What Is The Proper Role of Government? Part 2
The guys over at Defending Utah discuss principles five through eight of Ezra Taft Benson's powerful speech, The Proper Role Of Government, in this podcast episode. Do our current government officials obey these principles? Five: ““I HOLD THAT THE CONSTITUTION DENIES GOVERNMENT THE POWER TO TAKE FROM THE INDIVIDUAL EITHER HIS LIFE, LIBERTY, OR PROPERTY EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH MORAL LAW; THAT THE SAME MORAL LAW WHICH GOVERNS THE ACTIONS OF MEN WHEN ACTING ALONE IS ALSO APPLICABLE WHEN THEY ACT IN CONCERT WITH OTHERS; THAT NO CITIZEN OR GROUP OF CITIZENS HAS ANY RIGHT TO DIRECT THEIR AGENT, THE GOVERNMENT, TO PERFORM ANY ACT WHICH WOULD BE EVIL OR OFFENSIVE TO THE CONSCIENCE IF THAT CITIZEN WERE PERFORMING THE ACT HIMSELF OUTSIDE THE FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT.” ” Six: ““I AM HEREBY RESOLVED THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE FREEDOMS GUARANTEED BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS BE INFRINGED. IN PARTICULAR I AM OPPOSED TO ANY ATTEMPT ON THE PART OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DENY THE PEOPLE THEIR RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS, TO WORSHIP AND PRAY WHEN AND WHERE THEY CHOOSE, OR TO OWN AND CONTROL PRIVATE PROPERTY.” ” Seven: ““I CONSIDER OURSELVES AT WAR WITH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNISM WHICH IS COMMITTED TO THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR GOVERNMENT, OUR RIGHT OF PROPERTY, AND OUR FREEDOM; THAT IT IS TREASON AS DEFINED BY THE CONSTITUTION TO GIVE AID AND COMFORT TO THIS IMPLACABLE ENEMY.” ” Eight: ““I AM UNALTERABLY OPPOSED TO SOCIALISM, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AND REGARD IT AS AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL USURPATION OF POWER AND A DENIAL OF THE RIGHT OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR GOVERNMENT TO OWN OR OPERATE THE MEANS OF PRODUCING AND DISTRIBUTING GOODS AND SERVICES IN COMPETITION WITH PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, OR TO REGIMENT OWNERS IN THE LEGITIMATE USE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.” ” You can watch Ezra Taft Benson deliver this speech, himself, in the video above!
Proper Government, Principle 1, An In-Depth Analysis
Principle One: ““NO PEOPLE CAN MAINTAIN FREEDOM UNLESS THEIR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS ARE FOUNDED UPON FAITH IN GOD AND BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF MORAL LAW.”” "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." You've read this quote from John Adams before, but have you read the complete letter from which it is taken? While the quote above does stand on its own quite well, the complete text gives further insight into what this Founding Father wanted us to know, and leads us into a discussion of this principle: Original text: “From John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798 To the Officers of the first Brigade of the third Division of the Militia of Massachusetts Quincy October 11. 1798 Gentlemen I have received from Major General Hull and Brigadier General Walker your unanimous Address from Lexington, animated with a martial Spirit and expressed with a military Dignity, becoming your Characters and the memorable Plains, in which it was adopted. While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World: while the [sic; she?] continues Sincere and incapable of insidious and impious Policy: We shall have the Strongest Reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned Us by Providence. But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour[,] frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition[,] Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other[.] An Address so unanimous and firm from the officers commanding two thousand Eight hundred Men, consisting of such substantial Citizens as are able and willing at their own Expence, compleatly to arm, And cloath themselves in handsome Uniforms does honor to that Division of the Militia which has done so much honor to their Country. Oaths, in this Country, are as yet universally considered as Sacred Obligations. That which you have taken and so solemnly repeated on that venerable Spot is an ample Pledge of your sincerity, and devotion to your Country and its Government. John Adams (Source: archive.gov)” In order to better understand the language of Adams' day, let's define some terms. Some of them may seem familiar, but the meanings have changed over time, so we will consult Webster's 1828 Dictionary. Ambition “A desire of preferment, or of honor; a desire of excellence or superiority” [NOTE: Webster says this word is "used in a good sense", but it is obvious from context that this was not Adams' intention. Rather, he appears to have meant ambition similar to that of the Pharisees, who "love[d] the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6).] Avarice “An inordinate desire of gaining and possessing wealth; covetousness; greediness or insatiable desire of gain.” Candor “Openness of heart; frankness; ingenuousness of mind; a disposition to treat subjects with fairness; freedom from tricks or disguise; sincerity.” Desolation “destruction; ruin; waste” Extravagance “Excess of affection, passion or appetite… Excess in expenditures of property; the expending of money without necessity, or beyond what is reasonable or proper… In general, any excess or wandering from prescribed limits” Gallantry “Splendor of appearance… Vicious love or pretensions to love; civilities paid to females for the purpose of winning favors; hence, lewdness; debauchery.” Impious “Irreverent towards God; proceeding from or manifesting a contempt for the Supreme Being; tending to dishonor God or his laws, and bring them into contempt.” Iniquity “Injustice; unrighteousness” Insidious “deceitful; sly; treacherous” Insolence “Pride or haughtiness manifested in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others; petulant contempt; impudence.” Martial “Pertaining to war” Militia “The militia of a country are the able bodied men organized into companies, regiments and brigades, with officers of all grades, and required by law to attend military exercises on certain days only, but at other times left to pursue their usual occupations.” Moderation “Restraint of violent passions or indulgence of appetite… Calmness of mind” Rapine “The act of plundering; the seizing and carrying away of things by force… Violence” Simulation “The act of feigning to be that which is not; the assumption of a deceitful appearance or character… the assuming of a false character… hypocrisy.” Venerable “Worthy of veneration or reverence; deserving of honor and respect” We also need to recall that the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought in April 1775, and effectively started the Revolutionary War. Lexington and Concord are towns in Massachusetts. With a better understanding of the language and history, let's rewrite it in modern language: “Gentlemen, I received the letter Major General Hull and Brigadier General Walker sent me from Lexington, on your behalf. It was filled with an honorable military spirit that was truly representative of you, as well as Lexington, itself. While certain attitudes and policies are destroying other parts of the world, the United States remains untainted. Indeed, our country is sincere, and would not enact such deceitful, treacherous, and blasphemous policies. We should rejoice in the fact that God blessed us with such a country. But if our people ever become the same brand of hypocrites, lying to each other and to the foreign nations they interact with, pretending to practice justice and restraint while they are actually sinful, living in excess, and if they ever become prideful and thieving, this will become the worst place in the world to live. This is because no government has the power to stop their people when they are wicked and immoral. Greediness, power-seeking, revenge-seeking, and self-serving immorality, would destroy our Constitution, as a whale would destroy a net. Our Constitution will only work for us as long as our people have morals and serve God. It is useless otherwise. Your division of the Militia is honorably represented by such a firm, united, letter, from these officers who command 2800 of America's best citizens, who are willing and able to arm and handsomely uniform themselves at their own expense, and you do honor to your country. We still hold oaths sacred in this country. The oath you have taken to defend our country, and to which you have recommitted yourselves there in Lexington, truly signifies your sincerity and devotion to our country and government. John Adams” Truly, our country was blessed to have a restrained government in its earliest days, but we have become everything the Founding Fathers warned us not to become. By 'we' I do not mean individuals, of course, for there are some righteous among us, but I mean American culture, the general attitudes and practices of our day, and especially our leaders. You will recall that Ezra Taft Benson's first principle specifies that our "political institutions" must be founded on faith in God and belief in moral law. Can you even use the words hypocrite, liar, immoral, prideful, or thieving, without describing nearly every person or practice in our government today? The phrases "lolita express," "civil forfeiture," and "millionaire socialist" are perfect illustrations of some of these things. Without a belief in moral law, you end up with the "Law of Thelema", which says, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law". This is a Satanic doctrine that leads people to do horrifying things because they do not believe there will be eternal consequences for their actions. Understanding that we will be held accountable for our actions keeps us humble, and causes