Thomas Jefferson Quote on Lawyers

"I should apologize, perhaps, for the style of this bill. I dislike the verbose and intricate style of the English statutes... You, however, can easily correct the bill to the taste of my brother lawyers by making every other word a "said" or "aforesaid",and saying everything over two or three times, so that nobody but we of the craft can untwist the diction and find out what it means; and that, too, not so plainly but that we may conscientiously devide, one half on each side."

-Thomas Jefferson, The Real Thomas Jefferson

This quote makes me think of the 2,000 + page health care bill, and the fact that no one but a lawyer could understand it.

Pearl Harbor

Today is the 68th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Empire. Some were in Idaho during that time there was a young man who's life changed as did many others throughout the United States. Because of this attack, my grandpa fought in the biggest war in world history. This attack effected everything about the United States. War was declared on the Empire of Japan and in turn Germany declared war on the U.S. America had to stretch its military forces on both sides for protection. Millions died in this war where young men were sent to fight for their country. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941 changed the lives of many including that of my grandpa's.

Obama's Afghan Decision

Wyoming Aunt and I had a conversation this evening about the way the United States is fighting the war in Afghanistan. Because Wyoming Aunt isn't going to blog about political type things, I will blog about some of the things we talked about.

President Obama finally made a decision on Afghanistan, but it wasn't a good one. Our president choose to make America's presence in Afghanistan similar to that of the Vietnam War. He will send more troops to fight, but in eighteen months they will be slowly pulled out. Neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives of this country should be happy with this decision. Soldiers in Afghanistan now have no real reason to be there. They will sacrifice their lives and die just to be pulled out in less than a year and only to allow Afghanistan to return to its previous chaos. President Obama would have made a better decision by either completely pulling American soldiers out or leaving them their to go and finish what was started. Instead Obama choose to allow soldiers to die for no real purpose. If I were a soldier at this time I would feel very resentful of the way politicians choose to use my patriotism.

What Is This World Coming To?

I just recently read on Fox News the story of three Navy Seals being charged with crimes against one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq. This terrorist is the one who was behind the brutal killings of four American Blackwater security guards. The three Seals are being charged with assault because one of them punched this killer in the face. I don't know about you, but I am surprised that a punch in the mouth is all this terrorist got. This world has come to the point were terrorists get off the hook while Americans, who did their duty in protection of their country, are punished.

"Sustain the Constitution"

"Sustain the constitution of the United States. The Lord himself has said that he raised up the very men who prepared it to the end that it might be an example to all the world. Do you beleive it? If you do then sustain it and don't let your voice be among those that shall deride and break down the things that are so important for us." -Elder George Albert Smith, 1935



Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should be the first ones to stand up for the Constitution of the United States. You look at Harry Reid, who claims to be a LDS church member and you don't see him standing up for the Constitution. The Constitution is important to us, as members of the LDS church. Without it's great principles the LDS church and many other churches would not be allowed to practice what they believe and hold their meetings.

The fact that the Constitution was prepared by God to make this nation an example to the world is amazing. When people in this country are ashamed to be an American because other countries don't like us they don't realize that those countries are corrupt and sorrowful. Many of those Anti-American countries have communist, socialist, and opressive government systems. Those ashamed Americans don't realize that the rest of the world doesn't have even close to the values and privileges that the average American has under the Constitution.

Member's of this country and more specifically those Americans who are representatives of Jesus Christ, belonging to his church, should stand for the Constitution and its foreordained principles.

Presidential Priorities

I wonder were President Obama's priorities lie when it comes to Americans. It seems to me that with his slowness in deciding whether or not to send more troops to Afghanistan, he would have more important things to do. Ohh! Maybe he could visit a bunch of Asian countries while throwing important issues dealing with Americans on the back-burner. I would think that the President of the United States of America would be more concerned about the safety of Americans than a tour of communist China. In fact I often wonder when the president isn't speaking somewere or on some type of a tour.

