney crawled from his sickbed where he was suffering from cancer and traveled throughout the night during a severe storm to arrive just in time to cast a deciding vote for his delegation in favor of declaring independence. This action led to Rodney’s death.
Fifteen of the signers of the Declaration of Independence lost their considerable fortunes as the cost of their stance for liberty.
All fifty-five signers of the declaration made a decision that committed them to a course. If the British had won the war, all of them would have been executed as traitors to the crown. However, knowing this could be the eventual outcome, every one of them placed their trust in God and in the knowledge that God intended men to be free. For this faith they were willing to put forward their very lives.
Today we enjoy the gift that was purchased at such a dear cost by those who went before us. What others paid the highest price to attain was passed down to us as a legacy with neither cost nor requirement. They undoubtedly knew the cost would be significant, but were willing to pay the price heaven had placed upon the most desirable of its goods.
John Adams, the second president of the United States and a man honored as one of the founding fathers of our nation summed up the position of these great men very eloquently. Referring to his decision to sign the Declaration of Independence, Adams said the following:
“Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish, I give my hand and my heart to this vote. It is true, indeed, that in the beginning we aimed not at independence. But there’s a Divinity which shapes our ends. . . . Why, then, should we defer the declaration? . . . . You and I, indeed may rue it. We may not live to see the time when this Declaration shall be made good. We may die; die colonists; die slaves; die, it may be, ignominiously and on the scaffold. Be it so. Be it so. If it be the pleasure of Heaven that my country shall require the poor offering on my life, the victim shall be ready. . . But while I do live, let me have a country, or at least the hope of a country, and that a free country.”
“But whatever may be our fate, be assured. . . that this Declaration will stand. It may cost treasure, and it may cost blood; but it will stand, and it will richly compensate for both. Through the thick gloom of the present, I see the brightness of the future, as the sun in heaven. We shall make this a glorious, an immortal day. When we are in our graves, our children will honor it. They will celebrate it with thanksgiving, with festivity, with bonfires and illuminations. On its annual return they will shed tears, copious gushing tears, not of subjection and slavery, not of agony and distress, but of exultation, of gratitude and of joy.”
“. . . . All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it.”
Those who paid the price for our liberty knew what was to be demanded of them. There can be no doubt of that fact. Yet they were willing to cover the cost.
In our day, as we stand on the stage of history with the rich legacy and heritage of freedom given to us at very little cost to ourselves, do we have the same conviction? Returning to the immortal words of Thomas Paine, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.”
Now 233 years have passed since the Declaration of Independence was signed. The high costs have faded to the pages of history books. Freedom has become little more than a buzzword to many of our generation because we’ve not known its contradiction. If dearness only gives everything its value, do we hold freedom dear enough in our day to honor the price our fathers have paid? Thankfully, there are many who do.
Yet the true value of freedom today can only be understood through divine inspiration. As God speaks to the hearts of men in our day, many are beginning to understand that our freedoms cannot remain without a price being paid. While we were given the priceless gift of freedom from our forebears, we must stand up to pay the cost of preserving freedom and passing it on to our children. Threats to our freedom are all about us. While the freedom of man is at the foundation of God’s plan, the deprivation of man’s freedom is the plan of the adversary.
It is up to us to give life in our day to the words of John Adams. As he and others have gone to their graves, we must stand up to honor the freedom they have left to us. Each July fourth as we celebrate "with thanksgiving, with festivity, with bonfires and illuminations", may we remember that which we celebrate, and add to the celebrations our "copious, gushing tears of exultation, gratitude and of Joy".
We must stand up for freedom in our day. As forces combine to subvert the principles for which our founding fathers gave their lives, we must fight for a return to these principles. As leaders emerge claiming a need to “re-make” America, we must cleave to the inspired tenants of our Constitution. As the agendas of wicked minds are put forward to consolidate power and exercise dominion over our lives, we must raise our voices in defense of our liberty. It has been said that “we will answer each to Heaven for the way we spend our priceless liberty”. We know how countless men and women who have gone before us will be able to answer this question. Their lives serve as their answer. Our answer is not yet fully written. This is our moment in history to stand up for freedom and use our liberty to ensure it remains intact for our posterity.
Richard
______________________________________________
Resources:
The American Crisis; No. I, Thomas Paine, published 1776
http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Paine/Crisis/Crisis-TOC.html
This Nation Shall Endure, Ezra Taft Benson, published 1977 (pp. 25-30)
The Making of America, W. Cleon Skousen, published 1985 (pp. 79-80)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Few Things I Want My Children To Know
There is very little disagreement that the most sacred and important responsibility we have in life is to teach our children. What they become depends in large part on how we teach them and what principles and values we instill in them. In this day and age there are so many voices influencing what our children think and feel, it is no small feat for them to determine what is real. As adults, it is increasingly more difficult to know what is right and what is true. Evil is celebrated and considered virtuous in this day and age. Even the most grounded people with experience and discretion must be careful to not slowly diverge from the truth. That is why listening to the Spirit and following the living prophet represent the only hope any of us have to survive the world in which we now live. If it is difficult for adults, imagine the challenge our children face and the enormous obstacles they will have to overcome to not be misled or deceived.
Because of our immense responsibility to our children, and to the world and society that they will inherit, we do what we can to raise them well. We take them to church. We hold family home evening. We have family scripture study. We do all we can to help them develop faith and gain a firm testimony of the Gospel. These are the most important things we can do for our children, and for our world. With God's help we will be successful in this most important endeavor. Nothing is more critical!
