Defense of Liberty

Are We Ready to Listen Yet???

2010-03-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

With every passing day, the extreme left wing in this country is getting bolder and more transparent. Even as I typed the last sentence, I realized that it is only half true. The radical left has undoubtedly been getting bolder in their drive to transform our nation, but to an equal degree, the rest of us are simply starting to pay more attention. Those intent on re-founding our nation have not hidden their intent, but many of us either didn't believe what they have said in the past, or maybe didn't want to believe. Whatever the reason, we can no longer ignore nor deny what is happening all around us.

In the days running up to his election, and then prior to his inauguration, Barack Obama openly advocated for a fundmantal transformation of our nation. Many did not know what he meant by that bold statement. During the smoke and fluster of the healthcare debate over the past year, far left groups including the Center for American Progress, the Tides Foundation, and members of the congressional Progressive Caucus have openly stated that whatever they can accomplish in their pursuit to pass healthcare legislation would only be a first step down the path to socialized medicine through a state-run, single payer system. So this is just the begining.

Barack Obama wrote in his own book about his ties to Marxism and his tendency to migrate toward socialistic thought. He even claimed that in college he sought out Marxist professors as mentors.

Maybe we haven't heard or didn't believe what they've said. That is our fault. But they're becoming even bolder in stating what they really want to accomplish. Are we ready to listen now? If there has been any curtain obscuring the true intent of those in power in our land, it is quickly falling to the ground to clearly reveal where our country is headed, citing a myriad of lies and deceptions as a mandate for the course they are pursuing.

Watch this clip to see the latest in the far left openly admitting the direction they intend to steer our country, and falsely claiming a mandate from the people to do it.

Hear the incomparable Reverand Al Sharpton:

I'm an American. Most of the people I know are Americans. And while I have to admit there are a few people I know who do believe socialism is the wave of the future, overwhelmingly, the people of America did not vote for socialism. But whether we are yet willing to accept this fact or not, we are facing a question of maintaining the heritage of our land based upon inspired principles, or changing to a socialistic system. Those advocating change know what they're trying to accomplish. Are we ready to admit that they are serious and making astounding progress in their agenda?

Please take few more mintes and watch this following video clip from Ezra Taft Benson. This is a good description of the alternative that is being thrust upon us and we will have to settle for if we don't take action. I have borrowed this clip from another blog I follow located at http://knowledgeczar.blogspot.com/ entitled "What I know". This is an excellent blog and I commend to everyone to check in on it. So, begging the pardon of TKZ who authors that blog, please view this video and take some time to visit "What I Know".

We need to wake up, hear what the other side is saying, take them at their word, and then decide what we're going to do about it. The Congressional Republicans, who are not much more trustworthy than their counterparts across the aisle, are vowing to repeal the healthcare bill when they regain power. Are we ready to hold them accountable for that, or will we let them go back to sleep and take their turn at abusing power? Never has it been more important to prayerfully read and commit to follow the instructions given in D&C Section 98.

Thanks,
Richard

This is What Change Looks Like

2010-03-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning on posting again until Tuesday when I share the second installment about how we spend our liberty. But I've been sitting here staring at the television for the past little while, trying to manage the alternate emotions of anger, disappointment, and worry that are competing for domination in my mind as I absorb what happened in Washington D.C. today. I hope we are all astute enough to make note of today's date, March 21, 2010, because its the day everything changed. The effects of the passage of the healthcare bill may not be immediately apparent when we wake up tomorrow morning, but make no mistake, from this moment forward our country is fundamentally different than it was when we woke up this morning. This is not the begining of the transformation of our great land. The transformation has been underway for some time, but it is the day the momentum shifted in a significant degree away from the foundation laid by our forefathers under the inspiration of heaven. We will see, going forward, an acceleration of efforts to undermine liberty in our land, and history will record this day as the one when the crack in the dam became irreparable. In its zeal to "grant us rights", which it has no legitimate power to do, Congress has manufactured their own right to reach further into our lives and prescribe for us how we are to live it. Return to your seats and fasten your safety belts friends and neighbors, we're heading for some rough air.

I don't write this to be pessimisstic, although this certainly is one of the least positive moments since I became awakened to the need to take action in preserving freedom, but rather I write tonight to acknowledge and make note of the movement forward of troubles and challenges that have been prophesied for centuries. There is an even greater urgency now for good men and women to awaken and stand firm in defense of the liberty we enjoy in America. The outcome of the war has already been ordained. Liberty will prevail and our rights will ultimately be held inviolate. God's work for this land is not finsihed and will not be until the New Jerusalem is established and Christ returns to reign. Nevertheless, we will be required to pass through difficult terrain to ensure God's declared outcome. Winning a war does not mean that some battles will not be lost and casualties and hardships will be avoided.

I watched news coverage for as long as I could stand hearing Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama celebrate what they deem a victory for the American People, even though an overwhelming majority of Americans did not support passage of this legislation. It was all I could do to listen to Pelosi invoke the name of our founding fathers and proclaim that she was carrying on the tradition they started and building upon their foundation. But, there was one thing I heard in the Washington gloat-fest that does ring true. President Obama stated, "This is what change looks like."

So, friends and fellow patriots, now we know. This is what the change looks like that he has been promising since he first set his foot on the national stage. This is the change that created the ground swell that carried him into office. Let's take a quick look at this change:

- The legislation was passed through a controversial parliamentary tactic known as reconciliation. What was actually passed was a package to alter the law that would have been created by the Senate bill passed earlier, even though that bill was never signed into law.

- The Senate bill was only passed because of scurrilous backoffice dealings and bribery. This included unfair and immoral concessions given to individual senators in Nebraska, Louisiana, and elsewhere.

- The passage of today's legislative package was very unpopular among the American people, and was clearly not the will of the people. It was passed despite the voice of the people, because it was aligned with the agenda of a powerful few in Washington, not the good of the people or the American way.

- The healthcare package contains provisions completely unrelated to healthcare, which dangeroulsy empower the federal government. For instance, the bill changes the funding of higher education to now allow only the federal government to provide student loans for colleges and universities. Under this provision, the government will now determine who receives funds to go to college, the criteria upon which the funds will be distributed, the terms of the loan (debt to be waived if students participate in government sanctioned social programs and advance the social welfare agenda). Additionally, now the government will be able to determine what institutions the loan dollars can be used for. If the University does not conform curriculum, programs, and philosophy to the will of the state, they can be shut out from enrolling students who take out loans for their education.

- Politicians are attempting, with this bill, to do as they like and avoid all consequences. A great example is our despicable Rep. Jim Matheson in Utah. He magnanimously announced yesterday that he had finally decided to vote against the legislation. I had called his office earlier in the week and was told he was still undecided. As if anyone in elected office had not yet chosen a position in this epic debate and knew where they stood. But once Speaker Pelosi had convinced Rep. Stupak and his coalition to flip their votes in support of the package, and she no longer needed other so called moderate democrats to lend her their support, he attempts to take a "courageous" stand for what his constituents want. It is unsettling to see this kind of duplicity in those we've elected and empowered to represent us. A so called stand on principle once the Democratic leadership had determined they would not punish him for defecting, he thought he could then go back to the good people of his district and tell them he was voting the way they wanted him to. I pray people will not be deceived by this nonsense, which is happening across the nation.

So, in the immortal words of our illustrious leader, "This is what change looks like." I, for one, don't like the look of it.

Here's one last thing I saw on the Internet this evening that seems appropriate:

With his health care holy war, President Obama is sending America at least 10 messages since taking office:

1. I win; you lose.

2. My will; not the will of the people.

3. Government of Obama, by Obama, for Obama; not government of the people, by the people, for the people.

4. Corrupt House rules and autocracy; not play by the rules and democracy.

5. “I’ll tread on you” now steps on “Don’t tread on me.”

6. “I, the president”; not “We, the People.”

7. “All men are created equal” but I am more equal than others.

8. “The dissent of the president” overrules “the consent of the governed.”

9. “Give me tyranny and give me debt” replaces “Give me liberty or give me death.”

10. “That government is best which governs most” supersedes “That government is best which governs least.”

How Are We Spending Our Priceless Liberty? (Installment 1)

2010-03-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in front of the computer screen trying to gather my thoughts, I just looked up to see my sweet wife walking toward the front door with a handful of sharp, jagged, and broken wooden sticks that, up until a short time ago, formed the legs to one of our good dining room chairs. It seems that no matter how often we tell the kids not to climb on the table, wrestle or play ball in the house, we'd be more successful winning the Utah State Lottery than actual getting them to settle down. (Yes, I know there is not a lottery in Utah. . . that's part of the point).

One of the side effects of having a house full of boys is that, unless you can get comfortable sitting on a pile of beautifully lathed kindling, you might have to stand up to eat until a new chair can be ordered. So, unless we happen to be attacked by vampires before the garbage man comes in the morning, the remnants of the chair aren't good for very much.

It’s a funny thing with kids. While they are content to do practically everything imaginable with our furniture, including climb on it, building forts with it, using it as a trampoline, a wrestling mat, and a tackling dummy, if you dare touch anything in their bedroom, like a bed or a banana chair, without their express permission and supervision, they freak out.

I know this phenomenon is not unique to the Parke household or our wild little guys, but it is a curious occurrence. As people, we tend to assign value to things in odd ways. While we hold some things as sacred and inviolable, other things we use and abuse with no apparent rationale. I think some of it has to do with a timeless principle that was eloquently captured by Thomas Paine when he stated, "what we obtain to cheap, we esteem to lightly." This is one of the truths that, while not convenient or something we want to admit to, rings very true in our day.

(NOTE: I'm not referring to the Al Gore style inconvenient truth that is inconvenient because it’s an unproven "truth" derived from partial evidence, supposition, assumptions, and contrived data, seasoned with a healthy portion of personal agenda.)

Unless we can understand the price that has been paid for any article, it is difficult for us to fully appreciate and value that article. This is true when it comes to getting kids to appreciate the comforts and conveniences they take completely for granted in this day and age, or for the rest of us when we contemplate those goods that we've acquired with little or no investment on our part.

Isn't it interesting that there are many of the older generation who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930's and the Great War of the 1940's, who were required to save, sacrifice, and toil for everything they had, who have, over time, amassed abundant savings while never earning more than a meager income, and still live unpretentious and simple lives; while at the same time young athletes who have had great wealth sprung upon them, or lottery winners who happen on large fortunes by chance, live lives of excess and are soon bankrupt and destitute?

We must learn to understand the cost that accompanies the blessings we enjoy in life. Otherwise we cannot be fully appreciative of these blessings, or fully responsible in how we use them.

Thomas Paine continued his famous quote by stating, "Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods."

We should not be so foolish as to believe that the great blessings we have received came at no cost, just because we are not the ones who paid the price. Just as our kids didn't earn the money that paid for the dining set they enjoy every time they sit down to eat a meal, there was a cost that was borne by others for many of the blessings we benefit from on a regular basis. All things of value come with a cost. It is the cost required that actually assigns the value to all things. When it comes to those things most worth possessing, those things given to us by a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we need and what will be of the greatest benefit to us, it is Heaven that places the proper price on those goods.

And so it is with the incomparable gift of liberty. Returning to the words of Thomas Paine, he concluded his insightful declaration with these words. “. . . it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated.”

It is very difficult for many of us in this day to fully comprehend the high price that was paid for our freedoms. The Prophet Joseph Smith one time declared, in describing the heavenly article of freedom in our land, that “Sacred is the memory of that blood which bought for us our liberty.” (HC 3:9 emphasis added)

But those who spilt their blood lived so long ago. Their day was far removed from our day. It is difficult for many to even remember their sacrifice, let alone relate to it. Nevertheless, our apathy does not diminish the price they willingly paid.

What about those who have sacrificed since that time? One of the great tools of the adversary in keeping people from standing up in defense of liberty is the misguided belief that the cost of freedom has been paid in full. What an insult this idea is to those who have left their offering at the altar of freedom in more recent years. What a danger this idea represents when there are evil men in our day intent on destroying the liberty we've enjoyed for so long.

