So at church I teach the 12-13 year old young men. Today I ended up teaching the 12-18 year olds, and I have to say that they are some rather remarkable young men. Every once in a while I try to avoid teaching using the manual and just try to work off of what the young men actually want to learn about. Today was one of those days.
We started by wanting to learn about “Mammon.” A quick iPhone search revealed what “Mammon” actually means. Since it appears in Matthew 6:24, it’s worth learning about. So we discovered that Mammon actually refers to the personification of greed, or the want of money. The conversation evolved from there. Eventually I got around to talking about Thomas Jefferson noting that I had found an original version of the Declaration of Independence. Next we drew on D&C 101:80:
And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land…
I had never thought of it until I was teaching it, but what does “being raised up” by the Lord look like? That question became the subject of the class from that point forward. We talked about how the prophetic attention, scriptures, and good tutoring through parents, and religious leaders means that they, in their generation, are being raised up for some great thing.
After I asked what more you could want from the young men, one remarked, “I wish I had super powers.” Another remarked how he wanted a better body. A third remarked how he wanted the sealed portions of the Book of Mormon revealed.
1. Super Powers: I had him read D&C 13.
2. Better Body: I had him read D&C 89.
3. I believe the answer to this was intended only for that audience, and will not share it.
I felt as though I was certainly lead by the spirit while teaching. It’s not a testament to any greatness I may have, but the greatness of the young men whom I teach that was illustrated today. I was happy to be a part of it, and I’m happy to share what I know with you.
This article contains a great methodology for understanding gospel truths. This is a very smart scholarly model that can be applied to any subject you want to learn. Enjoy!
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies Annual Dinner Provo, Utah, October 29, 1993
Some who term themselves believing Latter-day Saints are advocating that Latter-day Saints should “abandon claims that [the Book of Mormon] is a historical record of the ancient peoples of the Americas.”1 They are promoting the feasibility of reading and using the Book of Mormon as nothing more than a pious fiction with some valuable contents. These practitioners of so-called “higher criticism” raise the question of whether the Book of Mormon, which our prophets have put forward as the preeminent scripture of this dispensation, is fact or fable—history or just a story.
The historicity—historical authenticity—of the Book of Mormon is an issue so fundamental that it rests first upon faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the first principle in this, as in all other matters. However, on the subject of the historicity of the Book of Mormon, there are many subsidiary issues that could each be the subject of a book. It is not my purpose to comment on any of these lesser issues, either those that are said to confirm the Book of Mormon or those that are said to disprove it.
Those lesser issues are worthy of attention. In an earlier address to this group, Elder Neal A. Maxwell quoted Austin Farrer’s explanation:
Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish. (Austin Farrer on C. S. Lewis.)
In these remarks I will seek to use rational argument, but I will not rely on any proofs. I will approach the question of the historicity of the Book of Mormon from the standpoint of faith and revelation. I maintain that the issue of the historicity of the Book of Mormon is basically a difference between those who rely exclusively on scholarship and those who rely on a combination of scholarship, faith, and revelation. Those who rely exclusively on scholarship reject revelation and fulfill Nephi’s prophecy that in the last days men “shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance” (2 Ne. 28:4). The practitioners of that approach typically focus on a limited number of issues, like geography or “horses” or angelic delivery or nineteenth century language patterns. They ignore or gloss over the incredible complexity of the Book of Mormon record. Those who rely on scholarship, faith, and revelation are willing to look at the entire spectrum of issues, content as well as vocabulary, revelation as well as excavation.
Speaking for a moment as one whose profession is advocacy, I suggest that if one is willing to acknowledge the importance of faith and the reality of a realm beyond human understanding, the case for the Book of Mormon is the stronger case to argue. The case against the historicity of the Book of Mormon has to prove a negative. You don’t prove a negative by prevailing on one debater’s point or by establishing some subsidiary arguments.
For me, this obvious insight goes back over forty years to the first class I took in the Book of Mormon at BYU. The class was titled, somewhat boldly, the “Archaeology of the Book of Mormon.” In retrospect, I think it should have been labelled something like “An Anthropologist Looks at a Few Subjects of Interest to Readers of the Book of Mormon.” Here I was introduced to the idea that the Book of Mormon is not a history of all of the people who have lived on the continents of North and South America in all ages of the earth. Up to that time, I had assumed that it was. If that were the claim of the Book of Mormon, any piece of historical, archaeological, or linguistic evidence to the contrary would weigh in against the Book of Mormon, and those who rely exclusively on scholarship would have a promising position to argue.
