In the pre-existence, our first action of major spiritual consequence was also a political actwe all participated in a campaign, and then cast a vote.

Ezra Taft Benson taught:

“Some might even call the War in Heaven a political struggle-certainly it was

controversial.”-Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.659

President David O. McKay, in his book Gospel Ideals, wrote that we all needed to work for the “establishment of divine government among human beings.” How we carry out this charge will have an effect on how we are judged after this earthly experience is over. The 1st verse of the 134th section of the Doctrine and Covenants says: “We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them.” Voting is an act related to government. We also know that we are commanded to seek out, uphold, and vote for “honest and wise men.” (D&C 98:10)

The purpose of this book is threefold:

1. To help us as followers of Jesus Christ to dedicate ourselves to actively promoting the political conditions that will enable everyone, everywhere to gain access to His Gospel.

2. To heed the commandment given in the 98th and 134th sections of the Doctrine & Covenants to “Befriendthat law which is the constitutional law of the land.”

3. To assist in fulfilling the prophecy of Joseph Smith that we may do our

part to “bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.”

Chapter 1: The War (Referendum) in Heaven

The Conflict

What a dramatic moment it must have been-our first crucial moment of truth in scriptural history: The war in heaven. Once we understand the spiritual and political lessons of that war, the issues involved, and how it was fought and won, we can follow through on our first courageous vote. That vote was a conscious choice to sustain God's plan. We can exercise that same agency and conviction not only to overcome sin and error, but also to navigate the waters of latter-day politics

What was the principal issue over which the war in Heaven was fought?

The war in heaven was fought over agency and power

Two plans for returning us to the Father's presence were championed by two of God's foremost sons, Jesus and Lucifer. The two plans shared the same goal, but their methods were very different. Jesus' plan, (which of course was the Father's plan), allowed for us to come here to earth and be free to choose whether or not we would be obedient to God's commandments: “we willsee if they will do all thingsthe Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25). Then, after the mortal probationary period was over and the earthly portion of His plan was fulfilled, the glory would remain with God: “Father,the glory be thine forever.” The central feature of Lucifer's plan was that we would not have the freedom to choose: “I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it.” Satan's plan also stipulated that he would get the honor and glory himself for accomplishing it. But there was more to it than just taking unearned credit; he was also seeking God's power. In the twenty-ninth section of the Doctrine and Covenants there is a key definition in verse 36 that reveals how Satan

coveted power above all else:

“the devilrebelled against me, saying, Wherefore give me thine honor, whichis my power”

How was the war in heaven fought and won by the righteous?

“For they have overcome him (Satan)by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony; for they loved not their lives, but kept the testimony even unto death” Revelations 12:11

After the two plans were presented we probably took time to discuss the merits of each one. The pros and cons were most likely brought up as we got involved to one degree or another in that heavenly council. As that scene unfolded it probably became clearer and clearer who would follow the Father and Jesus, and who would rebel against the plan of happiness

The following are my own ideas about the kinds of exchanges that might have taken place between the two opposing sides:

* “Under the Father's plan, we will get physical bodies and the freedom to do with them as we wish!”

* “But if we follow Jesus' plan, we might not make the right choices; whereas under Satan's plan, we'll all get bodies, and we'll all get back to Heaven!”

* “Yes, Jesus' plan carries risk; but what will it be worth if we all make it back, having been forced in every important decision of our earthly lives?”

* “How can you ignore the great sacrifice of the Lamb? Don't you believe what He and the Father have promised us?” “I would rather live free to take advantage of the great sacrifice Jesus will perform on our behalf than live as a slave to Satan for the rest of my existence!”

Chapter 2: Politics Through the Ages

* Political Systems Prior to the Founding of The United States of America

* Patriarchal/Tribal Government

* The Rebels of Noah's Day

* The Obedient Followers of Enoch

* Law & Judges

* Kings & Kingdoms

* Democratic/Constitutional

Chapter 3: “A Choice LandFree from Bondage”

The Scriptures boldly declare America's religious and political destiny

In various Book of Mormon scriptures, the Lord declared America's destiny as a land of freedom from tyranny.

Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ(Ether 2:12)

That promise is both religious and political-the spiritual aspect should carry the most weight for all of us personally, but the political aspect cannot be ignored either; after all, being free from captivity or bondage by other nations is plenty political. The “American Covenant,” as I call it, is that the Lord will maintain

America as a land of liberty, free from bondage and captivity if its inhabitants will be righteous and serve him

The Prophet MosiahOne of the First Authors of American Democracy

92 years before the birth of Christ, a Nephite king and prophet named Mosiah was trying to ensure the freedom of his people by asking them which of his sons should succeed him as king. None of his sons wanted to be king, so, instead of forcing one of them, Mosiah pondered how he might “make for the peace of this people.” (Mosiah 29:10) The product of Mosiah's thinking turned out to be the first of the two great democratic republics on the American continent

America's Destiny

When one considers the histories of these various American peoples, it is plain that they were kept and preserved free when they obeyed God's law, and destroyed or brought into captivity when they disregarded His will. The latest, most free incarnation of the American Covenant has been established in the rise of the United States of America. We are inheritors of a rich legacy left to us by the men and women who came to America and reestablished the American covenant. The Founding Fathers and Mothers who created our country understood that this land has been reserved for a divine order that transcends the secular.

They framed the state as a form of moral order because they knew that the keystone of moral order is religion. They also knew that without God, democracy could not long endure. In George Washington's first inaugural address that first great American president said:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which

conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step

by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to

have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”

George Washington, (from 1st inaugural address, April 30,1789)

Chapter 4: “Politics from the Pulpit”

Church leaders and members have spent much time at the forefront of politics simply because that is where a good portion of the conflict of justice resides. Many aspects of politics and religion are simply inseparable. President J. Reuben Clark said:

“today government has touched our lives so intimately in all their relationships

and all these governmental touchings have been so tabbed as political, that we

cannot discuss anything relating to our material welfare and existence without

laying ourselves liable to the charge that we are talking politics.”

Deseret News, “Church Section,” June 16, 1945, p. 4., quoted by Elder Ezra

Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1963, p.111)

President Clark said that in 1945Look at how many more “governmental touchings” we have today!

It is permissible, and even encouraged that church members unite to work on political causes. John Taylor, while he was president of the church, said:

“Let us stick to our covenants, and get as near to correct principles as we can, and

God will help us. We want to be united in other things as well-in our elections, for instance, we should act as a unit. Other men are not ashamed to use their influence and operate in behalf of their party; why should we? As American citizens, have we not the same right? Yes, we have. Then let us be one and

operate as one, for God and his kingdom.”

John Taylor, September 22, 1878, Journal of Discourses, Vol.20, p.59-p.60 (bold, author's)

Joseph Smith described his intentions to get involved and wield influence in political affairs on a February day in 1843 when the prophet went to the site of the Nauvoo Temple and addressed about 300 workers. In that talk, he made the following point:

“There is one thing more I wish to speak about, and that is political economy. It

is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound

and good, and unpopular that which is unsound. 'Tis right, politically, for a man

who has influence to use it, as well as for a man who has no influence to use his.

From henceforth I will maintain all the influence I can get. In relation to

politics, I will speak as a man; but in relation to religion I will speak in authority.

If a man lifts a dagger to kill me, I will lift my tongue.”

“History of the Church, Vol.5, Ch.15, p.286 (bold, author's)

Communism/Socialism

President David O. McKay

“Communism is anti-Christ.”

David O. McKay, Conference Report, April 1950, p.175

Elder Joseph F. Merrill of the Quorum of the Twelve

“We call upon all Church members completely to eschew communism. The safety of our divinely inspired Constitutional government and the welfare of our Church imperatively demand that communism shall have no place in America.”

Conference Report, October 1946, p.72 (quoting from the 1936 1st Presidency “Official Declaration on Communism”, bold, author's)

Chapter 5: From the Pulpit to the Ballot Box

Correct Principles Will Translate to Correct Voting Decisions

This chapter deals with taking the counsel we hear from our leaders and implementing it.

Some people ask how Gospel principles can help us as we make up our minds regarding whom to vote for since the church does not support political candidates or parties. The answer lies in the quote I used as this chapter's subtitle: “Teach the people correct principles, and they govern themselves.” We are to learn the

just and holy principles resident in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then use them to make our voting decisions. The prophet John Taylor, (who was also Joseph Smith's presidential campaign manager), gives us the context for that famous quote, and then expounds on its application:

What is it that will enable one man to govern his fellows aright? It is just as

Joseph Smith said to a certain man who asked him, “How do you govern such a

vast people as this?” “Oh,” says Joseph, “it is very easy.” “Why,” says the man,

“but we find it very difficult.” “But,” said Joseph, “it is very easy, for I teach the people correct principles and they govern themselves;” and if correct principles will do this in one family they will in ten, in a hundred and in ten hundred thousand. How easy it is to govern the people in this way! It is just like the streams from City Creek; they spread through the valleys and through every lot and piece of lot. So it is with the government of God; the streams of life flow from

the Great Fountain through the various channels which the Almighty has opened up, and they spread throughout the world, wherever there are any Saints that have yielded obedience to the commandments of God. The fountain is inexhaustible, and the rivers of life flow from the fountain unto the people.”