On Tuesday I will post the second installment of this entry, which will include stories of those who have made payments toward the price heaven has placed on our liberty. Please check back in a few days and read what comes next. I’m certain you’ll find it worthwhile. Not because of what I write, but because of the power of the sacrifices that will be described. Then, we'll consider not just the price that has paid for the liberty we enjoy, but how we are spending what we've been given.

In the meantime, please take a few minutes and check out the new blog found at http://properrole.blogspot.com/

Now I'm off to stand at the dining room table to have a bite to eat.

Thanks,
Richard

A Link Worth Checking

2010-03-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

Once again I have failed in my goal to post to this blog each week. The reason for this failure is that I've been working on another project that I will hopefully be able to share within the next couple of months. It has taken quite a bit of time, almost every waking hour not spent working or with the family, but something I feel really good about and look forward to sharing.

In the meantime, I've also re-tooled another old blog that was set-up in conjunction with a project last year to send the Proper Role of Government by Ezra Taft Benson to all members of the U.S. House and Senate.

http://properrole.blogspot.com/

Please take a minute and look at the blog located at this address.

This blog will be populated on a regular basis with a series of posts exploring the contents of Elder Benson's writings on the Proper Role. He has really distilled the correct approach we should be pursuing as a nation, and our ability to digest and understand what he has outlined in that timeless work will greatly benefit each of us. I would like to also invite any who are interested to post on this site regarding your insights and thoughts on the content of Elder Benson's work.

Please take a look, let me know what you think, and let me know if you're interested in posting an essay or specific comments on this blog for others.

Thanks,

Richard

Executive Exigency

2010-02-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

As we continue with reviewing some of the prophetic statements issued by President J. Reuben Clark regarding freedom in America, we need to pause for a moment and review how some of his warnings apply to our current national circumstances. Following are two video segments that everyone should watch. After watching and contemplating these clips, read on to see what President Clark had to say on the topic being addressed.

In an address given on October 7, 1943 President Clark delivered the following message:

"In violation of the fundamental concept of the Constitution that there are three mutually independent branches of government--the legislative, judicial, and executive--neither of which may usurp or have granted to it the power to intrude upon the functions of the other, we have seen grow up, under this destructive influence I have named, the theory and practice that the executive branch may in fact legislate. Many of the legislative-like enactments are dubbed 'directives,' a new and meaningless term in our constitutional government. Unless they are legal Executive Orders, they have no legal force. However sound such enactments may be under the principles and practices of the Civil Law-- with which the leadership of the communisitc publicists are familiar and in which they are probably trained-- they are outside our constitutional law and procedure. Behind them are no popular urges--indeed, they not infrequently fly in the face of the peoples desire; they are made without public notice or discussion, in violation of established law making procedure; they are not made by the representatives of the people with a responsibility runing back to the people. . .

"However, these "directives" involve more than the legislative usurpation. The units that frame them likewise enforce them, --thus becoming both legislature and executive. Furthermore, in cases of dispute, they not infrequently try, condemn, and pronounce judgment for violations, thus acting as a court in judging their own enactments; and finally, having made the law, and judged the law, and imposed the penalty, they act as sheriff to carry out the sentence. This combines all the elments of government into one. This is tyranny in its most complete form, however beneficent it may happen temporarily to be in fact. It was Thomas Jefferson who said: 'What has destroyed the liberty and rights of man in every government which has ever existed under the sun? The generalizing and consolidation of all cares in one body.' . . .

"Thus, and speaking in general terms, the Federal Government has reached down and touched the individual lives of the citizens in a multitude of matters which for a century and a half were held to be untouchable by the Government under those constitutional provisions which declared that the Federal Government is a government of delegated powers, and that unless powers are expressly given they are reserved by the people-- who grants the power-- either to themselves or to their State Governments. Any provervbial school boy knows that the exercise of the Federal Government of a power not delegated to it by the people, is plain usurpation; so also he knows that any exercise by one department of the Federal Government of any power not expressly granted to it is a usurpation, whether that pwer be not granted at all or whether the people have in their Constitution granted that power to another department of the Government. These are merest commonplaces in constitutional law, but they are basic principles which are suffering daily violations.

"Unless these usurpations are stopped, social, economic, and governmental chaos will come. There are those who believe that the destructive influences wish chaos because they believe that out of it they can most easily build their projected communistic state here in America."

Are we flirting with tyranny in America? It is hard to even imagine what our country could look like today if the executive orders outlined in the second video segment had not been rescinded by a subsequent president. In a world rife with real and contrived crises, one seeking to gain power could have used these orders to usher in a state identical to the soviet empire of the 20th century.

So, if President Obama does resort to executive orders to advance the elements of his agenda that he cannot pass through normal legislative channels, there is extreme danger on the horizon.

The Congress and the Judiciary need to get a handle on the unmitigated power grab that can legally be conducted by our chief executive, or they stand in great danger of being rendered impotent, and we stand in great danger of becoming subjects to a veritable monarch.

I believe we should make this, along with other executive tactics such as unconfirmed appointments of powerful bureaucrats (czars), a key issue int he upcoming congressional elections. Those we elect should be willing to preserve the separation powers, which is one of the fundamentals of our the American system of goverment.

Thanks,
Richard

One Voice Among Many

2010-02-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve spent some time reading several of the writings of President J. Reuben Clark. His insights into the mission and destiny of America were profound, and his warnings regarding the dangers that exist to individual liberty and the responsibility we bear to take actions in the preservation of liberty were clear. While he was alive, President Clark was just one voice among many warning of the potential for our liberty to be lost. But he was a powerful voice that we would do well to hear and follow.

I’m sure most are familiar with President Clark, but here are a few biographical facts about him to serve as a quick reminder.

Joshua Reuben Clark received a law degree from Columbia University , worked in the U.S. Attorney General’s office and later as an attorney for the U.S. Department of State. He was appointed to the post of Under Secretary of State in the Coolidge adminstration. In 1930 he was appointed to the role of U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

In 1933 Clark was called by President Heber J. Grant to serve as Second Counselor in the First Presidency. This was a unique and unusual calling, since Clark was not a general authority of the church prior to this call. In 1934, upon the death of Anthony W. Ivins who had served as First Counselor in the First Presidency, Clark was ordained an apostle and called to replace Elder Ivins as First Counselor, with David O. McKay as Second Counselor. Following the passing of President Grant, Elders Clark and McKay were chosen by President George Albert Smith to continue as first and second counselors respectively. When David O. McKay became President of the Church, Elder Clark was called to be Second Counselor in the First Presidency, with Stephen L. Richards serving as First Counselor. Upon the passing of President Richards, President Clark was called to replace him in the capacity of First Counselor in the First Presidency where he served until his death in 1961.

President J. Reuben Clark was a very skilled man with a rich background. He was a distinguished statesman with many years of civic service within the U.S. government, and served nearly thirty years as an apostle and counselor to three church presidents. There is little question that he was eminently qualified to speak with authority on matters of civic government, as well as gospel matters. And speak of these things he did. President Clark was an outspoken advocate of the U.S. Constitution and spoke often and emphatically of threats to our freedom and our need to work to defend our liberties.

I want to share some of the statements made by President Clark regarding the defense of our liberty. I am placing these comments in a specific order, not necessarily chronologically, to help convey a clear message that emerges from his inspired counsel.

President Clark stated,

“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. . . Upon its final issue, liberty lives or dies. The plain and simple issue now facing us in America is freedom or slavery. We have largely lost the conflict so far waged. But there is time to win the final victory, if we sense our danger and fight." (Church News, 1949)

In this first quotation President Clark is asserting several things. First, that there is a world-wide struggle that exists. We know from other statements by several latter-day prophets that the central theme of this battle is the agency of man, and that it is a continuation of the war in heaven.

President Clark suggests that this struggle has become characterized to an increasing degree by the conflict of individuals versus the state. What does this imply? It is clear from the writings of President Clark that he is alluding to the rights of the individual in contrast to the growing control of government in usurping these individual rights. The struggle essentially is this, the mechanism being used in many cases to rob man of individual liberty is government. This is not just true of countries under communist or fascist rule, but even here within our own land. If government extends beyond her rightful (or constitutional) bounds to deprive individuals of their freedom to choose, and dictates the actions of her citizens in a way that curtails this freedom of choice, individual liberty is diminished. It is important to note here that as freedom to choose is diminished, so to is accountability. Without accountability we cannot prove ourselves and one of the primary purposes of this life is thwarted.

On another occasion, President Clark said the following.

“This gigantic worldwide struggle more and more takes on the form of war to the death. We shall do well and wisely so to face and so to enter it. And we must all take part. Indeed, we all are taking part in that struggle, whether we will or not. Upon its final issue, liberty lives or dies.”

It is again affirmed by Pres. Clark that the struggle is worldwide, it is serious enough to be classified as a war to the death, and that either the preservation or loss of liberty depends upon the outcome of this war. Included in this statement is the added admonition that we all have a part to play in the struggle. We have no choice as to our participation (we all are taking part in that struggle, whether we will or not) but we do have a choice regarding the side we will join and the effort we will put forth.

The next statement I’d like to share from President Clark begins to describe how the war is waged by the forces intent on depriving individuals of liberty.

“I wish to say with all the earnestness I possess that when you see any curtailment of these liberties I have named [freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion], when you see government invading any of these realms of freedom which we have under our Constitution, you will know that they are putting shackles on your liberty, and that tyranny is creeping upon you, no matter who curtails these liberties or who invades these realms, and no matter what the reason and excuse therefore may be.”

We are here instructed that anytime government begins to take action, for any reason, that infringes upon the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution, liberty is under assault. Let’s consider this a bit more. There are many examples we can point to in our day of government making excuses for why this action or that must be taken, even if those actions infringe on liberty. Consider actions taken by the government in the name of ensuring public safety, stabilizing the economy, ensuring equality, supporting the less-fortunate, protecting the environment, encouraging growth, promoting diversity, maintaining peace, serving the ‘greater good’ and the list goes on and on. All of these may be worthwhile objectives when regarded on their own merits, and I certainly don’t mean to suggest that there is not a reasonable expectation of the government in regard to many of these pursuits, but when such ends serve as a mechanism for curtailing freedoms, we are at risk.

Consider some of the consequences that have resulted from the government overreaching with one of the aforementioned ends in mind. Freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the right to assemble, freedom of religion, and the right to property have been threatened, and in some cases completely disregarded. Excessive taxation has occurred, energy dependence has increased, God has been pushed out of public discourse, the family has been undermined, poverty has increased, single parenthood has exploded, personal property has been confiscated, and much more.

And President Clark continues,

“And do not think that these usurpations, intimidations and impositions are being done to us through inadvertence or mistake. The whole course is deliberately planned and carried out. Its purpose is to destroy the Constitution and our constitutional government; then to bring chaos, out of which the new Statism with its slavery is to arise, with a cruel relentless, selfish, ambitious crew in the saddle.” (Church News, )

This statement is painfully clear. Encroachments upon our freedom are no accident. They are planned, coordinated, and carried out with a purpose in mind. This personally gives me great pause when I consider some of the proposals made by those in government that will supposedly benefit us in this way or that, but actually undermine our freedom. For example, while many politicians suggest that government run healthcare is best for the American people, I cannot ignore the power this places in the hands of the state over our lives. Under government supported healthcare the state would be in a position to dictate our lifestyles, our diets, when we access medical care, what care we are entitled to receive, how we use our free time, how many children we have, if we’ve ‘earned’ the investment the state would make in keeping us alive, and many other aspects of our personal lives.

Part of proposed energy policy could dictate the temperature setting within our homes, the distance we can travel, when we can run home appliances, the quantity of emmisions we are entitled to create, the kind of automobiles that can be manufactured, etc.