Lately I have felt that while my wife and I continue to work to teach the Gospel to our children and accomplish all those things outlined above, there are a few other things that I want to impart to my children. Particularly, there are some fundamental principles relative to government and political freedom that I want them to know. There is so much that has been said by so many. I want my children to read and study and learn for themselves, but I also want to help ensure they don't get lost in the labyrinth of ideas that are based on faulty principles and distorted values that are becoming so prevalent in society. While I feel we should encourage our children to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions, I want them to know what their dad believes. It is very important to me that my children understand what I think about important issues, and why.
To accomplish this I have started to write some of my fundamental beliefs about government and freedom. These are basic principles that I believe should shape the decisions and policies made by our elected representatives, and upon which our country should remain grounded.
These are not unique ideas that I came up with. They have been expounded by wise men and women for many years. They are the basis of our Constitution and represent what I believe to be timeless pillars to which our society must adhere. Although these principles have been outlined by men who are much wiser and articulate than I, it is important to me that my children hear these things in my words, from my pen (or word processor as they case may be).
Following are eighteen principles I want my children to know. This is not a complete list, as I will add to it as time passes, but it is a start. I will be writing an explanation for each of these principles that I can compile and leave for my children to read and contemplate as they get older. I would love to hear what others of you think of the list and if there are additional principles you feel are important.
Here's the list:
Because of our immense responsibility to our children, and to the world and society that they will inherit, we do what we can to raise them well. We take them to church. We hold family home evening. We have family scripture study. We do all we can to help them develop faith and gain a firm testimony of the Gospel. These are the most important things we can do for our children, and for our world. With God's help we will be successful in this most important endeavor. Nothing is more critical!
Lately I have felt that while my wife and I continue to work to teach the Gospel to our children and accomplish all those things outlined above, there are a few other things that I want to impart to my children. Particularly, there are some fundamental principles relative to government and political freedom that I want them to know. There is so much that has been said by so many. I want my children to read and study and learn for themselves, but I also want to help ensure they don't get lost in the labyrinth of ideas that are based on faulty principles and distorted values that are becoming so prevalent in society. While I feel we should encourage our children to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions, I want them to know what their dad believes. It is very important to me that my children understand what I think about important issues, and why.
To accomplish this I have started to write some of my fundamental beliefs about government and freedom. These are basic principles that I believe should shape the decisions and policies made by our elected representatives, and upon which our country should remain grounded.
These are not unique ideas that I came up with. They have been expounded by wise men and women for many years. They are the basis of our Constitution and represent what I believe to be timeless pillars to which our society must adhere. Although these principles have been outlined by men who are much wiser and articulate than I, it is important to me that my children hear these things in my words, from my pen (or word processor as they case may be).
Following are eighteen principles I want my children to know. This is not a complete list, as I will add to it as time passes, but it is a start. I will be writing an explanation for each of these principles that I can compile and leave for my children to read and contemplate as they get older. I would love to hear what others of you think of the list and if there are additional principles you feel are important.
Here's the list:
- The Constitution of the United States (and the Bill of Rights) is divinely inspired and represents the truest and most exalted form of government ever enjoyed by mankind.
- Individual rights are of supreme importance. The war in heaven was largely fought over the concept of individual freedom. Government cannot and should not deprive citizens of individual rights under the guise of collective rights. The collectivist plans are wrong (socialism, statism, communism, etc). In fact, Lucifer’s plan was a collectivist plan. Individual rights, however, must be checked when they begin to intrude on the individual rights of others. This is why we justly have laws in a civil society. Key individual rights include life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness.
- Individual rights come from God, and government exists only to protect and preserve those rights. There are no rights that are granted by the government.
- Moral absolutes do exist. Right and wrong exist eternally regardless of time, place, popular opinion, or society. Philosophies of moral relativism have become more and more common and pervasive. These philosophies are incorrect and counter to the truth revealed by God. God is the only authority on what is defined as morally right or wrong. The Ten Commandments represent the most common expression of moral absolutes and provide a foundation for man to make moral decisions.
- The basic and fundamental unit of society is the family. It is not the state, in whatever form the “state” may assume (city, county state, country, world order, labor union, societal organization, etc.). Government must never interfere with the family and should actively preserve conditions in which the family can remain strong.
- The separation of church and state as often referred to in our day is nothing more than a safeguard against establishing a state-sponsored religion. It does not in any way suggest that God, faith, and religion should be stripped out of public discourse. In fact, our country cannot survive unless these are present and strong in our society. This is emphasized repeatedly in the Book of Mormon. Organizations that seek to drive God out of the public square, whether under the premise of fairness, civil liberties, diversity, or anything else, are evil.
- Do not place blind trust in political parties. Party platforms change and politicians are too often fixed on populist opinion. Adhere to correct principles and support candidates who stand for these principles. Good people are found both within and outside of both major parties.
- I consider myself politically conservative. I adhere to the basic tenets of a conservative political philosophy socially, fiscally, and in areas of national defense and the role of government. The founding fathers of our nation would today be considered conservatives, or what was known in the past as classical liberals. Above all else conservatism is a position of individual rights, limited government, and personal responsibility.
- The right to private property is a divine right upon which government or other authority must not infringe. Individuals are entitled to the fruit of their efforts.
- While there are inalienable rights that no authority or government should take from us, there has never been a guarantee of equal results. Government must not confiscate the fruit of one person’s efforts to give to another. This is in violation of God’s principles. The government should not sponsor any program that is designed to subvert natural consequences, either good or bad. This includes programs that remove accountability for choices made by an individual, such as discouraging industry, thrift and the drive for success by taking away the naturally occurring fruits of labor, or encouraging laziness, dependency, or entitlement by providing reward where it was not sought for and properly earned. This is most dangerous when these two factors are joined together by taking away from the industrious and giving to the idle in order to achieve equality of results.
