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!

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!

Today, we will learn about how the UN has been involved in "Local and Regional Governments Leading the Way to Sustainable Communities". Once again, the carefully-chosen words make you feel all warm and tingly inside, but the truth will set you free from the touchy-feelies. As usual, let's kick this off with a reading of the UN text that's complete and utter nonsense, and then commence with the text that does make sense. Take it away, United Nations PR Department: “"Local and regional governments are leading the way to “Build Inclusive and Sustainable Communities.” As the closest government entity to their citizens, they are uniquely positioned to make a difference in people’s lives, while also being on the frontlines of responding to climate change and its impacts on communities. These local governments are making meaningful progress in reducing carbon emissions, becoming more resilient to a warming world, and improving air quality while doing so in an equitable manner to ensure the needs of their citizens are being met. Collaboration is the key to success. This Thematic Session will explore and emphasize the power of multi-stakeholder networks to share information and amplify impact. Concrete examples from several Utah communities will highlight how local governments and civil society organizations have worked together to craft programs, policies, and regulations to create more sustainable communities. Speakers will include senior-level city sustainability staff, a state representative, and local nonprofit partners. They will detail legislation that created a pathway for large-scale renewable energy development, electrified transportation initiatives, and community food production. Attend this session if you work for a municipal government; represent a civil society organization that is looking for examples on ways to collaborate with your local government; or have an interest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, improving air quality, electrified transportation, food security or equitable program design."” Lovely, isn't it? We at Defending Idaho are enormous fans and followers of Ezra Taft Benson, and promoters of the "Proper Role of Government" that he taught. The proper role of government actually only encompasses about fifteen principles, and "whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil." (D&C 98:4-7) We don't have space here to recount all of the principles, but a) you can hear them for yourself here, and b) ain't none of this nonsense in it! Some people–mostly those who think of themselves as "social justice warriors"–seem to think that they know what is best for humanity, and that it is their personal duty to right every wrong they can imagine, no matter what anyone else thinks. (Do you know who Gavin Newsom is?) These people are dangerous with any sort of power or position because they don't care what you think (they think they know better, remember?), and they aren't afraid to pass garbage laws and craft "partnerships" under cover of darkness to get these things done. To be fair, many of these people do honestly believe they are doing the right thing, but that doesn't make their actions Constitutional or correct. In America, we elect people to represent the people, not to be their temporary mothers or dictatorial fathers. We also have a Constitution that outlines what the federal government can and cannot do. Local and state governments have their own constitutions and laws that are supposed to likewise constrain local and state representatives. The "social justice warriors," however, do not feel constrained. They have been taught in government indoctrination centers that the United Nations supersedes all other laws, because it is somehow a "greater good." We also need to point out, as we have before, that the United Nations' agendas are humanist agendas. That is, they believe that there is no God, so they have to step up and "save humanity" themselves. By taking away all of their freedoms. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will recognize this is Satan's plan. Familiarity with the scriptures can be enormously helpful in recognizing deception. For one thing, as the UN scaremongers try to convince us that we are going to run out of food and water, the Lord informs us that "the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare." (D&C 104:17) I live in an area where farmers are paid by the federal government to NOT grow anything on their farmland. And then they turn around and tell us that there are food shortages. Stupid much? With the government, you always have to know what both hands are doing. Now, in that same verse above, the Lord does say that "I… have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves." We still need to use our resources wisely, but everything will work out fine. No need for alarm. But if you believe something needs to change, you are to use persuasion and not force. Government is nothing but force. We are facing the use of force today precisely because their methods of persuasion were not… persuasive. People were seeing through their lies. So then they ran an end-run around us and took to brainwashing kids who don't know better and recruiting government officials who want to "change the world," even though that's not what we hired them to do. Look at the list of people who will be speaking at this Thematic Session. Some of the positions they hold are so far outside the proper role of government I don't know where to begin: • Vicki Bennett, Salt Lake City Sustainability Director • Representative Patrice Arent, Utah State Legislature • Luke Cartin, Park City Sustainability Manager, Salt Lake City • Supreet Gill, Salt Lake City Food Program Manager • Debbie Lyons, Salt Lake City Deputy Sustainability Director • Tyler Poulson, Salt Lake City Energy Program Manager • Sarah Wright, Director, Utah Clean Energy "Sustainability" managers and directors? This ridiculous buzzword simply means what I described above: that we are going to run out of stuff and we're all going to die unless we give up all of our freedoms to someone else who will be a benevolent dictator and take care of us! We haven't discussed too many specifics from the description this time. That's because the truth is more important, and when you understand the truth, you won't need anyone to explain why this is all wrong. We will, however, continue to dissect these things in future articles, so you can be informed and help to inform others. I do wish to point out, by the way, the use of the phrase "regional government." These are pseudo-governmental bodies that are unelected by–and unaccountable to–the people! We have learned of one such regional government that straddles Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. Yes, friends, here in Idaho. We've had the wool pulled over our eyes, and the freedom pulled out from under our feet. We will report on this in future articles, as well. I know we already linked to it above, but there really would be no better time than now to learn the Proper Role of Government. View it in the video above.