Other proposals regarding education would give government control over who is given money to attend colleges and universities, what those intitutions teach, and who those institutions will admit. The government then has control over who has access to higher education and of what that education consists. Organic evolution, global warming, moral relativism, allegience to the state and other forms of indoctrination are then unfettered and uncontested. There are already many examples of state run education dictating aspects of curriculum that are objectionable and not in alignment with gospel truth. President Clark once said regarding education, “Our government with its liberty and free institutions will not long survive a government trained and supervised youth”. (Church News, 1940)

The partnership of government and labor unions limit employers, reduce production and productivity, and drive up both availability and cost of goods that we are free to purchase. Proposed legislation would even deprive workers of the right to a secret ballot, and ultimately, the right to not be represented by corrupt unions. Unreasonable gun control laws would limit who may have access to a firearms, how the weapon can be used, and where it may be taken. These rules would certainly diminish the ability of citizens to protect themselves from the violation of their rights by individuals or groups.

All of these threats to our freedom are real, and can be verified by just a few minutes of reviewing proposed and actual legislation in our country.

The terrifying truth that we are taught by President Clark is that these threatened encroachments on our liberty are not inadvertent, but are coordinated and purposeful. It would be foolish to think that the potential for these sundry proposals to subordinate our individual liberties to the control of the state is not well understood by those proposing and championing such causes. They are aware of the implications, and some of those pushing adoption of such measures are doing so for the very purpose of extending state control into the realm of individual liberty.

Well, this post has extended longer than I had intended, and there are still several things I wish to present from the writings of President Clark. I will hold the remaing for a subsequent post. But in way of conclusion for now, I’ll share one more quote.

“I say unto you with all the soberness I can, that we stand in danger of losing our liberties, and that once lost, only blood will bring them back; and we of this church will, in order to keep the Church going forward, have more sacrifices to make, and more persecutions to endure than we have yet known.” (Conference Report, 1952)

This is sobering indeed. There is a real need, and an urgent need, when we see any force, whether from without or within, whether from our own government or elsewhere, begin to encroach upon individual liberty, we must stand up to prevent liberty from being lost. The freedom of our children depends on it. The continued mission of the Church requires it. And, our ability to answer to the Lord for how we spent the priceless gift of liberty we were given, at great sacrifice from so many before us, hinges upon it.

More to come from President Clark in the next post. . . .

Thanks,
Richard

Doesn't Justice Need To Be Just?

2010-01-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

I had started to type a post to put up on this blog based on some of the writings of J. Reuben Clark of the First Presidency. I will post that in a couple of days. But I decided today to write something different based on an experience I had earlier this week. The other night I spent some time reading an online article, and pages of reader commentary that it generated, by one who was advocating for the concept of Social Justice.

For those who are not familiar with the term, social justice is the idea of uniformity in society characterized by the elimination of class distinctions. There are no rich, nor poor, and the benefits and hardships of society are equally distributed among all. It is an idea of economic egalitarianism. It is also a rallying cry of progressives and socialists.

The author of the article, who is a University professor and a good man, was articulate and well reasoned. He was coherent in his arguments for the need to achieve social justice, and the idea that government was the instrument by which it could be attained. I respect the sincerity of the author and the spirit in which the article was written. It is clear to me that the opinions of the author were genuine and based on a Christian desire for the welfare of the less fortunate among us. I also agree with the desirability of achieving a just society such as was found in the City of Enoch.

But I disagree strongly with much of the premise of the article, and with the ideas included in the comments the article generated. The article was based on a popular idea, one that is common among much of the political left that social justice is to be attained through government policy. While I may not be as gifted and concise in writing and outlining an argument as the author of the article, I still wanted to share my thoughts about the idea of government taxation and distribution as a means of achieving social equality.

I believe that the concept of social justice, as it is popularly viewed in the world today, begins to unravel because it is not actually rooted in justice. Justice cannot exist if property is being forcefully taken from one and given to another. If a man toils to gain increase, the fruit of his labor belongs to him. Measures that would strip that man of a portion of his increase are not aligned with the concept of justice.

I believe that the idea of true “social justice” can only exist as a result of righteousness. As far as social equality is concerned, there are two elements of righteousness that must exist for it to take place. First, mankind must learn to put off selfishness and develop true charity. With charity, the pure love of Christ, in his heart, man will look upon those who stand in need of assistance and give to them willingly, out of a sense of compassion and love. A charitable person is not compelled to do for others, he does so as a byproduct of the Christ-like attribute he has developed within.

Second, social justice cannot be achieved until men are righteous to the degree that each exercises self-sufficiency to the full measure of their ability. There are some in our society who are content to live off the labor of others. Whether this comes as a result of laziness, a misplaced sense of entitlement, or any other reason, it is an obstacle to achieving equality and justice in our society and it is a form of wickedness. When possessions are taken from he who earned it and given to one who did not earn it, but was capable of so doing, justice is not present.

The presence of these two elements of righteousness, charity and self-sufficiency, are essential to real justice and equality in society. We read in the scriptures of two examples where Zion societies were achieved; the City of Enoch and the Nephite nation described in Fourth Nephi. In both of these cases the society that was achieved was the direct result of righteousness. I assert that the righteousness of these peoples included both the element of charity and self-sufficiency. It was not the product of government intervention.

I believe that real social justice can only attained by following this pattern. Efforts to achieve social justice through any kind of redistributive measures cannot succeed. There is an inherent problem with government and social policies enacted to achieve social justice and universal equality. Since righteousness cannot be legislated or forced upon man, neither then can the fruits of righteousness be enjoyed as a consequence of government mandate. There are several problems that arise when a government attempts to force equality in society.

First, the equalization must, of necessity, be a downward equalization. Government does not have the power to lift everyone to an equal economic position. It simply does not have the means. Government does not and cannot create wealth. It can only take wealth from her citizens through some means such as taxation. If government forces someone to live below the level that their talent and ability can produce, justice is thwarted. One can justly volunteer to part with the fruits of his accomplishment, but it must be a product of his own free will, not as a result of taxation and redistribution. Therefore, forced downward equalization is inconsistent with justice.

Second, the confiscating of a man’s wealth to give to others does not build charity within that man. Charity can only be developed through the free act of giving to others. It must be a choice. Mankind was created to act, not to be acted upon. A man who is forced to give is no more acting out of charity than the man who does not give at all. A government may enact laws to prevent men from performing evil acts (ie murder, robbery, assault, etc.), but its power can only go so far as to punish evil actions that infringe on the rights of others, it cannot force righteous actions. Just as preventing a man from committing murder does not take the murder out of his heart, forcing a man to give to others cannot instill charity in his heart.

Third, when government provides for the welfare of individuals through redistributive policies, those who are inclined to take without earning are both placated and reinforced in their behavior. There is no incentive for the slothful man to rise each morning to earn his living when the government is willing to simply provide for his needs. In this way many of the social programs that exist today, even though instituted with the best of intentions, increase dependency on government and perpetuate a sense of entitlement among the people. Now, there is no doubt that there are those among us who, through disease, accident, or other extreme misfortune are not capable of supporting themselves. What of these? I believe it is the responsibility of men, not government, to take care of them. Families, church groups, and private organizations can and do exist to care for the truly needy, and these organizations do so through the voluntary contribution of men and women, not through forced redistribution. This is the righteous application of charity in society. This is lifting others through the exercise of free-will.

Fourth, I believe the very act of government confiscation and redistribution prevents the true development of charity in the hearts of men. Why would a man look to step outside of himself to lift another if the very institutions of government have stepped in to usurp that role for him? This is reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge before being visited by the three spirits. Recall how, when approached to donate to charity, he asked, “are there not poor houses?” He explained that he had paid his taxes, so he was absolved of the need to help further.

Another way the interference of government in the care of the needy makes it difficult to develop charity is found in the scriptural fact that there must be opposition in all things. Can a man become selfless if he does not also have the option to be selfish? How can selfishness be overcome if you are not allowed to selfishly retain your possessions? Perhaps this argument seems counterintuitive, but ponder it for a moment. When God rejected Lucifer’s plan, which was essentially to force all men to be righteous by not allowing them to be wicked, He preserved for mankind the right to be wicked if they chose to be so. That is the whole concept of agency. The only way for a man to become righteous is to deliberately choose to reject wickedness. You do not become like God by default.

Unquestionably it is desirable to achieve a society in which there is true equality. It likewise was desirable that all of God’s children return to His presence after their experience in mortality. The desirability of an outcome does not justify the method by which the outcome is achieved. In other words, the ends do not justify the means. If it were so, Lucifer’s plan would have been acceptable. If it were so, the government could become an agent of social justice and achieve equality through forceful distribution. But it is not so. Man must achieve righteousness by overcoming wickedness and choosing the better way. Man must acquire charity through overcoming self. We will return to God through the righteous exercise of our agency, and equality in society will be achieved, as it was in Enoch’s day, only as individuals exercise their agency to become both charitable and self-sufficient.

The great lie of Lucifer’s plan was that the whole intent was to bring the children of God back to His presence. It was not. The real objective was for Lucifer to attain power. The great irony is that his plan never could have succeeded in exalting man. The very nature of his method would make it impossible for us to become like God, for it would have stripped us of the agency needed to choose righteousness rather than having it thrust upon us. We could not have progressed by experience and overcoming opposition.

In a similar sense, some of those who advocate for government control in the equalization of society are not sincere in their intent. Rather than seeking the welfare of mankind, they seek control of man through fostering dependency and centralizing all power of the lives of citizens in the government. Therefore mankind becomes beholden to government for all they possess. (NOTE: I do not suggest that all those who advocate for social justice or adhere to left-leaning political philosophies and support government social programs fall into such a category. I believe there are a great many who support such proposals because they believe it is the best way to care for the poor and needy. Although I don’t agree with these people, I don’t disparage them or feel they are not honorable and well-meaning individuals. But there are those, especially in positions of power, who are not honorable or sincere in their advocacy of government derived social justice.)

I believe there is also a great irony in the idea of social justice as held by the political left. While the mechanisms of social justice are intended to achieve equality and a righteous society such as was found amongst the Nephites, they can never succeed in that endeavor. If such a society can only be achieved through the principles of righteousness (including charity and self-sufficiency), and if government cannot force righteousness upon her citizens, government mandated societal justice will never be more than a poor counterfeit of Zion.

Who's right when it comes to Rights?

2010-01-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

One of the most fundamental questions that exist in relation to our freedom and the role government occupies in our lives involves the origin of rights. Where do rights come from and how are they bestowed? What we beleive as the answer to this question determines, in large part, the position we take on many of the issues of our day. When we come to understand how others answer this question, especially those in positions of political or legislative power, we gain a glimpse into what motivates their actions and helps shape their attitudes.

The healthcare debate that has so occupied the national conscienceness over the past year is a fascinating case study into the all important concept of the origin of rights.

Watch this short clip of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)

Consider what the senator is saying here. Senator Harkin is asserting the notion that the inalienable rights to which we as humans are entitled are bestowed upon us by the benevolence of governement. The members of the U.S. Senate, according to Senator Harkin, in all their wisdom and generosity are taking the step to transform what was heretofore considered a privelege, into an inalienable right that they will now extend to American citizens. He goes even further within his remarks to state, "But like every right we've ever passed to the American people, we revisit it later to enhance and build on those rights". Not only is healthcare a new right in their mind, but other rights we already possess were first passed to us by them (congress). This last statement by Senator Harkin also implies that government has the discretion to revist rights and enhance those rights as they deem appropriate. Who, we may ask, decides what constitutes an enhancement of a right and according to what criteria? Who really is most likely to benefit from an enhancement deemed appropriate by career politicians who have repeatedly demonstrated their primary motivation is to retain and increase their own power? Does the very nature of a right even require or allow enhancement?

