We in the United States like to think that we live in a representative democracy. We are attracted to Lincoln’s optimistic idea that America stands for “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” We have been taught that, despite the wrangling that occurs, our political processes eventually result in government policies … Read more
Recently in my Elder’s Quorum meeting, the Instructor asked us to look through 4 Nephi, Chapter 1. The chapter describes a society that, following Christ’s visit to the Americas, had 200 years of peace and prosperity. The Instructor asked us to point out the defining characteristics of that society. I immediately noticed verse three. And … Read more
In a New York Times interview on May 4, 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “discussed her concern that Mr. Trump would not give up power voluntarily if he lost re-election by a slim margin next year.” That this could possibly happen is supported by the fact that, in October 2016, Trump would not promise to … Read more
Donald Trump represents an authoritarian movement and a cultural force. Trumpism is not merely or just a set of political policy preferences. Like other authoritarian cultural movements Trumpism promises a national-cultural transformation, psychological uplift, group superiority, personal salvation, and a sense of membership and belonging in an exclusive community for its members and other supporters. … Read more
Former FBI Director James Comey recently published an important opinion piece in the New York Times. In the article, he examines the question of how otherwise intelligent, accomplished people, like Bill Barr and Rod Rosenstein, can find themselves justifying and excusing the amoral and illegal actions of this president. Amoral leaders have a way of … Read more
“When politics undermines our theology, we must examine that politics. The church’s role is to change the world through the life and love of Jesus Christ. The government’s role is to serve the common good by protecting justice and peace, rewarding good behavior while restraining bad behavior (Romans 13). When that role is undermined by … Read more
On Sunday March 24, 2019, Attorney General William Barr sent a letter to Congress summarizing the recently delivered Mueller report. On Monday, March 25, late-night TV talk show host Stephen Colbert conceded the point in Barr’s letter that Donald Trump did not “collude” with Russia’s efforts to help him during the 2016 presidential campaign. Colbert … Read more
And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 Too many people in the Church refuse to listen to new ideas, consider other points … Read more