us to seek equity in all we do, for, as the scriptures clearly indicate, we will receive from God only what we have given to others. Prophets also have warned us against who we have become, precisely because our land was a gift to righteous men, with the specific promise of God's guidance and protection as long as we remained moral and God-fearing: “"And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them." –Ether 2:8, Book of Mormon” “"Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks; nevertheless, God is exceedingly merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from the face of the land." –Jarom 1:3, Book of Mormon” Just like the Nephites, we only exist as a country because of God's mercy. But our destruction is imminent if we do not change–repent both personally and as a country, and return to the Constitution–before it is too late. Even then, your personal standing with God hangs in the balance based on what you do, right now, in the fight for freedom. “"There is no excuse that can compensate for the loss of liberty." –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility. BYU Devotional, October 25, 1966. (Audio | Text)” “"“Don’t you have faith in America?” say others. But America is made up of people – and only righteous patriotic people work to preserve their freedom. The American people’s blessings are conditioned on righteousness and nothing else." –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility.” ““Some may say, “I have faith the Lord will turn [our enemies] away.” What ground have we to hope this? Have I any good reason to say to my Father in heaven, “fight my battles,” when he has given me the sword to wield, the arm and the brain that I can fight for myself? Can I ask Him to fight my battles and sit quietly down waiting for Him to do so? I cannot. I can pray the people to harken to wisdom, to listen to counsel; but to ask God to do for me that which I can do for myself is preposterous to my mind.” –Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 12:241.” “"We know, as do no other people, that the Constitution of the United States is inspired – established by men whom the Lord raised up for that very purpose. We cannot – we must not – shirk our sacred responsibility to rise up in defense of our God-given freedom." –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility.” “We have been warned again and again and again. The Lords spokesman has consistently raised his voice of warning about the loss of our freedom. Now he that has ears, let him hear, and ye who praise the Lord, learn to also follow His spokesman. I know not what course others may take, but as for me and my house, we will strive to walk with the Prophet. And the Prophet has said that: “No greater immediate responsibility rests upon the members of the church, upon all citizens of this republic and of neighboring republics than to protect the freedom vouchsafe by the Constitution of the United States.” (The Instructor, August 1953.) In this mighty struggle each of you has a part. Be on the right side. Stand up and be counted. If you get discouraged, remember the words of Edward Everett Hale, when he said: “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, that I ought to do, And what I ought to do, By the grace of God, I shall do!” –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility.” “"Alexander Hamilton, a soldier turned statesman… wrote that “it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force” (The Federalist, no. 1, p. 33)." –As quoted by David B. Haight in Ethics and Honesty, October 1987 General Conference”
Proper Government, Principle 1, An In-Depth Analysis
Principle One: ““NO PEOPLE CAN MAINTAIN FREEDOM UNLESS THEIR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS ARE FOUNDED UPON FAITH IN GOD AND BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF MORAL LAW.”” "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." You've read this quote from John Adams before, but have you read the complete letter from which it is taken? While the quote above does stand on its own quite well, the complete text gives further insight into what this Founding Father wanted us to know, and leads us into a discussion of this principle: Original text: “From John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798 To the Officers of the first Brigade of the third Division of the Militia of Massachusetts Quincy October 11. 