Veteran's Day

My grandpa was a veteran of World War Two. He volunteered for the army after returning prematurely from technical school. He figured that he wouldn't be able to get home sick in the army, so he decided to join on March 3, 1942. For some reason or another he choose to join the tank core. That decision may have saved his life. He was placed with the 77th division of the United States Army Reserve. His division was based out of New York City and was a very famous division in World War One for it's "Lost Battalion". He left the states and was sent to Hawaii were he trained and waited for deployment into battle. My grandpa fought in the Philippines, Guam, and Okinawa. He had many experiences were his life was spared and many that were too horrible to forget. He received two Purple Hearts, one for being wounded while on a troopship when a suicide Japanese submarine hit the ship and the other was during the battles on Okinawa.

Once the war was over he came back to the states married my grandma and had five kids one of which is my dad. He worked as a rancher for the remainder of his life and was always involved in politics.

To me my grandpa is a hero. Not because he earned metals, but because of the fact that he sacrificed time, pleasures, and risked his life in the service of his country. I am grateful for all of the veterans and those now serving to protect our country. I hope that we as citizens will make the United States worth fighting for just as it was when my grandpa served his country.

What is the Cornerstone of America's Society?

“The family has always been the cornerstone of American society. Our families nurture, preserve and pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish,values that are the foundation for our freedoms.”- Ronald Reagan

This sounds very similar to the Proclamation to the World. Not having good families that teach values influences societies towards problems. If the United States had better families and supported them, we would be in a better situation than we are today.

Oops! That Peice of History Might Be Important in Our Day

I was reading in my history textbook just for fun and looking at the chapters when I noticed that we skipped talking about something that shouldn't be skipped. We have just recently finished learning about American Imperialism, the Panama Canal, the Spanish-American War, and Theodore Roosevelt. The only things taught to us about Teddy Roosevelt was his involvement in the Spanish-American War, the building of the Panama Canal, and the tour of America's "Great White Fleet" across the world. If you haven't guessed yet, the chapter we skipped or more importantly the subject we skipped was American Progressivism. My teacher has been a great history teacher other than this recent skip of American history. I don't really know why we skipped Progressivism but, it would seem to me that this subject would be good to learn about, seeing as many politicians, government acts, and problems in this country recently have been to Progressive. I guess I will have to read that chapter on my own.

"The nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest." -George Washington

Four Pillars of Our Constitution

The Constitution of the United States has certain things that are fundamental to understand.

The first of these is that our Constitution recognizes natural laws or those laws that are given by God to establish order. From this come "unalienable rights" such as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" found in the Declaration of Independence.

The Second pillar is that our Constitution is based off the principle that the nation's people must be moral and righteous, as many Founding Father's have stated.

The third principle foundation is that under our Constitution the people are the true rulers. George Washington said, "The power under the Constitution will always be in the people."

Last of all the Constitution was built to run with a free-market government and allowing for private property. Citizens of the United States can work for property, riches, whatever they want. Under the Constitution people earn what they earn and if they own something it is theirs.

These principles seem to be disappearing in today's country. Yet, our country was based on a Constitution that supports these principles. I would add that citizens of the United States need to support the Constitution. After all it would be in their best interest to follow its principles.

"The natural cure for an ill-administration, in a popular or representative constitution, is a change of men." -Alexander Hamilton

Constitution Quotes

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." -Benjamin Franklin

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supporters." -George Washington

If the United States would follow these truths today this nation would be a lot better off. Our leaders and citizens need to understand that if we would all just follow the Constitution we would not be dealing with as many problems in our society.

I Had to Get One for Myself

I know that my dad got a copy for his birthday and that I could read it anytime I wanted once he was finished, but I just had to get my own copy. I was looking through my dad's copy and loved the great way this book shows you how to tell your idiot acquaintances what's what. The chapters range from Universal Health Care to The Second Amendment. I especially like all of the little comics, charts, and quotes that are dispersed throughout the book. So a week ago I ordered a copy of Arguing With Idiots by Glenn Beck and got it yesterday.

