Now this is something I could get behind...
http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/20/bill-of-federalism-constitution-states-supreme-court-opinions-contributors-randy-barnett_2.html
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
On the lighter side...
One of the other things about which I'm pretty passionate is wood working. I just completed a chess table and set I'm pretty proud of...
Gadfly?
John has a new post about politics which I responded to. Maybe I should just stop. I don't want to be a gadfly. He's never responded in any way to my last reply to him, so I'm guessing he's not interested in having a conversation about politics (with me at any rate...)
It just kills me that such an intelligent and decent person is so misguided about such important matters.
It just kills me that such an intelligent and decent person is so misguided about such important matters.
The Constitution Party Blues
I find it very difficult to point to any substantive disagreement I have with the Constitution Party platform. However, I think that no third party will play a role more significant than that of a spoiler in American politics for the foreseeable future.
I think it's better to work to educate those around us and within both major political parties so that they understand the importance of adherence to Constitutional principles.
It's tragic that the Dems have become the anti-Constitution party and the Repubs are the semi-anti-Constitution party. We need to work to change that somehow because I just don't think the Constitution party is ever going to have much of an effect...
I think it's better to work to educate those around us and within both major political parties so that they understand the importance of adherence to Constitutional principles.
It's tragic that the Dems have become the anti-Constitution party and the Repubs are the semi-anti-Constitution party. We need to work to change that somehow because I just don't think the Constitution party is ever going to have much of an effect...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Dr. Skousen took that approach I think because he despaired at being able to wake even members of the Church who SHOULD already know better to the danger of our present national course. Church members have no excuse for supporting socialism and irresponsible debt accumulation in any form. We, alone of all people on the earth, have been taught that the Constitution is of divine origin, and yet most are completely ignorant of the blatant warfare that has been waged on the Constitution by our own politicians. We now have the anti-Constitution party (the Democrats) and the semi-anti-Constitution party (the Republicans). There is not ONE Democrat at the national level that isn't overtly hostile to true Constitutional principles, and most of the R's are too.
I can't accept that it's time to just sit and pray for the end or "cleansing". Previous generations abandoned the Constitution, and that means that the road back will be difficult and painful, but it doesn't mean it's impossible. I have to believe that while there are increasing numbers of Americans willing to sell themselves and their children into slavery, there are also growing numbers who are coming to understand the evil being done and are not willing to "go quietly..."
Mark Steyn is one of my favorite authors and his latest essay is a must read: http://www.hillsdale.edu/images/userImages/mvanderwei/Page_4221/ImprimisApril09.pdf
I can't accept that it's time to just sit and pray for the end or "cleansing". Previous generations abandoned the Constitution, and that means that the road back will be difficult and painful, but it doesn't mean it's impossible. I have to believe that while there are increasing numbers of Americans willing to sell themselves and their children into slavery, there are also growing numbers who are coming to understand the evil being done and are not willing to "go quietly..."
Mark Steyn is one of my favorite authors and his latest essay is a must read: http://www.hillsdale.edu/images/userImages/mvanderwei/Page_4221/ImprimisApril09.pdf
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Re: Optimism
That is the trick. That may be among the reasons the Savior called the words of Isaiah "great". He was aware of the impending destruction of his once chosen nation, but his vision didn't stop there. He looked beyond the "cleansing" to a brighter day. Dr. Skousen chose to take that same approach toward the end of his life. His last work was entitled: "The Majesty of God's Law". This is the book from which I copied the 28 principles that he identified as guiding principles of the Founding Fathers. The last words of this book are as follows:
"A quick comparison between the constitutional principles and our practices today will show where we have gone astray. And the remedy is simple: return to the basic principles of the Founders' formula.
"Of Course, the first step to improvement and reform is education. The next step is action. The principles of the Constitution were not meant only to be studied, but to be restored and put into full operation. Much of this could be done now, but God will expect the rest to be done after the cleansing."
"A quick comparison between the constitutional principles and our practices today will show where we have gone astray. And the remedy is simple: return to the basic principles of the Founders' formula.
"Of Course, the first step to improvement and reform is education. The next step is action. The principles of the Constitution were not meant only to be studied, but to be restored and put into full operation. Much of this could be done now, but God will expect the rest to be done after the cleansing."