Tonight, we interviewed Luke S. Walker, a young man who is running to fill one of three openings in the Rexburg City Council. We find out what he believes, what he stands for, and what he hopes to accomplish if he gets elected. You may recognize Luke's voice, as he co-hosts the Defending Idaho podcast! Please note: The audio and video content on this page are identical.

Today, we will learn about how the UN has been involved in "Local and Regional Governments Leading the Way to Sustainable Communities". Once again, the carefully-chosen words make you feel all warm and tingly inside, but the truth will set you free from the touchy-feelies. As usual, let's kick this off with a reading of the UN text that's complete and utter nonsense, and then commence with the text that does make sense. Take it away, United Nations PR Department: “"Local and regional governments are leading the way to “Build Inclusive and Sustainable Communities.” As the closest government entity to their citizens, they are uniquely positioned to make a difference in people’s lives, while also being on the frontlines of responding to climate change and its impacts on communities. These local governments are making meaningful progress in reducing carbon emissions, becoming more resilient to a warming world, and improving air quality while doing so in an equitable manner to ensure the needs of their citizens are being met. Collaboration is the key to success. This Thematic Session will explore and emphasize the power of multi-stakeholder networks to share information and amplify impact. Concrete examples from several Utah communities will highlight how local governments and civil society organizations have worked together to craft programs, policies, and regulations to create more sustainable communities. Speakers will include senior-level city sustainability staff, a state representative, and local nonprofit partners. They will detail legislation that created a pathway for large-scale renewable energy development, electrified transportation initiatives, and community food production. Attend this session if you work for a municipal government; represent a civil society organization that is looking for examples on ways to collaborate with your local government; or have an interest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, improving air quality, electrified transportation, food security or equitable program design."” Lovely, isn't it? We at Defending Idaho are enormous fans and followers of Ezra Taft Benson, and promoters of the "Proper Role of Government" that he taught. The proper role of government actually only encompasses about fifteen principles, and "whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil." (D&C 98:4-7) We don't have space here to recount all of the principles, but a) you can hear them for yourself here, and b) ain't none of this nonsense in it! Some people–mostly those who think of themselves as "social justice warriors"–seem to think that they know what is best for humanity, and that it is their personal duty to right every wrong they can imagine, no matter what anyone else thinks. (Do you know who Gavin Newsom is?) These people are dangerous with any sort of power or position because they don't care what you think (they think they know better, remember?), and they aren't afraid to pass garbage laws and craft "partnerships" under cover of darkness to get these things done. To be fair, many of these people do honestly believe they are doing the right thing, but that doesn't make their actions Constitutional or correct. In America, we elect people to represent the people, not to be their temporary mothers or dictatorial fathers. We also have a Constitution that outlines what the federal government can and cannot do. Local and state governments have their own constitutions and laws that are supposed to likewise constrain local and state representatives. The "social justice warriors," however, do not feel constrained. They have been taught in government indoctrination centers that the United Nations supersedes all other laws, because it is somehow a "greater good." We also need to point out, as we have before, that the United Nations' agendas are humanist agendas. That is, they believe that there is no God, so they have to step up and "save humanity" themselves. By taking away all of their freedoms. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will recognize this is Satan's plan. Familiarity with the scriptures can be enormously helpful in recognizing deception. For one thing, as the UN scaremongers try to convince us that we are going to run out of food and water, the Lord informs us that "the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare." (D&C 104:17) I live in an area where farmers are paid by the federal government to NOT grow anything on their farmland. And then they turn around and tell us that there are food shortages. Stupid much? With the government, you always have to know what both hands are doing. Now, in that same verse above, the Lord does say that "I… have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves." We still need to use our resources wisely, but everything will work out fine. No need for alarm. But if you believe something needs to change, you are to use persuasion and not force. Government is nothing but force. We are facing the use of force today precisely because their methods of persuasion were not… persuasive. People were seeing through their lies. So then they ran an end-run around us and took to brainwashing kids who don't know better and recruiting government officials who want to "change the world," even though that's not what we hired them to do. Look at the list of people who will be speaking at this Thematic Session. Some of the positions they hold are so far outside the proper role of government I don't know where to begin: • Vicki Bennett, Salt Lake City Sustainability Director • Representative Patrice Arent, Utah State Legislature • Luke Cartin, Park City Sustainability Manager, Salt Lake City • Supreet Gill, Salt Lake City Food Program Manager • Debbie Lyons, Salt Lake City Deputy Sustainability Director • Tyler Poulson, Salt Lake City Energy Program Manager • Sarah Wright, Director, Utah Clean Energy "Sustainability" managers and directors? This ridiculous buzzword simply means what I described above: that we are going to run out of stuff and we're all going to die unless we give up all of our freedoms to someone else who will be a benevolent dictator and take care of us! We haven't discussed too many specifics from the description this time. That's because the truth is more important, and when you understand the truth, you won't need anyone to explain why this is all wrong. We will, however, continue to dissect these things in future articles, so you can be informed and help to inform others. I do wish to point out, by the way, the use of the phrase "regional government." These are pseudo-governmental bodies that are unelected by–and unaccountable to–the people! We have learned of one such regional government that straddles Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. Yes, friends, here in Idaho. We've had the wool pulled over our eyes, and the freedom pulled out from under our feet. We will report on this in future articles, as well. I know we already linked to it above, but there really would be no better time than now to learn the Proper Role of Government. View it in the video above.