In contrast, if the Book of Mormon only purports to be an account of a few peoples who inhabited a portion of the Americas during a few millennia in the past, the burden of argument changes drastically. It is no longer a question of all versus none; it is a question of some versus none. In other words, in the circumstance I describe, the opponents of historicity must prove that the Book of Mormon has no historical validity for any peoples who lived in the Americas in a particular time frame, a notoriously difficult exercise. You do not prevail on that proposition by proving that a particular eskimo culture represents migrations from Asia. The opponents of the historicity of the Book of Mormon must prove that the people whose religious life it records did not live anywhere in the Americas.
Another way of explaining the strength of the positive position on the historicity of the Book of Mormon is to point out that we who are its proponents are content with a standoff on this question. Honest investigators will conclude that there are so many evidences that the Book of Mormon is an ancient text that they cannot confidently resolve the question against its authenticity, despite some unanswered questions that seem to support the negative determination. In that circumstance, the proponents of the Book of Mormon can settle for a draw or a hung jury on the question of historicity and take a continuance until the controversy can be retried in another forum.
What to write about? What part of my cognizance is worth sharing? I’m not really sure, so this may amount to no more than random thoughts.
I’ve got ideas. I’ve been comparing Alma 53 to Jihadist documents, especially the one released this week by the 9/11 conspirators in GITMO. The Book of Mormon has some magnificent parallels. These are best saved for later.
At times like this when my head is swimming for a direction, I’ve often found myself bearing my testimony. So tonight, if you’re reading, I’d love to share some small part of things with you.
Sunday night is the “big toe” of the week. Here’s what my Sunday Night looks like. Right now I’m staring at the computer, but I haven’t been doing so much of that lately. The weather’s gotten warmer and the kids and I have been spending time together doing things. It’s just “stuff” but it’s time together. A month ago I went to an LT’s luncheon where we sit down with our Battalion Commander, a LTC who has worked before with my dad (years ago). He’s a good man. Each month the LT’s take turns preparing the topic of discussion.
I volunteered last month to lead this month’s class. I asked if I could discuss Islamic Jihad. Considering the open declarations of war justified by various believers in Islam resulting in the WTC bombings on 9/11 numerous attacks on soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan all of which culminate to over 12,000 attacks since 9/11.
Yeah, so I thought I was good with this topic. It’s relivant to those of us in uniform and it’s something I’ve done a lot of reading about. A week before I was going to present what I’d found the topic got nixed. I was told it wasn’t the right setting to present this material. It’s true. It’s not my LT session, it’s the LTCs. So I had to switch gears. I was really stuck, and couldn’t think of anything.
About last weekend I chose to talk about communicaiton using Fisher and Ury’s “Getting to Yes.” I’ve been walking on some thin ice at work. They’re getting used to me. I’m getting used to this new environment. It’s the usual growing pains in a new place. I didn’t want to screw up this training. Wednesday night I didn’t have any idea how to apply the material. I was at the church with Chrissy. It was YM/YW night. I asked the bishop for a priesthood blessing.
Friday morning I had scheduled time to prep the class. I knew the book’s points, but I didn’t know how to make them work in the military. Somehow Friday morning it clicked. The class was at noon. It didn’t go exactly the way I’d planned, but I’d say it turned out better than planned. I didn’t try to be the guy with all the answers. Instead I ended up learning more than probably anyone else in the group. Priesthood blessings really do work. God really does hear his children.
So there’s still the threat of Islamic Jihad. There’s still immorality abounding. I still feel betrayed. Then the scriptures come into play. Perfect love casts out all fear–if you make room for it. I’ve been making more and more room for the things of God in my life. At first there’s a void, then it gets filled, then you move on.
I don’t know if you can tell how really concerned I’ve been feeling for these things in the news, and the things that aren’t in the news. I mean really we’ve got a President who’s birth certificate is being contested in court! These things matter, but they’ve happened before. They’ll happen again. This is the time for my generation to address these issues. Let’s see how we do. I’ve got good reason to hope for tomorrow being better than today. Let me list a few:
The Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are in full operation around the world.