Senator Harkin is not alone in his belief that rights originate with those in government. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) has stated, "So today we stand ready to pass a bill into law that finally makes access to quality health care a right for every American, not a privilege for a fortunate few in our country". He too seems to believe that it is through the magnanimous gestures of congress that rights are given to the American people. Then there's Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) who said following passage of the senate version of the health care bill, "finally. . . healthcare is a right -a human right- and not just a privelege for the most fortunate".

I make reference to these statements not as a commentary on health care legislation, that is another discussion altogether, but to illustrate a very important point regarding how the belief in the origin of rights influences attitudes and behavior. As these senators, and many, many others within the ranks of our elected representatives subscribe to the belief that they are the purveyors of our rights, they place themselves in a position of power over us. If they believe that the rights we enjoy are ours because of their goodness, wisdom, virtue, and benevolence, how easy it is for them to begin to think of themselves as somehow superior to the rest of us. The elitism that has so infected those in elected power is a natural extension of this thinking that all good comes to us from them.

This causes me to think of the verse "Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself as if it were no wood." (2 Nephi 20:15)

How easy and natural it becomes for those who believe that our rights exist at their pleasure to begin to think of those rights, and those of us to whom those rights are extended, as being subject to them, just as the saw is subject to "him that shaketh it".

We, as American citizens, therefore become subjects to our leaders (in their minds), and they become our mighty benefactors. This mindset certainly helps explain the elitism, entitlement, and self-importance exhibited far too often by those elected to represent us.

But the real danger inherent to the belief that rights originate with government, and are bestowed upon us through the beneficence of government leaders, is not the emergence of an elitist class or an oligarchy, or even the insufferable arrogance of those who believe themselves to be our superiors, it is something far more sinister.

This danger was clearly outlined by Elder Ezra Taft Benson in his work 'The Proper Role of Government' when he stated, "If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary, that they can be denied by government." If the government can give healthcare, it can at its later discretion, take healthcare away. If the government bestows freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, etc., it can, therefore, take these from us at its whim. This, my friends, is called tyranny.

The system of government established for this nation, and guaranteed by our constitution, does not support such abuses by government as would exist if efforts were made to take rights away from us. This is not part of the plan. Our inspired founders believed that we are endowed by our creator with inalienable rights. Notice that they did not say "endowed by our congressmen, president, governors, etc. with inalienable rights".

This, therefore, takes us to the center of the issue. Elder Benson stated, "Let us consider the origin of those freedoms we have come to know as human rights. There are only two possible sources. Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. Reason, necessity, tradition, and religious convictions all lead me to accept the divine origin of these rights".

If we believe, as did our founding fathers, Elder Benson, the scriptures, and the words of latter-day prophets, that the rights we enjoy are granted to us from God, then the role of our elected officials (including Senators Harkin, Dodd, and Reid) is not to pass rights on to the American people as they've so declared, but to preserve and protect the rights our Father in heaven has already given us. How differently would the various debates in Washington sound if our representatives confined themselves to this role rather than trying to make themselves our gods?

As we stand together to defend our liberty and those rights with which God has endowed us, it is of the greatest importance that we understand and believe that our life, our liberty, our property, and our pursuit of happiness in this world are inherent to the human condition, and not a gift from those who seek dominion over us. As we understand, we must help others to understand also, so we can rise together to defend and preserve those rights.

When anyone speaks of rights being afforded to us by any authority other than our Father in heaven, we should consider long and hard if this person deserves our support, or whether we should act within our rights as American citizens to rescind the power we've afforded them through the electoral process.

Thanks,
Richard

The Power of the People

2010-01-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I've written. Between a hectic work schedule with far too much travel, the holiday season, and a temporary computer outage, I've completely blown my goal of keeping this blog updated. I've also been dedicating some time to another project that I look forward to sharing details about on this blog sometime in the Spring. But its a new year, so I'll pick up the shattered pieces of a goal left un-achieved, and start anew.

Despite my negligence in actually writing blog posts, there have been a number of them rambling around in my mind over the past couple of months. There is a lot I want to write about. I've mentally composed posts on global warming, Congress becoming an elite class, the origin of rights, a look back at the impact of 2009 on preserving our freedoms, and at least 3 other topics, including, of course, healthcare.

But what is most on my mind at the moment, that I'd like to spend a few minutes addressing, is the outcome of the special election in MA to fill the senate seat vacated by Ted Kennedy. In the last couple of posts way back in November we discussed the small victories that had occurred in elections in New Jersey and Virginia and how these races have provided an example of what can happen when people take a stand and make their voices heard. The following post then focused on how we can ensure those running for office in the upcoming 2010 mid-term elections hear our voices and know what is expected of them if they wish to represent us.

I pick up that theme again in looking back at what happened in Massachussetes earlier this week. Massachussettes is arguably the most liberal state in the union. It is a bastion of left leaning thought that has served as a base for the Democratic party. This is the land of Teddy Kennedy, John Kerry, and Barney Frank. When one considers the prevailing center-right mentality of the nation as a whole, Massachussettes is generally looked at as an outlier. But the radical nature of what is happening in our country has proven too much for even this bluest of all blue states. So the voices of the people banded together to express their will.

It has been altogether interesting and amusing to watch many of the pundits and commentators on television, who clearly support a progressive agenda for our country, as they've reported on the outcome of this race and the movement that produced it. It is shockingly clear how out of touch these people have become with the mainstream mindset, even among independents and average members of the Democratic Party.

Here is one amusing example: (I was unable to edit out the last few minutes of this segment. To avoid some unnecessary and distasteful comments, stop this clip after the first 4 minutes)

There has been no shortage of commentary over the past three days outlining the implications of this election. Many are calling it a referendum on the radically progressive policies of the Obama administration. Its also widely reported that this outcome sends a resounding message about the feelings of the American people specifically regarding government run healthcare. Some claim it is a victory in maintaining a balance of power between the different branches of government. Practically everyone seems to agree that the outcome of the election will make it significantly more difficult for Obama, Pelosi, and Reid to accomplish their stated agenda.

I agree with all of this analysis. But, I think the most important outcome of this election is the confirmation that despite all the efforts to disrupt and undermine our democratic system, which occur both overtly and covertly in this age, power still rests with "We the People" to shape the direction of our country. This is one of the key answers to how our liberty can be defended and perpetuated. The people of the United States are still a powerful force that cannot be silenced, despite the nefarious efforts of many. We are still the source of governmental power in this republic. That has not been lost yet. When the people of the United States, even in liberal Massachussettes, band together in support of our liberty, victories can be achieved.

Just as the small victories we discussed back in November in Virginia and New Jersey teach some valuable lessons, so to does the monumental election we just witnessed in Mass. The lesson I hope we all learn is that our voices do count for something, and banding together across the nation we can make a difference. The lesson I hope all of the elected representatives across America learn is that if they disregard the voice of the people and continue to move our country away from the principles upon which it was founded, they will lose the privilege of representing us.

Let's keep standing together and do what we can to keep the flame of liberty burning in this great land!

Thanks,
Richard

A Cascade of Voices

2009-11-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

In the last post made to this blog I spoke about a letter I would be drafting for those entering the 2010 congressional elections. My intent is to outline for those seeking my vote exactly what it would take to earn my support. There are a lot of incumbents across the country who will be seeking re-election. There are also many challengers who feel they will be better suited to represent the people within their states and districts. In a few cases the sitting senators or elected representatives are retiring from office, and new candidates from both parties will be seeking to fill their vacant seats.

In fairness to those who will be campaigning for my vote, and in an attempt to use my vote to shape the direction of our nation in the way I believe to be most appropriate, I have pulled together this letter to outline for them what I expect of the successful candidate. The way I see it, candidates for office are actually applicants applying for a job. It is you and I collectively who make the hiring decision. It would not be fair to hire someone for a job if they did not know what was expected of them, right?

Our country is at a cross-roads. We are going to either preserve the nation and system of government inspired by God and laid out by our founding fathers, or we are going to witness the founding of a new America. The are many clamoring to be the founding fathers of a new nation that will have very little resemblance to the land we know and love. Our votes in the upcoming elections are not just votes for individual candidates, they are votes for what future we want to see for America. As outlined in the last post, some citizens in a few states have already started to let their voices be heard. They shouted a clear message. . . with their votes. We can do the same.

And so, back to the letter. I have provided the link below to a letter that I will be sending to those seeking office in my home state in the 2010 mid-term elections. I want them to know where I stand and where they need to stand if they want my vote and any influence I wield in shaping the opinions, and thereby the votes, of others.

Letter to Candidates For Office

I invite all to join me in this. You are welcome to use my letter if you would like. And by all means, please share with anyone else who you feel may adhere to the same views and would send the letter to those seeking office in their area. Or, perhaps this has stirred some thoughts in your own minds and you'd like to draft a letter of your own. I would love to see the offices of all candidates seeking office in 2010 flooded with such letters.

To help you with this, if you are interested, I'm also including the following link to see who is running for open seats in November across all 50 states for both Senate and House. Simply click on your state to see who is running for each position, and determine who you want to send a letter to.

Who's Running In My State -- House and Senate

If you draft a letter of your own, please share with the rest of us to help stimulate ideas. If you choose to use my letter, I apologize for my long windedness (if that's even a word), but I hope you can use it nonetheless. Together we can join to make a cascade of voices that will be heard and respected by those seeking to represent us.

Thanks and God bless. . .

Richard

_________________________________________________________________

All Class III Senate seats are up for re-election in November of 2010:

Bayh, Evan (D-IN)
Bennet, Michael F. (D-CO)
Boxer, Barbara (D-CA)
Burris, Roland W. (D-IL)
Dodd, Christopher J. (D-CT)
Dorgan, Byron L. (D-ND)
Feingold, Russell D. (D-WI)
Inouye, Daniel K. (D-HI)
Leahy, Patrick J. (D-VT)
Lincoln, Blanche L. (D-AR)
Mikulski, Barbara A. (D-MD)
Murray, Patty (D-WA)
Reid, Harry (D-NV)
Schumer, Charles E. (D-NY)
Specter, Arlen (D-PA)
Wyden, Ron (D-OR)
Bennett, Robert F. (R-UT)
Bond, Christopher S. (R-MO) - Retiring, will not seek reelection
Brownback, Sam (R-KS) - Retiring, will not seek reelection
Bunning, Jim (R-KY) - Retiring, will not seek reelection
Burr, Richard (R-NC)
Coburn, Tom (R-OK)
Crapo, Mike (R-ID)
DeMint, Jim (R-SC)
Grassley, Chuck (R-IA)
Gregg, Judd (R-NH) - Retiring, will not seek reelection
Isakson, Johnny (R-GA)
LeMieux, George S. (R-FL) - Retiring, will not seek reelection
McCain, John (R-AZ)
Murkowski, Lisa (R-AK)
Shelby, Richard C. (R-AL)
Thune, John (R-SD)
Vitter, David (R-LA)
Voinovich, George V. (R-OH) - Retiring, will not seek reelection

Small Victories

2009-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Its easy to be disheartened when so many things around you seem to be going wrong. The giants of history are those men and women who were able to transcend the moment when failure seemed assured and the path to victory was completely hidden from view. Have you ever wondered how Abraham Lincoln kept going when half the Union had seceded and families were raising arms against their own? It must have seemed an impossible task for him to hold the nation together and remain true to what he believed was right. Or what about George Washington? Imagine how he must have felt in the winter of 1776. His ragtag army had just suffered humiliating defeats and had been forced to retreat across the state of New York. The conscriptions of a large portion of his troops were on the verge of expiring and he stood to lose any semblance of a fighting force to go against the British. There were few people anywhere in the world that believed this revolution could ever succeed. I can’t imagine a situation in which failure could appear more assured. How did he muster the courage to cross the Delaware on Christmas Eve to attack forces in Trenton and then Princeton, effectively marking the turning point in the revolution?