Journal of Discourses, Vol.10, p.57-p.58, John Taylor, May 18, 1862 (bold, author's)

The prophet Joseph in effect said that good government will come from an ever-growing LDS population learning and practicing correct principles. As Latter-day Saints we are in possession of the “just and holy” principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the U.S. Constitution (D&C 101:77)

The Family: A Proclamation to the World-Political Ramifications

I anticipate that in the not too distant future, “The Proclamation on The Family” will be added to our canon of scripture. It is a magnificent revelation that, in a short eloquent series of paragraphs ties together most of the Gospel's plain and precious principles, while laying out God's will and plan for the family. Its principal thrust of course is to proclaim the importance of the family, the necessary conditions for preserving it, and to warn mankind of the consequences of failing to do so. It also carries some political ramification for Latter-day Saints, as well as for those who are not members of our church, and it behooves us to be anxiously engaged in seeing that its divine principles are woven into the unraveling fabric of our country's moral foundation.

Chapter 6: Befriending the Constitution = Conserving the Constitution

Are Latter-day Saints Liberals or Conservatives?

Sometimes people ask me if a faithful Latter-day Saint should be of the liberal or conservative philosophy, or if we belong with the republicans or the democrats, (or libertarians or independents.) I reply that the Latter-day Saints do indeed have a political philosophy but that it is based on Gospel principles as opposed to party politics. Those principles are found throughout the scriptures and the Constitution of the United States of America, as well as other inspired founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers. Shortly before Pearl Harbor was bombed, President J. Reuben Clark said the following from the pulpit at General Conference:

“In this country our lawful political allegiance runs not to any man, not to any party, not to any “ism,” but to the Constitution of the United States and to the free institutions set up under it. There can be no tampering with the “just and holy principles” of the Constitution. No true Latter-day Saint can or will do other than reverence the Constitution; each will do all in his power to save it from pollution or destruction.”

J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, April 1941, p.19

Since we have been commanded to “befriendthe constitutional law of the land,” the answer to the question is twofold:

1-Our first political loyalty, and thus our vote, is for the “just and holy” principles of the Constitutionregardless of party tag.

2-Because our charge is to conserve the Constitution, (and the brethren have informed us that the Constitution is under attack), that makes Latter-day Saints conservatives.

Caveat

In saying that Latter-day Saints are conservatives, I am not saying that there is some sort of spiritual mandate to be members of the party most commonly associated with the word “conservative.” Though the case may be made that of the two major parties in existence today, the Republican party's platform is the one most favorable to conserving the Constitution, no party has a monopoly on preserving and protecting the Constitution. I am a republican and a conservative, but that is secondary to my devotion to the Gospel; if I had been born earlier in the last century, I might well have belonged to a different political party. I advocate that all members be actively engaged in preserving the just and holy principles found in the Constitution of the United States of Americano matterwhich party they belong to.

Chapter 7: Recognizing Attacks on the Constitution

Those who befriend the Constitution will be opposed by those who do not believe in its principles; they say they do, but they have no desire to preserve its just and holy principles. These forces are constantly engaged in undercutting its foundations a little at a time. These patient incrementalists work bit by bit to tear at the individual fibers of that great document. The Apostle Paul described this ongoing struggle:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against

powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness

in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

A principality is defined as: “a state ruled by a prince, usually a relatively small state or a state that falls within a larger state such as an empire.” So in Paul's scenario, Satan is a powerful prince, (but not more powerful than the king), and he sets up his “principalities” or mini-kingdoms of spiritual wickedness and darkness and then he and his angels attack and withdraw. The same tactic is used on the political battlefield. Those who advocate the constitution's slow decay and eventual destruction know that they can't come out and state their true aim, so they attack key laws and policies from their bureaucratic and political strongholds, and then withdraw. It's important that we're able to recognize the efforts of the Constitution's enemies so we can combat them with our vote and by withholding our political support. This chapter's purpose is to highlight the subtle tactics used by the opponents of the Constitution so we can recognize the enemy's influence immediately and not be fooled by his subtlety.