As For Me, Give Me Liberty

"...Why stand we here idle?...Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -Patrick Henry

What great words taken from a time were liberty was being threatened. This quote gives me a firmer desire to stand for truth and support our U. S. Constitution. In a time were everything from the organization of the family to the Constitution of the United States is under threat, there needs to be more people who are as bold as Patrick Henry and will stand for Truth no matter what direction others choose to go. I know there are many people out there like this. One who comes to my mind would be Glenn Beck. He could be considered a modern day Patrick Henry in my opinion. I hope that throughout my own lifetime I will be able to stand for Truth and Liberty no matter what the worldly consequences.

Feel the Difference?

I just read one great article about what Elder Oaks said about Freedom of Religion being under attack. I found what Elder Oaks said to be perfectly true. You can read it at: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705336506/Freedom-of-religion-under-attack.html

Next I read an article about a meeting Harry Reid had with a gay-rights activist group. What he said was absolutley amazing to me how weak of a man he is. It's an embarasment that Harry Reid claims to be a member of this church. You can read the article it at: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705336536/Reid-criticizes-LDS-Church-on-Prop-8.html


You tell me which one stands for truth.

"I hope this is the dark part of the night, which is generally just before day."

-General Nathanael Greene (From David McCullough's book 1776)

Lets Pause For This One

The bailout which has placed this country in dept for years, the takeover off GM, and the rush to throw a health care bill together are all things this administration pushed through just as fast as they possibly could. But wait, the General in charge of Iraq needs more troops. We'll have to think about that one. This decision may take a while to figure out.

I can't believe that after all the extremely important decisions that have been thrown together during a late night, that the one dealing with American lives gets placed on the back-burner of the Executive stove.

Nobel Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize is no longer Credible.

Dad's Birthday in History

Happy Birthday Dad!
Here are a few historic and trivia facts about the year 1962.

Prophet: David O. McKay

President of the United States: John F. Kennedy

Major historic events: Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962

World Dictators: Fidel Castro, Nikita Khrushchev

Number one Songs in the U. S. : The Lion Sleeps Tonight-The Tokens/I Can't Stop Loving You-Ray Charles

Cars: 1962 Austin Martin/1962 Chevy Impala/1962 Ford Thunderbird/1962 Dodge Dart

Accountablity and Responsibility

In General Conference over the weekend Elder Quentin L. Cook talked of the loss of accountability and self-responsibility in the world. I have that this is very true and in this country today there are many people who do not take responsibility for their actions and words. Just look at the government and the problems it has with placing blame on others. No one will say I did it. I caused the problem. No one will take responsibility for what they do.

Many people in this country, on an individual basis, need to take responsibility for their actions. That is just common sense. If you do something wrong you try to make amends. You don't blame it on your neighbor.

In this country and throughout the world things would work out a lot better if individuals took more responsibility for their actions and stopped blaming those who are not responsible. In the end God will hold us all accountable for our actions.

M3 Grease Gun

Here is another weapon having to do with Grandpa Alf. It is the M3 Submachine Gun which is nicknamed the "grease gun". Grandpa would most likely have used one of these in World War Two. This cool looking gun fires .45 caliber bullets which are the same as those used in a Colt M1911 automatic pistol. Here is just another tool that was used by Grandpa Alf during World War Two in defense of our country.

M4 Sherman Tank

This is an M4 Sherman Tank used in World War Two. My Grandpa was a driver for one of these in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. The tank had a crew of five which consisted of a commander, gunner, loader, driver, and co-driver. My Grandpa was about 6'2" tall and I am very surprised that he was able to fit in one of these tanks. There were more than 50,000 of these made for WWII. The Sherman Tank had a 75mm gun and many times a flame-thrower as well. This tank showed up as number 10 on a Military Channel List, but I still find it interesting because of the amount produced. Most of all I find interest in this tank because my grandpa drove one when he served in World War Two.

The Truth to our Problems

Heaven hath decreed that tottering empire Britain to irretrievable ruin and thanks to God, since Providence hath so determined, America must raise an empire of permanent duration, supported upon the grand pillars of Truth, Freedom, and Religion, encouraged by the smiles of Justice and defended by her own patriotic
sons. -Nathanael Greene (1776 by David McCullough)

I think this quote is great at stating three building blocks of America: Truth, Freedom, and Religion. Today I listened to Glenn Beck and he talked about how the problem with America today is not necessarily with parties blaming each other for problems. He said it is because there are to many people who are godless and evil. He asked Americans to get back to believing in God and he said no matter what religion you belong, it needs to be one that doesn't hate others or desires to do evil to fellow men.