The Book of Mormon is True
The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth
A friend of mine from Simsbury High School wrote on her facebook wall that one of her kids was sick. This started a whole lot of folks praying, and now her son’s doing much much better. God answers prayers irregardless of what church we go to! That’s huge.
Miracles are everywhere
“Our Mr Sun” a documentary about the science of the sun that includes religious references is able to be downloaded and watched. Previous generations left us lots of good things to use today.
The list contiues… but not here–just not enough room.
When you want to blow your nose you reach for a kleenex. When you want to keep something cold you put it in the fridge. In Canada they call their couches “Chesterfields.” Brand names have somehow made their way into being common household names. Irregardless of politics or persuasions my children will bear my name. It may not be as well known as “kleenex” but where it is known it should be known for good. I’ve been, and need to continue, placing effort into securing that the name I give them is a good one.
If you’ve got a media player like VLC installd and would like to download the videos to watch on your computer with out the internet click on the links below.
SALT LAKE CITY9 March 2009 Like other large faith groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes finds itself on the receiving end of attention from Hollywood or Broadway, television series or books, and the news media. Sometimes depictions of the Church and its people are quite accurate. Sometimes the images are false or play to stereotypes. Occasionally, they are in appallingly bad taste.
As Catholics, Jews and Muslims have known for centuries, such attention is inevitable once an institution or faith group reaches a size or prominence sufficient to attract notice. Yet Latter-day Saints – sometimes known as Mormons – still wonder whether and how they should respond when news or entertainment media insensitively trivialize or misrepresent sacred beliefs or practices.
Church members are about to face that question again. Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.
Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. Last week some Church members began e-mail chains calling for cancellations of subscriptions to AOL, which, like HBO, is owned by Time Warner. Certainly such a boycott by hundreds of thousands of computer-savvy Latter-day Saints could have an economic impact on the company. Individual Latter-day Saints have the right to take such actions if they choose.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end would increase audiences for the series. As Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Robert D. Hales of the Council of the Twelve Apostles have both said recently, when expressing themselves in the public arena, Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness.
Not only is this the model that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated in his own life, but it also reflects the reality of the strength and maturity of Church members today. As someone recently said, “This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church.
Examples:
During the Mitt Romney election campaign for the presidency of the United States, commentator Lawrence O’Donnell hurled abuse at the Church in a television moment that became known among many Church members as “the O’Donnell rant.” Today, his statements are remembered only as a testament to intolerance and ignorance. They had no effect on the Church that can be measured.
When the comedy writers for South Park produced a gross portrayal of Church history, individual Church members no doubt felt uncomfortable. But once again it inflicted no perceptible or lasting damage to a church that is growing by at least a quarter of a million new members every year.
When an independent film company produced a grossly distorted version of the Mountain Meadows Massacre two years ago, the Church ignored it. Perhaps partly as a result of that refusal to engender the controversy that the producers hoped for, the movie flopped at the box office and lost millions.
In recent months, some gay activists have barraged the media with accusations about “hateful” attitudes of Latter-day Saints in supporting Proposition 8 in California, which maintained the traditional definition of marriage. They even organized a protest march around the Salt Lake Temple. Again, the Church has refused to be goaded into a Mormons versus gays battle and has simply stated its position in tones that are reasonable and respectful. Meanwhile, missionary work and Church members in California remain as robust and vibrant as ever, and support for the Church has come from many unexpected quarters — including some former critics and other churches.
Now comes another series of Big Love, and despite earlier assurances from HBO it once again blurs the distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the show’s fictional non-Mormon characters and their practices. Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints.
If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Nearly nine years ago my wife and I were married in the LDS Temple in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. The ceremony was simple, and bound us together for time and all eternity. Close friends and family were invited, and it was an exciting, beautiful, and spiritual time. What a great way to start off our marriage!
In the nine years since. Lots of things have happened. Chrissy and I have welcomed our children, moved four times, and survived two deployments. There have been times when all the hope I’ve been able to stand on was the sacred promise of that ceremony. The details are sacred. The results are real.
HBO’s show “Big Love” now plans on airing sacred parts of the temple ceremony as part of its programming. I would encourage all who read this to voice their opinion in protest. Things this sacred are meant to be carried in your heart, not over cable TV.