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!

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!

Citizens across Idaho are facing upcoming votes to address proposed bonds, most of them school bonds. We have been impressed with the amount of public discourse around these, and specifically with some who have clearly thought it through, crunched numbers, and so forth, but what we have not been impressed with, however, is the lack of discussion about principles. This is actually the only discussion that needs to be had, since a proposition that clearly violates true principles is not a proposal to be taken seriously. To begin with, we must clearly understand that voting in a bond means going into debt and paying it back through future taxation. Those are two enormous red flags right out of the gate. On the Dave Ramsey website, we read: “What’s the legal definition of debt? “Debt is a financial liability or obligation owed by one person, the debtor, to another, the creditor.”  In other words, debt is when someone borrows money (a debtor) and is responsible for paying back the person or company who loaned them that money (the creditor or lender). ” As we mentioned, in the case of bonds, the repayment comes in the form of future taxation. This is nefarious in several ways. One could easily vote in a bond and then move out of the area, thereby using the force of law to commit someone else to pay off the debt. The rising generation that becomes old enough to pay taxes also gets saddled with debt they had no say in. This is immoral. Others are also unfairly saddled with debts earmarked for public schools, including those who homeschool, or who have no children in school. For homeschooling parents, the injustice is multiplied by the fact that they are forced to help pay for a service they do not use, and that spends wastefully its ever-increasing budget, while they themselves give their children an inarguably better education at a mere fraction of the cost. "But education! We have to have schools! If we don't force everyone to pay for public schools, kids will be dumb because there is nowhere else on planet Earth where anyone could possibly get an education! Won't somebody think of the children?!?" These are the types of comments that get thrown around when you start advocating true principles. You will notice that they boil down to the following: 1.  "My way is the best and only way!" This is clearly a falsehood. In our day, there are innumerable ways to get an education. Apprenticeship is one way into a lucrative career, and requires little to no money down. Oh! Ever heard of the internet? It's this neat place where you can literally learn anything for nothing or next to nothing. Colleges and kind people offer free or inexpensive courses and materials. There are low-fee things like coding boot camps, and master courses. The real problem these people have with this approach? There is no one to force things like critical race theory and gay porn on your kindergartener. 2.  "Everyone else has to pay for what I want! Especially since it is in the "public's best interest!"" This is one of the underlying principles of Socialism, and quite clearly violates the Constitution, no matter who espouses it. (Looking at you, every president of the United States for the past 90 years…) Ezra Taft Benson himself addressed the immorality inherent in this approach in his amazing work, The Proper Role Of Government, when he said: “[N]ow we come to the moment of truth. Suppose pioneer “A” wants another horse for his wagon, He doesn’t have the money to buy one, but since pioneer “B” has an extra horse, he decides that he is entitled to share in his neighbor’s good fortune, Is he entitled to take his neighbor’s