This article is a response to a web article about the Democratic Party and Mormonism, "Why I am a Mormon Democrat." I too believe that there are far too many Mormon Republicans. I have some comments and information I would like to share with you about why I am NOT a Mormon Republican.

I believe that before a person picks sides they should first understand the US Constitution and the proper role of government. Without an understanding of what government should and shouldn't have the power to do, you will find yourself supporting things that shouldn't be handled by the government in the first place. In choosing which candidates you will support it would be wise to examine whether or not they are going to support and defend the Constitution. Many Democrats and Republicans are guilty of upholding unconstitutional Federal programs and laws, which are therefore void, illegal, unlawful.

It is important to fight against tyranny, as well as helping the poor, protecting the people's rights, improving education, protecting the environment, and more. But one must examine which of these does the government have the right to be involved in? Helping the poor, otherwise known as social welfare, is something that the government has no right to be involved in. It is the responsibility of each individual to learn to be self-reliant.

I agree with Ezra Taft Benson that there must be a total abolition of any government funded welfare program. Any government program that takes money from one and gives to another must be abolished. Welfare is only the responsibility of individuals, churches and charitable organizations that give freely of their money, not by force. Unconstitutional government programs include Welfare, Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Baby Your Baby, WIC, and countless others.

Other unconstitutional federal programs include, but are not limited to: Domestic Federal Aid, FDA, Foreign Aid, Federal Reserve System, FACE Act, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), No Child Left Behind, PATRIOT Act, AIDS Education, Affirmative Action Programs, Planned Parenthood, "Dues" to the United Nations, Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), Federal Election Commission, Welfare for non-citizens and citizens, etc.

The Federal Government definitely has the responsible of defending our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This doesn't mean that they can tax the people to fund its oversees wars which are unconstitutional but the Constitution has set set forth the ability to collect taxes to provide for defense at home.

The Federal government should not be involved in education because that can be handled at the local level in families and communities. It is not the responsibility of the government to educate our children, that is the responsibility of parents and families. Education can be efficiently handled at the local level. Even in the Republican Party National Platform they call for the abolition of the Federal Department of Education, yet President Bush spends billions of federal dollars on education each year. There are many other federal programs that are unconstitutional and should be handled at the state and local level, not by the Federal Government.

I could go on and on about this but I would rather quote some of what the Prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson said regarding the proper role of government:

"I present a declaration of principles which have recently been prepared by a few American patriots, and to which I wholeheartedly subscribe.

"FIFTEEN PRINCIPLES WHICH MAKE FOR GOOD AND PROPER GOVERNMENT

"As an Independent American for constitutional government I declare that:

"(1) I believe that no people can maintain freedom unless their political institutions are founded upon faith in God and belief in the existence of moral law.

"(2) I believe that 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.

"(3) I believe that 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.

"(4) 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.

"(5) 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.

"(6) 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.

"(7) 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.

"(8) I am unalterable 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.

"(9) I maintain that every person who enjoys the protection of his life, liberty, and property should bear his fair share of the cost of government in providing that protection; that the elementary principles of justice set forth in the Constitution demand that all taxes imposed be uniform and that each person's property or income be taxed at the same rate.

"(10) I believe in honest money, the gold and silver coinage of the Constitution, and a circulation medium convertible into such money without loss. I regard it as a flagrant violation of the explicit provisions of the Constitution for the Federal Government to make it a criminal offense to use gold or silver coin as legal tender or to use irredeemable paper money.

"(11) I believe that each State is sovereign in performing those functions reserved to it by the Constitution and it is destructive of our federal system and the right of self-government guaranteed under the Constitution for the Federal Government to regulate or control the States in performing their functions or to engage in performing such functions itself.

"(12) I consider it a violation of the Constitution for the Federal Government to levy taxes for the support of state or local government; that no State or local government can accept funds from the Federal and remain independent in performing its functions, nor can the citizens exercise their rights of self-government under such conditions.

"(13) I deem it a violation of the right of private property guaranteed under the Constitution for the Federal Government to forcibly deprive the citizens of this nation of their property through taxation or otherwise, and make a gift thereof to foreign governments or their citizens.

"(14) I believe that no treaty or agreement with other countries should deprive our citizens of rights guaranteed them by the Constitution.

"(15) I consider it a direct violation of the obligation imposed upon it by the Constitution for the Federal Government to dismantle or weaken our military establishment below that point required for the protection of the States against invasion, or to surrender or commit our men, arms, or money to the control of foreign ore world organizations of governments.

"These things I believe to be the proper role of government.

"We have strayed far afield. We must return to basic concepts and principles – to eternal verities. There is no other way. The storm signals are up. They are clear and ominous.

"As Americans – citizens of the greatest nation under Heaven – we face difficult days. Never since the days of the Civil War – 100 years ago – has this choice nation faced such a crisis." [Ezra Taft Benson – Proper Role of Government – God Family Country]

Governments Should Have Limited Powers. The Constitution guarantees a republican form of government to every state of the Union. The Founding Fathers established a Republic, not a Democracy.

Tax can only be used for the limited functions of government as outlined by the Counstitution. The current Federal tax system is therefore corrupt and unconstitutional, because we are taxed to pay for socialistic/unconstitutional programs of which the Government has no authority over.

Disobedience to the Constitution is an impeachable offense. Sadly, many elected officials & judges have broken their oath by doing something contrary to the Constitution and have gotten away with it.

I believe in what President Benson said, as well as the prophecy of Joseph Smith about the Constitution being at the verge of total destruction. Today, it is apparent that we are coming closer to seeing that prophecy fulfilled. I believe that one way we can help be a part of restoring the Constitution is by informing people of the current crisis today and helping them to understand the correct principles and proper role of government. There are many people even among the Latter-Day Saints who are "asleep" and believe that "all is well." I don't understand how anyone who believes in the words of the prophets could support what many of the Republicans and Democrats are doing today in Washington.