I have been voraciously consuming the news recently. Unfortunately it’s in my best interests to limit my opinion to less than the internet. It’s a terrible time to be silent by the necessity of needing to take care of my children’s future. Further commentary could be incriminating, and if there is anyone that considers me a “good man” is disappointed by this, might I encourage you to put the effort necessity determines that I cannot.
There are some things that I can do, and I will do them. But you are likely not to see them on this blog.
I am in transition from being a producer/consumer to being a consumer only. Let me share with you a few items I consider worthy of consumption. I will offer no commentary.
Ok so the people we’ve chosen to represent us have gone into their concrete and marble building to debate about how much money our grandchildren are going to have to pay. Yeah, I should probably have a blog category for “rants” this might end up on that list.
I’m still miffed. I’m sure I’m not the only one, but let’s see if we can put a new spin on this.
What’s going to pull America out of the thing it’s in? We still dont know as a nation where the bottom is yet. There seems to be no ground for people to stand on. America wants a rock–a sure footing. Why not go back to the rock our country has always relied upon–each other.
The wars our nation has won has been because of the resolve of its citizens. Why can’t we use that resolve now? Our President rallied the population to mobilize for his campaign. Why can’t he put that much effort into getting us to mobilize for one another?
I can’t believe that no one has thought of this yet. Why are we asking our large, sluggish, and inefficient government to help out our neighbours? Why can’t we just save us all… let’s say something close to a trillion freakin’ dollars, and get up off our butts and go help out the guy next door?
Oh yeah, that’s right. America is a nation of placated drones who believe their purpose in life is to be entertained instead of being industrious. If you’re one of the hard-working, politically cognizant, socially concious individuals then this last statement doesn’t apply.
So a trillion dollars seems like a lot of money right? Well, there are economists and politicans who argue that it’s not enough. That this is just the beginning. They’re probably right.
We can do more. I refuse to believe that our government can put a price-tag on our compassion. Our resolve doesn’t have a dollar sign. America’s capacity of compassion towards one another goes beyond a trillion dollars. The problem is mobilization. I agree in part with Seator Graham, our President’s abilities aren’t best spent motivating the congress, they’re best spent motivating the people.
Mr. President, I’m ready. I listened to your campaigning and looked for ways I could help out others. I’m doing that. Help me get my neighbors going. The American People react faster than our American Government. Stop telling us to support our representatives, and tell us how we can support one another. They key to this crisis isn’t economics, it’s each other.
Honeymoons always end. Just as Kim Posner Wilcox, who was married just a few weeks ago, and now finds herself in basic training. When a honeymoon is over it’s generally because it’s a time to move on. It’s a time in life that can never be recreated, and is always looked to with fondness.
In the aftermath of 9/11 there was a lot of uncertainty. Just how would our governement react? When would airlines be able to fly again? Was this Amtrack’s big chance to get viable?
Do you remember how you felt? I was in uniform our plans changed rather quickly. Our normal day-to-day life now meant we were providing for security, because there was a lack of it on our base in Germany. This meant long days in all kinds of weather. It also meant a “rules of engagement” that was not very helpful–but we’ll talk abou that later.
There was a lot of uncertainty in our government as well. You’ll recall that prior to addressing our nation President Bush met with members of several religions, including President Gordon B. Hinckley. Among those meeting with the president was a muslim man. While he was in Washington the FBI was knocking at his door. “Sermons” he had given recently called for violence against the United States, and the FBI was investigating all possible sources for the attacks in New York. You could imagine what the agents thought when his wife informed them that her husband was meeting with the president (see Islam Unveiled by Robert Spencer).
The Bush administration was in a bind. They could not wage a war against every Islamic nation in the world. So, they reduced their rhetoric, told Americans that “Islam is a religion of peace” and that they were only concerned about the “Axis of Evil.” Yeah, that would work except why were the terrorists wearing their religion on their sleaves saying that their actions were justified by their holy book? It didn’t make sense, and it didn’t matter what the terrorists felt their motives were. Once the administration had committed itself to the “Religion of Peace” they couldn’t turn on what they had said.