1798 Gentlemen I have received from Major General Hull and Brigadier General Walker your unanimous Address from Lexington, animated with a martial Spirit and expressed with a military Dignity, becoming your Characters and the memorable Plains, in which it was adopted. While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World: while the [sic; she?] continues Sincere and incapable of insidious and impious Policy: We shall have the Strongest Reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned Us by Providence. But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour[,] frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition[,] Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other[.] An Address so unanimous and firm from the officers commanding two thousand Eight hundred Men, consisting of such substantial Citizens as are able and willing at their own Expence, compleatly to arm, And cloath themselves in handsome Uniforms does honor to that Division of the Militia which has done so much honor to their Country. Oaths, in this Country, are as yet universally considered as Sacred Obligations. That which you have taken and so solemnly repeated on that venerable Spot is an ample Pledge of your sincerity, and devotion to your Country and its Government. John Adams (Source: archive.gov)” In order to better understand the language of Adams' day, let's define some terms. Some of them may seem familiar, but the meanings have changed over time, so we will consult Webster's 1828 Dictionary. Ambition “A desire of preferment, or of honor; a desire of excellence or superiority” [NOTE: Webster says this word is "used in a good sense", but it is obvious from context that this was not Adams' intention. Rather, he appears to have meant ambition similar to that of the Pharisees, who "love[d] the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6).] Avarice “An inordinate desire of gaining and possessing wealth; covetousness; greediness or insatiable desire of gain.” Candor “Openness of heart; frankness; ingenuousness of mind; a disposition to treat subjects with fairness; freedom from tricks or disguise; sincerity.” Desolation “destruction; ruin; waste” Extravagance “Excess of affection, passion or appetite… Excess in expenditures of property; the expending of money without necessity, or beyond what is reasonable or proper… In general, any excess or wandering from prescribed limits” Gallantry “Splendor of appearance… Vicious love or pretensions to love; civilities paid to females for the purpose of winning favors; hence, lewdness; debauchery.” Impious “Irreverent towards God; proceeding from or manifesting a contempt for the Supreme Being; tending to dishonor God or his laws, and bring them into contempt.” Iniquity “Injustice; unrighteousness” Insidious “deceitful; sly; treacherous” Insolence “Pride or haughtiness manifested in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others; petulant contempt; impudence.” Martial “Pertaining to war” Militia “The militia of a country are the able bodied men organized into companies, regiments and brigades, with officers of all grades, and required by law to attend military exercises on certain days only, but at other times left to pursue their usual occupations.” Moderation “Restraint of violent passions or indulgence of appetite… Calmness of mind” Rapine “The act of plundering; the seizing and carrying away of things by force… Violence” Simulation “The act of feigning to be that which is not; the assumption of a deceitful appearance or character… the assuming of a false character… hypocrisy.” Venerable “Worthy of veneration or reverence; deserving of honor and respect” We also need to recall that the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought in April 1775, and effectively started the Revolutionary War. Lexington and Concord are towns in Massachusetts. With a better understanding of the language and history, let's rewrite it in modern language: “Gentlemen, I received the letter Major General Hull and Brigadier General Walker sent me from Lexington, on your behalf. It was filled with an honorable military spirit that was truly representative of you, as well as Lexington, itself. While certain attitudes and policies are destroying other parts of the world, the United States remains untainted. Indeed, our country is sincere, and would not enact such deceitful, treacherous, and blasphemous policies. We should rejoice in the fact that God blessed us with such a country. But if our people ever become the same brand of hypocrites, lying to each other and to the foreign nations they interact with, pretending to practice justice and restraint while they are actually sinful, living in excess, and if they ever become prideful and thieving, this will become the worst place in the world to live. This is because no government has the power to stop their people when they are wicked and immoral. Greediness, power-seeking, revenge-seeking, and self-serving immorality, would destroy our Constitution, as a whale would destroy a net. Our Constitution will only work for us as long as our people have morals and serve God. It is useless otherwise. Your division of the Militia is honorably represented by such a firm, united, letter, from these officers who command 2800 of America's best citizens, who are willing and able to arm and handsomely uniform themselves at their own expense, and you do honor to your country. We still hold oaths sacred in this country. The oath you have taken to defend