Elder Ballard Reminds Us of our Civic Duties

[lundbaek]

At about 8:50 into Elder Ballard's conference address he reminds us of some of our civic duties, and suggests that members consider running for elected government offices.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... 1?lang=eng

As I listened to this it occurred to me that before participating in the political arena, Latter-day Saint ought first to become acquainted with the proper role of government prescribed by the Lord, as explained in scripture and by several latter-day prophets and apostles. This takes time and effort that not many are willing to devote to such an effort. But I think this needs to happen if the Constitution of the United States is to "be established forever" and "be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles". We American Latter-day Saints have a divinely mandated responsibility to at least try to reverse the destruction of the U.S. Constitution and restore its principles to our government.

[Robin Hood]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

[mes5464]

At about 8:50 into Elder Ballard's conference address he reminds us of some of our civic duties, and suggests that members consider running for elected government offices.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... 1?lang=eng

As I listened to this it occurred to me that before participating in the political arena, Latter-day Saint ought first to become acquainted with the proper role of government prescribed by the Lord, as explained in scripture and by several latter-day prophets and apostles. This takes time and effort that not many are willing to devote to such an effort. But I think this needs to happen if the Constitution of the United States is to "be established forever" and "be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles". We American Latter-day Saints have a divinely mandated responsibility to at least try to reverse the destruction of the U.S. Constitution and restore its principles to our government.

I have already recruited 2 brethren to a council to get involved in our county. We will meet next week.

[mes5464]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

[Robin Hood]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

[mes5464]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

I do not plan to participate in the two party system. My intention is to overwhelm the parties with independent voters.

It did work for Capt Moroni. He overwhelmed to system and gave them no place to hide.

With that said, I do agree that we might not get anyone elected. The world is a very wicked place now and even the very elect are deceived into accepting the doctrines of men, but at least I can die knowing I tried.

[Arenera]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

I do not plan to participate in the two party system. My intention is to overwhelm the parties with independent voters.

It did work for Capt Moroni. He overwhelmed to system and gave them no place to hide.

With that said, I do agree that we might not get anyone elected. The world is a very wicked place now and even the very elect are deceived into accepting the doctrines of men, but at least I can die knowing I tried.

"I do not plan to participate in the two party system. My intention is to overwhelm the parties with independent voters."

In the USA, maybe around 3% of those voting are not Democrat or Republican. So how are you going to "overwhelm"?

In the Utah race for Senate, 1 candidate is known statewide, has a strong organization, and money as needed, that is Romney. Romney is also a Mormon and has state and national experience in running.

How are you going to "overwhelm" Romney?

[mes5464]

"I do not plan to participate in the two party system. My intention is to overwhelm the parties with independent voters."

In the USA, maybe around 3% of those voting are not Democrat or Republican. So how are you going to "overwhelm"?

In the Utah race for Senate, 1 candidate is known statewide, has a strong organization, and money as needed, that is Romney. Romney is also a Mormon and has state and national experience in running.

How are you going to "overwhelm" Romney?

My focus is only on my county. I think there are enough conservatives (not just LDS) here that we can combine to overwhelm the establishment parties. IF we have success, then we can move to the next county and repeat. The only change we will have is from the bottom up and it will be slow because there is a great deal of education that has to happen, to reverse the indoctrination that has been going on for years.

[gardener4life]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

You know we're seeing examples on youtube and other places of civic action in the form of protests. Perhaps more than running for office, organized holding politicians accountable and holding the Judicial branch accountable is what's needed by public organization on a common level. To me it seems this is the only way to really stop things now. The top is too corrupt, and being in a top position would just get 'absorbed' by them.
But nobody is holding politicians accountable. This is why Trump tweets. he's trying to harness the masses with him, because all around him are only corrupt. Mass common joe ordinary people organizing for good to hold judges and corrupt accountable might be able to do something. And its harder to target a ton of organized people, but easy to target 1 person or 1 organization.

[mes5464]

You know we're seeing examples on youtube and other places of civic action in the form of protests. Perhaps more than running for office, organized holding politicians accountable and holding the Judicial branch accountable is what's needed by public organization on a common level. To me it seems this is the only way to really stop things now. The top is too corrupt, and being in a top position would just get 'absorbed' by them.
But nobody is holding politicians accountable. This is why Trump tweets. he's trying to harness the masses with him, because all around him are only corrupt. Mass common joe ordinary people organizing for good to hold judges and corrupt accountable might be able to do something. And its harder to target a ton of organized people, but easy to target 1 person or 1 organization.