So now we were stuck being told that a peaceful religion had a book that condones it’s followers to beat their wives (sura 4:34), strike terror (sura 8:60), roast us in a fire (sura 4:56), and of course the call to smite at the necks of unbelievers (sura 47:4). Yeah, some religion of peace eh? The rhetoric of peace has kept the American public pacified and ignorant. It’s also set an important legal precedent in the world. Anyone who disagress that “Islam is a religion of peace” disagrees with the President of the United States right? That’s why for years a group called CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations has been working closely with our government to ensure we were just targeting muslims because of their faith. Because, after all, their faith is one of “peace.”
This group has had nearly unfettered access to the FBI, Congress, and the Oval Office. CNN seems to have a direct line to their organization. Well, the honeymoon is over for CAIR. It’s been known for years that they’ve had ties with Iran, Hamas, and other organizations. Finally the FBI closed the doors to members of CAIR. They don’t have their unlimited access any more! I wonder how many millions of us dollars they sent to terrorist organizations before someone at the FBI finally made the decision. Yeah, our government is slow. I would have stopped at the first dollar.
Now, on top of that members of congress are catching on. There’s at least five of them that ought to be re-elected just for calling B.S. to the whole organization.
This good news has some rather ominous overtones. What does it mean for the administration if, while they’re trying to court the islamic population of the world, it is at odds now with the FBI and the legislative branch of our government? It may be the most powerful office in the world, but when it represents a less cohesive government it is less effective.
I’m happy to say that I have no ill feelings towards my fellow human beings who are muslim. I’m happy to learn to forgive even in the face of such atrocities as the 9/11 attacks. At the risk of my job, my freedom, and everything I hold dear, I am proud to say that I am an American, and I am an enemy to Islam. It seems like such a bold move, but it’s not so hard to say when you realize that their doctrine supports lying to and killing Christians. I don’t know how you can be a citizen of this country and follow that faith. Under islamic law women’s testimonies in court, and while voting, are only worth 1/2 of a man’s.
I be you didn’t wake up this morning and think “wow, I’m going to become an enemy to islam.” Well, if 9/11 didnt teach you that you were an enemy to Islam, maybe this blog post will. Oh and guess, what? CAIR isn’t going to come after me for saying so anymore!
Shortly after watching the September 11th terrorist attacks I had an idea. I thought it was a good one. I felt that cogress should pass a resolution encouraging Americans to participate in a national day of fastig each year on September 11th. Those who chose to participate would then take the money they would have spent on food, or the cans of food themselves, and donate them to a charity of their choice.
It’s personal, it’s progressive, and I never even got a response from anyone in congress when I proposed the idea. Go figure.
Those of you familiar with the LDS religion will note that this is very similar to practices at church… Yeah, that’s where I got the idea. Rumor also has it that a similar program was used to help Germany out of the Great Depression.
Humanity needs to move forward. Our generation will build memorials for those who have fallen. If we visit those sites we can teach are children the significance of those events. To compliment all of that here’s an idea to memorialize those who have passed on, and to build a legacy that does something positive in the world.
I’ve created a group on facebook for this purpose and would encourage everyone who participates in social networking to join on that site. If you don’t comment your commitment below. Doing so will allow me to send you an email reminder as the date draws closer. In any case, it’ll be 8 years come September. Our American memory is short, and our sympathies desensatized. Please join me to do something to move humanity forward.
There are those who believe that our Republic is in a greater crisis than ever before in its history. They believe that between ongoing military campaigns, the economic struggles, and the idealogical struggle against terrorist jihad (which is sanctioned by religious doctrine) our nation is in great peril. I have listened as some have remarked that the general American public is merely a bunch of drones working out their lives. It is true our society & media seems to favour education that helps the population make money only so they can spend it before they have it.
There is certainly much to be criticized and concerned about in our day.
It’s odd, a few weeks ago Chrissy and I were discussing inflation & food storage. It started with the idea: How much will our grocery budget change when we have to pay $10 for a gallon of milk? It’s not a pleasant thought, nor at this time of having three children in the home do we feel prepared to deal with such circumstances. Inflation is a concern of several economists. There are those who are extremely polarized who believe that the US may see a form of hyperinflation the likes of which no nation has before seen.
