Posted on 08/13/2010 9:46:18 PM PDT by Ripliancum
Teachings from the leaders of the Mormon (LDS) Church on the blessings of our Constitution and the freedoms we must defend.
President Lorenzo Snow statements:
"We trace the hand of the Almighty in framing the constitution of our land, and believe that the Lord raised up men purposely for the accomplishment of this object, raised them up and inspired them to frame the constitution of the United States." (JD 14:301;)
"We look upon George Washington, the father of our country, as an inspired instrument of the Almighty; we can see the all-inspiring Spirit operating upon him. And upon his co-workers in resisting oppression, and in establishing the thirteen colonies as a confederacy; and then again the workings of the same Spirit upon those men who established the constitution of the United States." (JD 14:304)
"They will sustain the constitution and laws and institutions of the United States, and be the champions of liberty and of that constitution when its integrity shall be threatened." (JH [15 Sep 1898] 3)
"We thank thee for the opportunity of thus displaying our feelings and love for these magnificent heroes who have accomplished wonders in the interests of these United States, this great republic, the foundation of which was laid by the noble, generous men inspired of thee, and as thou hast been favorable to this republic even from the date of its foundation to the present time, and hast raised up men and boys willing to serve their country." (”Boys Are Welcomed Home by Patriotic Multitude” 1)
Thanks, Ripliancum.
freedom ping
Thank you
E.T. Benson thankfully gives us yet another broad understanding of the term “statism.” A term that all freedom and liberty people should use often.
In the debate of ideas, the proper use of vocabulary is often times the key to success. “Statism” is just such a powerful word.
Excerpt from E.T. Benson's “The Proper Role of Government”:
THE NATURE OF LEGAL PLUNDER
“When a portion of wealth is transferred from the person who owns it – without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud – to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed!
“How is the legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime…” (THE LAW, p. 21, 26; P.P.N.S., p. 377)
As Bastiat observed, and as history has proven, each class or special interest group competes with the others to throw the lever of governmental power in their favor, or at least to immunize itself against the effects of a previous thrust. Labor gets a minimum wage, so agriculture seeks a price support. Consumers demand price controls, and industry gets protective tariffs. In the end, no one is much further ahead, and everyone suffers the burdens of a gigantic bureaucracy and a loss of personal freedom. With each group out to get its share of the spoils, such governments historically have mushroomed into total welfare states. Once the process begins, once the principle of the protective function of government gives way to the aggressive or redistribute function, then forces are set in motion that drive the nation toward totalitarianism. “It is impossible,” Bastiat correctly observed, “to introduce into society… a greater evil than this: the conversion of the law into an instrument of plunder.” (THE LAW, p. 12)
Link: http://www.latterdayconservative.com/articles/ezra-taft-benson/the-proper-role-of-government
Thanks for posting this. I love President Benson and his witness and warning to America.
I’m going through all the Presidents in order, but will likely spend weeks on P. Benson, there is so much wonderful stuff from that great man.
Thanks for your participation.
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