Just a little quote I found from President Hunter in reference to socialism. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a fan of socialism. For many reasons which I will not go into in THIS post. ;) This quote outlined one of the central arguments to why I am fundamentally opposed to socialism--it takes away freedoms. I agree with his analysis that personal unrighteousness has led toward the trend of socialism. Unfortunately, attempting to correct this personal unrighteousness by taking away freedom is all too familiar a plan. It started with the war in heaven...and it was NOT Heavenly Father's plan....
This quote is taken from over 40 years ago. Still, I find it particularly pertinent during a time where we have a divisive presidential election with two candidates without a whole lot to offer. With one candidate promoting entirely socialist ideals, I will be voting for the strongest opponent to that platform. Many people have mocked my choice to vote for a candidate that I am not thrilled with, as opposed to say, writing myself in, or voting for a third party candidate. But that is what makes a two-party system so great! It gives clear opposition to one platform or "side". There must be opposition in all things and a two party system gives clear opposition to one platform or "side". (P.S. Don't even get me STARTED on the abortion issue...especially after the last Ensign article on this.)
No matter what happens this election, at least I will never be denied my agency!
Enjoy!
Quote: What is the real cause of this trend toward the welfare state, toward more socialism? In the last analysis, in my judgment, it is personal unrighteousness. When people do not use their freedoms responsibly and righteously, they will gradually lose these freedoms. . . .
This quote is taken from over 40 years ago. Still, I find it particularly pertinent during a time where we have a divisive presidential election with two candidates without a whole lot to offer. With one candidate promoting entirely socialist ideals, I will be voting for the strongest opponent to that platform. Many people have mocked my choice to vote for a candidate that I am not thrilled with, as opposed to say, writing myself in, or voting for a third party candidate. But that is what makes a two-party system so great! It gives clear opposition to one platform or "side". There must be opposition in all things and a two party system gives clear opposition to one platform or "side". (P.S. Don't even get me STARTED on the abortion issue...especially after the last Ensign article on this.)
No matter what happens this election, at least I will never be denied my agency!
Enjoy!
Quote: What is the real cause of this trend toward the welfare state, toward more socialism? In the last analysis, in my judgment, it is personal unrighteousness. When people do not use their freedoms responsibly and righteously, they will gradually lose these freedoms. . . .
If man will not recognize the inequalities around him and voluntarily, through the gospel plan, come to the aid of his brother, he will find that through "a democratic process" he will be forced to come to the aid of his brother. The government will take from the "haves" and give to the "have nots." Both have lost their freedom. Those who "have," lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who "have not," lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got "something for nothing," and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift.
Under this climate, people gradually become blind to what has happened and to the vital freedoms which they have lost. (Howard W. Hunter. Speeches of the Year 1965-1966, pp. 1-11, "The Law of the Harvest." Devotional Address, Brigham Young University, 8 March 1966.)