horse? Obviously not! If his neighbor wishes to give it or lend it, that is another question. But so long as pioneer “B” wishes to keep his property, pioneer “A” has no just claim to it. If “A” has no proper power to take “B’s” property, can he delegate any such power to the sheriff? No. Even if everyone in the community desires that “B” give his extra horse to “A”, they have no right individually or collectively to force him to do it. They cannot delegate a power they themselves do not have. This important principle was clearly understood and explained by John Locke nearly 300 years ago: ““For nobody can transfer to another more power than he has in himself, and nobody has an absolute arbitrary power over himself, or over any other, to destroy his own life, or take away the life or property of another.”””   This leads us to the correct approach to anything one might feel inclined to make everyone else pay for: "If his neighbor wishes to give it or lend it, that is another question." In other words, when you want a new school building, you start collecting funds from those who want it, and are willing and able to pitch in. When you have enough money, you pay for it! That's it! On the website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we read: “Since the early days of the Church, the Lord’s prophets have repeatedly warned against the bondage of debt… Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely.” Can we not, as the Church itself exemplifies, save up the money and spend it when we have it? Would that not be wisdom? Last year, Defending Idaho published a resource page on Education that pointed out the following: “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have no excuse when it comes to public education. They were warned and forewarned by their leaders for decades to send their children to faithful teachers, and not people of the world, and that they should pay for their children's tuitions themselves. Why? They gave six reasons:[1] 1. Taxes were not necessary… Brigham Young said to a group of parents, “Do not say you cannot school them, for you can. There is not a family in this community but we will take and school their children if they are not able to do it themselves.” 2. Taxing took away the opportunity of freely giving and, consequently, its attendant blessings. 3. Taxes create both waste and abuse. 4. Those disbursing taxes often assume undue authority to enforce compliance to additional or unrelated regulations. 5. Taxes foster indolence and recipients of public tax money frequently demonstrate dependency upon the state. 6. Parents and local community members have greater interest in their children and in their educational situation than does the government. Somewhat intertwined with the fourth principle, it is known that the closer parents are to the education of their children, the more viable and important it becomes.” Think of the wisdom in each of these statements. #6 alone would have kept trash like critical race theory out of our schools from the beginning! Now, go forth and vote, applying true principles at every turn, and you will find yourself freer by the year! As a rule, always vote no on higher taxes, including bonds, even when they are for "good" things. True principles demand it!   Sources: Debt. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/debt?lang=eng, accessed 2022-02-17. Education. Defending Idaho, https://defendingidaho.org/education, accessed 2022-02-17. The Proper Role Of Government. Latter-day Conservative, https://www.latterdayconservative.com/ezra-taft-benson/the-proper-role-of-government/, accessed 2022-02-17. What Is Debt? Ramsey Solutions, https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-definition, accessed 2022-02-17.