Chapter 8: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

Chaff = Bias & Spin

Wheat and chaff are metaphoric scriptural terms that illustrate how the good of the Gospel is allowed to mix with the evil of the world in order for testing and proving to take place before the eventual separation. The political arena works the same way. The chaffy husks of media bias need to be separated from the grains of wheat-truth in order to form a true and faithful political opinion. This exercise has become an enormous undertaking because media bias has made it very difficult to discover the truth. Also, the basic way in which stories are reported has changed over the years so that we are now accustomed to an opinion format as opposed to a fact format. Anyone who remembers pre-1960's reporting knows how it used to be: the reporter was supposed to tell you who, what, where, when and how, and then leave you to draw your own conclusions. Not so anymore.

Liberal Bias in the Mainstream Media

The experience I cited in the previous section is a good example of how journalism standards have deteriorated in recent years. Many news programs and newspapers are little more than gossip sheets, reporting opinions (without letting you know that they're opinions) instead of reporting facts. When facts are mentioned, most of the time they are misapplied or carefully selected in order to slant the story toward a certain side.

Chapter 9: Discussing Politics, Religion (and other touchy subjects)

Winning Hearts and Minds

There is an expression: “winning hearts and minds,” and I believe it describes perfectly the process of political persuasionit is the political equivalent of conversion. It is the process someone goes through as they take an honest look at themselves and what they believe and consider changing their beliefs. The goal of “winning of hearts and minds” is an absolutely vital attitude to have when discussing politics. If we are not focused on that goal then we are just concerned with being right, and being right is not nearly so satisfying as bringing someone to knowledge of the truth. A good example of this process is the abolitionist movement of the first four score and seven years of this country's history.

Slavery in the United States is a legacy we wish had not happened. There is a simple reason why the slaves were not freed when this country was formed. If the framers of the Constitution had insisted upon emancipation of the slaves, the southern states would not have ratified the Constitution and the country would have continued its disintegration under the Articles of Confederation and the nation we enjoy today would not exist. That did not faze the abolition movement though-they merely set about winning the hearts and minds of the nation. From 1776 to the 1830's they existed only as fragmented religious groups that opposed the practice of slavery. Then in 1831 the American Anti-Slavery Society was formed with other similar organizations to follow. In 1842 these groups formed a lobbying arm to work on congress and in 1856 threw their support to the new Republican party. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The important point for us here is learning the process of winning hearts and minds. Let's go back to the issue used previously-abortion. The practice of abortion makes me both cringe and cry as I contemplate the millions of souls whose lives have been taken by this practice. If we liken ourselves to the abolitionists, we are in the early to middle phase where we exist both as a number of separate religious groups and lobbying organizations. We will need to agree to disagree with those who think otherwise and exercise patient moral suasion as our principal practice. Recognizing people's right to disagree and showing that we are committed to their freedom is the first step in convincing them of the truth.

Chapter 10: Get Involved-Local, State, FederalPick One

Apathy

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (who earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from the University of Utah), said:

“It was G. K. Chesterton who first warned us about what can happen to a “tired democracy,” a democracy in which the people are willing to leave their chores to a few “lonely sentinels.” There are many who now believe that American democracy is, in fact, a “tired democracy,” with “deliberate apathy” eating away at the vitals of our society.”

Neal A. Maxwell, “The Lonely Sentinels of Democracy,” New Era, July 1972, p.47

Symptoms of this kind of tiredness are much in evidence in our country today. There are times when one observes the world of politics and says: “I don't see how voters can stand for something this outrageous!” The reason outrageous things are gotten away with can generally be answered in a single word: apathy.

Let's take a political and religious issue that's not going to be politically resolved any time soon: same-sex “marriage.” Polls indicate that a large majority of American voters oppose same-sex marriage, yet our elected representatives do not receive a lot of voter input regarding the attack on this important institution.

What's the cause? Apathy and the fear of men. Some simply do not want to rouse themselves, others do not want to appear to be too judgmental in today's “tolerant” environment.

Ramping up

You're busy and you have a lot to do. Adding political chores to your list of to-dos is perhaps not an attractive proposition. Starting small and ramping up is the key to sustained civic involvement. Here are a number of things that do not take a great deal of time that one can do to get involved; you'll note that they fall into two general categories: informing yourself, or being an influence:

Chapter 11: Cast an Informed Vote (In every election!)