our country, and to which you have recommitted yourselves there in Lexington, truly signifies your sincerity and devotion to our country and government. John Adams” Truly, our country was blessed to have a restrained government in its earliest days, but we have become everything the Founding Fathers warned us not to become. By 'we' I do not mean individuals, of course, for there are some righteous among us, but I mean American culture, the general attitudes and practices of our day, and especially our leaders. You will recall that Ezra Taft Benson's first principle specifies that our "political institutions" must be founded on faith in God and belief in moral law. Can you even use the words hypocrite, liar, immoral, prideful, or thieving, without describing nearly every person or practice in our government today? The phrases "lolita express," "civil forfeiture," and "millionaire socialist" are perfect illustrations of some of these things. Without a belief in moral law, you end up with the "Law of Thelema", which says, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law". This is a Satanic doctrine that leads people to do horrifying things because they do not believe there will be eternal consequences for their actions. Understanding that we will be held accountable for our actions keeps us humble, and causes us to seek equity in all we do, for, as the scriptures clearly indicate, we will receive from God only what we have given to others. Prophets also have warned us against who we have become, precisely because our land was a gift to righteous men, with the specific promise of God's guidance and protection as long as we remained moral and God-fearing: “"And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them." –Ether 2:8, Book of Mormon” “"Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks; nevertheless, God is exceedingly merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from the face of the land." –Jarom 1:3, Book of Mormon” Just like the Nephites, we only exist as a country because of God's mercy. But our destruction is imminent if we do not change–repent both personally and as a country, and return to the Constitution–before it is too late. Even then, your personal standing with God hangs in the balance based on what you do, right now, in the fight for freedom. “"There is no excuse that can compensate for the loss of liberty." –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility. BYU Devotional, October 25, 1966. (Audio | Text)” “"“Don’t you have faith in America?” say others. But America is made up of people – and only righteous patriotic people work to preserve their freedom. The American people’s blessings are conditioned on righteousness and nothing else." –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility.” ““Some may say, “I have faith the Lord will turn [our enemies] away.” What ground have we to hope this? Have I any good reason to say to my Father in heaven, “fight my battles,” when he has given me the sword to wield, the arm and the brain that I can fight for myself? Can I ask Him to fight my battles and sit quietly down waiting for Him to do so? I cannot. I can pray the people to harken to wisdom, to listen to counsel; but to ask God to do for me that which I can do for myself is preposterous to my mind.” –Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 12:241.” “"We know, as do no other people, that the Constitution of the United States is inspired – established by men whom the Lord raised up for that very purpose. We cannot – we must not – shirk our sacred responsibility to rise up in defense of our God-given freedom." –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility.” “We have been warned again and again and again. The Lords spokesman has consistently raised his voice of warning about the loss of our freedom. Now he that has ears, let him hear, and ye who praise the Lord, learn to also follow His spokesman. I know not what course others may take, but as for me and my house, we will strive to walk with the Prophet. And the Prophet has said that: “No greater immediate responsibility rests upon the members of the church, upon all citizens of this republic and of neighboring republics than to protect the freedom vouchsafe by the Constitution of the United States.” (The Instructor, August 1953.) In this mighty struggle each of you has a part. Be on the right side. Stand up and be counted. If you get discouraged, remember the words of Edward Everett Hale, when he said: “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, that I ought to do, And what I ought to do, By the grace of God, I shall do!” –Ezra Taft Benson, Our Immediate Responsibility.” “"Alexander Hamilton, a soldier turned statesman… wrote that “it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force” (The Federalist, no. 1, p. 33)." –As quoted by David B. Haight in Ethics and Honesty, October 1987 General Conference”
What Is The Proper Role of Government? Part 2