According to the March 8th Legislative Update email from Idaho's District 35, "Dr. David Moss, a professor at Harvard University’s Business School, visited Idaho’s Capitol last week to present his lecture on the U.S. Constitution." Sound promising? Think again! “As the guest of The McClure Center, Dr. Moss gave a presentation in the Lincoln Auditorium entitled, “Bringing History to Life: Creating the U.S. Constitution.” Dr. Moss is the author of Democracy: A Case Study, which is an in-depth study on the history of American democracy.” It's nice that some of our lawmakers took time out of their busy schedules to attend such a presentation, but no one seemed to notice that the entire premise was fundamentally flawed. If they had instead studied the Constitution, and the lengthy elaborations provided by the Founding Fathers themselves, they might have remembered that the United States is a republic and not a democracy! A republic provides for checks and balances outlined in the Constitution itself, the word of God, and the laws of nature, while a democracy, according to Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, "is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch." The very idea of democracy should be offensive to liberty-loving Americans, for all one must do to legalize theft is convince the majority that they will benefit from it! Idahoans, unfortunately, are happy with their free lunch, as the wolves in the majority recently voted to plunder the other 40% to expand Medicaid, an already-offensive scheme. Some time in the past, frightened majority voters in idaho gave up their liberties to make themselves feel safer, in the form of mandatory vehicle insurance. Liberty-loving Americans have taken a stand in recent years against the government forcing them to purchase a healthcare product. How is this any different? It is theft, pure and simple. We now face further government encroachment with House Bill 95, which allows the DMV to refuse to register your vehicle, thereby revoking your God-given, natural, right to travel, unless you provide proof of insurance. Don't get me wrong, insurance is a nifty convenience that most of us are willing to pay for "peace of mind" that our expenses will be covered in the event of an accident. But by what principle do we command our neighbor to do likewise? “Keep in mind that the people who have created their government can give to that government only such powers as they themselves have. They cannot give that which they do not possess. In a primitive state, there is no doubt that each man would be justified in using force, if necessary, to defend himself against physical harm, against theft of the fruits of his labor, and against enslavement by another. Indeed, the early pioneers found that a great deal of their time and energy was being spent defending themselves, their property, and their liberty. For man to prosper, he cannot afford to spend his time constantly guarding his family, his fields, and his property against attack and theft. When he joins together with his neighbors and hires a sheriff, government is born. The individual citizens delegate to the sheriff their unquestionable right to protect themselves. The sheriff now does for them only that which they had a right to do for themselves—nothing more. But suppose pioneer ‘A’ wants another horse for his wagon. He doesn't have the money to buy one, but since pioneer ‘B’ has an extra horse, he decides that he is entitled to share in his neighbor's good fortune. Is he entitled to take his neighbor's horse? Obviously not! If his neighbor wishes to give it or lend it, that is another question. But so long as pioneer ‘B’ wishes to keep his property, pioneer ‘A’ has no just claim to it. If ‘A’ has no proper power to take ‘B's’ property, can he delegate any such power to the sheriff? No. Even if everyone in the community desires that ‘B’ give his extra horse to ‘A,’ they have no right individually or collectively to force him to do it. They cannot delegate a power they themselves do not have.” The worst part about this professor's revisionist history is that it is "being introduced to high schools as part of the High School Case Method Project, which the professor oversees at Harvard Business School. At the Capitol, Dr. Moss met with 20 Idaho teachers who are using his high school curriculum in their schools." Translation: our children will be the next generation to believe that "majority rules" is enshrined in the Constitution. It is time for Idaho citizens to stand up for the principles that made this country great! Let us collectively reject democracy and socialism, nullify existing bad laws, and enjoy our own lives, liberty, and property! Sources: 1. Democracy quote from Ben Franklin courtesy of GoodReads. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7718791-democracy-is-two-wolves-and-a-lamb-voting-on-what 2. HOUSE BILL 95, legislature.idaho.gov. https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2019/legislation/H0095/ 3. "The Proper Role of Government," Ezra Taft Benson. (Latter-day Conservative) https://www.latterdayconservative.com/ezra-taft-benson/the-proper-role-of-government/ Image Credits: 1. Sheep photo by Keven Law, Los Angeles, USA. (Wikimedia Commons)

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!

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!