Optimism
That's the trick isn't it? How do we remain optimistic without hiding
our heads in the sand? How do we know when to stand up and fight
(literally or figuratively) for something and when to "be still" and
trust in God?
our heads in the sand? How do we know when to stand up and fight
(literally or figuratively) for something and when to "be still" and
trust in God?
Obviously, with faith we can overcome the world through the Atonement of
Christ, and we can have a bright hope of that regardless of worldly
circumstances. But what is our duty when it comes to influencing those
worldly circumstances? These are the hard questions that I don't know
the answers to. I think it's important to have the discussion with
others and to wake them up to the threats to our liberty, but what
ultimately can and should be done about it, I don't know.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Future is as Bright as Your Faith
It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful of what might come—if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives.
I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.
My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.
- President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, April 2009
I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.
My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.
- President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, April 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
He must be doing something right...right?
Great news!
U.S. Treasury bonds are approaching junk status as potential bond buyers (China) refused to buy new bonds issued at the original interest rate. It's almost as if the bond market doesn't think that Obama's spending spree is going to fix anything. Hang on folks this is gonna get ugly...
U.S. Treasury bonds are approaching junk status as potential bond buyers (China) refused to buy new bonds issued at the original interest rate. It's almost as if the bond market doesn't think that Obama's spending spree is going to fix anything. Hang on folks this is gonna get ugly...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Surface temperature Records are a mess!r
Back in February, a study was published that dealt with the quality of the U.S. surface temperature record. This study was the first ever survey of the actual sites at which surface temperatures are measured.
In short, it found that 89% of the sites failed to meet the National Weather Service's guidelines. This means that the U.S. temperature record, widely considered to be "the best in the world" is unreliable.
Read the whole thing here:
In short, it found that 89% of the sites failed to meet the National Weather Service's guidelines. This means that the U.S. temperature record, widely considered to be "the best in the world" is unreliable.
Read the whole thing here:
More lawlessness from Obama
This story is one that should frighten and anger anyone who cares about the rule of law and limited government.
The Obama administration is threatening the bond holders of Chrysler that they had better go along with their robbery...or else...
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/White-House-puts-UAW-ahead-of-property-rights-44415057.html
This isn't the first time Obama has threatened legitimate businesses either. On several occasions he threatened bankers telling them the "we are all that's standing between you and the pitchforks." This kind of thuggishness is exactly what one would expect from a corrupt pol out of the Chicago machine, but it's breath-taking coming from the White House. If the media were even slightly interested in doing its job, this would make headlines across the country, but the vast majority of Americans have no clue that this kind of thing is happening.
The Obama administration is threatening the bond holders of Chrysler that they had better go along with their robbery...or else...
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/White-House-puts-UAW-ahead-of-property-rights-44415057.html
This isn't the first time Obama has threatened legitimate businesses either. On several occasions he threatened bankers telling them the "we are all that's standing between you and the pitchforks." This kind of thuggishness is exactly what one would expect from a corrupt pol out of the Chicago machine, but it's breath-taking coming from the White House. If the media were even slightly interested in doing its job, this would make headlines across the country, but the vast majority of Americans have no clue that this kind of thing is happening.
Now that's gun control I can believe in...
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/19365762/detail.html
Without someone in the party who was in possession of a gun, and was apparently competent in its use, this would have been a terrible bloodbath.
Gun control means hitting what you aim at... When politicians speak of gun control they are aiming at your freedom.
Without someone in the party who was in possession of a gun, and was apparently competent in its use, this would have been a terrible bloodbath.
Gun control means hitting what you aim at... When politicians speak of gun control they are aiming at your freedom.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Something Different
Just to show that my life isn't all about politics and rabble-rousing. We like to do "living history" re-enacting as a family. We volunteer out at a place called Old Missouri Town 1855. There are a handful of large events that they do and this last weekend was the annual sheep shearing. My wife sewed most of our clothes and baked wheat bread, shortbread and gingerbread cookies for us to take out. I took some of my appropriate hand tools out and spent my time demonstrating 19th Century woodworking techniques. The kids spent their day mostly in the kids games area showing other kids how to walk on stilts, play "graces", roll hoops and playing tug-o-war. Everyone was dead tired at the end of the day, but we all had fun and are looking forward to next month when they have "kids day".Some pics of a few of my wood working projects are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/sgtp.usmc
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Need we be astonished?
