“I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights.” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church 6:56, also in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 326)
The Voice of the People
“We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.
We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.
We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while 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.” D&C 134:3-5
I Love Our Country
I love our Country and the blessed Constitution that the Lord Himself wrote. D&C 101:77-80. Ever since I saw Trump begin to keep his promises from his primary campaign, I have always supported him and the good things he does for our country. I admire his tenacity in trying to right the wrongs done against him and our country. He has tried to put America first so we can be a strong nation and remain the leader of the world as was promised by the Lord. We as Americans are not better than other people, but the Children of Joseph were promised this land as long as we live righteously. Sadly the fate of the Jaredites and Nephites on this land are a precursor to our fate if we don’t repent.
Reform the Nation
Joseph Smith appropriately spoke in 1844 saying, “Now, O people! people! turn unto the Lord and live, and reform this nation. Frustrate the designs of wicked men. Reduce Congress at least two-thirds. Two Senators from a State and two members to a million of population will do more business than the army that now occupy the halls of the national Legislature. Pay them two dollars and their board per diem (except Sundays). That is more than the farmer gets, and he lives honestly. Curtail the officers of Government in pay, number, and power; for the Philistine lords have shorn our nation of its goodly locks in the lap of Delilah.” The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Views on the Powers & Policy of The Government of The United States P. 16
The Nature and Disposition of Almost all Men
I also think Trump is a power seeker, a narcissist, and loves to be in the spotlight. I don’t love many of his known discretions but, I love what he is trying to do for our country. Does he make mistakes? Absolutely! Even though I know he plays to the popularity of telling us what we want to hear, I think most of us can agree he sure has done much for us. I did not vote for him to be my Bishop but as someone who could break through the gridlock and move our country forward which he has done. I feel having a two-party system helps us in check and balances. I sure hope and pray the Democrat party will not overreach, but I know that is doubtful.
Where are the Statesmen?
“Ye spirits of the blessed of all ages, hark! Ye shades of departed statesmen, listen! Abraham, Moses, Homer, Socrates, Solon, Solomon, and all that ever thought of right and wrong, look down from your exaltations, if you have any, for it is said in the midst of counsellors there is safety; and when you have learned that fifteen thousand innocent citizens, after having purchased their lands of the United States, and paid for them, were expelled from a “sovereign State” by order of the Governor at the point of the bayonet, their arms taken from them by the same authority, and their right of migration into said State denied under pain of imprisonment, whipping, robbing, mobbing, and even death, and no justice or recompense allowed ; and from the legislature, with the Governor at the head, down to the justice of the peace, with a bottle of whisky in one hand and a bowie knife in the other, hear them all declare that there is no justice for a “Mormon” in that State, and judge ye a righteous judgment, and tell me when the virtue of the States was stolen, where the honor of the General Government lies hid, and what clothes a senator with wisdom?” The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Views on the Powers & Policy of The Government of The United States page 27
I am afraid we are in a time in government where we have very few statesmen like Washington, Jefferson or Lincoln. Today we mostly have politicians who care about money and being reelected. This is what destroys our Constitution, men and women who are dishonest and as the scriptures say, “that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” D&C 121:39. This applies to each of us today as well.
“We have had Democratic Presidents, Whig Presidents, a pseudo- Democratic- Whig President, and now it is time to have a President of the United States; and let the people of the whole Union, like the inflexible Romans, when- ever they find a promise made by a candidate that is not practiced as an officer, hurl the miserable sycophant from his exaltation, as God did Nebuchadnezzar, to crop the grass of the field with a beast’s heart among the cattle.” The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Views on the Powers & Policy of The Government of The United States page 20
No Justice/Evidence
No Judge has even looked at any evidence from the 2020 election. They turn down the cases on standing and won’t even look. They lack courage. Why not look at the evidence and judge whether there was fraud or not. I have looked at over 30 hours of fraud. I have watched at least 100 people from GA, MI, PA, and AZ with sworn affidavits of terrible fraud. If you look you will find it. Here are just two short videos of fraud.
3 minute video below: Trump Campaign lawyers presents video ‘evidence’ of ballot fraud from Atlanta to Senate Judiciary subcommittee.
6 Min. VIDEO below: Georgia Senate subcommittee holds hearing on election issues (Dec. 30)
It isn’t my desire to convince anyone of fraud. People will see what they want, and I will see what I want. I desire to expose fraud whenever I see it. More than likely if you agree with the Trump impeachment or if you agree Trump was guilty of collusion in the Russia hearings and if you don’t believe that Hunter Biden has ties to China, you won’t believe anything I say about 2020 election fraud. You are free to feel what ever you would like. If we disagree that is fine, but let’s agree on loving the Lord and upholding the wonderful document we call the Constitution. Free speech is critical to our freedom.
Protesting
Our country was built on the ability to peaceably protest. Jan 6th we saw thousands do just that in Washington DC. A few others did not protest peacefully. I am sure some on both sides did wrong, but we can’t fully judge until we learn the truth.
“Law enforcement told the New York Post at least two known Antifa members have already been identified as some of the individuals causing chaos as they stormed the Capitol. According to the Post, “the Antifa members disguised themselves with pro-Trump clothing to join in the DC rioting, said the sources, who spotted the infiltrators while monitoring video coverage from the Capitol.”
The source believes the Antifa members, who were identifiable due to their participation in New York City riots, joined the rioting so that Trump would get blamed for uproar. The Washington Times reported that the firm XRVision used facial recognition software to identify two other DC protesters as Philadelphia-based Antifa members.