Great Scripture

This scripture was part of the Dedicatory Prayer of the Kirtland Temple. I think this is what we should also be praying about in our day.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:54-
Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever.

It is amazing to think that this was revealed to Joseph Smith in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, at a time when the saints were being persecuted by Americans and unaided by the executers of the Constitution.

America, Don't Strike Out

"Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions." Ulysses S. Grant

We know from the scriptures that this is true. Nations are righteous, began to prosper, and then they are destroyed allowing other nations to have there turn. Many nations and empires have fallen to destruction in this world. Let us hope and do the best that we can to prevent a similar thing from happening to America.

Praise by a Communist

That admission of America's past errors "was without a doubt a brave gesture," Castro wrote.

"It would only be fair to recognize that no other United States president would have had the courage to say what he said," the former Cuban leader said.

These are a few praises from Fidel Castro to our president. You know you are doing well as a president of our country when an ex-communist leader gives you praise. Shouldn't we all be so proud?

Where in History Would You Liked to Have Been?

I have just been thinking about places in history I would have liked to been and people I would like to meet. Other than the most important one of being around when Christ walked the earth, I would choose a few others.

1. The Composing and Signing of The Declaration of Independence- To sit in the room when the First Continental Congress decided to declare Independence from Great Britain, to meet John Adams, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and watch as Thomas Jefferson penned the lines, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.", would have been absolutely humbling and reverent.

2. The Defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown-It would have been astounding to meet George Washington and see the British Army surrounded by those fighting for liberty and the joy on the faces of colonists who had finally gained Independence after losing wives, sons, brothers, property, and best friends.

3. To Be With Alf Sorenson in World War Two- I would be greatly appreciative to meet my Grandpa Alf when he was fighting for his country and freedom. To see the horrible things he as well as many others had to go through to protect my freedom and rights. Last of all to be there when he heard of the news that Japan had surrendered and to see the joy of ending a conflict with evil.

These are three places in history I would have enjoyed seeing. Where would you have been?

Sam Adams Quote

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." Samuel Adams

Righteousness Requires Freedom

"America was discovered, colonized, and made into a great nation so that
the Lord would have a proper place both to restore the gospel and from which to send it forth to all other nations. as a prelude to his coming, and so the promised work of restoration would roll forward, the foundations of the American nation were laid." -Bruce R. McConkie

I think the formation of America by farmers, craftsmen, and plantation owners would have been impossible without God helping them defeat the world's most superior military force of the time. God had reasons for helping America come into existence. Freedom from tyranny, allowing personal rights, and especially the freedom of religion were all created as an essential for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to come about and spread to all the world.

It is no coincidence that many principles of the gospel parallel those found in The Constitution. Agency is one of the largest gospel principals I can think of that coincide with The Constitution as well as others. I think that to be a member of this church you have to be a follower of The Constitution.

In Captain Moroni's time there was cause to stand for freedom. When Amalickiah conspired to be king, Moroni rallied his people around the title of liberty "...In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children..." Alma 46:12.

I would think that all true followers of Christ would desire to maintain the freedom and the Constitution of the United States, with all their hearts.

Truth From Another Founding Father

"We are right to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties." -James Madison

This is an excellent quote for our day.

Remember September 11, 2001

Eight years ago people in the United States were attacked on their own soil by terrorists. Three-thousand and seventeen people died from the suicide attacks, while more than six-thousand people were injured. As the world watched the planes collide and the towers fall they had to have felt the threat to freedom and safety in the United States. A terrorist group had gone into America, our country and killed thousands of people. Whether Republican or Democrat, black or white, and everything in between on September 11, 2001 we were all Americans. People put division behind them and mourned over those Americans lost at the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Today, more than ever in this country, we need that same feeling of unity in a time were freedom is being infringed upon in a more subtle way.