If I am understanding you right, then we agree. Any effort to improve the political landscape will have to include criminal prosecution of the secret combination when we find them. We will have to not only replace county commissioners, but the sheriff and judges. Any of those found to be support the secret combination must be prosecuted. Case in point, any law enforcer that has enforced civil asset forfeiture must be punished for violating the forth amendment, as an example.

[larsenb]

. . . . . How are you going to "overwhelm" Romney?

Based on some of Mitt's past behavior, he may "overwhelm" himself.

[JK4Woods]

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

I do not plan to participate in the two party system. My intention is to overwhelm the parties with independent voters.

It did work for Capt Moroni. He overwhelmed to system and gave them no place to hide.

With that said, I do agree that we might not get anyone elected. The world is a very wicked place now and even the very elect are deceived into accepting the doctrines of men, but at least I can die knowing I tried.

"I do not plan to participate in the two party system. My intention is to overwhelm the parties with independent voters."

In the USA, maybe around 3% of those voting are not Democrat or Republican. So how are you going to "overwhelm"?

In the Utah race for Senate, 1 candidate is known statewide, has a strong organization, and money as needed, that is Romney. Romney is also a Mormon and has state and national experience in running.

How are you going to "overwhelm" Romney?

Who cares about Romney... (what a weasel...)
I think the LDS population can make a much bigger impact everywhere else in the country. By speaking boldly and gripping the iron rod in spite of politicians corruptness...

[JK4Woods]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

You know we're seeing examples on youtube and other places of civic action in the form of protests. Perhaps more than running for office, organized holding politicians accountable and holding the Judicial branch accountable is what's needed by public organization on a common level. To me it seems this is the only way to really stop things now. The top is too corrupt, and being in a top position would just get 'absorbed' by them.
But nobody is holding politicians accountable. This is why Trump tweets. he's trying to harness the masses with him, because all around him are only corrupt. Mass common joe ordinary people organizing for good to hold judges and corrupt accountable might be able to do something. And its harder to target a ton of organized people, but easy to target 1 person or 1 organization.

I'm at a loss as to how to "judge" Judges... I have now knowledge of the legal system and how do we know if Judges are good or bad...?
Around here we see "re-elect judge so-and-so" campaign signs, but there is really no way to know which scallywags are wolves in sheeps clothing.... all those badges on the posters with endorsements from various law enforcement organizations are just as suspect.

I agree that wicked judges are leading the way to permanent destruction of our god-fearing judeo-christian society.

[mes5464]

I'm at a loss as to how to "judge" Judges... I have now knowledge of the legal system and how do we know if Judges are good or bad...?
Around here we see "re-elect judge so-and-so" campaign signs, but there is really no way to know which scallywags are wolves in sheeps clothing.... all those badges on the posters with endorsements from various law enforcement organizations are just as suspect.

I agree that wicked judges are leading the way to permanent destruction of our god-fearing judeo-christian society.

I think the best way to try a judge is with a jury without a judge. The best evidence is to us their own rulings as the evidence.

[friendsofthe]

For many years now I have been reading comments by members of this forum who believe that it’s not too late to turn things around. However, in-spite of their efforts and all their proposed plans as to how it could be done, things just keep getting worse and worse.

I was talking to a friend who has jumped into the local political arena (not as a candidate) here in Utah County in an effort to do his civic duty. So he’s gotten to know the candidates and observe close up the goings on in this neck of the woods. Just yesterday he was telling my how corrupt things are here in happy valley.

I believe it’s good to do what we can and I’m not writing to discourage anyone from trying but the reality is that prophecy is ultimately going to be fulfilled. So in all our getting, let us not forget to get prepared for what’s coming, physically, spirituality and temporally… Be sure to have food and water on hand, some potassium iodide and a good pair of walking boots…

[lundbaek]

It's that prophecy about the "elders of Israel" saving the Constitution is one thing that keeps me going. Another is that we American Latter-day Saints have a divinely mandated responsibility to at least try to reverse the destruction of the U.S. Constitution and restore its principles to our government.
I believe this will only happen after the "cleansing".

[Zathura]

For me, I think the stage we're at right now, it would not be good for a Latter-day Saint to get involved in politics. The Gadiantons are in power and will not back off. To engage in the political process is to accept to some degree or other, their agenda, their morals, and their corruption.

I actually intended one day to run for Senate. political Science and law would be my studies. that was until i served my mission and realized everything you just said. That dream is now looong gone

[friendsofthe]

Lundbaek wrote:
It's that prophecy about the "elders of Israel" saving the Constitution is one thing that keeps me going. Another is that we American Latter-day Saints have a divinely mandated responsibility to at least try to reverse the destruction of the U.S. Constitution and restore its principles to our government.
I believe this will only happen after the "cleansing".