Voting as an individual

Eternal salvation, just like civil rights, can only be achieved and possessed by individuals.

It is true that we can and should help each other in achieving salvation and civil rights, but in the end, these things are our own personal responsibility. The Savior taught this principle in the parable of the ten virgins, when he told how the foolish virgins could not benefit by borrowing from the wise virgin's oil.

The same goes with spiritual witness; no matter how strong the testimony of say, your father or spouse may be, you cannot ride that testimony into the celestial kingdom. You must develop and exercise your own. In like manner, hitching your political allegiances and fortunes to others based on the supposed strength of the group will not ensure your life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Belonging to parties and organizations is a wonderful way to be politically involveduntil it replaces thinking and searching for truth.

A common misuse of our ballot privilege is using it to vote for benefits for any voting bloc, or special interest we may belong to or have sympathy for. This kind of vote became popular as government expanded. Politicians began promising money or other government benefits for certain groups of people. This is the very fault through which democracy's downfall was predicted: that once people could vote themselves money out of the treasury, the republic would then disintegrate into chaos and fighting over who got what.

Voting As One

Imagine the kind of good men and laws we could observe to uphold if we learned the principles of the Gospel in relation to the principles of freedom in the Constitution and then all voted according to those principles! That is much different than lock step voting because we will not be taking a stand simply because others in our church have taken it; we will have come to the same conclusion by rallying

around principles of righteous government. Remember the Prophet Joseph's statement:

“When you get the Latter-day Saints to agree on any point, you may know it is the voice of God.”

Discourses of Brigham Young, 12:301, p.469

Chapter 12: The 21st Century's Gadianton Robbers

Terrorism

Terrorism as we know it today, (though it became much more of an issue on September 11th, 2001), began its spread in the 1970's when terrorists began killing innocent people instead of assassinating leaders or blowing up government buildings. Terrorists' methods are murder and their goals are domination over others' freedom along with the plunder of their substance. Today's terrorist organizations are much more like the Gadianton band in Book of Mormon times because they either infiltrate countries or hide in the mountains of some remote corner of the world.

Al Quaeda and the followers of Osama Bin Laden do both. There are some who hide in the mountainous regions of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border just like those robbers of old:

“the Gadianton robbers, who dwelt upon the mountainsdid infest the land; for so strong were their holds and their secret places that the people could not overpower them; therefore they did commit many murders, and did do much slaughter among the people.

(3 Nephi 1:27)

Chapter 13: The “Just and Holy Principles” of the Constitution

Doctrine and Covenants Section 134-The “Articles of Just and Holy Principles”

Just what are the “just and holy principles” of the Constitution?

There are many sources to read on this subject, but the scriptures are usually the best place to start. The heading of the 134th section of the Doctrine and Covenants says that it is “a declaration of beliefs regarding governments and laws in general.” As you read it you will notice many of the plain and precious truths from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Every verse in it, except one, starts out: “We believe” That makes it very easy to consider this section as a kind of “Articles of Political Faith;” a series of statements that serve to remind us of what we believe. As we examine politicians and legislation we can view them through the lens of the beliefs laid out in this section of scripture.

Chapter 14: “When the Constitution is on the Brink of Ruin”

Fraying Constitutional Threads

Speaking at general conference in October 1942, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., a member of the First Presidency, asked a question regarding Joseph Smith's prophecy about the Constitution:

“You and I have heard all our lives that the time may come when the Constitution may hang by a thread. I do not know whether it is a thread or a small rope by which it now hangs, but I do know that whether it shall live or die is now in the balance.

I have said to you before, brethren, that to me the Constitution is a part of my religionIt is a part of my religion because it is one of those institutions which God has set up for His own purposesbecause under no other government in the world could the Church have been established as it has been established under this government.”

That's a strong message for us today-in 1942 one of our greatest constitutional scholars said that he didn't know if the Constitution hung by a rope or a thread, but he was busy asking himself the question. Some who are alive today might say: “it must have hung by a rope, because he asked the question over 60 years ago and the Constitution is obviously still holding on.” I would only suggest that the thickness of the rope is perhaps not as important as the rate of the fraying, and constitutional fiber snapping is definitely accelerating! Most of the fraying constitutional threads discussed in this chapter had already started coming unwound by the 1940's, which gives us an even more urgent reason to gather together and save it from destruction as more and more fibers snap at an ever quickening pace

Conclusion

This chapter contains just a small number of the major areas where the Constitution has been attacked and degraded. There are many more for us to discover and discuss as a people. As President J. Reuben Clark said, whether the Constitution hangs by a rope or by a thread is an important question to be asking ourselves as part of our personal religious commitment. Are we personally involved in weakening it or strengthening it? We will not be able to answer that question in the positive unless we can first identify exactly where the Constitution is being attacked. We would do well to take personal inventory and ask ourselves the following questions posed by President Benson in his October 1987 general conference

address “Our Divine Constitution”:

“Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?”