Quarreling Reveals Cowards

"A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit." Thomas Jefferson

This is a very good quote to think about for our day. Just think about how some individuals know what is true and just state the truth while others have to keep trying to justify their ideas by empty words, personal attacks, and diversion tactics.

Good 'ol George

"By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, altho' death was levelling my companions on every side."
GEORGE WASHINGTON, July 18, 1755

I find it incredible how George Washington was able to fight in two wars and was never wounded in either. He was destined to live and help set the foundation for The United States of America.

Didn't Sound Socialist, but Motives May Have Been

As I watched and listened to President Obama's speech today in school, I was surprised how un-socialist it sounded. The Secretary of Education, however made remarks before the President's speech that made me question what Obama's real intent was with telling students to do the best they can in school to enable them to help fix this country. His speech in and of it self, without motives behind the words, sounded just motivational. Things like taking responsibility for homework, working hard to get a good education, and so on were good encouragement.

Nevertheless President Obama spoke about how hard he worked to get good grades and reach were he's at today. He even spoke of how hard his wife worked to get her education. Working hard to me sounds like a capitalist, what you put in you get out, kind of attribute. I just can't understand why, if he worked so hard to get were he's at now, he would push for laws that would give no motivation for growth and laws that make working seem unnecessary. His speech didn't sound like he wanted to build a socialist nation, but the motives could have been geared that direction. I couldn't really tell what the true motives behind this speech were.

Common Sense Can Still Be Found

Hope is not lost. People still question controversial appointments, such as that of the "czars" to President Obama's staff. Republican Representative Mike Pence, who is the first congressman to stand and question how constitutional the appointment of czars is, proposed the suspending of more czars being appointed. He proposed that no more appointments should be made until congress can examine the background, responsibilities, and constitutionality of "czars" to advise the president.

I applaud this congressman for his ability to stand and question if President Obama's advisers are constitutional. I didn't know today's congressmen new the meaning of the word "constitutional". There is still hope in the system of checks and balances, as well as the maintaining of the Constitution.

Fox News Site about "Czar" resignation: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/06/jones-resignation-embolden-administration-critics/

Obama Education

I was just reading in the Deseret News about the speech President Obama is going to give to America's youth. When you hear of the first few things he will be speaking about it sounds like an encouraging speech, but once you learn that he is going to use this speech to indirectly talk about how youth should take actions to break away from their parents beliefs and indoctrinate themselves with socialistic thinking you wonder were this country will be in the future. President Obama will be talking about the necessity of education in "building a new foundation for America". Yes, education is necessary in maintaining the foundation of America, but not in building a "new foundation". What do you suppose our president means by a new foundation? I believe that building a new foundation in government would be saying that you are creating new principles and getting rid of the previous ones. Does that mean that principles of America such as the right to bear arms, freedom of speech, and balance of power between branches of government will be replaced. What will be placed in their absence? Perhaps the right to being shot by criminals, freedom of silence, and the consolidation of power.

I am not saying we should not listen to our president, but if he is trying to deceive America we should make his power go back down to size or perhaps find someone who has morals and believes in America, mainly the already existing foundation of America.

To read the article and angering comments from the following link: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705327522/Obama-protest-planned-by-parents.html

Threat to the First Amendment

Amendment 1 in the Bill of Rights

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof; or abridge the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The freedom of speech part of this amendment is what we may be concerned about pretty soon. There is a senate bill that would give President Obama "emergency control"of the Internet allowing him to shut down private networks. This power would apply mostly to non-government computer networks of course. This is just another way for the government to gain more power and control of the American people. With this power Obama could get ride of all web sites that disagree with his socialist policy. Americans could only get information from web sites that support Obama's policies and proclaim his every lie. If this bill were to pass the United States would be taking an even greater step towards a socialist government system.

I read this news from a site that would most likely be shut down if this bill were to pass. Here it is http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/28/senate-president-emergency-control-internet/

Most Powerful Weapon

"Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have." -Ronald Reagan

I believe this is very true. At the beginning of this country their had to be men and women who had moral courage and even though they weren't yet free their hearts desired freedom. That weapon with the help of God made it possible to defeat the greatest military force of it's time and establish a free country.

