Prophets on Politics and Leaders

[snoscythe]

I've been studying the statements of the prophets (at a time when they were either an apostle or the President of the Church) that relate to politics and elections, and I thought I would share them:

"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." - John Taylor (1862, JD-9:340)

"We need to recognize that America has become a great nation because she adhered whole-heartedly to certain basic Christian principles that are eternal. We must have an adherence to these high moral principles, these spiritual principles, if this nation is to endure. God grant that it may endure!" - Ezra Taft Benson (BYU 10/22/1954).

"I don't believe that men in high places, in government, in business, or elsewhere can successfully divorce their private lives from their public declarations and protestations. Nor do I believe that women who attain positions of eminence can do it either. We often speak of the gullible public, but I am very much inclined to think that there is enough discernment in this public to see behind the idealistic words of a speaker or writer, the consistency of performance. ... would subject every representative of the American people, from small community level, to state, national and international position, to the scrutiny and test of virtuous, moral standards. I would. Some will say, you are discounting the value of brains and "know-how" in this intricate business of government and sociology. I am not. I stand in awe of the presence of a great mind with superior intelligence devoted to human welfare. We are greatly dependent on such minds, but if I had to make a choice, which I ought not to have to make, between talent and integrity, I would choose integrity and virtue, for without them we are lost." - Stephen L. Richards (Conference Report, 10/53:101)

"I wish you ever to remember this when you think of yourselves, your brethren, or of any man that wants influence in the world. Always learn what an individual wants influence for. If he wants it for good, to promote peace and righteousness, never hinder his efforts, but promote them if you can. But when men try to gain influence for evil, to lead their fellow creatures in the way to death, exercise all the power you possess to abridge such influence; destroy it if you can." - Brigham Young (1867, JD-12:18)

"[W]hat party do you belong to or would you vote for? I will tell you whom we will vote for: we will vote for the man who will sustain the principles of civil and religious liberty, the man who knows the most and has the best heart and brain for a statesman; and we do not care a farthing whether he is a whig, a democrat, a barnburner, a republican, a new light, or anything else. These are our politics." - Brigham Young (1869, JD-13:149)

"Let the people see to it that they get righteous men to be their leaders, who will labour with their hands and administer to their own necessities, sit in judgment, legislate, and govern in righteousness; and officers that are filled with peace; and see to it that every man goes forth among the people as a travelling officer if full of fear of the Lord, and would rather do right at a sacrifice than wrong as a reward. ...[A]nd the people should concentrate their feelings, their influence, and their faith, to select the best man they can to be their President, if he had nothing more to eat that potatoes and salt--a man who will not aspire to become greater than the people who appoint him, but be contented to live as they live, be clothed as they are clothed, and in every good thing be one with them. - Brigham Young (JD-7:12-13)

"We engage in the election the same as in any other principle; you are to vote for good men, and if you do not do this it is a sin; to vote for wicked men, it would be sin. Choose the good and refuse the evil. Men of false principles have preyed upon us like wolves upon helpless lambs. Damn the rod of tyranny; curse it. Let every man use his liberties according to the Constitution. Don't fear man or devil; electioneer with all people, male and female, and exhort them to do the thing that is right. We want a President of the U.S., not a party President, but a President of the whole people; for a party President disenfranchises the opposite party. Have a President who will maintain every man in his rights." - Hyrum Smith (1844, DHC-6:323).

"Unity is power; and when I reflect on the importance of it to the stability of all government, I am astounded at the silly moves of persons and parties to foment discord in order to ride into power on the current of popular excitement" - Joseph Smith (1844, DHC-6:198)

[hawkwing]

Great quotes, they say a lot to me.

[snoscythe]

One more for good measure in case anyone is thinking, 'yeah, but a lot has changed in the past 60 years':

"As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future. We urge Latter-day Saints to be active citizens by registering and then regularly exercising their right to vote. We also urge you to spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates you will be considering as you vote. ... Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest."
- Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf (First Presidency Letter, 10-9-2014).

[Ddawg]

Great quotes Sno. Good job.

BTW - did you get your free tickets to the Trump rally tonight @ 7pm? LOL!

Salt Lake City is not Chicago. It will be fun to see if the Moveon.org protestors try to mix it up in SLC. If I was in Utah, I would go just to see the spectacle.

Infinity Center, 26 E. 600 S, SLC

If anybody goes ....... be careful.

[byufan4ever]

I'm not sure what his church calling was when he made this statement/talk (although I heard that he made it several times at various church gatherings), but Benson's entire "The Proper Role of Government" should be included with this collection:

http://www.properroleofgovernment.com/

My favorite quote from it is:

In general terms, therefore, the proper role of government includes such defensive activities, as maintaining national military and local police forces for protection against loss of life, loss of property, and loss of liberty at the hands of either foreign despots or domestic criminals.

The government is to protect against loss of life, property, and liberty. Nothing more.

[snoscythe]

Great quotes Sno. Good job.

BTW - did you get your free tickets to the Trump rally tonight @ 7pm? LOL!

Salt Lake City is not Chicago. It will be fun to see if the Moveon.org protestors try to mix it up in SLC. If I was in Utah, I would go just to see the spectacle.

Infinity Center, 26 E. 600 S, SLC

If anybody goes ....... be careful.

I am taking the kids to the International Sportsmens Expo tonight. I think they'll see enough stuffed and fake hair at the Mule Deer Foundation booth, so we'll pass on Trump.

I am trying to clear my schedule to go to the Cruz rally in Provo tomorrow, though.

[byufan4ever]

More from Benson:

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.

It is a firm principle that the smallest or lowest level that can possibly undertake the task is the one that should do so. First, the community or city. If the city cannot handle it, then the county. Next, the state; and only if no smaller unit can possible do the job should the federal government be considered. It is well to remember that the states of this republic created the Federal Government. The Federal Government did not create the states.

[byufan4ever]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but also check out this site:

http://www.latterdayconservative.com/

Specifically here:

http://www.latterdayconservative.com/quotes/

There are 8 quotes from our current prophet about the constitution, politics, etc.

[jvquarterback]

"We engage in the election the same as in any other principle; you are to vote for good men, and if you do not do this it is a sin; to vote for wicked men, it would be sin. Choose the good and refuse the evil" - Hyrum Smith (1844, DHC-6:323).

I think it is clear Clinton falls into the category Hyrum Smith said it would be sinful to vote for. I wouldn't say the same about Trump. I don't plan on voting for him but I can't go so far as to call him wicked.

My daughter asked me why everyone doesn't abstain from voting. I think if the nominations are Clinton and Trump as expected a lot of people will vote third party. I'll wait to see who the Libertarian and Constitution Parties select then decide whether or not I end up abstaining altogether.

[Ddawg]

Great quotes Sno. Good job.

BTW - did you get your free tickets to the Trump rally tonight @ 7pm? LOL!

Salt Lake City is not Chicago. It will be fun to see if the Moveon.org protestors try to mix it up in SLC. If I was in Utah, I would go just to see the spectacle.

Infinity Center, 26 E. 600 S, SLC

If anybody goes ....... be careful.

I am taking the kids to the International Sportsmens Expo tonight. I think they'll see enough stuffed and fake hair at the Mule Deer Foundation booth, so we'll pass on Trump.

I am trying to clear my schedule to go to the Cruz rally in Provo tomorrow, though.

Good call. I would love to go to the Ted Cruz rally. I think it would be a positive experience.

On a different note, I would love to go to the Trump rally to watch the Moveon.org derelicts try to disrupt. I love a train wreck.


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