Well, I’m going to say that we are pretty much on the same page. However, I would use what I consider to be a synonym for the word “cleansing”. I’m going to call it “abomination of desolation” and the AOD leads directly to the Second Coming. I believe that Christ’s arrival will create the circumstance under which the Elders of Israel will rejuvenate the principles of the constitution.

Ezra Taft Benson said that the saints will still be flying the flag when the Lord returns… That is when, according to Daniel, “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High”.

Once the saints have “the kingdom”, the Elders of Israel will certainly operate on constitutional principles…

[gardener4life]

I was thinking about this in a different light last night. Sometimes this can just mean standing up for the truth when people are trying to lie and lead people astray. Sometimes the groups and people around us are so focused on not rocking the boat on earning money and wages that they don't really care who is attacking truth, church, or freedoms. The parts about freedom get attention but not always defending truth, or church, or church leaders.

[gardener4life]

Money voting bigger than people votes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au5Ojz977Ng

[Jamescm]

The unlikelyhood of success shouldn't be a deterrent to doing what is good. We've been directed, as a Church, to run for office or otherwise be the greatest positive influence on our laws that we can in whatever country or capacity we're able, if otherwise good people can not be found. The decree is a bit dated, but has never been revised or revoked. If we can not be elected if we are true to our values, we are still to seek election if good people otherwise can not be found.

[righteousrepublic]

I disagree. My goals involve standing square in their faces and defying them.

That didn't work for the Nephites.

In fact, I will predict you will find it impossible to be elected unless you are part of the party machine and/or have been compromised.

You know we're seeing examples on youtube and other places of civic action in the form of protests. Perhaps more than running for office, organized holding politicians accountable and holding the Judicial branch accountable is what's needed by public organization on a common level. To me it seems this is the only way to really stop things now. The top is too corrupt, and being in a top position would just get 'absorbed' by them.
But nobody is holding politicians accountable. This is why Trump tweets. he's trying to harness the masses with him, because all around him are only corrupt. Mass common joe ordinary people organizing for good to hold judges and corrupt accountable might be able to do something. And its harder to target a ton of organized people, but easy to target 1 person or 1 organization.

I'm at a loss as to how to "judge" Judges... I have now knowledge of the legal system and how do we know if Judges are good or bad...?
Around here we see "re-elect judge so-and-so" campaign signs, but there is really no way to know which scallywags are wolves in sheeps clothing.... all those badges on the posters with endorsements from various law enforcement organizations are just as suspect.

I agree that wicked judges are leading the way to permanent destruction of our god-fearing judeo-christian society.

Courtrooms and Judges are owned by "We The People" and are to be run according to Constitutional principles, yet all judges claim their perspective courtroom to be theirs.
Many judges will not allow "due process". Many will not allow a Constitution in the court.
In fact, courtrooms are under Maritime Law, or law of the sea.

Jordan Maxwell -Maritime Law Rules the World Commerce and Courts

If one truly wants to hold police and other agencies accountable, one can simply break out their camera and film them in the performance of their duties. This method is a lot simpler than merely going to a city hall meeting and articulating discontent.

Is it lawful to film police?

Can cops do whatever they feel like?
Cop Walks Up to Family BBQ, Pours Water on Their Food, Walks Away

[righteousrepublic]

Wouldn't one of our civic duties be to learn the Constitution, learn our rights and help others to know them?
Let's remember this: if one does not know their rights, they have no rights.

1) The Constitution is the Supreme Law of the land.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz0Zf1ngbGw
2) Codes and policies made up by law enforcement and other agencies are not laws...they do not supersede the Constitution, although they want you to believe otherwise.
3) Cops do not know the laws they are supposed to enforce, nor the rights of men they are sworn to protect according to their oath to the Constitution. Many will lie, cheat, bully, intimidate and harass in order to get people to comply to their unlawful orders.

So, isn't it a good idea to learn the Constitution so one doesn't get bullied by cops?

Know Your Constitution - Carl Miller Part 1 of 3

Know Your Constitution - Carl Miller Part 2 of 3

Know Your Constitution - Carl Miller Part 3 of 3

From: https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/articlevi
U.S. Constitution › Article VI

All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.


Know that judges are supposed to be held in contempt when not adhering to Constitutional law, the Supreme Law.

[lundbaek]

"Wouldn't one of our civic duties be to learn the Constitution, learn our rights and help others to know them?" righteousrepublic asks. It's a commandment that was given us by a latter-day prophet in the 1987 October General Conference: "We must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers." And in his immediately following words, President Bensons gave us direction on where to go from there, a road map, if you like.

[lundbaek]

The fact that generally judges are not held in contempt for not adhering to the US Constitution shows me that we are beyond the point of no return this side of the cleansing.