Need we be surprised that people should feel inimical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? No. Need we be surprised that men, as the scriptures say, "should wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived?" No. We have preached it—I have preached it upwards of forty years in this nation and in other nations. Need we be surprised that they should trample under foot the Constitution of the United States? No; Joseph Smith told us that they would do it. Many around me here knew long ago that they would do this thing and further knew that the last people that should be found to rally around that sacred instrument and save it from the grasp of unrighteous men would be the Elders of Israel! When, therefore, we see these things progressing need we be astonished? I do not think we need be. Some of our people you know, who are a little shaky and get how? Why a little astride of the fence, and say "good Lord and good devil," not knowing into whose hands they will fall; when they see some of these things transpiring they are filled with amazement; but men who understand themselves, and who are in possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost and the Spirit of the living God, are looking for such things and they are not at all surprised. Were we surprised when the last terrible war took place here in the United States? No; good Latter-day Saints were not, for they had been told about it. Joseph Smith had told them where it would start, that it should be a terrible time of bloodshed and that it should start in South Carolina. But I tell you today the end is not yet. You will see worse things than that, for God will lay his hand upon this nation, and they will feel it more terribly than ever they have done before; there will be more bloodshed, more ruin, more devastation than never they have seen before. Write it down! You will see it come to pass; it is only just starting in. And would you feel to rejoice? No; I would feel sorry. I knew very well myself when this last war was commencing, and could have wept and did weep, over this nation; but there is yet to come a sound of war, trouble and distress, in which brother will be arrayed against brother, father against son, son against father, a scene of desolation and destruction that will permeate our land until it will be a vexation to hear the report thereof. Would you help to bring it about? No, I would not; I would stop it if I could. I would pour in the oil and the wine and balm and try to lead people in the right path that will be governed by it, but they won't. Our Elders would do the same, and we are sending them forth doing all that we can, selecting the very best men we can put our hands upon—men of faith, men of honor, men of integrity—to go forth to preach the Gospel to this nation and to other nations. And how do they receive them? Not long ago they killed one and mobbed others. Well, we cannot help that. They are in the dark; they do not realize the position they occupy; they know not what spirit they are of. But it is our duty to have our bowels full of compassion extended to them, to send forth the message of life. But when our Elders go among these people they have to take their lives in their hands and trust in the living God. Nevertheless, we need not be afraid, we need not be troubled about any of these matters. "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Yea, I say unto you fear Him; and we feel to-day, while we would submit to every ordinance of man that is just, equitable and right, observe every law and interfere with no man's rights, we are not ignorant of the fact that it is unjust for legislatures and courts to make and enforce laws to entrap and destroy us; that a magnanimous and just government would protect all its citizens; but we feel, at the same time, that the Lord is our God, the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord is our King, and he shall rule over us; and all that feel like saying that say Amen. (The vast congregation responded "Amen.")
President John Taylor, Delivered at the General Conference, Held in the Tabernacle Salt Lake City, October 6th, 1879
President John Taylor, Delivered at the General Conference, Held in the Tabernacle Salt Lake City, October 6th, 1879
Friday, May 1, 2009
RIP Rule of Law...
This is just another confirmation that Obama specifically and the left generally have no respect for law. He is openly advocating the rule of men, not of law.
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/05/023465.php
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/05/023465.php
Responsibility
A thought just occurred to me... Maybe we have not reached the point as prophesied by Joseph Smith that the Constitution would hang by a thread and the nation would look to this people (the Latter Day Saints) and will lean upon us as a staff, and we will bear the Constitution off triumphant...
I think we are to the point that the Constitution hangs by a thread, but certainly the nation hasn't turned to the Latter Day Saints, maybe this is simply because we as a people aren't ready and capable of performing this task. Maybe that's the challenge to us, prepare ourselves and help others prepare themselves to be the staff upon which the nation and the Constitution can rest without breaking it.
I think we are to the point that the Constitution hangs by a thread, but certainly the nation hasn't turned to the Latter Day Saints, maybe this is simply because we as a people aren't ready and capable of performing this task. Maybe that's the challenge to us, prepare ourselves and help others prepare themselves to be the staff upon which the nation and the Constitution can rest without breaking it.