Somehow these men, and others throughout history, retained their faith and vision, their courage and commitment. As we seek to emulate them, one way we can keep hope alive is to recognize small victories along the way. This is particularly true for those of us choosing to engage in the battle to preserve the nation we love and the freedoms it represents. When we hear the talking heads in Washington setting an agenda that is contrary to everything we hold dear, and do so with indifference and disdain for the opinion of those they represent, it can seem like a lost cause. Imagine the audacity of Nancy Pelosi to simply laugh off a US citizen who asked her where congress derives the authority to force Americans to enroll in healthcare coverage or be fined by the government. Rather than engage in dialogue to defend her position (although it is, in my view, indefensible) she was dismissive and disrespectful. This would be nothing more than an unfortunate incident if it had not become the modus operandi of politicians in Washington. I’m struck by the arrogance of politicians who label Americans who disagree with their views as ignorant, uneducated, or racist. The institutions of power, from politicians to media outlets to Hollywood are clearly committed to moving America away from our traditional moorings and initiating a socialist inspired new world. It would certainly appear that the house holds the advantage and the American people are about to lose their chips. In some ways it’s reminiscent of General Washington’s predicament so many years ago.

But like Lincoln and Washington, we should not give up the fight. When it seems that we’re faltering and the chances of success seem to be slipping away, we become aware of small victories along the way that give us hope and remind us that the fight can and must go on.

This past week I was driving from New York City to the location of a business meeting I had scheduled in New Jersey. As I merged onto the Jersey Turnpike and crossed over into New Jersey, I was greeted by a large sign welcoming me on behalf of Governor John S. Corzine to the state. As I saw this sign, I couldn’t help but smile as it caused me to think about one of these small victories. It was just the night before that the citizens of New Jersey went to the polls and exercised their democratic right to remove Mr. Corzine from office. Many of you are aware that the outgoing governor of New Jersey is very liberal and has a view of the role of government different than what was envisioned by the founders of our nation. So it certainly can be considered a victory that the voice of the people rejected an individual who does not defend economic freedom and individual liberty. But this victory is even more noteworthy when considering that New Jersey has traditionally been one of the most solid liberal strong holds in our nation. The victorious candidate, Chris Christie is not as staunchly conservative as I, or others, would like, but the fact that an incumbent democrat was unseated by a republican challenger in New Jersey indicates a substantial message being sent by the public . . and this is a victory for the conservative movement.

There was also a victory achieved in the state of Virginia on Tuesday night. Similar to the change achieved in New Jersey, a democratic governor was defeated by a republican challenger. In this case the victor, Bob McDonnell is not only Republican, but considered conservative in his political philosophy (unfortunately republican and conservative are no longer synonymous).

In the 23rd Congressional District of New York, perhaps the biggest victory of the night was achieved . . . and it occurred within an electoral loss. This race was supposed to be a battle between the democratic candidate, Bill Owens, and Dierdre Scozzafava, the candidate backed by the republican party. The problem, however, was that Scozzafava, despite being the republican candidate, does not represent conservatism and cleaves to fairly liberal ideology. With the two parties not presenting any real alternative in their candidates, the usually dormant Conservative Party in New York came to life. Doug Hoffman ran as a conservative candidate and sent a resounding message to both the republican party, and the nation. Although the democrat, Bill Owens, ended up winning the election, he edged Hoffman by only about 5,000 votes. The RINO candidate backed by the party, who actually withdrew from the race 3 days before the election and promptly endorsed the democratic candidate, left her name on the ballot and received only a paltry 5.5% of the vote total.

Democrats across the nation are pointing to this race as an indicator that the public is still choosing liberal candidates. However, the facts that Hoffman was a late entrant to the race, destroyed the prospects of the republican party candidate, represented a third party, and lost only by the narrowest of margins, cannot be ignored. This race has shown that the republican base is insisting on a return to traditional conservatism. Party leaders, take note. . .

These are small victories in the context of a broader fight to preserve our liberty, but victories nonetheless. There are a couple of reasons why these local elections represent much more than victories for just the states and districts wherein they occurred. First, these victories demonstrate that there is a shift occurring in the minds and hearts of the public in some of the most liberal areas of our nation. Second, the citizens of New Jersey, Virginia, and New York have given us an example of what can be done across our nation. Where elected representatives and public servants fail to uphold our constitution and preserve the role of government intended for our nation, they can and must be removed from office. This is the mandate of our founding fathers and the responsibility of those who love liberty. Those elected to public office serve at the pleasure of the citizens they represent. If they lose sight of this most important fact, the citizens they serve must remove them from their positions. These three states have shown the power of the electoral process, and a message has been sent.

Citizens of all states should sit up and take notice. We have the same opportunity to exercise the power of “we the people” and shape the direction of our land. In 2010 many of our nation’s elected representatives will be facing re-election in the congressional mid-terms. They are applying for a job, and we are making the hiring decision. I intend to send a very clear message to those in my state who will be seeking to retain their employment. I invite you all, regardless of the state wherein you reside, to join me.

In the next post on this blog I will be sharing a letter that I am going to send to those seeking reelection in my state. This letter will outline for each of them what I expect them to do and stand for if they would like to receive my vote and my influence in gaining additional votes. I will then send follow-up letters between now and next November reviewing how they’re doing in living up to these expectations. I want it to be very clear to them that they will face fierce opposition in their re-election efforts, unless they stand for the principles of individual liberty, economic freedom, and fiscal responsibility.

Once you see the letter in the upcoming post, I hope you’ll either use that letter as a template, or create one of your own to send to those holding public office in your state. It would be great to have their offices flooded with such letters making it abundantly clear what is expected of them if they want to retain the positions many of them seem to covet so highly.

Small victories can be very large when it comes to inspiring us forward. Thank you to the citizens of New York, New Jersey, and Virginia for supplying us with this gleam of hope in the face of the odds we face in our battle. Let us now carry on and be the purveyors of more small victories that will lead to larger victories, and inevitably overall success.

Richard

Halloween Frightmares

2009-11-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, the autumn season. This is the time of year many look forward to. The air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing to beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow, the harvest is coming in, and Saturdays are filled with college football games. Its also the time of year the days get shorter and we start to spend more time in the dark. No wonder that its also the time of year for all things goulish and macabre. I must admit that although I'm not a big fan of horror movies, I can't resist settling in on a dark October night to watch a good ghost story. It just seems to get me in the mood for Halloween. One reason I'm not an afficionado of the scary of movie is that they just don't seem to scare me much anymore. I guess I've become too pragmatic in my old age and what seemed creepy and suspenseful when I was younger, just doesn't faze me. I don't get the adrenaline rush and sit up on the edge of my seat like I used to.

But I have to admit that this Halloween season I found myself scared out of my wits. No, its not because we're once again haunted by the specter of the BCS system, although that does send a chill down my spine. I'm scared because of the following quote I read from a series of essays written in the late 19th century and compiled by famous playwright and avid socialist George Bernard Shaw. The essays are titled the Fabian Essays on Socialism, and were an authoritative source on how to acheive socialism through a slow and drawn out process of gradual change.

Before sharing the quote that chilled me to the bone, let me give some very quick background on Fabian Socialism. The Fabians are a group of English socialists who believed that rather than acheiving socialist rule through revolution, such as the approach advocated by some and adopted by Lenin in the Russian revolution of 1917, it could be acheived by slow, methodical change over a long period of time. The society was named for the Roman General Fabius who won battles through long, drawn-out engagements of attrition rather than through heavy conflict. Ultimately, the objective of the Fabian Socialists is identical to that of other socialist philosophies, including communism, but simply advocates a different set of tactics for acheiving that objective.

Anyway, getting back to our tale of fright, as I was doing some background reading I came across the following statement about how the fabian approach can be used to undermine a capitalist system and achieve socialstic ends.

"The private capitalist, however, will still be in business, producing and distributing on his own account in competition with the communal organization, which at present will have occupied only part of the industrial field. But. . . these private enterprises will be carried on under circumstances of ever-increasing difficulty. . . After a while the private producers will disappear, not because there will be any law against individualist production, but because they will not pay."

What, you ask, is so frightening about this statement? Well, let me explain by translating this statement using language a bit more familiar to our current national dialogue. Try this on for size.

"The private health insurance provider, however, will still be in business issuing insurance packages in competition with the public option, which at present will have occupied only part of the industry. But. . . . these private health insurance providers will operate under circumstances of ever-increasing difficulty. . . After a while the private health insurance providers will disappear, not because there will be any law against private insurance, but because they will not be able to make money."

We're all painfully aware of the ongoing debate around the future of healthcare in our country. Almost everyone has an opinion either for or against the proposals currently circulating in Washington. Whatever people may feel about the current state of healthcare or the need for reform, it is important to understand that the central aspect of this debate has very little to do with healthcare or insuring those in our country who don't currently have coverage. The core of the current healthcare debate is the expansion of governmental control.

Over the last couple of weeks liberal Senators have insisted that they will not support a healthcare bill that does not include a public option. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has replaced the public option that had temporarily been removed from the legislation. The rationale our elected representatives have provided for including a public option is that it is necessary to introduce competition into the marketplace. This is an explanation that borders on complete absurdity when considering how a market actually works in a free enterprise system. Rather than fostering competition, the presence of a government entity can only eliminate private options. How can an organization that must create shareholder value and earn profit compete with an entity that can run at perennial losses and be continually subsidized by tax payer proceeds? It is clear that the insistence of a public option in the healthcare industry is not intended to spur competition, it is intended to acheive a single payer system in which all healthcare will be controlled by the government.

It is enlightening, infuriating, and frightening to see that the tactic being used by those in power is not new. It is directly out of the playbook developed by the fabians over a century ago.

Take a few minutes to watch the following video clip. You'll see even more clearly that the intent is not to improve our healthcare situation, but rather to gain governmental control over a vast portion of our economy. If this happens, the reach of government into our lives and the suspension of individual liberty will be immense.

As we consider those elements threatening our liberty today, we must see the current battle for what it is. One of the underhanded tactics of the ages is to keep people from seeing the true nature of the battle. In our nation today, there is a fundamental struggle occurring between the forces of freedom and the forces of tyranny. It is preserving the America founded by inspired men, characterized by free markets and individual liberty, or it is transitioning to a new America characterized by socialism and pervasive government control. .Those wishing to change America, however, are taking great care to hide their intentions. We must take note that what is happening today, as exemplified by the current healthcare debate, is nothing more than a method of converting a capatilistic nation to socialism.

I've outgrown being scared by Hollywood's tales of fright, because as much as I try to suspend disbelief, I know its all make-believe. It just takes the edge off and keeps my adrenaline levels and heart rate in check. But this horror story of liberty being lost has me shaking in my boots. But this can still be a story with a happy ending if we stand up now in defense of our liberty.

Thanks,
Richard

References:

- Fabian Essays on Socialism, Doubleday & Co., New York p. 195. Also found online at http://oll.libertyfund.org/?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=298
- The Fabian Society London School of Economics and Political Science http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/LSEHistory/fabian.htm

What Comes Next. . .

2009-10-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Since this blog was started earlier this year, there have been several different topics addressed. We've discussed whether or not America is traveling a road that could lead to what David O. McKay called the "soul destroying land of socialism". We reviewed some fundamental principles that are essential to preserving liberty, and the importance of helping our children cleave to true principles. Then there have been many posts discussing the price that has been paid for our liberty, those who paid that price, and the responsibility we have in our day to bear our portion of liberty's cost.

This blog has tried to outline the mainstay of freedom that has been our heritage, and the fact that our country is changing in ways that threaten to diminish our individual liberties. In many ways this has been an attempt on my part to raise a faint and feeble voice of warning about the need to preserve the liberty to exercise our agency, which I believe is a fundamental part of God's plan for His children.

It is my intent to now start using this blog to take a closer look at those things happening in our nation today, review how these things contribute to the preservation or peril of our freedom, and to hopefully explore some ways that each of us, both as individuals and as a people, can stand up to defend our liberty and way of life. By doing this we can view actual examples of our freedom in jeopardy, and come up with ways to intervene in defense of our liberty.