- The best government is limited government. This is how the founding fathers intended our republic to function. It is not the role of government to become the caretaker of individuals. Government should protect the system in which men can freely pursue happiness, but attainment of happiness is the sole responsibility of the individual. Government should not be intrusive, obstructionist, or get in the way of the free exercise of personal liberty.
- Government should be performed at the level closest to the people. Local government should be responsible for most functions, because people have the greatest input at that level. The further government moves from the people, the smaller the role should be. The federal government is not the overlord of the state, but should only perform the functions the state or local government cannot do efficiently (ie national defense, foreign policy, international trade, interstate commerce, etc.).
- Freedom cannot exist without a strong sense of personal accountability in the society.
- Separation of powers, with checks and balances is key to the preservation of freedom. Without it, tyranny will inevitably result. Remember D&C 121. It is the nature of man when they get a little power to exercise unrighteous dominion. There must be safeguards against the natural man in government or it will lead to tyranny.
- We have an obligation to posterity. Government should not do what benefits the current generation at the expense of a future generation.
- The economics of prosperity include free markets in a capitalist system. Competition is a key driver of innovation and progress, and should not be constrained by government. Regulation should be minimal and only where necessary to ensure the common safety of society, and never to benefit individual groups over others.
- Study, know, and gain a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Anything that supports the Gospel should be championed. Anything that does not support the Gospel must be vigorously and actively opposed.
- Above all else, follow the living prophet! While it is not the practice of church leadership to advocate political positions, parties or candidates, always adhere to those positions or candidates consistent with the principles taught by the prophet. NEVER accept or subscribe to any notion, position, or proposal that conflicts with the teachings of the prophets. We have been warned that in your generation even the very elect would be deceived. The only sure way not to fall prey to deception is to follow the living prophet.
So that's the list as it exists today. If my children can understand these 18 principles, I believe they will be better prepared to evaluate what is happening in the world around them, and effectively determine whether what they observe is right or wrong as it pertains to the governance of men and the preservation of freedom.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and additions to this list of core principles.
Thanks,
Richard
Monday, July 6, 2009
America's Road to Socialism--Fact of Fiction? (Installment 4)
Thanks to those of you that have stuck with this series, even though the posts are bit long and tedious. I think that it is clear that there is a real danger facing our nation today. We have seen that latter-day prophets and apostles have raised a warning voice to us concerning the threat of socialism to our American way of life. There has been much more than a few isolated comments by church leaders, but a pattern of warning from God's anointed over the past 150 years. The question we must answer then, is will we heed prophetic warning and stand up in defense of our liberty?
We have also seen the purposes and intent of avowed socialists, as well as the techniques formulated to bring about their objectives. From it's very begining, through the drafting of the Communist Manifesto, which both popularized and radicalized socialist thought, to the present day, the end socialist engineers have in sight has always been the subjugation of individual freedom to the collectivist designs of statists who believe that government is the supreme authority, from whom all rights are granted, and who must be relied upon to save the masses from themselves. As stated by J. Rueben Clark, "Reduced to its lowest terms, the great struggle which now rocks the whole earth more and more takes on the character of a struggle of the individual versus the state. Does the individual exist for the benefit of the state, or does the state exist for the benefit of the individual?" (1938, Vital Speeches 5:174)
Finally, we have reviewed many of the recent developments within our country that represent a concerted move toward socialism. There were 50 examples provided of stories reported by the media that reflect a socialistic trend. This is only a sampling. The true extent to which we have moved away from the fundamentals envisioned by our founding fathers and toward statist/socialistic governance is seen not just in what the legislative, judicial, and executive branches are doing, but the attitude with which they do it. There is a blatant and pervasive disregard for the good of the country or the voice of the people. Extravagant bills that change the very fabric of our nation are passed without even being read. Legislators continue to play childish games (i.e. hiring a speed reader to make light of the fact that pending legislation is not read before being brought to a vote) while the executive branch continually over-reaches and usurps power not granted by the constitution (i.e. hiring czars to carry out executive edicts with no congressional oversight). In the meantime special interest groups continue to create an atmosphere of the few ruling the many. Groups such as ACORN and the SEIU use corruption and taxpayer money to accomplish their stated goal of bringing down the system that exists today. Corrupt leaders protect one another from investigation and criminal prosecution. How reminiscent is our day to the Nephite nation described in 3 Nephi Chapter 6?
Even with all that we have reviewed about the threat that socialism represents, and the overwhelming evidence of the quickening pace with which our country is moving in that direction, there are no doubt many who remain skeptical of both the risks and the reality of America's current road to socialism. To those I will recommend the words of living socialist leaders today. Sam Webb, the leader of the Communist Party USA delivered a speech entitled "A Springtime of Possibility" in November of 2008. He hails the progress and pending changes reflected in the election of Barak Obama as President. In his words, "a sea of change occurred on November 4th". He continued by stating that, "a new era of progressive change is waiting to become a reality". The jubilation of communist leadership in America should be eye-opening for all those who adhere to the founding principles of our nation. You can view Webb's entire speech at http://www.cpusa.org/article/articleview/994/1/154/ . It is interesting to read how the communists' view of Obama's platform and policies have energized their base.
John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO and leading member of the Democratic Socialist Party of America stated, "The political pendulum is swinging back toward sanity. . . Barack Obama brings new hope to America's working families, and our increased majority in the Senate means we can translate that hope into reality." What is the hope of an admitted and ardent socialist? http://www.aflcio.org/mediacenter/prsptm/pr11042008.cfm
But this is not about Barack Obama, though he does represent a powerful vehicle for moving America further into the "soul destroying land of socialism" (David O. McKay, Church News 3/12/52). Neither is it about Democrats or Republicans. David O. McKay also stated, "Teachings and ideologies subversive to the fundamental principles of this great Republic, which are contrary to the Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be condemned, whether advocated by Republicans or Democrats." (”Closing Address” 952).