Maybe there is something more to do, frankly I hope so, but I just don't know what that is right now. I hope and trust that as I do what I can NOW, more will be revealed to me.
63 Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation—
64 That the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
65 Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;
66 While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.
67 Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.
68 Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you.
69 And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things—
70 Which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands with money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints;
71 All the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.
72 Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you.
73 And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands.
74 And the churches in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel they may buy lands and gather together upon them; and in this way they may establish Zion.
75 There is even now already in store sufficient, yea, even an abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to hearken to my voice.
D&C 101:63-75
63 Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation—
64 That the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
65 Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;
66 While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.
67 Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.
68 Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you.
69 And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things—
70 Which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands with money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints;
71 All the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.
72 Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you.
73 And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands.
74 And the churches in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel they may buy lands and gather together upon them; and in this way they may establish Zion.
75 There is even now already in store sufficient, yea, even an abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to hearken to my voice.
D&C 101:63-75
Re: World Domination
If the world will not hear the Book of Mormon, what makes you think that they will hear you?
Unless I'm mistaken, you did...My kids do, and several of my co-workers do too. I've had numerous conversations with people in my Ward and think I have had an influence for good. If everyone who understands the importance and application of these principles did the same thing, how big an effect would we have?
As for a world-wide conspiracy, I don't know. I respect Cleon Skousen and don't think he was a paranoid raving lunatic, but frankly, if we can bring our country back into adherence with Constitutional principles, they can form all the conspiracies they want. True Constitutional government is so limited in its power to adversely affect the lives of the people that the conspirators would find it largely useless as a mechanism to carry out their plans. I believe this fact, more than any other explains why the Constitution has been under constant attack.
That's just one of the reasons it's important for us to teach and persuade those around us.
The current state of our country is exactly analogous to what the Lord told Joseph Smith about the state of Christendom: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." Today our political leaders give lip service to our Constitution, but in their hearts they despise its principles.
When talking about these things though, there is a difficult balancing act one has to perform. You have to be direct enough to shock people out of their complacency. This is pretty difficult to do because if you talk of general principles of liberty, agency, accountability most people nod their heads in agreement, and completely fail to see how those principles are under assault by the people that they vote for and the issues that they support. But it doesn't do any good to spread pessimism. Pessimists don't work to improve things, they just sit around complaining. We need to be optimistic but we can't afford to be Pollyanna's who don't see the evil around us. We should be kind and charitable, but we also need to be firm in our determination to stand for righteousness to the point of joining the fray when necessary. "Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves" is the challenge. We need to work toward incremental improvements without compromising or mediating our commitment to fundamental principles.
As for what you or I can accomplish and what kind of an effect we can have, who knows? I really do believe that God has awakened in me this awareness, and I trust that he is at work in the hearts of many others.
Maybe there is something more to do, frankly I hope so, but I just don't know what that is right now. I hope and trust that as I do what I can NOW, more will be revealed to me.
Unless I'm mistaken, you did...My kids do, and several of my co-workers do too. I've had numerous conversations with people in my Ward and think I have had an influence for good. If everyone who understands the importance and application of these principles did the same thing, how big an effect would we have?
As for a world-wide conspiracy, I don't know. I respect Cleon Skousen and don't think he was a paranoid raving lunatic, but frankly, if we can bring our country back into adherence with Constitutional principles, they can form all the conspiracies they want. True Constitutional government is so limited in its power to adversely affect the lives of the people that the conspirators would find it largely useless as a mechanism to carry out their plans. I believe this fact, more than any other explains why the Constitution has been under constant attack.
That's just one of the reasons it's important for us to teach and persuade those around us.
The current state of our country is exactly analogous to what the Lord told Joseph Smith about the state of Christendom: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." Today our political leaders give lip service to our Constitution, but in their hearts they despise its principles.
When talking about these things though, there is a difficult balancing act one has to perform. You have to be direct enough to shock people out of their complacency. This is pretty difficult to do because if you talk of general principles of liberty, agency, accountability most people nod their heads in agreement, and completely fail to see how those principles are under assault by the people that they vote for and the issues that they support. But it doesn't do any good to spread pessimism. Pessimists don't work to improve things, they just sit around complaining. We need to be optimistic but we can't afford to be Pollyanna's who don't see the evil around us. We should be kind and charitable, but we also need to be firm in our determination to stand for righteousness to the point of joining the fray when necessary. "Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves" is the challenge. We need to work toward incremental improvements without compromising or mediating our commitment to fundamental principles.