But I'd like to take just one more opportunity to share a few thoughts about how important it has become to defend the freedoms we possess. This time, however, it will be in the words of someone whose voice is much more articulate and empassioned than mine.

Please consider the following words from Ezra Taft Benson:

"The one great revolution in the world today is the revolution for human liberty. This was the paramount issue we all faced in the great council in heaven before this earth life. It has been the issue throughout the ages. It is the issue today.
"It is difficult for Americans to understand the danger to our liberty. 'It is generally outside the range of our experience.'
"But we live today in an age of peril. We are threatened with the loss not only of material wealth but of something far more precious--our liberty itself.
"Never before in the history of our country has there been a greater need for all of our people to take time to discover what is happening in the world. Every day decisions are being made affecting the lives ofmillions of human beings.
"We as a people have never known bondage. Liberty has always been our blessed lot. Few of us have ever seen people who have lost their freedom--their liberty. And when reminded of the danger of losing our liberty and independence our attitude has usually been--It cannot hapen here.
"We must never forget that nations may--and they usually do-- sow the seeds of their own destruction while enjoying unprecedented prosperity.
"The children of Israel were willing to sacrifice liberty and wanted Moses to be their king. Generations later their descendants begged Samuel the Prophet to give them a king. He pointed out the fallacy of their reasoning.
"Samuel, like other great spiritual leaders both ancient and modern, saw the results that would follow the surrender of liberty.
"In that sacred volume of scripture, the Book of Mormon, we note the great and prolonged struggle for liberty. We also note the complacency of the people and their frequent willingness to give up their liberty for the promises of a would-be provider.
"The record reveals that men 'of cunning device. . . and . . . many flattering words, ' . . . sought. . . . 'to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them. . .'
"Then Moroni, the chief commander of the armies. . . dramatically rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it--'In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children'--and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. . . . (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty, to rest upon his brethren. . . .' (Alma 46)
"This great general Moroni, like the prophets whose words are recorded in the Book of Mormon, spoke of the Americas as a choseen land--the land of liberty. He led the people in battle who were willing to fight to 'maintain their liberty.'
"This is our need today--to plant the standard of libety amoung our people throughout the Americas.
"While this incident ocurred some seventy years before Christ, the struggle continued through one thousand years as covered by this sacred Book of Mormon record. In fact, the struggle for liberty is a continuing one--it is with us in a very real sense today right here on this choice land of the Americas.
". . . There are, of course, many reasons. Our apathy--our complacent indifference is a major cause. Today, in America we are living in a fool's paradise. We have permitted ourselves to be pacified and lulled away into carnal security as the Book of Mormon prophets predicted.
" As a people who have known only liberty we are inclined to feel it cannot happen here. We have become lulled away into a false security.
". . . .Yes, we all say, we love liberty. But that is not enough. We must protect and safeguard that which we love. We must save liberty. God grant us the wisdom and courage so to do, before it is too late. "

So there we have it, from someone with much more authority and credibility on the matter than I could ever hope to attain.

If we love liberty, which I know we all do, whether or not it is at the front of our mind or just taken as granted, then "we must save liberty"! Please participate in this blog as one form of standing up in defense of liberty. As the coming content of this blog looks at examples of our freedom being lost, and explores ways to preserve it, please take the time to comment and add your voice to the dialogue, then share this blog with everyone you can so more and more people are involved in the discussion. In this way we can work together to make our individual contributions to this small discussion forum, which can lead to more and more people taking a stand. . . but it means we all must be active in sharing our thoughts, feelings and opinions.

Thanks,
Richard

Source: The Title of Liberty, A Warning Voice. Ezra Taft Benson (compiled by Mark A. Benson) Deseret Book Company pp 92-103

Snake Oil Salesmen In Our Midst

2009-10-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

There are those in our country who believe America is the greatest country on earth. I am one of those people. I believe that not only is America the greatest country on our planet, but it is the greatest nation in all of history. America has led the world in truth, justice, freedom, goodness, and compassion. People are not perfect, therefore our nation is not perfect, but it is a chosen land with a government inspired by God. I believe, as stated by Alexis De' Tocqueville, that America is great because America is good. I believe that the American system has lifted millions out of poverty, relieved untold amounts of suffering, and dignified the human condition.

There are also those in our country who believe America is the source of many of the world's problems. They believe America is a nation of greed, pride, excess and selfishness. These people advocate a nation in which government assumes the responsibility to care for and support the nation, because individuals are not good enough to maintain this responsibility for themselves and their neighbors. They believe that free enterprise and personal liberty can only end in selfishness and greed. They believe that the state must step in to override the greed of people. They believe that people are inherently bad, and that an inherently good government is the antitode to human frailty. They believe that the system upon which our nation was founded is flawed, that the experiment has failed, and that its time to "fundamentally change" America.

We've had these two groups of people in our nation throughout its history, and we undoubtedly always will.

Please take a few minutes to watch this cartoon produced in 1948 by Harding College.

As you viewed this cartoon clip, I'm sure many things jumped out at you as they did at me. Let me share just a few of my observations about this, then I'd love to hear some of your comments.

This was produced in 1948. The battle we're facing is not new. But today we are much more vulnerable than we have been in previous decades. Never before has our society been so spiritually bereft and estranged from God. This makes us much more susceptible to the guiles of those peddling "isms" as the way to salvation. Those who espouse the philosophy of change are much more deeply entrenched in positions of power and influence today than at any point in our history. The executive branch and the myriad of advisors, counselers, ministers and czars are more radical in their belief that America should change than ever before. This brings us closer to the cliff's edge than we've ever been. If we reach the tipping point and go over the edge, we will land on the hard surface of socialism. With the state of government and society in this day, what was once considered a potential danger has today become nothing less than looming catastrophe.
There are three principle groups in this clip. One group represents the voice of change, wanting America to discard the current system and adopt a new system characterized by "isms" (socialism, statism, communism, fascism. . . its all fundamentally the same). He promises that change to a new system will solve everyone's problems because the state (government) will take care of everything.. Sound familiar??? A snake oil salesman if ever there was one. The second group is the American public. Each is concerned with his personal interests, but they really just want to live their lives and be happy. The third group is represented by John Q Public. This is the voice of understanding. The voice who knows what America is all about and the evil the "isms" represent. Which group do each of us fall into?
The peddler wants speed and urgency in making changes. No time to read the documents (sound familiar???) The voice of reason wants things to slow down and the implicatons of change to be understood. How relevant is this in a day of thousand page bills that will fundamentally change the fabric of our nation, but there is no time to even read the contents.
Many of those forming part of the general public don't want to give up their freedom, but don't realize what they are flirting with. They need someone to help them see things as they really are. If John Q. Public had not been there to help others awaken to the danger, the worst could have happened. If each of us understand the reality of dangers we are facing, are we continuing to sit on the park bench, or are we standing up and helping awaken others, before its too late?

There were those who advocated discarding our system and changing to a new America back in 1948, and those voices are louder and more forceful today. Are we doing what we can to preserve the freedom upon which our country was founded?

Well, there's much more that can be derived from this highly relevant cartoon clip, but I'd rather hear thoughts from the rest of you. Please, please, please click on the comments link below and share your impressions. There are 260 people viewing this blog, let them know your thoughts and positions on this important matter.

Thanks,
Richard

An Un-Ending Chain

2009-10-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

One of the least desireable aspects of my job is that it requires me to travel way too much. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to have employment in these troubled times that enables me to support my family and enjoy some of the comforts of life. But it would be nice to spend more time at home with Natalie and the kids.

Nevertheless, there are aspects of traveling that make airports, long flights, and lonely hotel rooms a little more tolerable. There is the benefit of piling up frequent flier miles and the award of free hotel nights to occassionally treat the family to a get away. The real perk, however, is that every now and then I get to go places that give me a much clearer perspective on life, and help me to better understand just how blessed we truly are in this day and age.

I never intended this blog to become a travel log of my business trips. But despite the past two posts, one about a visit to Valley Forge and the other describing my Constitution Day trip to Indepence Hall in Philadelphia, please indulge me just one more time to briefly recount three other recent trips that have had a profound impact on me.

Two weeks ago I had to travel to the Philippine Islands for meetings with prospective clients. While it is always interesting to travel internationally, there is one attraction in Manila that I've wanted to see, but did not get the chance in previous visits to the country. That is the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. This cemetary is the burial site of 17,202 members of the U.S. military killed in action during World War II. There is also a monument at the site memorializing another 36,285 soldiers who were lost in the war, but whose remains were never recovered for burial.

I have had much to say in previous blog posts about the tremendous sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who rebelled from a tyrannical government to acheive our indepence. Their nobility will be diminished neither by time nor the apathy of successive generations. As much as we stand indebted to these patriots, we cannot fail to recognize those who have risen at their time in history to defend the liberty our founders passed to them. They too made the ultimate sacrifice to pass the torch of freedom they inherited on to their posterity. Just as the founders of our nation heroically fought to acheive the liberty to exercise our God given rights, countless men and women have lived and died since that time, who have similary sacrificed, not to acquire, but to preserve for future generations that liberty which they were given. These men and women forged their link in the chain of freedom. It is a link of strength, forged in the fires of their adversity, that will never break.

As I looked across the well manicured grounds of the cemetery, noting the gently curving rows of white marble crosses laid out so as to appear from a distance to form perfectly straight lines, I couldn't help but think of those who had tearfully waved goodbye to sons, husbands, and fathers as they departed to play their role in defending our liberty. I shuddered to think that every one of the seemingly endless crosses represented a goodbye that was destined to be the last in this lifetime. I'm sure the tears shed as loved ones deployed to their respective theaters of battle were laced with the fear that they may not return, but how many could truly fathom the intensity of the sacrifice they would be called upon to make? The 17,202 crosses on this plot of land, located on a far off island, represent not only the sacrifice of those who gave their life in battle, but also countless others whose sacrifices were made in the grief of loss that cannot be calculated.

As one of my traveling companions is a retired Major in the US Marine Corps, we were afforded the opportunity of having a tour of the grounds personally led by the cemetery's superintendent. He was able to give us background on some of those interred in this sacred spot, including several who were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

One view of the grave markers at the cemetery in Manila

Even more striking to me were the 36,285 names inscribed in the limestone memorial known as the "Tablets of the Missing". These are the names of those lost in the war, whose remains were never recovered. I can scarcely imagine the pain of not knowing where or how a loved one met their death, just the sting of them never returning. I pray there was consolation for those who sacrificed in this way in knowing that their loved ones died to preserve the freedom we all enjoy.

I think the most poignant moment of the day for me was when I read the inscription on one of the large limestone panels that captured the whole experience for me. The panel is shown in the picture below.

Inscription on wall reads:

LET US HERE HIGHLY RESOLVE

THAT THE CAUSE

FOR WHICH THEY DIED

SHALL LIVE

This then is our responsibility. It is now our turn to forge a link in the chain of freedom. As the men and women here memorialized passed the torch to us, we must consider how brightly the flame is burning while the torch rests in our hands.

A few days later it was my opportunity to travel to Hawaii and visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. This was one of the most overpowering experiences I've had in quite some time. To consider that 1,177 sailors on this one ship lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was breathtaking. Prior to boarding a ferry that takes visitors to the memorial built over the sunken wreckage, there is a video presentation shown that recounts the attack on December 7, 1941, shows news footage from the period, and describes the casualties incurred on that fateful day.

As I sat there in the dark theater with tears in my eyes, trying to imagine the sacrifices made on that Sunday morning, I was completely and utterly offended by a Japanese tourist, sitting in the seat next to me in the theater, with her head back, mouth open, loudly snoring within minutes after the lights in the theater were dimmed. Now I have no illusions that the fact of this woman being Japanese is in any way reflective of the Japanese people in general. As a matter of fact, I was actually pleased and impressed by the number of tourists from Japan visiting the site. But the irony was not lost, until when thinking about the experience later I realized that this woman was representative of many of us, even in the U.S.