This is about the future of our nation, our freedoms, and those who wish to recast America in a new and different mode, somehow thinking that the inspired principles upon which our nation was founded no longer matter. That they've discovered a better way. That the individual is nothing more than a cog in the machinery of the state.
There is a better way, and that better way is returning to the inspired fundamentals of our constitution!
So the urgent question that remains is what can we do to preserve our nation, our freedom, and our way of life?
The question is not an easy one to answer, but neither is it impossible. Stay tuned to this blog for thoughts on how this question is to be answered. Here's one initial recommendation:
Learn all you can about the principles upon which our nation was founded. Understand what you stand for, then help those around you to understand. We can never defend nor sustain that which we don't know. President Ezra Taft Benson stated in the Saturday morning session of General Conference in October of 1987, "Have we read the Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?"
This is a great place to begin doing something. If you are not familiar with these principles, learn them. If you are familiar with these principles, share them. If some time has passed since you've studied our heritage of freedom, become reacquainted with it. Don't forget the timeless quote by Edmund Burke "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing!"
Let's begin where we are, and do what we can!
Thanks,
Richard
We have also seen the purposes and intent of avowed socialists, as well as the techniques formulated to bring about their objectives. From it's very begining, through the drafting of the Communist Manifesto, which both popularized and radicalized socialist thought, to the present day, the end socialist engineers have in sight has always been the subjugation of individual freedom to the collectivist designs of statists who believe that government is the supreme authority, from whom all rights are granted, and who must be relied upon to save the masses from themselves. As stated by J. Rueben Clark, "Reduced to its lowest terms, the great struggle which now rocks the whole earth more and more takes on the character of a struggle of the individual versus the state. Does the individual exist for the benefit of the state, or does the state exist for the benefit of the individual?" (1938, Vital Speeches 5:174)
Finally, we have reviewed many of the recent developments within our country that represent a concerted move toward socialism. There were 50 examples provided of stories reported by the media that reflect a socialistic trend. This is only a sampling. The true extent to which we have moved away from the fundamentals envisioned by our founding fathers and toward statist/socialistic governance is seen not just in what the legislative, judicial, and executive branches are doing, but the attitude with which they do it. There is a blatant and pervasive disregard for the good of the country or the voice of the people. Extravagant bills that change the very fabric of our nation are passed without even being read. Legislators continue to play childish games (i.e. hiring a speed reader to make light of the fact that pending legislation is not read before being brought to a vote) while the executive branch continually over-reaches and usurps power not granted by the constitution (i.e. hiring czars to carry out executive edicts with no congressional oversight). In the meantime special interest groups continue to create an atmosphere of the few ruling the many. Groups such as ACORN and the SEIU use corruption and taxpayer money to accomplish their stated goal of bringing down the system that exists today. Corrupt leaders protect one another from investigation and criminal prosecution. How reminiscent is our day to the Nephite nation described in 3 Nephi Chapter 6?
Even with all that we have reviewed about the threat that socialism represents, and the overwhelming evidence of the quickening pace with which our country is moving in that direction, there are no doubt many who remain skeptical of both the risks and the reality of America's current road to socialism. To those I will recommend the words of living socialist leaders today. Sam Webb, the leader of the Communist Party USA delivered a speech entitled "A Springtime of Possibility" in November of 2008. He hails the progress and pending changes reflected in the election of Barak Obama as President. In his words, "a sea of change occurred on November 4th". He continued by stating that, "a new era of progressive change is waiting to become a reality". The jubilation of communist leadership in America should be eye-opening for all those who adhere to the founding principles of our nation. You can view Webb's entire speech at http://www.cpusa.org/article/articleview/994/1/154/ . It is interesting to read how the communists' view of Obama's platform and policies have energized their base.
John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO and leading member of the Democratic Socialist Party of America stated, "The political pendulum is swinging back toward sanity. . . Barack Obama brings new hope to America's working families, and our increased majority in the Senate means we can translate that hope into reality." What is the hope of an admitted and ardent socialist? http://www.aflcio.org/mediacenter/prsptm/pr11042008.cfm
But this is not about Barack Obama, though he does represent a powerful vehicle for moving America further into the "soul destroying land of socialism" (David O. McKay, Church News 3/12/52). Neither is it about Democrats or Republicans. David O. McKay also stated, "Teachings and ideologies subversive to the fundamental principles of this great Republic, which are contrary to the Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be condemned, whether advocated by Republicans or Democrats." (”Closing Address” 952).
This is about the future of our nation, our freedoms, and those who wish to recast America in a new and different mode, somehow thinking that the inspired principles upon which our nation was founded no longer matter. That they've discovered a better way. That the individual is nothing more than a cog in the machinery of the state.
There is a better way, and that better way is returning to the inspired fundamentals of our constitution!
So the urgent question that remains is what can we do to preserve our nation, our freedom, and our way of life?
The question is not an easy one to answer, but neither is it impossible. Stay tuned to this blog for thoughts on how this question is to be answered. Here's one initial recommendation:
Learn all you can about the principles upon which our nation was founded. Understand what you stand for, then help those around you to understand. We can never defend nor sustain that which we don't know. President Ezra Taft Benson stated in the Saturday morning session of General Conference in October of 1987, "Have we read the Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?"
This is a great place to begin doing something. If you are not familiar with these principles, learn them. If you are familiar with these principles, share them. If some time has passed since you've studied our heritage of freedom, become reacquainted with it. Don't forget the timeless quote by Edmund Burke "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing!"
Let's begin where we are, and do what we can!
Thanks,
Richard
Thursday, June 25, 2009
America's Road To Socialism--Fact or Fiction? (Installment 3)
In the first installment of this four part series we reviewed what the latter day prophets have said about socialism. It is clear that the prophetic voice has warned us against the dangers socialism represent in undermining our free agency in the world.