To explain even further why I am neither Republican nor Democrat, we must explore further…

In D&C 84: 55 - http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/84 - the whole church was brought under condemnation because of vanity and because of unbelief. The Saints had rejected the "meat" of the gospel... that's why when you go to church on Sunday, or during General Conference, you usually only hear the basics: faith, repentance, baptism, the spirit, etc. - the "MILK" of the gospel. The members, in general, were not ready, and are still not ready to be taught further truth and understanding, further light and knowledge. The condemnation placed on the church by the Lord is still in effect. It will not be removed until the majority of the members are spiritually ready and accepting of the "meat" of the gospel.

Once you start understanding the "meat" it's like a whole new "sphere" of reality has opened up, a new paradigm.. That's a big change for some people… this other sphere goes completely beyond what society has trained us to believe. When you know the truth that exists in this other sphere you see that it's not just about religion, it's about religion, politics, government, temporal matters, education; it's about every aspect of your life. And it truly does make you free. The true gospel of Jesus Christ is not just about belief in God and going to church every Sunday… it's about your whole life, and what you do with it at every moment, even regarding politics.

Regarding issues on politics and war and such, sure there are many opinions and theories, but there is no denying the Secret Combination is in control. The one which "is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world." [Ezra Taft Benson- http://scriptures.lds.org/ether/8 ] Once a person grasps that reality and begins to research it, you will see behind the mask of the Government. One of the reasons why it's not apparent to the public that the Government has been taken over is because of the "circles of power." There is a circle within a circle, within a circle, etc. Those on the outer circles don't have all the information and don't always know the exact purpose of the secret groups they belong to. Only those on the inner circle understand the full purpose, details, and agenda of the Secret Combination.

If you are interested in learning more about these Secret Groups, read books by Antony Sutton about "The Order." Also, read about Adam Weishaupt, he was the founder of the Illuminati - http://illuminati-news.com/adam-weishaupt.htm - http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=41

Some people think that all this political stuff doesn't have anything to do with the Church, but it does. Look at what the prophets have said for years regarding it: http://www.latterdayconservative.com/modules/wfsection/viewarticles.php?category=5

President John Taylor informed us that the Elders of Israel should "...understand that they have something to do with the world politically as well as religiously, that it is as much their duty to study correct political principles as well as religious." [journal of discourses, 9:340.] "Besides the preaching of the gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man." [Ibid., pp. 233-63.]

"We must never give up. We must not become discouraged. We must never surrender to the forces of evil. We can and must maintain the standards for which this Church has stood since it was organized. There is a better way than the way of the world. If it means standing alone, we must do it. But we shall not be alone. I am confident that there are millions of people throughout the world who grieve over the evil they see about them. They love the virtuous, the good, and the uplifting. They too will raise their voices and give of their strength to the preservation of those values which are worthy of maintenance and cultivation." [President Gordon B. Hinckley Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 10, 2004 A.D.]

Sadly, I don't see the majority of our people standing apart from the World.

Those among my fold are Latter-Day Saints such as President Ezra Taft Benson, W. Cleon Skousen. I don't know what David O. McKay was but he advised W. Cleon Skousen to continue teaching the true principles of the proper role of government.

The article "Why I am a Mormon Democrat" makes a good point at the bottom of the website: "I distrust almost all politicians, but nevertheless we have to work with the political system. On some issues, I sympathize with Republicans." I also distrust most politicians; I believe that money influences most of the voting that goes on in D.C. Personally I refuse to work with our modern "political system", but I will never go against any constitutional laws. I can see why in some ways the Church has to "work with the political system." In order to continue to progress and enjoy the religious freedoms that we still have, the Church must submit to the Government. Right now that means they have to be silent about the corruption and evilness within our Government. Joseph Smith said, "Our lives have already become jeopardized by revealing the wicked and bloodthirsty purposes of our enemies; and for the future we must cease to do so. All we have said about them is truth, but it is not always wise to relate all the truth." They have to do what is in the best interest of the Lord and His Church, but that doesn't mean that the Saints should not learn correct principles and only vote for those who will uphold those principles. In General Conference we are often remind to read the words of the Prophets from today and in the past. I believe they do this in hopes that the Saints will wake up.

I believe that those Latter-Day Saints who have waken up to their awful situation, and others who understand the correct principles of freedom, will play an important role in the building of Zion and the New Jerusalem in America. It will be they who have a hand in establishing God's law among the people. We must learn the true principles of Government, as ordained of God. We know that after "The Cleanse", we will be building up the New Jerusalem in America (Zion) and eventually Jerusalem in the east will also be restored – "For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." - http://scriptures.lds.org/isa/2/3 - It will be the Saints who are involved in establishing God's Law on the earth. There is no denying the truth of what Church President John Taylor said about our responsibility "politically as well as religiously." How can we be prepared for that if most Saints are still stuck in the two-party sphere (Republican vs. Democrat)? How can we be prepared for that if most of the Saints are supporting Candidates who oppose the United States Constitution, which was approved by God Himself? Who will stand tall?

Personally I would like to see less and less Mormon Republicans and Democrats, and an greater increasing number of American Statesmen who support the Constitution and correct principles of government - Locally and Federally.

I am not a Republican, not a Democrat. I am an American.

- - -

Brian R. Mecham is the creator of LatterdayConservative.com and LDSFreedomForum.com. He is the co-editor and co-founder of LDSFreemen.com.

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Brent said:

	AMEN Brother
	report abuse vote down vote up

May 11, 2008
Votes: +1

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