The guys over at Defending Utah discuss principles five through eight of Ezra Taft Benson's powerful speech, The Proper Role Of Government, in this podcast episode. Do our current government officials obey these principles? Five: ““I HOLD THAT THE CONSTITUTION DENIES GOVERNMENT THE POWER TO TAKE FROM THE INDIVIDUAL EITHER HIS LIFE, LIBERTY, OR PROPERTY EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH MORAL LAW; THAT THE SAME MORAL LAW WHICH GOVERNS THE ACTIONS OF MEN WHEN ACTING ALONE IS ALSO APPLICABLE WHEN THEY ACT IN CONCERT WITH OTHERS; THAT NO CITIZEN OR GROUP OF CITIZENS HAS ANY RIGHT TO DIRECT THEIR AGENT, THE GOVERNMENT, TO PERFORM ANY ACT WHICH WOULD BE EVIL OR OFFENSIVE TO THE CONSCIENCE IF THAT CITIZEN WERE PERFORMING THE ACT HIMSELF OUTSIDE THE FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT.” ” Six: ““I AM HEREBY RESOLVED THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE FREEDOMS GUARANTEED BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS BE INFRINGED. IN PARTICULAR I AM OPPOSED TO ANY ATTEMPT ON THE PART OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DENY THE PEOPLE THEIR RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS, TO WORSHIP AND PRAY WHEN AND WHERE THEY CHOOSE, OR TO OWN AND CONTROL PRIVATE PROPERTY.” ” Seven: ““I CONSIDER OURSELVES AT WAR WITH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNISM WHICH IS COMMITTED TO THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR GOVERNMENT, OUR RIGHT OF PROPERTY, AND OUR FREEDOM; THAT IT IS TREASON AS DEFINED BY THE CONSTITUTION TO GIVE AID AND COMFORT TO THIS IMPLACABLE ENEMY.” ” Eight: ““I AM UNALTERABLY OPPOSED TO SOCIALISM, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AND REGARD IT AS AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL USURPATION OF POWER AND A DENIAL OF THE RIGHT OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR GOVERNMENT TO OWN OR OPERATE THE MEANS OF PRODUCING AND DISTRIBUTING GOODS AND SERVICES IN COMPETITION WITH PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, OR TO REGIMENT OWNERS IN THE LEGITIMATE USE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.” ” You can watch Ezra Taft Benson deliver this speech, himself, in the video above!
What Is The Proper Role of Government? Part 1
We live in a day when federal, state, and even local, governments interfere in nearly everything we do. Want to build another home on your 18 acres? Only if Big Brother says so. Want to park on the street or grow a garden in your front yard? Only if Big Brother says so. Want to travel by plane? Only if Big Brother says you can, and hasn't put you on a secret watch list, and only if you aren't carrying anything on Big Brother's blacklist. ("Four ounces of shampoo?!? Only terrorists travel with such paraphernalia!") It's too bad America's citizens don't understand the proper role of government. Thankfully, former Secretary of Agriculture (and Apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the time), Ezra Taft Benson, outlined the exact principles we need to know to keep from becoming slaves to government! In this podcast, our buddies over at Defending Utah discuss the first four of the fifteen principles laid out by Benson, in his excellent work, The Proper Role of Government: One: ““NO PEOPLE CAN MAINTAIN FREEDOM UNLESS THEIR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS ARE FOUNDED UPON FAITH IN GOD AND BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF MORAL LAW.” ” Two: ““GOD HAS ENDOWED MEN WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS AS SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THAT NO LEGISLATURE AND NO MAJORITY, HOWEVER GREAT, MAY MORALLY LIMIT OR DESTROY THESE; THAT THE SOLE FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT IS TO PROTECT LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PROPERTY AND ANYTHING MORE THAN THIS IS USURPATION AND OPPRESSION.” ” Three: ““THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES WAS PREPARED AND ADOPTED BY MEN ACTING UNDER INSPIRATION FROM ALMIGHTY GOD; THAT IT IS A SOLEMN COMPACT BETWEEN THE PEOPLES OF THE STATES OF THIS NATION WHICH ALL OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT ARE UNDER DUTY TO OBEY; THAT THE ETERNAL MORAL LAWS EXPRESSED THEREIN MUST BE ADHERED TO OR INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY WILL PERISH.” ” Four: ““I BELIEVE IT A VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION FOR GOVERNMENT TO DEPRIVE THE INDIVIDUAL OF EITHER LIFE, LIBERTY, OR PROPERTY EXCEPT FOR THESE PURPOSES: (A) PUNISH CRIME AND PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE; (B) PROTECT THE RIGHT AND CONTROL OF PRIVATE PROPERTY; (C) WAGE DEFENSIVE WAR AND PROVIDE FOR THE NATION’S DEFENSE; (D) COMPEL EACH ONE WHO ENJOYS THE PROTECTION OF GOVERNMENT TO BEAR HIS FAIR SHARE OF THE BURDEN OF PERFORMING THE ABOVE FUNCTIONS.” ” You can see Ezra Taft Benson deliver The Proper Role of Government, himself, in the video above!