In the second installment we took a brief look at the origins of socialism and the objectives outlined by the founders of this philosophy. We were able to see that much of what the early socialist thinkers outlined as hallmarks of a socialist nation have become visible in America over the past several decades.
Considering what has been laid out in the first two installments regarding socialism and the danger it poses to freedom and individual liberties, it becomes even more urgent that we determine whether it poses a legitimate threat to our country in our day. Are we indeed on a road to socialism in the United States of America today? There is an abundance of warnings circulating on the airwaves, in print, and on the Internet regarding the increasingly rapid move toward socialism we are experiencing today. In light of the warnings of the prophets in this dispensation, it is vital that we determine whether these claims are worthy of our attention, or if they are nothing more than exaggerated propaganda. It is my belief that the United States of America, the greatest beacon of freedom in all of human history, is being hijacked by those intent on ushering in a new age of socialism in this land. Whether you believe this or not is something you must determine by careful consideration of current events and through a thorough review of steps being taken by our federal government. As you are contemplating this important question, consider the 50 observations outlined in the following section. These are actual developments in our country that have been widely reported in the news media. I consider these 50 observations, along with many others, as evidence supporting the conclusion I’ve arrived at concerning the dangers to our country and way of life.
The following stories have been openly reported in major news outlets over the past two years. This is certainly not an exhaustive list of all milestones we have passed on the road to socialism. Undoubtedly there are many I have not included that are prominent in your mind. As you add your own observations to mine, the frightening path we are on becomes even more evident. These are listed in no particular order.
- August 2008- Barak Obama proposes windfall profit taxes on oil companies. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/08/obamas-proposed.html
- October 3, 2008- Banks become subject to governmental controls by accepting funds from TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
- October 13, 2008- The U.S. Treasury announced it would use TARP funds to assume equity stakes in nine major banks.
- November 10, 2008- U.S. Government invests $40 Billion in taxpayer money to purchase preferred shares in AIG. Government now owns nearly 80% of the company. http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/11/10/2008-11-10_government_pumps_more_money_into_aig_inc.html
- November 12, 2008- Secretary of Treasury Paulson announced no TARP funds would be used for the purpose outlined in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, which was to buy up troubled assets. This represents an entity of the federal government usurping authority not explicitly given it through proper legislation.
- December 17, 2008- Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson and Chairman of Federal Reserve, Bernanke coerced Bank of America to acquire Merrill Lynch. http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle/articleid/2962840
- February 4, 2009- President Obama announces cap on executive pay for banks who accepted TARP assistance. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05pay.html?_r=1&hp
- March 29, 2009- President Obama “fires” CEO of General Motors. http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/30/youre-fired-obama-fires-gms-ceo/
- March 2009- Obama Administration and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geitner seek to be given authority to take control of any private company they determine to be a threat to the economy. http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Politics/story?id=7153542&page=1
- April 21, 2009- Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geitner indicates he will not allow banks to repay TARP loans early, thereby maintaining governmental control. http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/27/news/economy/tarp_takeback/index.htm
- April 2009- Obama administration gives mandate to Chrysler Corporation that they must merge with Fiat. http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12168835?source=rss
- April 2009- Obama administration threatens to fire CEO of Citigroup. http://www.kxmc.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=365948
- April 19, 2009- The Obama administration announces intent to convert shares the government owns in our country’s banks from preferred stock to common stock. This would give the government a voting majority in 19 private banks in the U.S. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/19/us-may-convert-bailouts-t_n_188784.html
- Government will appoint the board of directors of the new Chrysler/Fiat merger. The majority of the directors will not be employees of either Chrysler or Fiat. The government appointed board will appoint a new CEO. http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12168835?source=rss
- May 14, 2009- Official documents reveal that the nine largest banks in America were forced by the government to accept TARP bailout assistance whether they wanted it or not. http://article.wn.com/view/2009/05/14/US_forced_banks_to_take_bailout_money/
- Ted Kennedy and Rep George Miller sponsor the ironically named Employee Free Choice Act, being co-sponsored by 225 Congressmen (222 Democrats, 3 Republicans) and 40 Senators (39 Democrats, 1 Independent). http://www.heritage.org/research/Labor/bg2027.cfm
- Congress passes bill that targets taxation of AIG executive bonuses. This act represents government nullifying legally executed contracts. Passage of this legislation is also ex post facto, which is prohibited by the constitution (Article 1 Section 9). This action is an example of direct taxation against individual citizens who have not been convicted of any criminal wrongdoing. Add to these government usurpations of power the fact that both the Senate and the Obama administration were aware of the bonus contracts at the time bailout money was given. Additionally, no actions were taken against even more lucrative bonuses given to executives of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, both government agencies.