Chapter 15: Bringing the Constitution Back from the Brink

Reining in the Judiciary

One of the biggest problems with the judicial branch today is that judges make law instead of interpreting it. Judges with political agendas are more and more common and obvious every day because they are appointed, not on the basis of their legal acumen, but because of their political leanings. We have seen this repeatedly as today's judicial appointment process has become more and more politicized. This is a direct result of senators being popularly elected instead of appointed by each states legislators and is exactly what the founders were trying to avoid

The judiciary has been a big part of the problem in deviating from government's constitutional role regarding religion. Remember James E. Faust's great definition of the crux of this issue:

“The preeminence in the Constitution of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment has been overshadowed by the establishment clause and the free speech clause. In this I believe there has been a turning away from the intent of the Founding Fathers in the Supreme Court's interpretation of these clauses of the First Amendment.”

James E. Faust, “The Constitution in the Tradition of the Founding

Fathers,” speech given at Utah State University, September 16, 2001

Affirmative Action

This legalized discrimination must be abolished if all are to stand equal in the eyes of the law of the land. Who gets what jobs, and which students are admitted to which universities needs to be decided entirely upon merit. Making up for past wrongs and paying reparations will only further drive wedges between individual Americans. This well-intentioned but misguided program exists mostly due to the rejection of God's commandments to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Elder Neal A Maxwell describes this deviation:

“Once we remove belief in God from the center of our lives, as the Source of truth and as a Determiner of justice, a tremendous vacuum is created into which selfishness surges, a condition which governments delight in managing. Trends become a theology. A religion of regulations emerges in which tens of thousands of regulations seek to replace the Ten Commandments. And with this secular religion comes a frightening insistence on orthodoxy, enforced by the withdrawal and bestowal of benefits. Such governments inevitably tend to enlarge taxes and to stunt their citizens.”

Neal A. Maxwell, “The Prohibitive Costs of a Value-free Society,” Ensign, Oct. 1978, p. 52 (bold, author's)

Affirmative action, i.e., hiring and admission quotas, can and should be done away with in one motion. There is no reason to prolong this injustice.

Chapter 16: “In memory of Our God, Our Religion, and Freedom, and Our Peace”

Our Title of Liberty

I chose the title for this book not only because of its symbolism and applicability to our day, but also because of its dramatic 'moment-of-choosing' import. My hope is that everyone who reads it will take an honest look at his or her own convictions and then look to God for the courage to rally around His standard

Saving the Constitution is a spiritual battle

“If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

-Ronald Reagan (at prayer breakfast in Dallas, Texas, August 1984)

With the current assault on the Constitution, marriage, and the family, many are of the opinion that additional constitutional amendments are needed. While I would join in such efforts, I do not believe that passing more amendments will bring the Constitution back from the brink. Through the years we have witnessed the passing of various laws and measures, (e.g. the Defense of Marriage Act of 1995), and while they may slow the assault for the moment, they cannot replace the virtue that should reside in the hearts of the citizens. The just and holy principles of the Constitution rest upon the spiritual and moral character of the people, not the other way around.

Since this constitutional struggle is more spiritual than political, the choices are perhaps better defined not as between parties and programs, but between good and evil, life and death. Our generation's challenge is to combat the indifference and spiritual apathy that has infected much of our land. How are we to

accomplish that goal? I believe that we will need to be actively engaged in being outspoken defenders of the Constitution at every available opportunity. That's exactly what Moroni did when he saw his country's freedom endangered

Our Title of Liberty Moment

Just like Amalickiah's followers, those who wish to destroy the Constitution in our day, upon seeing the forces gathered to defend it, will doubt the justness of their cause and retreat. I believe that the Constitution will be saved in similar fashion. I don't think that necessarily means that we will be a majority, but I share Brigham Young's conviction when he said:

“Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, “The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction.” It will be so.”

Journal of Discourses, Vol.7, p.15, July 4, 1854 (bold, author's)