The Correct Role of Government

Ezra Taft Benson

I should like to outline in clear, concise, and straight-forward terms the political principles to which I subscribe. These are the guidelines which determine, now and in the future, my attitudes and actions toward all domestic proposals and projects of government. These are the principles which, in my opinion, proclaim the proper role of government in the domestic affairs of the nation.

"[I] believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society."

"[I] believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life..."

"[I] believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, which protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience." 

The Proper Role of Government: Part 1

The Proper Role of Government was written by the Honorable Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson in 1968.  Secretary Benson serve in the Eisenhower Administration and in his personal life, was a great religious leader.  

The Proper Role of Government

Men in the public spotlight constantly are asked to express an opinion on a myriad of government proposals and projects. "What do you think of TVA[1]?" "What is your opinion of Medicare?" How do you feel about Urban Renewal?" The list is endless. All too often, answers to these questions seem to be based, not upon any solid principle, but upon the popularity of the specific government program in question. Seldom are men willing to oppose a popular program if they, themselves, wish to be popular - especially if they seek public office.

Government Should Be Based Upon Sound Principles

Such an approach to vital political questions of the day can only lead to public confusion and legislative chaos. Decisions of this nature should be based upon and measured against certain basic principles regarding the proper role of government. If principles are correct, then they can be applied to any specific proposal with confidence.

"Are there not, in reality, underlying, universal principles with reference to which all issues must be resolved whether the society be simple or complex in its mechanical organization? It seems to me we could relieve ourselves of most of the bewilderment which so unsettles and distracts us by subjecting each situation to the simple test of right and wrong. Right and wrong as moral principles do not change. They are applicable and reliable determinants whether the situations with which we deal are simple or complicated. There is always a right and wrong to every question which requires our solution." 

Unlike the political opportunist, the true statesman values principle above popularity, and works to create popularity for those political principles which are wise and just.

The USSDI has changed the "Comment" setting to allow anyone who wishes to comment may do so freely.  We simply ask that you use no profanity so that we engage in a civil and respectful dialog. 

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[1] (The Tennessee Valley Authority is a federally owned corporation in the United States created by congressional charter in May 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity, fertilizer manufacturing, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley, a region particularly affected by the Great Depression)

Love Thy Mother and Thy Father, that Thy days may be Long.

This is the final installment of "A House of Order."  Beginning Monday, May 13th, the new theme will be, "The Proper Role of Government," I would invite all to follow this discourse and share with your friends, families and neighbors.  

With Mother's Day tomorrow and Father's Day just a month away, I though I'd address the separate, distinct and sacred roles of parentage by sharing the following thought.

Each and every one of us are spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents.  Our spirits are eagerly awaiting the call to occupy a physical and mortal body and to be born of earthly parents.  However, upon birth, our remembrance of our pre-mortal existence is wiped clear that we might walk in faith, with hope and with a charitable spirit.  Knowing this to be truth, I have written this declaration:

"I am a child of God with earthly parents: my mommy is my teacher; she teaches me to walk in the light of God's love, and she teaches me to love all of God's creation.  My daddy is my example; he shows me how to walk i the light of God's love, and he shows me how to love all of God's creation by the way he loves my mommy.  Please don't desecrate this perfect formula, for I hope to become the best me I could be." 

Restoring America

The United States Security Defense Initiative is an all-encompassing organization designed to empower the individual and strengthen the family through knowledge passed from one person to the next, but for this to happen, we need your help.  We are looking for an army of people who want, or need, to make a few extra dollars by selling our survival gear, food storage, personal security and self-defense products; while at the same time spreading a message of responsibility, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, a love of God, fellow man and country.  The USSDI is committed and dedicated to defending our Rights and Liberties afforded us in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and to declare that these, the United States of America are and shall always remain, “One Nation under God.”  If you feel the same as we do, and want to do all you can to restore America and the Constitution, go to www.ussdi.org now and become a member.  You will shortly receive your member number and will receive regular emails outlining our missions.  If you wish to become a Client Services Representative, click on the Business Opportunity tab and apply today.

Thank you for your support and may God bless America.

The Wisdom of Job

We are all well aware of the trials and  tribulations Job experienced in his lifetime; yet through it all, he focused on the mission of the Savior that was yet to come.  Job knew what Jesus Christ would have to endure to redeem the world, atone for our sins and overcome the grave that we all might have eternal life.  Job had an eternal perspective on life and understood that his adversity would not come close to that of the Lord's and may have asked himself, "The Son of Man shall descend below all things and shall have his enemies prowl around him as ravenous wolves who seek the blood of the Lamb; Am I greater than he?"

Job portrayed an exemplary attitude that we should all strive to possess.  When we refer to someone who has the patience of Job, perhaps that is our meaning.  In the 19th Chapter of Job, verses 25 and 26, Job testifies of his Lord, "For I knoweth that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God."

May we all have the faith, perseverance and patience of Job to see the "big picture," and not trifle with minor adversities.

The Tormented Soul

When you ask a young man or woman who are in the process of making a career choice, most, if not all, will say they want to make a difference in people’s lives.  They have aspirations of living their version of the “American Dream,” and the prospects of their future are filled with prosperity and good fortune.  Yet, all too often, joyful dreams are dashes by the harsh realities of life, hope is lost and depression is sure to follow.  These are the times when the hopeless make life altering choices that effect, not just themselves, but of those loved ones who surround them.  Addictions find their way in to the unprotected soul which began as a simple diversion from the intolerable mundane labors of merely existing. 

Now, you’re probably wondering where I’m going with this.  You might be asking, “What words of wisdom will spew from his finely-tuned fingertips today?”  Well, sorry to disappoint you, I've got nothing of the kind to share...except this.  Life sucks; there, I’ve said it; now get over it.  When you were born into this life, it was with just one promise; you’re going to leave this life someday.  But I will give you this...you don’t ever have to live it alone.  When you hit that pivotal point when life smacks you between the eyeballs, you can either choose to destroy yourself or you can turn to God.  I have close friends and relatives who have walked the path of destruction and others who have walked the paths of righteousness...I’ll let you take a wild guess as to which are happier today.

Saving America

I believe in God, I believe His commandments are for the betterment of mankind and by following them; mankind grows closer to God and becomes more like Him.  Many say that living the commandments of God restricts their freedoms, those that say that are ignorant and have never truly felt the Holy Spirit in their lives.  I testify to you, in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ, that following the word of God not only releases us from the constraints of the flesh, but delivers peace, true happiness and real joy. 

This blog is my personal ministry to the world.  I feel that not many, if any at all read my blog, but I feel I am on fire sometimes as I attempt to put on paper what is going through my mind,  Oft times I feel the Spirit directing my words as if He himself had his hands on the keyboard.  I feel blessed when I can be an instrument in His hands. 

I also testify to you that God lives, and Jesus is the Christ.  I stand as a witness of their divinity and of their existence.  I know they exercised the powers of divine intervention in the organization of this nation, the United States of America.  I know we, as Americans have a Manifest Destiny to be the example to the world of a government that could be of the people, by the people and for the people. 

Dear brothers and sisters, I fear with every fiber of my being that less and less are engaging in righteous endeavors and are seeking gratifications of the flesh.  Daily, we hear of new laws being proposed that would drive the populace further from God and his word.  If we don’t stop it NOW, the snowflake will become an avalanche that will become too formidable to defeat.  Those representing us in government have lost sight in the powers of God and are reveling in the powers they suppose they have.  Stand as a warrior for freedom in the army of God against those who would repress and oppress the word and commandments of God.  www.ussdi.org

God bless you and this nation.