- Cap and Trade legislation continues to be pushed in both houses of Congress to fight global warming. This would impose significant taxation on carbon dioxide emissions by energy producers and manufacturers. Global warming is being increasingly seen by many as nothing more than a vehicle to enact socialist inspired policies. According to the Heritage Foundation, “Cap and trade bills are nothing short of a government re-engineering of the American economy. And S. 2191, with its aggressive targets to reduce emissions from fossil fuel use, would put the nation on a path of serious economic harm not justified by any benefits”
- May 2009- Government announces likelihood of becoming majority shareholder of GM, with speculation that ownership share could rise to as much as 70%. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/27/likely-taking-majority-ownership-gm/
- June 1, 2009- GM files for bankruptcy protection. As part of the restructuring, the government assumes a 60% ownership stake. http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN3044658620090601
- April 7, 2009- Homeland Security memo warns that those who don’t agree with a hard left agenda are extremist and pose a terrorist risk. This includes those who oppose abortion, illegal immigration, gun control legislation, expansion of social programs, same-sex marriage, as well as those who “stockpile food”, support U.S. sovereignty over one-world government, support state or local authority over federal authority, or recently returned from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/rightwing.pdf
- April 23, 2009- Obama administration suggesting Miranda rates can be suspended in certain instances (example of taking away rights rather than protecting them). http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/23/obama-legal-team-wants-de_n_190852.html
- Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats championing a return of the “Fairness Doctrine”, which would end conservative commentating on the radio airwaves. http://www.aim.org/aim-column/pelosi-support-return-of-fairness-doctrine/
- The current budget from Obama administration increases entitlement programs by $700BB http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ008.111.pdf
- Moves toward socialized medicine in 2009 spending bill
- $125MM more for government run community health centers ($2.2BB total)
- $75MM to assist states in preparing to expand government healthcare - The 2009 Omnibus Spending bill contained 9,287 earmarks totaling close to $13 billion in taxpayer money collected from across the country. These funds would then be diverted to local projects. The earmark culture keeps Congress beholden to special interests and represents taxation without representation for citizens across the country. Imagine taxpayers from all 50 states contributing close to $6 million for the Kennedy institute in Boston, $2.5 million to renovate a building in Maysville, Kentucky, $4.75 million for a road in Montana, or $1 million to fight Mormon Crickets in Utah. http://www.heritage.org/Research/Budget/upload/porktable.html
- 2010 census moved out of department of commerce and put under direct control of white house. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/09/gop-sounds-alarm-obama-decision-census-white-house/
- March 2009- Congress passes the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009”, widely known as the second stimulus package (the first being the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on February 13, 2008) to deal with an economic recession. The cost of this package is over $787 billion. http://useconomy.about.com/od/candidatesandtheeconomy/a/Obama_Stimulus.htm
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $24.7 billion to subsidize healthcare insurance premiums for unemployed.
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $10 billion for construction of National Institutes of Health
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $2 billion for Community Health Centers. CHC’s receive federal funding through the Department of Health and Human Services and provide low or no cost health services to low-income Americans. In many ways it is nationalized healthcare in embryo. There are currently over 4,000 CHC in the United States. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Health_Center
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $82.5 billion for aid to low income workers and the unemployed.
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $19 billion for Health Information Technology. One of the primary purposes of federally funded Health Information Technology is to create a single database of patient information for all Americans. This gives government access to private healthcare information of every citizen. http://healthit.hhs.gov/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=1211&parentname=CommunityPage&parentid=5&mode=2&in_hi_userid=10732&cached=true
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $11 billion for smart grid technology.
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $5 billion to weatherize modest income homes.
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill allocated $2 billion for housing rental assistance.
- The 2009 Stimulus Bill $8.8 billion to give to states to help with budgets. This fact should be particularly viewed in light of the quote by Elder Albert E Bowen, which essentially explains that by accepting federal stimulus dollars, states are surrendering a degree of their sovereignty.
- Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Olympia Snow (R-ME) have introduced The Cybersecurity Act of 2009. This Act has several disturbing provisions, including giving the President authority at his discretion to shut down all Internet traffic, including privately owned and operated networks and gives the Secretary of Commerce “access to all relevant data concerning (critical infrastructure) networks without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy restricting such access”. http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/04/cybersecurity-act
- In his latest memoir, Barack Obama shares that he'd like to "recast" the welfare net that FDR and LBJ cast while rolling back what he derisively calls the "winner-take-all" market economy that Ronald Reagan re-ignited.
- From 1990 to 2006 federal subsidy programs increased by 44%, from 1,176 to 1,696. http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb_0611-41.pdf
- The Obama Administration’s plan to reform healthcare will centralize more control in Washington and represent a huge leap toward true socialized healthcare, similar to what has been used in Europe and Canada. http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/bg2197.cfm
- April 2009- President Obama continues to push for a restructuring of the college tuition assistance to make the federal government the only group able to lend money directly to students. Federal subsidies would no longer be available for private banks or other institutions to provide student loans. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/24/obama-touts-plan-change-college-loan/100days/
- Obama administration suggests mandatory civil service for youth ages 18 to 25. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0B7dOQwKm0
- December 7, 2007- Senator Barack Obama introduced SB2433, also known as the Global Poverty Act. This bill will allocate $845 billion of U.S. taxpayer money to the United Nations. http://search.cnn.com/search.jsp?query=obama%20global%20poverty%20act&type=web&sortBy=date&intl=false
- Barack Obama has suggested the government provide free childcare and universal preschool. http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Obama_Early_Childhood_Education/
- Medicare Part D, signed into law in 2003 by President Bush. Under this program “Everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drugs used, can get prescription drug coverage”. The program cost an estimated $70 billion in 2007 and is expected to run 10 years costs of over $600 billion.
- According to the Heritage Foundation in February of 2007, the long-term medical debt exceeded $32.4 trillion dollars. In fiscal 2008 Medicare benefits totaled $454 billion. http://www.heritage.org/research/healthcare/wm1344.cfm
- May 21, 2009- Obama administration announces new automobile CAFÉ standards that must be achieved by 2016.
- Legislation proposed to expand authority of FDA to increase oversight of the entire food distribution chain. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/273479
- Proposed taxation of drinks with sugar as an ingredient. This is just one of many examples of over-taxation to pay for expanding government programs. It also would set a dangerous precedent for government to expand taxation to other products it deems harmful. This type of action essentially reflects the attitude that citizens don’t know what is good for them, so government will use taxes to shape our behavior in a direction they deem to be in our best interest. http://www.reuters.com/article/bigMoney/idUS379000416120090512
After reviewing these 50 examples, it is hard to refute that there is a clear trend in the direction our country is taking. Even if only a portion of the 50 examples are actually brought to full fruition, the very intent to pass these various measures speaks volumes of the mind-set pervading our elected officials in Washington.
