Enemy Or Servant?

Government as an agency of society—if well-conceived, properly limited, and soundly organized—is a cooperative arm of society. It is but another item in the division of labor. Its true interest lies in protecting the society that created it.

Government is composed of persons, as is society. Organize the persons in government in such a manner that they can readily realize that they will fare ill if the society which hires them disintegrates or that they will fare well if the society prospers, and society will have a good and faithful servant. But organize the persons in government in such a manner that they get the idea that society is only a host to be exploited, and society will have a bad and parasitical servant.

One of the requirements for promoting cooperation between two or more persons—or between society and government—is that their interests in the project in question be recognized as in accord; that the self-interests of all parties be understood by the parties themselves to be in harmony. But let the idea prevail that the self-interest of one is served at the expense of the other, and the two will not cooperate; instead, each will work against the true interest of the other.

Source: Leonard E. Read

Topics: Cooperation; Government

How long will it be before the words of the prophet Joseph will be fulfilled? He said if the Constitution of the United States were saved at all it must be done by this people.

Source: Brigham Young
Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 360

Topics: US Constitution

When the Constitution of the United States hangs, at it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the “Mormon” Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it.

Source: Brigham Young
Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 361

Topics: US Constitution

I expect to see the day when the Elders of Israel will protect and sustain civil and religious liberty and every Constitutional right bequeathed to us by our fathers, and spread these rights abroad in connetion with the Gospel for the salvation of all nations. I shall see this whether I live or die.

Source: Brigham Young
Discourses of Brigham Young p. 361

Topics: Responsibility

Taxing Our Children

The voters of one period should not tax those of a later period. Those of the later period are not represented in the instant taxing body, and hence today’s taxation of the citizens of tomorrow distinctly violates the principle of taxation by representation of those who pay the taxes. This means that to increase its expenditures government should not incur debt, because the burden of its redemption is thereby imposed on future taxpayers.

Source: Bradford B. Smith

Topics: Taxes

Joseph Smith on Politics

Relative to politics the epistle urged that inasmuch as none of the candidates who were before the public for the high office of president of the United States had “manifested any disposition or intention to redress wrong and restore liberty, and law,” the saints were advised to stand aloof from corrupt men and measures, “and wait at least till a man is found, who, if elected, will carry out the enlarged principles, universal freedom and equal rights and protection, expressed in the views of our beloved Prophet and martyr.” “We do not, however,” said the epistle, “offer this political advice as binding on the consciences of others; we are perfectly willing that every member of this church should use his own freedom in all political matters; but we give it as our own rule of action, and for the benefit of those who may choose to profit by it.” (Joseph Smith’s full letter was printed in Times and Seasons, vol. v, p. 620. The presidential election year was 1844.)

Source: B.H. Roberts
A Comprehensive History of the Church
Volume Two, p. 448

Topics: Citizenship; Responsibility; Statesmanship

Government of the People

In every government on earth is some trace of human weakness, some germ of corruption and degeneracy, which cunning will discover, and weakness insensibly open, cultivate and improve. Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves therefore are it’s only safe depositories. And to render even them safe, their minds must be improved to a certain degree. The influence over government must be shared among all the people. If every individual which composes their mass participates of the ultimate authority, the government will be safe.

Source: Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Government

As we have progressed the mist has been removed, and in relation to these matters, the elders of Israel begin to 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, and to seek to know and comprehend the social and political interests of man, and to learn and be able to teach that which would be best calculated to promote the interests of the world.

Source: John Taylor
JD, 9:339-340, April 13, 1862.
Political Responsibility of the Elders

Topics: Citizenship

Roman History

Now, in the last years, we in America have gone a long distance towards the adoption of the Roman concepts, and the abuses against property rights and human freedom and liberties which are possible under that system. And let me say here and now, that in the whole history of the human race, from Adam until now, Tyranny has never come to live with any people with a placard on his breast bearing his name. He always comes in deep disguise, sometimes proclaiming an endowment of freedom, sometimes promising help to the unfortunate and downtrodden, not by creating something for those who do not have, but by robbing those who have. But Tyranny is always a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and he always ends by devouring the whole flock, saving none.

Source: Reuben J. Clark
“Inroads upon the Constitution by the Roman Law.”

Topics: Freedom, Threats to; Government, Tyranny

•  ⟨⟨ 
•  ⟨ 
•   |  
•  ⟩ 
•  ⟩⟩