As for what you or I can accomplish and what kind of an effect we can have, who knows? I really do believe that God has awakened in me this awareness, and I trust that he is at work in the hearts of many others.
Maybe there is something more to do, frankly I hope so, but I just don't know what that is right now. I hope and trust that as I do what I can NOW, more will be revealed to me.
World Domination
I really like your concise list of two. You've discovered a foundation below the foundation. It reminds me of Rene' Descartes famous couplet: "Cogito ergo sum" (English: "I think, therefore I am"). The problem is, to whom is man accountable?
To theists the answer is obvious, but the world consists of more than theists. Skousen argues that free government is not intended for other than a theist society. However, the form of government that the Founders created is even more remarkable when you consider how well it has governed in spite of the inequality of man.
(The word inequality here is used as it is defined by Alma: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/28/13#13).
But the tides of evil cannot be held off forever. There is an overflowing scourge coming and it is even now at our doors.
(See http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/45/28-31/#28)
The Book of Mormon has been sounding its warning voice (symbolized by the trumpeting Moroni on the top of Mormon temples throughout the world) for almost two hundred years. But is it being heeded?
If the world will not hear the Book of Mormon, what makes you think that they will hear you?
Mormon and Moroni have warned us about a secret combination that would seek the overthrow and utter destruction and abolishment of free government in our day. But if you try to tell anyone about it, you hear: "Not another conspiracy theory."
I admit that I was feeling a little hopeful when I decided to vote for Barack Obama in the last election. What ties could a junior senator from Illinois have with world domination conspirators? But that feeling of optimism quickly faded. The world wide conspiracy is alive and well.
What Dr. Skousen had to say on this subject is truly fascinating. If you read his biography on wikipedia (link provided on my previous post), you will find that he had many opportunities to gain inside knowledge. Here's a quote from page one of
The Naked Capitalist:
"This reviewer (Dr. Skousen) had also observed a number of strange developments which seemed to point to a conspiratorial control center higher and stronger than either Moscow or Peiping. For example, when Harry Dexter White (Under-Secretary of the U.S. Treasury during World War II) was discovered by the FBI to be a Soviet agent, the White House was immediately informed. But instead of being fired or arrested, Harry Dexter White was appointed as the new Executive Director of the U.S. Mission to the International Monetary Fund of the United Nations. He was also given a substantial increase in salary. J. Edgar Hoover was amazed. Attorney General Herbert Brownell, Jr. stated publicly that President Truman knew White was a Soviet spy when he made the appointment."
My point is that there will always be men who are seeking for power. These are the ones who generally become our politicians. If it wasn't for the Constitution of the United States, the few freedoms that we still enjoy would have been gone a long time ago. It is my belief that the Lord set up the government of the Unites States of America to give us enough time to get the warning voice out to the nations before the prophesied judgements begin to be poured out upon all governments and people that do not recognize the True Sovereign of this world. Until men realize that they are not God, the sword of the True God will be hanging over them ready to fall at any moment.
To theists the answer is obvious, but the world consists of more than theists. Skousen argues that free government is not intended for other than a theist society. However, the form of government that the Founders created is even more remarkable when you consider how well it has governed in spite of the inequality of man.
(The word inequality here is used as it is defined by Alma: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/28/13#13).
But the tides of evil cannot be held off forever. There is an overflowing scourge coming and it is even now at our doors.
(See http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/45/28-31/#28)
The Book of Mormon has been sounding its warning voice (symbolized by the trumpeting Moroni on the top of Mormon temples throughout the world) for almost two hundred years. But is it being heeded?
If the world will not hear the Book of Mormon, what makes you think that they will hear you?
Mormon and Moroni have warned us about a secret combination that would seek the overthrow and utter destruction and abolishment of free government in our day. But if you try to tell anyone about it, you hear: "Not another conspiracy theory."
I admit that I was feeling a little hopeful when I decided to vote for Barack Obama in the last election. What ties could a junior senator from Illinois have with world domination conspirators? But that feeling of optimism quickly faded. The world wide conspiracy is alive and well.