But perhaps the most disconcerting evidence of the general trend toward socialism in our country was manifest in a recent Rasmussen poll in which only 53% of respondents stated they believe capitalism is superior to socialism. The headline of an article covering the poll is significant. “New Poll Finds American Workers Turning Massively Towards Socialism: Unbelievable But True.” http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13226
Returning to one of the most passionate and articulate defenders of freedom in the past century, Ezra Taft Benson stated the following.
“I do not fear the small, hard corps of subversives here in America so much as I do those who do not see the danger to freedom that is inherent in more and more centralization of power in government—and I fear especially those who do see the trend and don’t care.”
We can see the pattern toward greater government control and creeping (some may even say galloping) socialism that exists among our political leaders. It also appears there may be an emerging pattern among the citizenry of our nation who do not see the growing danger to our freedoms. If we will, we can take the steps necessary to open eyes and awaken the love of liberty that has become latent in too many of our fellow Americans. As we see these trends, I pray we will care. . . and stand up for freedom.
- Richard Parke
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
America's Road to Socialism -- Fact or Fiction? (Installment 2)
Let me apologize up front for the length of these posts. Now you can see why I divided this into four installments. Please bear with me and at least skim through the paragraphs. I think it will be worth your while.
In the first installment on the road to socialism in America we considered the question, “what have the prophets said about socialism?” It was clearly established that latter day prophets have been both plentiful and explicit in their warnings about the dangers of socialism (see posting from June 1).
This conclusion leads us to one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves at this time in history, “Is the United States really on a path that will lead to socialism?” In considering this question it is helpful to have an understanding of the history, origins, and tactics of socialism.
Brace yourself for a short tutorial on history. If you find this a bit tedious, skip ahead a couple of paragraphs. Otherwise, read on . . .
Some of the earliest socialistic philosophy surfaced during the French Revolution by Jean Jacques Rousseau and Gracchus Babeuf. Rousseau was a proponent of the state assuming responsibility for the needs of all people, and championed the equal distribution of wealth in order to accomplish this end. Babeuf asserted the idea that the poor should overthrow the rich and then distribute all property equally and hold it collectively. The Jacobin movement, also during the period of the French Revolution in the late 18th century, was another proponent of equal distribution of wealth and the state ensuring “social justice”.
However, the ideas that underlie the socialist philosophy really began to take shape and gain a following in the early 19th century, generally believed to be between the years 1820 and 1830. Charles Fourier and other utopian philosophers expounded the ideas of socialism as the manifestation of a perfect world. It was the followers of Fourier who brought socialism to the U.S. in an attempt to set up such utopian communities.
It is worth noting with extreme interest that the roots of modern socialism can be traced to the same period during which the restoration of the Gospel was taking shape. Consider that Joseph Smith received the First Vision in 1820 and the Church was organized in 1830. It is not difficult to beleive that as the Lord was restoring the true gospel to the earth, Satan would be in the process of establishing a great counterfeit in opposition to the “marvelous work and a wonder” transpiring during the same period. We know in the year 1843 that Joseph Smith attended multiple lectures on socialism by John Finch, a member of the first socialist society in America, founded in 1825. In response to these lectures Joseph Smith stated, “I did not believe the doctrine”.
The real strength of modern socialism came from the writings of two Germans, both infamous for inaugurating the era of communism. . . socialism achieved through revolution. Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx are acknowledged as the most influential thinkers in socialism as it exists today. The definitive work on socialism is The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx.
To really understand the phenomenon of socialism, and to begin to assess whether America is on a path toward it, we should look at the principles and strategy outlined in The Communist Manifesto. Referring to the Communist Manifesto, Engels wrote in the preface to the document “it is undoubtedly the most widespread, the most international production of all socialist literature.” There is little question that the goals, objectives, and tactics in the Communist Manifesto are the goals, objectives, and tactics of socialism.
Before we begin to take a quick look at the tactics Karl Marx outlined, consider the following statement Ezra Taft Benson reported to have heard directly from Nikita Kruschev in 1959. “We cannot expect Americans to jump from capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving Americans small doses of socialism until they suddenly awake to find they have Communism.”
With that in mind, it is worth pointing out that Karl Marx outlined 10 characteristics in the Communist Manifesto that describe a socialistic nation. He also suggests that in converting a nation from a democratic market-based economy to a socialist state, these characteristics should be pursued. Marx’s 10 points are as follows:
- Abolition of propery in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.
- A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.
- Abolition of all right of inheritance.
- Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.
- Centralization of credit in the ands of the state by means of a national bank with state capital and an exclusive monopoly.
- Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the state.
- Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state.
- Equal obligation of all to work. Establishment of industrial armies.
- Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries.
- Free education for all children in public schools.
It appears to me as if at least 7 of these objectives are already firmly entrenched in our country, or in some stage of implementation. Let’s look very briefly at a few of these points and how they may be manifesting in America today.
Graduated Income Tax- Many of our founding fathers warned against a graduated system of taxation as it distributes the tax burden disproportionately. They actually suggested excise taxes as preferable to a tax on property, including income, but specified that all taxation should be apportioned. There was a temporary income tax during the civil war, but it was a flat tax of 3% of annual income, and only lasted for 5 years. In 1887 the Socialist Labor Party in the U.S. began to lobby for a graduated income tax to be established. Coincidence??? The income tax as we know it today was authorized by passage of the 16th amendment in 1913. We have had a tax system advocated by Karl Marx since that time. While there is nothing inherently socialistic about income tax, and I believe responsible citizens should pay their income tax, a graduated tax that redistributes wealth is socialistic, and it is what we have in place.