One thing America has had since 1775 is the weapon of free men and women. Many countries have tried to conquer that weapon and failed. However if this country is left without moral courage of free men and women it could fall to other powers.

Senate Terms

With the passing of Ted Kennedy, a senator who has held his office since my dad was born in 1962, I start to wonder about a few things. Is being a senator a full-time job were you are elected and appointed for life or is it a service to the United States, that when finished with a relatively small term, goes back to their previous occupation? John Adams answers this when he says:

"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it."

Senators like Ted Kennedy, Orin Hatch, and Robert Bird, who has been a senator for over fifty years, have made serving as senator a profession. How can individuals who have been in a government position for so long be able to understand the working class citizen and represent them? Do the senators end up serving the American people or themselves? I believe it can become almost like the House of Lords in Great Britain were every Lord has his position in Parliament for life. When individuals hold high government jobs for so long they begin to have more power than is healthy for the United States. Take for instance President Franklin D. Roosevelt who, breaking the tradition started by George Washington, held office for almost four whole terms. Did he start to get more power than is healthy for liberty? Yes he did. Since then the 22nd Amendment was passed prohibiting more than two terms for a president. Will congress ever pass an Amendment limiting their terms? No, because to them it would be like getting hired with the condition that you are layed-off after a few years of work. The Founders of America did not intend government positions to be life-time jobs, but rather a service rendered to this country.

Education

“To penetrate and dissipate these clouds of darkness, the general mind must be strengthened by education” -Thomas Jefferson

"You belong to a church that teaches the importance of education. You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands. . . . There can be no doubt, none whatever, that education pays. Do not short-circuit your lives. If you do so, you will pay for it over and over and over again."—Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan. 2001, 4, 7

I guess if the writer of the Declaration of Independence and a Prophet of God said education was important then I might be able to wake up and go to school tomorrow.

John Adams: Defender of the Constitution

If only every American felt the way John Adams did about the Constitution and what it stands for when he said:

"The object is great which we have in view, and we must expect a great expense of blood to obtain it. But we should always remember that a free constitution of civil government cannot be purchased at too dear a rate, as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem of equal importance to mankind."

John Adams was one of many Founding Fathers who believed wholeheartedly in the Natural Rights guaranteed by God such as Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness as well as freedom of religion, speech, press, and many more things. He knew that the coming forth of this country with a Constitution that provided individuals with liberties and freedoms was essential. I am glad there were such men as John Adams to stand for truth even with their necks on the line.

(Quote taken from John Adams by David McCullough)

"Progressive" Education

In Glenn Beck's Common Sense he speaks of the plan "Progressives" (Political group that places the good of the whole over that of the individual. ex. Hillary Clinton) have for educating the next generation. He says:

"...We are losing the next generation to an education system that has fallen prey to political patronage and the Progressive agenda. History, reading, writing, and math are secondary to the incessant indoctrination of our kids to climate change, the evils of capitalism, and the benefits of big government. This works as anesthesia, numbing our children and rendering them defenseless to the lessons and ideals that we work so hard to inoculate them from in our own homes."

I'm glad that in my high school not a lot of this goes on yet. Many people my age however easily go with the crowd and would be swept away with what the government wants them to know.

Woodrow Wilson said:

"Our problem is not merely to help the students to adjust themselves to world life... [but] to make them as unlike their fathers as we can."

Even in the early 1900's Progressives were trying to get their influence across in education to grow up generations that believed in their ideals. I am glad that if a teacher tried to influence me in such a manner that I would know better since I like the study of history and have good parents who know the truth.

In Germany, Hitler used a similar idea to control the population. He said:

"He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future."

He had Hitler Youth Programs where youth would be informed of Hitlers agenda and told to spy on their parents. This made Hitlers ideals enter the hearts of the rising generation and he used it to spread the ideal of the Nationalism, where the well-being of the nation was more important than the Unalienable Rights of the individual.