What Dr. Skousen had to say on this subject is truly fascinating. If you read his biography on wikipedia (link provided on my previous post), you will find that he had many opportunities to gain inside knowledge. Here's a quote from page one of
The Naked Capitalist:
"This reviewer (Dr. Skousen) had also observed a number of strange developments which seemed to point to a conspiratorial control center higher and stronger than either Moscow or Peiping. For example, when Harry Dexter White (Under-Secretary of the U.S. Treasury during World War II) was discovered by the FBI to be a Soviet agent, the White House was immediately informed. But instead of being fired or arrested, Harry Dexter White was appointed as the new Executive Director of the U.S. Mission to the International Monetary Fund of the United Nations. He was also given a substantial increase in salary. J. Edgar Hoover was amazed. Attorney General Herbert Brownell, Jr. stated publicly that President Truman knew White was a Soviet spy when he made the appointment."
My point is that there will always be men who are seeking for power. These are the ones who generally become our politicians. If it wasn't for the Constitution of the United States, the few freedoms that we still enjoy would have been gone a long time ago. It is my belief that the Lord set up the government of the Unites States of America to give us enough time to get the warning voice out to the nations before the prophesied judgements begin to be poured out upon all governments and people that do not recognize the True Sovereign of this world. Until men realize that they are not God, the sword of the True God will be hanging over them ready to fall at any moment.
What I find fascinating and interesting is that throughout the first half of the 20th Century the general authorities spoke frequently and clearly about this subject. Many times they warned us of the growing tyranny and the economic problems that were approaching. Then in the early 1970's they stopped. Why is that?
My fear is that they were told to be quiet because it's too late. My hope is that they were told to be quiet because all that needed to be said had been said and that at some point in the future, the Lord would work in the hearts of Latter Day Saints and men of good will to rekindle the fire of liberty before it is truly too late.
Dr. Skousen says that he was told by President McKay that the church leaders were no longer going to press the subject and that it must be a broad movement by the membership of the church borne out of a correct understanding and love of Constitutional principles. If he's right, that gives me great hope, and a reason to work to persuade and to educate.
Then Elder Benson said in the April 1965 Conference:
"The last neutralizer that the devil uses most effectively is simply this: 'Don't do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution.' This brings us right back to the scripture about the slothful servants who will not do anything until they are 'compelled in all things' (D&C 58:26). Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific Church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if He set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps He does not want that to happen yet, for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe (D&C 86:5-7)."
It is evident that the devil has lulled us and convinced many that "all is well in Zion" even while we passively (some give their consent) look on while our freedom is being taken away.
My fear is that they were told to be quiet because it's too late. My hope is that they were told to be quiet because all that needed to be said had been said and that at some point in the future, the Lord would work in the hearts of Latter Day Saints and men of good will to rekindle the fire of liberty before it is truly too late.
Dr. Skousen says that he was told by President McKay that the church leaders were no longer going to press the subject and that it must be a broad movement by the membership of the church borne out of a correct understanding and love of Constitutional principles. If he's right, that gives me great hope, and a reason to work to persuade and to educate.
Then Elder Benson said in the April 1965 Conference:
"The last neutralizer that the devil uses most effectively is simply this: 'Don't do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution.' This brings us right back to the scripture about the slothful servants who will not do anything until they are 'compelled in all things' (D&C 58:26). Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific Church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if He set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps He does not want that to happen yet, for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe (D&C 86:5-7)."
It is evident that the devil has lulled us and convinced many that "all is well in Zion" even while we passively (some give their consent) look on while our freedom is being taken away.
Roger,
Thanks for posting this, in general it seems a decent list, and I agree with most of it, but it seems to me that Dr. Skousen misses (or skirts) the fundamental principles from which his ideas derive. I believe that the basic principles can be summed up with these two principles:
- Agency
- Accountability
All mankind is created equal in the sight of God and should be treated equal under the law. Mankind are endowed with unalienable rights, principally, the right and responsibility to be an independent agent and to be held accountable for their actions. Men have no right to interfere, in any way, with the agency of another accountable person except by persuasion. Men have the right and responsibility to defend their agency.
Agency cannot exist without accountability; and accountability cannot exist without agency. There must be consequences for our good or bad use of agency, and with a singular exception, those consequences cannot morally be shifted to others.
