To the founders, a “right” was a moral imperative by which each person exercises the freedom to be what his qualities and potentials make of him, secure in his person and property, and without transgressing that same right of others. His “rights” thus impose no obligation on others except that they abstain from violating them.

Source: Lawrence W. Reed
Clichés of Politics, p13

Topics: Rights

“Sponging” On The Government

Now without mitigation in the least of our sympathies toward those unfortunate ones actually in need, the observing cannot help but note that there is an ever-growing and deeply regrettable tendency to “sponge” on the government and take every gratuity possible to obtain and this too, sometimes by representation and connivance which will not bear the light of truth. It is true also that this disposition to “sponge” on the government is not confined to those only who are on the relief rolls.

In the obtaining of benefit loans and crop allocations with other concessions so lavishly bestowed it has been manifest in such degree and in such people as to be greatly astonishing to those who have the inside information. Not infrequently does one hear in pseudo justification of these regrettable actions, expressions such as these—“Well everybody’s getting it, I might as well get my share”—or “The government brought on these conditions they should get us out.” I have been informed of men making application for home loans under representations of distress whose regular income for one month would be regarded by many families as ample support for an entire year.

Source: Elder Stephen L. Richards
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Government, Spending; Welfare

Far-reaching Results

I am not willing to take it for granted that these abuses must be. They are too serious and their results too far reaching to go unchallenged. I fear them, not only because they are costly to the public treasury, the drain on which is a matter of deep concern to every American, but for the more important reason which I have heretofore indicated, that the practice of “sponging” on the government is perverting the finest virtues of American citizenship—self-respect, self-reliance and integrity. Furthermore, I cannot but conclude that this distortion to the morale of our people makes fertile ground for the seeds of disloyalty and anarchy which those inimical to our form of government are ever seeking to sow.

Source: Elder Stephen L. Richards
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Government, Spending; Morality; Welfare

Outlook For Coming Winter

There is little prospect that the coming winter will not present enlarged demands on our sympathies and our resources. It has been indicated from Washington that the state and local communities may be obliged to bear a larger portion of the burden. I hope we will do our utmost and I pray that no worthy person who is honest and deserving may be permitted to suffer. I pray with equal fervor that no person may become so dishonest and disloyal as to be an impostor on the generosity of our great merciful government which is seeking so diligently to relieve our distresses.

Source: Elder Stephen L. Richards
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Government, Spending; Welfare

Basis Of Mutual Confidence

Common honesty is the basis of mutual confidence. If we lose confidence in each other we are lost. We can’t trust those who cheat the government. It is as dishonest as it is to cheat the Church or each other. No one can deceive and cheat and be a Christian. He may be called a Christian, but he is not one. Misrepresentation, hypocrisy and deceit are as repugnant to the Gospel as is error to truth, for the Gospel is truth.

Source: Elder Stephen L. Richards
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Honesty; Morality

Importance of Honesty

Reference has already been made to the last Article of our Faith, that refers largely to the cardinal virtues, which are just as much a part of the Gospel and a part of our lives, as any principle. “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men,” and so forth. This tenet expresses the importance of practicing these fundamental virtues. Honesty lies at the very foundation of our individual and community life, our civilization, our organizations of government, and the membership of the Church. If we live the Gospel we can not be anything but honest; if we are good citizens of this nation we can not properly be anything but honest. If honesty is lacking in the government, then it will gradually disintegrate. If graft, if racketeering, if other dishonest practices prevail, then there is bound to be lack of confidence, and there will develop an increasing attitude of disrespect for law and for those who are called to administer the laws.

Source: Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Honesty; Morality

Honesty In Government

We are entitled to expect from every officer of the government that he be honest in his dealings; and when he has the direction of employees of the government, that he shall require honesty and honest service from them; and that in the handling of funds there shall be strict honesty, and great care and accuracy maintained. Honesty is a disposition to conform to justice and honorable dealing, especially in regard to the rights of property. Likewise, it involves a determination to conform to justice and fair dealing in all our relations one with another. We can apply honesty to our actions as well as to our words. That is, of course, truthfulness and straightforwardness.

Source: Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Honesty; Responsibility

Honesty And Truthfulness In Politics

We are now engaging in a campaign for political purposes. It is important that every one who engages therein shall be careful to be honest and truthful in the statements that he or she shall make, so that we may not indulge in acrimonious discussion and develop antagonism and ill feeling which is contrary to proper principles of political activity and of government. Our statements should be matters of fact and not of assumption. Our political views should be constructive and not destructive. Any candidate who makes wild promises or advocates specious plans impracticable of fulfilment, or who has not previously proven him-self worthy of trust, should be rejected. Honest, dependable and capable citizens should be sought for positions in government. It is our business as voters to analyze carefully the character of the candidates and their viewpoints on public questions.

Source: Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Politics

Men may succeed, by devious means, in taking property that does not belong to them, but such practices will destroy the moral fiber of their being. Right of property is guaranteed to us under the constitution. It is true we are subject to the government and to its regulations; and it is true also that we must cooperate in sustaining the government, but at the same time the rights of property can not be made null and void without destroying the spirit and appreciation of fairness among mankind.

Source: Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon
General Conference, October 1934

Topics: Rights

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