I’m no doom-sayer, but I do know that I have a job which is not as succeptable to the turbulant waves of economic discord as others in my family. I’ve even slighly played out the scenario where the month Chrissy and I get out of debt (oh yeah, BTW we’ve been told by the media that it’s our fault the economy is tanking–cause we’re saving instead of spending) we have to financially assist those in the family who are having trouble making ends meet. I’m concerned that our small income, combined with some form of inflation, in conjunction with our foodstorage, will only be enough for our family and I may not have any left to help. You all know me, I’ll find other ways to help somehow, and let’s hope that day never comes. But I play out the scenario anyway because the Church’s welfare system can’t sustain its entire membership, and tough times will require family involvement before they require the Church’s help.
I was sitting across the table from a man last night who was discussing the grievances outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Among the many accusations outlined against King George is this one: “For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent.” This grievance was often popularized by the slogan of “No Taxation Without Representation.”
Ok, now here, Let me introduce you to some folks: These are my children. Their names are Eliza, Daniel, and Rainey. Their ages are 7, 3, and 2, respectively. Every dime and dollar of bailout money and stimulus package is a tax they will have to pay in their future. If this democracy endures long enough for them to vote then they will shoulder the economic fallout of this generation’s spending.
Our representative government appears less and less to represent who I am: a father concerned for the future of his children.
I’m reminded of a section of Thomas Paine’s great document, “The Crisis“ while describing a Tori in his day he remarked: a noted one, who kept a tavern at Amboy, was standing at his door, with as pretty a child in his hand, about eight or nine years old, as I ever saw, and after speaking his mind as freely as he thought was prudent, finished with this unfatherly expression, “Well! give me peace in my day.” Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place, and a generous parent should have said, “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace;” and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to duty. Not a place upon earth might be so happy as America. Her situation is remote from all the wrangling world, and she has nothing to do but to trade with them. A man can distinguish himself between temper and principle, and I am as confident, as I am that God governs the world, that America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion. Wars, without ceasing, will break out till that period arrives, and the continent must in the end be conqueror; for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.
I probably quoted too much here. But no one talks like this on the news, in our congress, and rarely in our conversations. I find it refreshing.I have several times made remarks of this sentiment. It’s one of the ways I justify being in the military.
Maybe I should stop watching the news. After all when I drive to work it’s hard to see that there is potential for the economic, idealistic, and physical worlds to come crumbling down upon me. It just looks like gray winter skies, and highway. Or maybe we ought to stop letting our politicians label us, and our children as “The Silent Majority” (thank you Richard Nixon). Maybe somewhere someone will get these folks organized in some way so congress will pay attention. In the meantime I’m working on a letter it goes something like this:
Dear Sir/Madam:
Thank you for taxing the future income of my children and unborn grandchildren. I appreciate that half of the $700 billion is gone without any oversight. If I were that sloppy with my money I wouldn’t have food on the table. It’s nice to know we have more compassion for corporations than we do our citizens.
Were you aware of how much money you allocated without consulting any expert witnesses? Let’s put this into perspective. Line up a bunch of $100 bills and start putting them across America. At it’s widest point you’d be able to cross the country twice with the money you alloted. Oh, and did you know that if you actually had to “print” that money it would take your presses 5 years printing only $100 bills (your largest denomination) working 24/7?
Maybe this is all my fault. After all you might argue that I only participate in this demoncracy every November when I get to vote, and that I’m silent the rest of the year. For this I’d like to apologize, but I figured wearing a uniform with an American flag on it for the past 11 years was participating in deomocracy. If my country now requires that I not only spend long hours defending its freedom, but have to influence its politics, and raise my children, then I’d like you to propose legislation to change the number of hours in the day. I’ll need about 32.
If legislation to change the hours of the day is impractical than please consider acting as a representative of me, my children, my grandchildren, and every generation that follows. I know when I cast my vote that’s who I’m representing. I thought I made a good choice. Please prove me right.
Thank you for your time.
-Jacob Roecker
So what’s next? Well, if you’ve got it in mind to do something about this issue, help get people mobilized. Take this same idea of “Taxation without representation” and make some noise. Link to this blog, cut and paste the entire thing and email it around, DO something. Otherwise our nonrepresentative government will label us the Silent Majority and tell us what we’re thinking.
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This article contains a great methodology for understanding gospel truths. This is a very smart scholarly model that can be applied to any subject you want to learn. Enjoy!