There are threats to our freedom all around us, both at home and abroad. Men and women have died, and their loved ones have lived with grief and loss. Countless patriots have lived and died to forge their link in the chain of freedom. Yet today, while we have the responsibility of forging the steel that will link the freedom we've been given to the freedom that our children hope to enjoy, many of us are loudly snoring. We have either grown too comfortable and complacent in the freedom we've enjoyed for so long, or we naively believe that our freedom cannot be lost. We must awaken our senses to the peril we are facing today, or the chain could end with us.

A view of the USS Arizona from the air

USS Arizona Memorial taken from the ferry as we pulled away

The wall within the USS Arizona Memorial

that shows the names of those lost onboard the ship

Last week I found myself on yet another business trip. This time I was in New York City. As I often do while visiting New York, I took the opportunity to walk the promenade along New York Harbor and look across the water at the Statue of Liberty. It really is beautiful on a clear late afternoon to see the sun glisten off the statue. I've often sat on a bench at the water's edge and thought about the state of things in our world. But this time as I gazed at the most universally recognized symbol of our liberty, I thought of those who had sacrificed to preserve the liberty the statue represents. I found myself contemplating, as I have many times over the past year, about what little I've done to defend our priceless liberty and about how helpless I sometimes feel. Although I am optimistic and hopeful about what faithful people can do in the defense of freedom, I felt a tinge of guilt over how often I thoughtlessly go about my life and enjoy the freedom I've been given, while giving very little in return. I sincerely hope that I and my family can contribute to forging the link we must contribute to the chain of freedom, and that the chain can be an un-ending one.

Thanks,

Richard

A Sun Still Rising

2009-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

A photo of the actual interior of Independence Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard

A Very Special Day

2009-09-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exterior view of troop quarters.

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

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

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

General Washington and his troops at Valley Forge

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Naked and starving as they are

We cannot enough admire

The incomparable Patience and Fidelity

of the Soldiery"

-- George Washington

National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge Natl Park

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

Thanks,

Richard

A Moment To Catch My Breath

2009-09-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

available at amazon.com starting at $14.98

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

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

#8- Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg.

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

#7- Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin.

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

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

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

available used on amazon.com starting at $22.99

#5- Common Sense by Glenn Beck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

available on amazon.com used starting at $44.99

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

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

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

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

The Red Carpet by Ezra Taft Benson

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

Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg

Reagan Man of Principle by John Harmer

His Excellency George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis

None Dare Call It Conspiracy by Gary Allen

Godless: The Church of Liberalism by Anne Coulter

Culture Warrior by Bill O'Reilly

An Inconvenient Book by Glenn Beck

The Naked Communist by W. Cleon Skousen

The Real America by Glenn Beck

Let Freedom Ring by Sean Hannity

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

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

Thanks,

Richard

America IS Changing

2009-08-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

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)

A Call To Action

2009-08-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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"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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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Thanks,
Richard

The Price of Freedom

2009-08-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

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

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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)

A Few Things I Want My Children To Know

2009-07-14T20:28:00.002-07:00

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:

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

America's Road to Socialism--Fact of Fiction? (Installment 4)

2009-07-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

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

America's Road To Socialism--Fact or Fiction? (Installment 3)

2009-06-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

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

America's Road to Socialism -- Fact or Fiction? (Installment 2)

2009-06-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

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

Prophetic Counsel In Our Day

2009-06-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank each of you who have taken the time to read this blog. I will make every effort to publish well-thought out and well-researched posts. I hope you will continue to follow this blog, share it with others, and post comments about what you think regarding the subject matter.

As I began to immerse myself in the topic of liberty and our God given agency, I started to study the words of the prophets regarding the freedoms we enjoy in this country. The more I read the more I realized that the prophets and apostles in past decades have been very direct, explicit, and abundant both in their comments about freedom, as well as in their warnings about the threats we face in preserving it. This is clearly evident in the last posting on this site.

However, in the most recent past the warnings have not been as frequent, nor as direct. This was somewhat puzzling to me and caused me to do a great deal of pondering. After a few conversations with others who have expressed the same puzzlement, I thought I would take a moment and share some of the thoughts and feelings I have had on this matter. This is a case in which each of us need draw our own conclusions after making it a matter of individual study and prayer. Nevertheless, I hope the following thoughts on the matter can help direct your thinking and perhaps dispel some confusion.

Following are five thoughts you might want to consider:

First- The worldwide membership of the church has grown significantly in the past few decades. Whereas the majority of the membership was at one time centralized in the United States, it is now much more widely spread across the globe. In times past the message to the membership of the church could be directed primarily to citizens of the United States, and be focused on issues exclusive to our country. The brethren now must focus their comments and counsel to an increasing number of saints in other countries. It would not be wholly appropriate to reserve General Conference addresses for the saints in the U.S. only. Consider that, according to the official church website, there are 13.5 million members of the church in the world today. Only about 5.9 million members (or 44% of total church membership) are located in the U.S.

Second- We have been warned abundantly in the past of these very real dangers to our freedom. These warnings have been well documented and preserved, and are readily available to us today. Does what we have been given not suffice to properly warn us of the dangers with which we will contend in maintaining our freedoms? It sometimes feels like we are asking the Lord that if He’ll only tell us one more time, then we will believe and take action. If we are not prepared to heed the instructions we’ve already been given, will we be any more inclined to do so if the instructions are given yet again?

Consider the many warnings we have been given over the better part of the past 100 years about food storage. These warnings have become less frequent and less explicit in recent years. Do any among us consider this evidence that food storage is no longer an imperative? Of course not. We know that all the prophecies have not yet been fulfilled and our need to be self-sufficient in supporting our families is more important now than ever. It may very well be that the Lord has given so much warning of our need for temporal preparation that the prophets are now content to let the warnings of the past suffice, with occasional reminders to keep us on the correct path. Could this not be the case in reference to the preservation of our freedoms as well?

Third- There has been no reprieve whatsoever in the counsel to study and heed the teachings found in the Book of Mormon. This volume of scripture is replete with examples of governments becoming corrupt and the people losing freedoms. The Book of Mormon is but a small sample of the records kept by the Nephite nation over a span of 1,000 years, not to mention the records of the Jaredite civilization. As Mormon, who saw our day, was choosing what to include in the portion of the book we would receive, we cannot suppose he would waste precious space with things that would not be vital to us. We must then ask ourselves why he chose to include such histories as Captain Moroni’s struggle to preserve freedom, or of Amalikiah, the evil Nephite dissenter who used fraud and deceit to become king of the Lamanites and then sought to overthrow the freedom of the Nephites. Why did Mormon choose to include the accounts of secret combinations seeking to take over the government or of King Noah’s tyrannical reign over his subjects? There are clear parallels here between the words of the prophets in our dispensation. If it could be said 50 years ago that the Book of Mormon was written for our day, is it any less applicable today?

Fourth- I believe the brethren do continue to issue warnings about those influences that erode our freedom. They may not use the same direct language as the brethren used throughout the 20th century, but the warnings are most certainly there for those who have an ear to hear. Keep in mind that at various times the counsel of prophets has been given in such a way to allow only the spiritually attuned to comprehend their meaning. Even the Savior often placed His teachings within parables that required effort on the part of the listener to understand. If the Lord instructs his servants to speak boldly and directly at one time, and to refrain from a more direct approach at another, it does not minimize the importance of the message being delivered.

Consider the following examples.
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In the August 2005 issue of the Ensign, Gordon B. Hinckley stated the following.
.
“The Book of Mormon narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today's society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions of those problems. I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on the Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living. These evil schemers led the people into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions”
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Consider what President Hinckley is saying here. He may not have directly warned U.S. citizens to guard against creeping socialism in our nation, but he did warn against evil, scheming political leaders who oppress with burdensome taxes, issue hollow promises, and countenance and encourage loose and lascivious living. The presence of such political leaders led to the downfall of entire nations as chronicled in the Book of Mormon. I don’t find it difficult to relate this warning to the need to defend the political freedoms guaranteed by our constitution.

In 1999, President Hinckley stated the following.

“[The Constitution] is the keystone of our nation. It is the guarantee of our liberty. That original document, with the Bill of Rights, constitutes the charter of our freedom. Through all of the years that have followed we have had some ambitious men who have sought to subvert the great principles of the Constitution...”

To whom do we believe President Hinckley was referring in this statement, if not political leaders who pose a grave threat to our constitution and the freedoms it guarantees? Would President Hinckley take the time to outline this fact for us if there were not a reason for us to be aware?

Another statement from President Hinckley in 2007.

“[The war in heaven], so bitter, so intense, has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion….His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every kind of evil practice to thwart the work of Christ.”
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The war between agency and compulsion is clearly seen in the efforts of collectivist philosophies based upon the fundamental premise of socialism. Proponents of socialism have indulged in lying and deceit. They have employed untold amounts of money and wealth, and they continue to trick the minds of men as they employ every kind of evil practice to achieve their ends. Do we not see in this a warning just as real as when President Benson warned us to eschew socialism in all its forms or spoke of secret combinations in our midst?
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Elder Thomas S. Monson, as a member of the first presidency stated the following in 1988.
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“We live in a complex world with currents of conflict everywhere to be found. Political machinations ruin the stability of nations, despots grasp for power, and segments of society seem forever downtrodden, deprived of opportunity, and left with a feeling of failure.”
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A political machination, it should be noted, is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end”.

To whom do we suppose President Monson was referring in this statement? It would be unwise to assume that these political machinations apply only to other countries, but the U.S. is somehow immune to such evils. If we assume President Monson was speaking to us, as much as to citizens of other nations, is this statement so different in content from when another member of the first presidency, J. Reuben Clark, stated that our real enemy is socialism, which embodies everything President Monson spoke of?

There are many other examples that could be given, but I think the aforementioned suffice to illustrate that the content of the warnings from our prophets have not changed in recent times, even if the language has changed. We cannot become so dependent upon being spoon fed from our leaders that we fail to digest what they are putting on our plates.

“He who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

Fifth- Perhaps more important than any other consideration, what has been said by the prophets is vital to our welfare both in this life and in eternity. I know of no instance of a prophet or apostle in our day stating that the words of prophets and apostles in the 2oth century relative to threats to our freedom no longer apply. Even if there was never another mention made by a living prophet or apostle relative to the need to preserve the freedom of our nation and stand against the tyranny that threatens it, would that lessen the validity of what has been said in the past?
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When the Lord gave instructions that the doctrine of plural marriage should no longer be practiced by the saints, a prophet of God issued a proclamation making this known to the world. Had such a proclamation not been made by a living prophet, the law of plural marriage would still be in full force. In the absence of a prophetic statement nullifying or amending what has been said by past prophets of this dispensation, we ignore their council at our peril.

The Prophet Joseph Smith stated that the Constitution of our land would hang as if by a thread, and only the elders of Israel would be able to save it. Until this prophecy has been fulfilled, I believe it would be unwise to trifle with the warnings we’ve received from prophets and apostles who have been called of God by revelation to minister to us in this last dispensation. If we do not give heed, how will the elders of this church stand up to preserve our constitution?

President Brigham Young prophesied that "when the day comes in which the Kingdom of God will bear rule, the flag of the United States will proudly flutter usullied on the flag staff of liberty and equal rights, without a spot to sully its fair surface; the glorious flag our fathers bequeathed to us will then be unfurled to the breeze by those who have power to hoist it aloft and defend its sanctity. How long will it be before the words of the prophet Joseph Smith will be fulfilled? He said if the Constitution of the United States were to be saved at all it must be done by this people."

If we fall into the trap of believing that what the prophets have said applied only to an earlier day, we will be unable as individuals, or as a people, to bring these prophesies to fruition.

Finally, Elder Ezra Taft Benson, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, delivered an address in the April 1965 session of General Conference entitled “Not Commanded In All Things”. In this address Elder Benson outlines seven ways in which the adversary is keeping good members of the church from standing up to engage in the fight to preserve our freedom. I would commend all to follow the link below and read this important talk.