What Makes A Law Immoral Or UnConstitutional?
What Makes A Law Immoral Or UnConstitutional? This question was raised in the comments of a post (login required) on Senator Fred S. Martin's Facebook page recently. The subject was the recent vote to expand Medicaid here in Idaho. The answer to this question can be found in the words of America's Founding Fathers on the subject of "The Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God." "Since law is force, it should be restricted to the one purpose for which individuals may legitimately use force–to protect our natural rights," states Earl Taylor, Jr., of the National Center for Constitutional Studies. But what are "Natural Rights"? They are those rights given to every man and creature by their Creator, whether you believe that to be God or Nature. They are: life, liberty, and the right to property. Earl Taylor continues: "whenever a new bill comes before a legislative body, each member ought to ask himself.. "Do I have the right to use force against my neighbor to achieve this goal? Would I be willing to forcibly take his property, lock him in jail, or (in some cases) put him to death for failing to obey this law?" If a legislator isn't certain it would be just to do so, he should vote against the bill." According to George Washington, government is force, and, being force, what do they do? Deprive citizens of… life, liberty, and property. Did you notice that? Once a law is passed, we give the government the right to enforce that law at the end of a gun. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that only just laws are passed! "Natural law was central to American thought even before the Revolution. For example, here's what Massachusetts patriot James Otis wrote in 1764 to oppose an unjust revenue act passed by the British Parliament: "The supreme power in a state is jus dicere [to declare the law only: jus dare [to give the law, strictly speaking, belongs alone to God.... There must be in every instance a higher authority, [namely,] God." On the topic of socialist schemes like Medicaid, then, how do we justify taking money from one citizen only to give it to another? God's law says that is theft! Does a man have the right to give his own money freely to another? Yes! That is God's way! The opportunity for charity, however, is removed when the government inserts itself and requires the giving. What's more, resentment is fueled, for the law is unjust. What, then, makes a law unConstitutional? Truly, it is the the same principles outlined above. Government is supposed to protect our life, liberty, and property, and indeed are sworn to do so. Yet, time and again, they pass legislation that does just the opposite! But what if, as in the instance of the Medicaid expansion bill, our representatives are asked to violate their sworn duty by the people? Well, what separates a Republic from a Democracy is principles! In a democracy, the people can do anything they like, as long as they can muster up a majority. If five people want the sixth's money, they can gang up on him to take it and redistribute it among themselves. Legal? Surely. Moral? Never. We are a country that is Constitutionally bound to govern ourselves by the laws of God, above all else, in the protection of the life, liberty, and property of every citizen, and our representatives are especially bound to make sure those protections are never violated, no matter how many people beg them to do so. We are not a democracy! I urge you to read the National Center for Constitutional Studies' article, "The Law of Nature and of Nature’s God," and familiarize yourself with the wisdom of the Founding Fathers. Then, send this article to your representatives. Let's remind them of Who they are ultimately accountable to, and of what their Constitutional duties are, so that we can all remain free. Sources: 1. "The Law of Nature and of Nature’s God," National Center for Constitutional Studies. https://nccs.net/blogs/articles/the-law-of-nature-and-of-nature-s-god 2. "Government Is Force," Sheldon Richman, FEE, September 16, 2011. https://fee.org/articles/government-is-force/