Abolition of Right of Inheritance- H Verlan Anderson, BYU professor and later a member of the First Quorum of Seventy gave great insight into all of Marx’s 10 points. Specific to inheritance rights he explained, “by means of steeply graduated gift and inheritance taxes, this same result can be achieved. Large, medium, and even small estates can be destroyed upon the death of the owner by imposing a tax so high that the entire business must be liquidated to meet it. Under such a policy when a person dies, instead of allowing him to pass his property on to his widow and children, government confiscates the entire estate.” We have gift taxes, inheritance taxes (so called death tax), and estate taxes in place today.
Centralization of Credit/National Bank/Monopoly- The Federal Reserve bank was established in 1913 (1913 . . . really the entire Wilson era . . . was not a good time for freedom in our nation) by Woodrow Wilson. There is a monopoly in the management of credit, issuance of currency, and control of fiscal policy consolidated in the Federal Reserve. Our founding fathers, particularly Thomas Jefferson, warned repeatedly against the establishment of a national bank and surrendering monopoly control of the nation’s currency. Jefferson said that bankers represented a greater threat to freedom than standing armies. Lenin is known to have said that “the best way to destroy a capitalist system was to debauch the currency. By a process of inflation, governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens”.
Centralization of the Means of Communication and Transportation- To be brief on this section, I’ll simply point out that rail travel in America is centralized under government control (Amtrak). The government is the majority owner of GM and Chrysler. New CAFÉ standards for vehicles threaten to put all car manufacturers in the U.S. out of business. They will not be able to compete with a subsidized GM that can operate at perennial losses, just as Amtrak does.
Equal Obligation Work/Establishment of Industrial Armies- Again, in an attempt at brevity due to the growing length of this post, I’ll simply suggest the political influence of labor unions. For some intriguing but disturbing information look into the twisted web of the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) and their ties to other shady groups such as ACORN.
Free Education for Children in Public Schools- I realize this may be a most controversial topic, due largely to the fact that public education is so thoroughly entrenched in our society. But consider whether there is a more powerful tool for socialist thinkers to propagate their message and establish their philosophies. While I think in Utah we have been insulated to a degree from the creeping dangers in public schools, there are many examples of the state deciding what is being taught and how, without input from parents. The “Big Bang” is taught as creation, organic evolution is taught as the origins of man, global warming is taught as the single largest public concern of our day, sexual alternatives are taught as virtues, abstinence is considered outdated and ineffective as compared to contraceptives, and religion and morality are prohibited. All of these examples are clearly outlined by Marx as essential to accomplishing a true socialist state. A recent news story out of California in which elementary school curriculum is now required to focus on the gay lifestyle is a case in point. Also consider that President Obama has suggested that all student loans should be administered by the government. This would allow the government to control who receives funds, which institutions the funds can be used for, what those institutions teach, and how the education should be targeted. As if academia was not severely skewed to an extreme liberal/socialistic agenda as it is. Please take note that in saying this I fully acknowledge that there are many very good and well-intentioned public school teachers. This is not an indictment on them. I have the greatest respect for many public school teachers, especially those in my own family. That does not negate, however, the powerful tool public education can be in the hands of socialist schemers, and that it is becoming more and more of a mechanism to this end in our nation.
Although there is MUCH, MUCH more that could be reviewed in connection with how the U.S. has moved sharply in the direction of what Karl Marx outlined as characteristic of a socialist state, I’ll let the foregoing suffice with one more quote, this time from the infamous socialist and first communist dictator of Russia, our friend Illyich Lenin.
Lenin said, "Corrupt the young, get them away from religion. Get them interested in sex. Make them superficial, destroy their ruggedness. Get control of all means of publicity and thereby: Get the peoples' mind off their government by focusing their attention on athletics, sexy books and plays, and other trivialities. Divide the people into hostile groups by constantly harping on controversial matters of no importance. Destroy the peoples faith in their natural leaders by holding up the latter to ridicule, contempt and obloquy. Always preach true democracy but seize power as fast and as ruthlessly as possible. Encourage government extravagance, destroy its credit, produce fear with rising prices, inflation and general discontent. Foment unnecessary strikes in vital industries, encourage civil disorders and foster a soft and lenient attitude on the part of government towards such disorders. By specious argument cause the breakdown of the old moral virtues: honesty, sobriety, continence, faith in the pledged word, ruggedness. Cause the registration of all firearms on some pretext, with the view of confiscating them and leaving the population defenseless."
What amount of this clever plan of Lenin's is abundantly evident in America today? Its a chilling thought! I believe it is clear from reviewing the context of socialistic strategy and tactics as outlined by the fathers of modern socialism, that America has started to go down a frightening road.
In the next installment we will review some recent developments in our nation that can be considered mileposts on the road to socialism.
One last thought before I close tonight. In looking through some commentary on a website in which hundreds of people blog and comment about the state of our country, I came across the following statement.
Apr 27, 2009, 4:23pm EDT
Well I agree its Socialism in a package called ‘Stimulus’, but keep in mind Obama’s administration has made no secret that socialism is their intent.
All I can say is Lord its in your hands.
For some reason I feel that God has people blinded for a reason.
Mooch
I pray none of us who believe in our country and the responsibility God has given each of us to stand up for what we believe to be right ever feel this way. It is left in the Lord’s hands only after we’ve done all we can. I don’t believe we’re there yet. President Hinckley admonished us to pray as if everything depended on the Lord, then go to work as if everything depended on us. It doesn't cut it to side-step our responsibility by just saying its in God's hands. I don’t believe God blinds people. I do believe He expects us to open our eyes.
Thanks,
Richard Parke
Sources:
http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/lecture21a.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Manifesto
Book: "The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil" H. Verlan Anderson
Book: "The Red Carpet" Ezra Taft Benson
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