If we follow the prophets, especially the living prophet, we will never be deceived and never go astray!

As I’ve pondered this issue, these are the considerations that have guided my direction and helped me determine my approach to the issue of defending liberty in our day. I hope this can be of some help to others who have asked themselves the same question.

Richard Parke

America's Road to Socialism -- Fact or Fiction? (Part I)

2009-06-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

In the April 1961 General Conference, Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated, “when socialism is understood, we will realize that many of the programs advocated, and some of those already adopted in the United States, fall clearly within the category of socialism” The next year in an address given at BYU Elder Benson stated, “our opponent is socialism—the welfare state—and the penalty of failure is enslavement.”

If a prophet of God made these statements almost 50 years ago, we would do well to consider whether the warning is still valid. Since our society and nation cannot remain stationary, we have either continued on the path toward socialization that Elder Benson warned against, or we have changed course to one that runs in concert with the principles of individual freedom upon which our nation was first founded, and upon which God’s plan of happiness for his children was built.

There are two fundamental questions members of the church in America should ask themselves.

1) What have the prophets said about socialism?
2) Is the United States of America currently on a path that will lead to socialism?

Honest answers to these two questions should define our course and dictate our actions. There are only two ultimate destinations to which government can lead, liberty or tyranny. Which of these two destinations is our nation approaching?

In this first of four installments exploring the road to socialism as it applies to our nation today, we will review what the prophets have said regarding socialism. Let us consider a small sampling of their words.

“The plain and simple issue now facing us in America is freedom or slavery. . . Our real enemies are communism and its running mate, socialism. . . The paths we are following, if we move forward thereon, will lead us to socialism or communism, and these two are as like as two peas in a pod in their ultimate effect upon our liberties.”

- J. Rueben Clark, First Presidency
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“Let us never forget that today we are in the biggest battle ever staged. Our opponent is socialism—the welfare state –and the penalty of failure is enslavement.”

- Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Quorum of Twelve Apostles
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“We are discarding, even in this great nation of freedom-loving people, a God-given constitution of freedom, inspired for free men that they might worship according to the dictates of their own conscience, for the doctrines of collectivism produced to enslave mankind and rob them of all freedom and make them puppets of dictators rather than children of our Heavenly Father, living in freedom, at liberty to exercise their God-given agency.”

- Elder Henry D. Moyle, Quorum of Twelve Apostles
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“One of the moving forces in the civilized nations of the world . . . goes by the name of socialism. . . In other words, there is to be a general confiscation, or, as viewed by many minds, a wholesale robbery in the name of law, and the establishment of a tyranny greater than any form of oppression ever known to the world.”

- Elder Charles W. Penrose, Quorum of Twelve Apostles
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“We must not let complacency blind our eyes to the real dangers threatening to destroy us. . . our government is facing the greatest crisis in its history. . . we have traveled far into the soul-destroying land of socialism.”

- President David O McKay, President of the Church
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“There is no such thing as getting something for nothing. That cannot be done. The individual may seem to obtain gratuities out of the treasury without giving anything in return. But that is a delusion. In the first place, somebody had to work to accumulate the taxable property and earn the income from which the money is taken in the form of taxation and put into the treasury. There is no other way for it to get there. It is the fruit of someone’s toil.

“But besides and beyond this, the individual or state or municipality which takes anything from the Federal Treasury always finds certain conditions attached. The government demands as a condition of the gift certain supervisory rights, or the right to prescribe enabling conditions. Thus, the recipient gives, if not money, something which may be infinitely more precious. He has been compelled to exchange some freedom of action, to part with a degree of independence, and to recognize a degree of direction from another never before owed.”

- Elder Albert E. Bowen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
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“No Latter Day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist or support programs leading in that direction. These evil philosophies are incompatible with Mormonism, the true gospel of Jesus Christ.”

- Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

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“I preached on the stand about one hour on the 2nd chapter of Acts, designing to show the folly of common stock [holding property in common]. In Nauvoo, everyone is steward over his own.”

- Prophet Joseph Smith
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“. . . no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, [and] the right and control of property.”

- D&C 134:2
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“The united order is nonpolitical. It is therefore totally unlike the various forms of socialism, which are political, both in theory and in practice. They are thus exposed to, and riddled by, the corruption which plagues and finally destroys all political governments which undertake to abridge man’s agency.”

- Elder Marion G. Romney, Council of Twelve Apostles
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“Our homes are not as strong unless we are using [the Book of Mormon] to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat the falsehoods in socialism. . .”

- President Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
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“As our modern societies follow the course which led to the fall of Rome and other civilizations which succumbed to the deceptive lure of the welfare state and socialism, I think it not inappropriate for me to emphasize again the Lord’s plan for the temporal salvation of His mortal children.”

- Elder Marion G Romney, Quorum of Twelve Apostles
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“We heard Brother Taylor's exposition of what is called Socialism this morning. What can they do? Live on each other and beg. It is a poor, unwise and very imbecile people who cannot take care of themselves.”

- Brigham Young, President of the Church
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I attended a second lecture on Socialism, by Mr. Finch; and after he got through, . . . I said I did not believe the doctrine.”

- Prophet Joseph Smith

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“As bearers of the priesthood, we have been placed on earth in troubled times. We live in a complex world with currents of conflict everywhere to be found. Political machinations ruin the stability of nations, despots grasp for power, and segments of society seem forever downtrodden, deprived of opportunity, and left with a feeling of failure.”

- Thomas S. Monson, First Presidency
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“The Book of Mormon narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today's society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions of those problems. I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on the Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living. These evil schemers led the people into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions”

- President Gordon B. Hinkley, President of the Church

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“From my own experience in business and as a lawyer and church worker, and from my firsthand observations in this country and other countries of the world, there appears to me to be a trend to shift responsibility for life and its processes from the individual to the state. In this shift there is a basic violation of the law of the harvest, or the law of justice. The attitude of "something for nothing" is encouraged. The government is often looked to as the source of wealth. There is a feeling that the government should step in and take care of one's needs, one's emergencies, and one's future. Just as my friend actually became a slave to his own ignorance and bad habits by refusing to accept the responsibility for his own education and moral growth, so, also, can an entire people be imperceptibly transferred from individuals, families, and communities to the federal government.”

- Elder Howard W. Hunter, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

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“What is the real cause of this trend toward the welfare state, toward more socialism? In the last analysis, in my judgment, it is personal unrighteousness. When people do not use their freedoms responsibly and righteously, they will gradually lose these freedoms. . . .”

- Elder Howard W. Hunter, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

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"Our anxiety has been increased when we have listened to the attempts of men in high stations to stir up class hatreds that contradict the age-old constitutional guarantee of free enterprise."

- Elder Harold B. Lee, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

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“Now I tell you it is time the people of the United States were waking up with the understanding that if they don't save the Constitution from the dangers that threaten it, we will have a change of government.”

- Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, Quorum of Twelve Apostles
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“In the United States of America, the Constitution vouchsafes individual freedom, and let us pray also that the Lord will frustrate the plans of the Communists who would deprive us of freedom.”

- President David O. McKay
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“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.”

- President David O. McKay

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“We believe it is the duty of the members of the Church to see that this Republic is not subverted either by any sudden or constant erosion of those principles which gave this Nation its birth. In these days when there is a special trend among certain groups, including members of faculties of universities, to challenge the principles upon which our country has been founded and the philosophy of our Founding Fathers, I hope that Brigham Young University will stand as a bulwark in support of the principles of government as vouchsafed to us by our Constitutional Fathers.”

- President David O. Mckay

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“I hope that the membership of this Church will not be deceived into thinking that other plans, other forms of government, other systems of direction whatsoever, are desirable. I want to say to you without any hesitation that no form of government in the world can be compared favorably with the government God gave to us. This is his plan.”

- President George Albert Smith

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“Yet, we have people who would like to change that and bring some of those forms of government that have failed absolutely to make peace and happiness and comfort any other place in the world, and exchange what God has given to us—the fullness of the earth and the riches of liberty and happiness. Yet, there are those who go around whispering and talking and saying, "Let us change this thing." I am saying to you that to me the Constitution of the United States of America is just as much from my Heavenly Father as the Ten Commandments. When that is my feeling, I am not going to go very far away from the Constitution, and I am going to try to keep it where the Lord started it, and not let anti-Christs come into this country that began because people wanted to serve God.”

- President George Albert Smith

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“However, there are many people, many men and women in this land, some of whom may be friends or relatives who are misguided by the idea that the Constitution of the United States isn't as fine a system of government as they have in Russia or Germany or Italy or some other part of the world [note that Russia, Germany and Italy all had collectivist (socialistic) forms of government. Communism in Russia, Nazism (national socialism) in Germany, and fascism in Italy], notwithstanding the fact that the Lord himself said that he raised up the very men who framed the Constitution of the United States and directed that the membership of this Church should pray for and sustain those who represented the Constitution of this land.”

- President George Albert Smith

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“But Communism [it should be remembered that several prophets and apostles, including David O McKay, J Rueben Clark, and Ezra Taft Benson have compared communism and socialism as being essentially the same, only with different methods or reaching the same end] is not a political party, nor a political plan under the Constitution; it is a system of government that is the opposite of our Constitutional government, and it would be necessary to destroy our government before Communism could be set up in the United States. Communism undertakes to control, if not indeed to proscribe the religious life of the people living within its jurisdiction, and that it even reaches its hand into the sanctity of the family circle itself, disrupting the normal relationship of parent and child, all in a manner unknown and unsanctioned under the Constitutional guarantees under which we in America live. Such interference would be contrary to the fundamental precepts of the Gospel and to the teachings and order of the Church.”

- President Heber J. Grant

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“We again warn our people in America of the constantly increasing threat against our inspired Constitution and our free institutions set up under it. The same political tenets and philosophies that have brought war and terror in other parts of the world are at work amongst us in America. The proponents thereof are seeking to undermine our own form of government and to set up instead one of the forms of dictatorships now flourishing in other lands. . . .
. . . Communism and all other similar isms bear no relationship whatever to the United Order. They are merely the clumsy counterfeits which Satan always devises of the gospel plan. . . . Latter-day Saints cannot be true to their faith and lend aid, encouragement, or sympathy to any of these false philosophies. They will prove snares to their feet.”

- President Heber J. Grant

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“I think the administrators are apostatizing very fast from the principles that the fathers of this nation instituted." It has become quite a question now-a-days, whether men can be preserved in their rights or not, whether men can worship God according to the dictates of their conscience or not, or whether we are living in a land of freedom or not.”

- President John Taylor

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“With numerous others, I am greatly disturbed at the rapid move of our government to socialism and what seems to be an approach toward dictatorship; with a controlled Supreme Court, the administration continues to impose more and more demands upon the people…Taxes are becoming back-breaking, expenditure and waste are alarming. The Church must remain independent and furnish its own funds for all its own adventures and projects. The government seems too anxious to give, give, give to the poor, to the aged, to the schools, to everyone, and blinded people feel they are getting something, whereas they pay it to the government so that the government can after great overhead expense return a part of it to the people. And every time a gift returns to the people–a so-called gift–it comes with fetters binding and tying and enslaving. For every block of funds given to the people, they lose a bigger block of liberty.”

- Elder Spencer W. Kimball, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

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Now that we’ve clearly seen the view of prophets and apostles 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 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.

The next installment will review the methods that have been outlined by the fathers of socialism to turn a free countrly into a socialistic state.

For further information on the view of prophets on this topic, refer to these two monumental addresses.

FREEDOM AND FREE ENTERPRISE

Ezra Taft Benson, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

Hear in Elder Benson's own words:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/AwakeAndAriseOr/videos/139/

Or read the text:

http://www.libertyetc.org/truth/Ezra%20Taft%20Benson%20-%20Freedom%20and%20Free%20Enterprise.php

IS SOCIALISM THE UNITED ORDER?

Marion G. Romney, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

http://members.tripod.com/~runwin/socialism.html

- Richard Parke