One of the Antifa members has a tattoo signifying he is a Stalinist sympathizer. “Many Antifa members promote anarchy through violence and want the end of America in favor of a Stalinist-state. ‘No more USA at all’ is a protest chant.” Source
I don’t condone any violence or destruction regardless of who did it. I love our country and I support our Constitution, but it has been denigrated and is slowly being destroyed.
The Lord is in charge no matter what, and I have faith all will be alright. If we love and forgive and strive for unity in our homes, it will definitely make a difference in our country.
No one is to blame for the tragedy at the Capitol on Jan 6, except those who did the damage. Those who broke windows and breached the White house are criminals and should be punished. However, we have no clue how much influence either side had on these criminals.
The evil “Deep State” that lies at the very core of our government will not go away and is as vexing to we as Christians and Latter-day Saints in these days, and is equal to the Gadianton Robbers of the Book of Mormon who continually raided and killed both Lamanites and Nephites. The Lord is trying us and saying to we as a Country, “Repent, Repent!” The Lord is not speaking to the evil ones, but to we of Israel who are not being obedient to Him.
We Must Repent
Do we love our homes and cars and smart phones more than God? Do we strive to be part of this world so the popular person will praise us? It is not popular in our current world of progressives to love Donald Trump’s agenda as he loves America, just as it is not popular to be a good Christian or a good Muslim or Jew. What do the evil who point their finger at us from that great and spacious building say about us? Do they believe in equal rights and in free speech, or the right to bear arms, or that abortion is killing? No they trample under foot the saying’s of God. May we not be as them and may we Repent. We don’t ask others to repent but we, the Children of Israel are willing to do it. The only difference between a righteous and an evil person is; the righteous are always repenting. How are we doing?
“The parable of the woman and the unjust judge.”
“Let them importune at the feet of the judge; And if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor; And if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president; And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation; And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers.” D&C 101:86-90
My Strange Work
“What I have said unto you must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; That wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; That I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work, that men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God.” D&C 101:93-95
Living in the last days: What Elder Russell M. Nelson taught 10 years ago that applies to us perfectly today!
Elder Gerald N. Young said, “While serving as a General Authority Seventy, I had one of those unexpected teaching moments that life presents to us. This was when the financial crash was in full swing and our country was experiencing the most drastic drop in the economy since the Great Depression. Every day there were new announcements. The stock market crash. The collapse of the housing market. Major banks, mortgage companies, retirement funds, and investment houses were failing. There was talk of massive government bailouts. Unemployment was skyrocketing. A dark cloud had settled over the country and was spreading to other nations.”
Editors Note: This drop in the economy spoken of above is very similar emotionally to what we are experiencing today with the problems of the 2020 Presidential Election. Elder Nelson’s response to Elder Lund applies to us today. God is at the helm!
Elder Lund continues, “In the fall of 2007, my assignment as a General Authority Seventy was in Salt Lake City, working in the Church Office Building. One day I went down to a small cafeteria in the basement of the Church Administration Building that is reserved for General Authorities. After getting my food, I saw that four of my colleagues in the Seventy were seated at a table for six, just starting to eat. They invited me to join them. We spoke briefly about our various assignments, but soon the talk turned to the current financial crisis. It didn’t take long for our conversation to become quite bleak in tone. One of the brethren had a grandchild who had recently graduated with an MBA but was having no luck in finding employment. Another reported that a grandchild was unsure about wanting to get married and bring children into the world.
About that time, as this cloud of gloom settled over our lunch table, Russell M. Nelson, then Elder Nelson of the Twelve, came into the lunchroom with a tray of food. Seeing that we had a vacant spot at our table, he joined us. He ate quietly for a time as our conversation went right on in that same sense of discouragement. Finally, one of the brethren said, “They’re talking about the possibility of the whole government of the United States failing. Then what shall we do?”
Elder Nelson, who hadn’t said much since sitting down, laid down his fork and looked at us directly. His expression was very sober as he spoke quietly, saying something like this: “Brethren, the Lord chose the United States of America as the place for the Restoration of the gospel in our dispensation. He did that so we would have a base of religious freedom that would sustain the work of the Restoration. Also, the financial affluence and the political stability of the United States makes it possible for our Church to take the gospel to the world. That is a task that is not yet finished. Brethren, the Lord is at the helm. He will not let this work fail.”
That was more than ten years ago, but I still vividly remember two things. First, how sheepish we felt for letting ourselves become so negative. And the second was the lesson taught: God is in control. Why then do we fear? It was a profound teaching moment, and I have reminded myself of that day often when I have found myself growing discouraged and pessimistic. God is at the helm! by Elder Gerald N. Lund, adapted from “The Second Coming of the Lord” | Oct. 07, 2020
The People are the Government
“In the United States the people are the Government, and their united voice is the only sovereign that should rule, the only power that should be obeyed, and the only gentlemen that should be honored at home and abroad, on the land and on the sea. Wherefore, were I the President of the United States, by the voice of a virtuous people, I would honor the old paths of the venerated fathers of freedom; I would walk in the tracks of the illustrious patriots who carried the ark of the Government upon their shoulders with an eye single to the glory of the people; and when that people petitioned to abolish slavery in the slave States, I would use all honorable means to have their prayers granted, and give liberty to the captive by paying the Southern gentlemen a reasonable equivalent for his property, that the whole nation might be free indeed.” The Prophet Joseph Smith’s Views on the Powers & Policy of The Government of The United States page 21
I will strive for humility and continue to rely on faith as we go through these struggles. It will be interesting to see what things the Democrat Party have in store for our country. I will pray for our government including Pres Biden. I will also pray for a statesman or two to come forward to help save our country. That could still be Trump, but we will see. May the Lord bless us and may we all strive for freedom in this blessed nation. Now it is critical to heed the words of The Brethren as they share the Lord’s council with us.