History often repeats itself and if we don't want that to happen we should stop the spreading of the Progressive agenda which is in truth socialism.

Lincoln Knows Best

Abraham Lincoln says this about the Constitution of this great country:

"As the patriots of '76 did to the support of the Constitution and laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honour; let every man remember that to violate the law is to trample on the blood of his father and to tear the character of his own and his children's liberty."

I know that many people have died to keep this country a free country where liberty and individual rights are sustained. My Grandpa fought in World War Two facing danger and seeing and doing very unpleasant things to maintain this countries liberties and freedoms which we as Americans have enjoyed.

Today their are many people who, through lies and deceit, trick others into straying from the principals this country was founded upon.

All Americans should do their very best to maintain the Constitution of the United States of America, while remembering that their fathers fought and died to maintain its principals.

(Quote from The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln)

Counterfiet Accusation

I went to a local store and bought a journal today and after I handed the lady ringing up my purchase a $20. She looked at it and said it looked fake. I told her I didn't make it and I could go home and get a different one; she asked another worker to come and look at it. He said it looked perfectly legal just a little old and wrinkled. The lady at the store insisted I take it to the bank and have them look at it. I did that and the bank teller gave me a weird look when I asked her if it was real. She ran it through a machine and said that it was obviously a real bill, but she traded me with a new one anyway. I went back to the store told the lady it was real and payed for the journal. The only thing wrong with the $20 I had handed her before was that it was old and was not one with the special colors and watermark. That store was owned by my priesthood leader and I don't think he would have thought for a moment that I was trying to pay with a fake bill. It just goes to show that people don't like old wrinkled $20's.

Wisdom from Winston

Here is a quote from Winston Churchill on Socialism. It is from the book The Wit and Wisdom of Winston Churchill:

"All men are Created Equal" says the American Declaration of
Independence. "All men shall be kept equal" say the Socialists.

I believe that one of the Natural Rights of Man is that of Free Agency. God gives all men equal judgement, but socialists believe that everyone should have the same things as their neighbor. God's plan is to allow people to choose how well they do in life, but no matter how much a person does they are seen as equals in the sight of God.

Churchill also says:

"Whenever socialism has been tried, it has failed"

The American people who think this country is headed in the right direction apparently didn't pay attention in history. Socialism has been tried many places and failed. Nazi Germany was one place socialism was tried. The German people were ratted-out by neighbors for speaking out against Hitler and his government; many ended up being killed. Millions of Jews were killed by a socialist government. There has never been an instance in history when socialism has succeeded, so I find it astonishing that many people want to allow socialism to start taking over the government of America.

Good Advice

In Ezra Taft Benson's talk "The Internal Threat to the American way of life" he says:

"We should pay no attention to the recomendations of men who call the
constitution an 18th Century Argarian document-who apologize for capitalism
and free enterprise."

This was written in 1961 and is still true today.

Deseret News Comment

I was reading an article about Obama visiting Yellowstone in the Deseret news and found this comment very disturbing.

"Interesting how so many of my fellow Utah folks have been so blinded by their loyalty to party politics. Here's the first honest President we've had in a long, long time and they can't see it.Pity. As a former national park ranger, I'm delighted to see a President finally taking an interest in some of our national treasures. The Cheney administration did their best to destroy them and the National Park Service.But then again, what can I expect from people whose environmental ethic is "Multiply, multiply and pillage the earth?"I'm LDS, but at times I'm almost ashamed to admit it. I recently returned from a long trip out of state and was very happy to realize that most of the country, thank goodness, is not at all like Utah. That trip renewed my hope for America. I was becoming a bit hopeless here at home. "

I am surprised at how many people like this can be deceived by President Obama. Calling him the most honest president in along time is quite ironic. Also the fact that this individual is ashamed to be LDS tells you that they really don't have a testimony. Saying that her trip renewed her hope for America is really quite frightening to think because of the corruption that is throughout this countries government. Last of all, why does this person still live in Utah if they would rather live somewhere else?

The Beggining

Well I just thought since I am interested in History and I talk about this type of stuff a lot that I would just write a blog about my views on governments and interesting historic things.