When men form governments they grant to that government some of the powers of agency that they possess in order to facilitate cooperation, however, no man or group of men have the right to grant to government powers of agency that they do not individually possess. A government of, by and for the people cannot possibly possess more agency than does the individual from which that agency is derived. I.e. you as an individual cannot confer upon anyone, or upon the government authority which you do not possess. To do so is is to make the creation greater than the creator and the servant greater than the master--it is tyranny. http://www.zionsbest.com/proper_role.html
If even God refused to force his children to do the right things, what moral principle can justify a man or a government in doing so? The answer of course is that there is no moral principle that can.
As a direct answer to Roger's post, I'm pretty sure that Dr. Skousen elaborated upon these statements, but in and of themselves, I find them insufficient to be useful. My comments are in-line.
1. The only basis for sound government is Natural Law.
There is a great deal of debate and confusion about what is meant by Natural Law so this point must be clarified if it is to mean anything.
2. A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong
3. The most promising method of securing a virtuous people is to elect virtuous leaders.
This is something of a chicken/egg argument.
4. Without religion the government of a free people cannot be maintained.
He's omitting one crucial word here: It should read "Without true religion..." False religion leads to tyranny just as readily as atheism or humanism.
5. All things were created by God, therefore upon him all mankind are equally dependent, and to him they are equally responsible.
6. All mankind are created equal.
7. The proper role of government is to protect equal rights, not provide equal things.
8. Mankind are endowed by God with certain unalienable rights.
9. To protect human rights, God has revealed a code of divine law.
10. The God-given right to govern is vested in the sovereign authority of the whole people.
I'm not even sure what this means. Surely he's not suggesting that unanimous consent is required?
11. The majority of the people may alter or abolish a government which has become tyrannical.
12. The United States of America shall be a republic.
This one strikes me a kind of weird, it's not a principle, it's a statement. A republic may be a good form of government (I believe it is) but it's not inconceivable that a different form of government COULD preserve correct principles.
13. A Constitution should protect the people from the frailties of their rulers.
14. Life and liberty are secure only so long as the rights of property are secure.
This one is, in my mind, the great key. The most fundamental form of property is the individual himself. If one is not free to control and benefit from his own labors, then you are not free in any real sense of the word.
15. The highest level of prosperity occurs when there is a free-market economy and a minimum of government regulations.
16. The government should be separated into three branches.
Once again, this is a particular mechanism chosen but is not necessarily the only one that could be profitably utilized.
17. A system of checks and balances should be adopted to prevent the abuse of power by the different branches of government.
18. The unalienable rights of the people are most likely to be preserved if the principles of government are set forth in a written Constitution.
Certainly this is one of the reasons that the U.S. has been slower in adopting socialism than most other countries, but it's certainly no guarantee, just look around you now...
19. Only limited and carefully defined powers should be delegated to government, all others being retained by the people.
Yes, but which powers? And why? Without a solid grounding on the principles I outlined above, the delegated powers become merely a matter of preference.
20. Efficiency and dispatch require that the government operate according to the will of the majority, but constitutional provisions must be made to protect the rights of the minority.
Not the minority, but the INDIVIDUAL, rights are meaningless if they depend on group membership.
21. Strong local self-government is the keystone to preserving human freedom.
This is one of the reasons behind a republican form of government, but just because a government is local doesn't mean it's moral.
22. A free people should be governed by law and not by the whims of men.
Exactly what is meant by "the rule of law" is again a subject of great debate, and without a solid foundation of correct principles, it's pretty meaningless.
23. A free society cannot survive as a republic without a broad program of general education.
Once again, I'm not sure what he means. By general education does he mean taxpayer funded education? If so, that violates the fundamental principles. If he's just making the point that an educated public is vital to a republic, I agree.
24. A free people will not survive unless they stay strong.
This, of course, is one of the cardinal legitimate purposes of government. "Peace through superior firepower!"
25. "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations -- entangling alliances with none."
26. The core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family; therefore, the government should foster and protect its integrity.
This one is another statement that gives me some trouble, at least the second part of it. How can a government foster and protect the integrity of the family? I can think of lots of things the government can do to undermine the family, but I'm at a loss to think of anything it can actively DO to foster it.
27. The burden of debt is as destructive to human freedom as subjugation by conquest.
Hence the Tea Parties... Our politicians are selling us and our children into slavery.
