The smell of politics is in the air, and I am sure many of you are having internal debates about many of the issues that are currently facing our country. With so many different views and counter-views, one can get lost in the logic. So, I thought it would be helpful to contribute a very basic foundation for your political ponderings.
At the basis of America's founding political philosophy you will find such statements as, "all men are created equal," "endowed with certain inalienable rights," and "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These principles, and even some of the language, come from the works of John Locke.
America's founding political philosophy was carried to the forefront by John Locke. Locke was an 18th century British activist and during his time, the British society consisted of the following principles:
1. The sovereignty of Parliment which included a monarch and a government dominated by hereditary inheritances.
2. Unlimited power of government, which creates an absence of accountability
3. Very limited opportunities for commoner to pursue wealth
4. Absence of freedom of speech in any form
Now, contrast that with Locke's idea for an appropriate government:
1. Separation of powers
2. Representative, limited government
3. The right to pursue wealth
4. Freedom of speech and conscience
This is just a basic explanation intended to stimulate discussion on today's political landscape. It is important that we are involved in the arena that determines the landscape of our society.
Take these principles and apply them to the issues you are considering. Also, if you are curious about some of the issues, make it known in the comments. We can open it for discussion.
If you don't know what the issues are, here you go:
Abortion
Budget & Economy
Civil Rights
Corporations
Crime
Drugs
Education
Energy & Oil
Environment
Families & Children
Foreign Policy
Free Trade Government Reform
Gun Control
Health Care
Homeland Security
Immigration
Infrastructure & Technology
Jobs
Principles & Values
Social Security
Tax Reform
War & Peace
Welfare & Poverty
Happy Anniversary
7 years ago
5 comments:
I have a question for everyone. To you, what is the most important issue, and why?
In my opinion, the most important task the government has is the protect it's people to insure our freedoms and liberties and enable us the ability to pursue happiness. As it stands, I hate politics and destain the majority of politicans because they have gotten so far away from what they have been hired/elected to do. It's all about do whatever I need to do to stay in office. On another note; I honestly feel the system has become so corrupt that it makes it nearly impossible for a person with good and honest intentions to succeed in politics. I feel that in order for a person to be considered a success in politics, or be effective they will have to forsake many of the values they may have had. For this reason,I don't think a good member of the church can also be an effective politician. I can't think of very many jobs I consider to be lower than politics.
Here is how Joseph Smith felt about a politician's purpose: "The wisdom which ought to characterize the freest, wisest and most noble nation of the 19th century should, like the sun in its meridian splendor, warm every object beneath its rays. And the main efforts of her officers, who are nothing more nor less than the servants of the people, ought to be directed to ameliorate the condition of all, black or white, bond or free."
And here is what Joseph said he would do if he were elected President: "I would, as the universal friend of man, open the prisons, open the eyes, open the ears, and open the hearts of all people to behold and enjoy freedom, unadulterated freedom; and God, who once cleansed the violence of the earth with flood, whose Son laid down his life for the salvation of all his father gave him out of the world, and who has promised that he will come and purify the world again with fire in the last days, should be supplicated by me for the good of all the people."
On the subject of democracy, Winston Churchill stated, “Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those others that have been tried from time to time.” I have to agree with this thinking. It might not be the best system available, but it surely is the most effective mankind has developed to this day. Do I believe men can govern themselves? Yes but to who’s benefit. As Kevin mentioned politics and politicians often do not base their decisions on values/morals or for the people who elected them, but frequently for special interest groups or for the “most politically correct” decision that will garner the most votes to ensure re-election. This leads me to believe that this statement to also be true, “Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.”
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