28. The United States has a manifest destiny to eventually become a glorious example of God's law under a restored Constitution that will inspire the entire human race.
I'm not so sure about this one either. The U.S. should do this, and we might still, but there is nowhere that I'm aware, any divine guarantee. This is why complacency on the part of those who should know better is so terrible.
Foundation Principles of Free Government
Dr. W. Cleon Skousen has been at the forefront of the effort to preserve Constitutional Government, and he was a very prolific writer on the subject.
(See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Cleon_Skousen)
He identified 28 foundational principles espoused by the Founding Fathers of the United States. They are:
1. The only basis for sound government is Natural Law.
2. A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.
3. The most promising method of securing a virtuous people is to elect virtuous leaders.
4. Without religion the government of a free people cannot be maintained.
5. All things were created by God, therefore upon him all mankind are equally dependent, and to him they are equally responsible.
6. All mankind are created equal.
7. The proper role of government is to protect equal rights, not provide equal things.
8. Mankind are endowed by God with certain unalienable rights.
9. To protect human rights, God has revealed a code of divine law.
10. The God-given right to govern is vested in the sovereign authority of the whole people.
11. The majority of the people may alter or abolish a government which has become tyrannical.
12. The United States of America shall be a republic.
13. A Constitution should protect the people from the frailties of their rulers.
14. Life and liberty are secure only so long as the rights of property are secure.
15. The highest level of prosperity occurs when there is a free-market economy and a minimum of government regulations.
16. The government should be separated into three branches.
17. A system of checks and balances should be adopted to prevent the abuse of power by the different branches of government.
18. The unalienable rights of the people are most likely to be preserved if the principles of government are set forth in a written Constitution.
19. Only limited and carefully defined powers should be delegated to government, all others being retained by the people.
20. Efficiency and dispatch require that the government operate according to the will of the majority, but constitutional provisions must be made to protect the rights of the minority.
21. Strong local self-government is the keystone to preserving human freedom.
22. A free people should be governed by law and not by the whims of men.
23. A free society cannot survive as a republic without a broad program of general education.
24. A free people will not survive unless they stay strong.
25. "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations -- entangling alliances with none."
26. The core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family; therefore, the government should foster and protect its integrity.
27. The burden of debt is as destructive to human freedom as subjugation by conquest.
28. The United States has a manifest destiny to eventually become a glorious example of God's law under a restored Constitution that will inspire the entire human race.
(See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Cleon_Skousen)
He identified 28 foundational principles espoused by the Founding Fathers of the United States. They are:
1. The only basis for sound government is Natural Law.
2. A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.
3. The most promising method of securing a virtuous people is to elect virtuous leaders.
4. Without religion the government of a free people cannot be maintained.
5. All things were created by God, therefore upon him all mankind are equally dependent, and to him they are equally responsible.
6. All mankind are created equal.
7. The proper role of government is to protect equal rights, not provide equal things.
8. Mankind are endowed by God with certain unalienable rights.
9. To protect human rights, God has revealed a code of divine law.
10. The God-given right to govern is vested in the sovereign authority of the whole people.
11. The majority of the people may alter or abolish a government which has become tyrannical.
12. The United States of America shall be a republic.
13. A Constitution should protect the people from the frailties of their rulers.
14. Life and liberty are secure only so long as the rights of property are secure.
15. The highest level of prosperity occurs when there is a free-market economy and a minimum of government regulations.
16. The government should be separated into three branches.
17. A system of checks and balances should be adopted to prevent the abuse of power by the different branches of government.
18. The unalienable rights of the people are most likely to be preserved if the principles of government are set forth in a written Constitution.
19. Only limited and carefully defined powers should be delegated to government, all others being retained by the people.
20. Efficiency and dispatch require that the government operate according to the will of the majority, but constitutional provisions must be made to protect the rights of the minority.
21. Strong local self-government is the keystone to preserving human freedom.
22. A free people should be governed by law and not by the whims of men.
23. A free society cannot survive as a republic without a broad program of general education.
24. A free people will not survive unless they stay strong.
25. "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations -- entangling alliances with none."
26. The core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family; therefore, the government should foster and protect its integrity.
27. The burden of debt is as destructive to human freedom as subjugation by conquest.
28. The United States has a manifest destiny to eventually become a glorious example of God's law under a restored Constitution that will inspire the entire human race.
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