Behavior – Internally or Externally Controlled?

Societal and personal behavior, internally controlled, is a crucial and defining characteristic of a well functioning society. This was understood by the founding fathers, quoting Benjamin Franklin, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. (Smyth, Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:569). George Washington later praised the American Constitution as the “palladium of human rights,: but pointed out that it could survive only “so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people.” (1)

One of the efforts of the founders was to circumscribe the growth of government and ambition of politicians.  They recognized that ambitious and amoral individuals do appear in government and they need to be controlled and routed out.  They also were aware that the people needed to be taught good principles to make good judgments on behavior.  This would be done through religious teaching.

Two of Pres Obama’s recent pronouncements have really highlighted the reason why his direction is so different than the founding fathers. Whether he is Christian or not is apparently open to debate. If you will google ‘Obama Muslim’ you will find both sides of the debate available for review. What does matter is that he is not strong enough in Christian ethics or understanding to be a champion of the basic principles of this nation. His conviction is not the strength of faith exhibited by the founders in their lives or constitutional product. Their faith carried them forth to act and build a nation that would establish the cause of right based on religious and moral principles.

Lincoln understood this: "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." - Abraham Lincoln.

In contrast, Pres Obama chooses to apologize rather than press forward with this understanding that right makes might. His words tell me where he stands in relation to the founding fathers.

• The first: Obama: This is not a Christian nation : Video (FLV) "Not A Christian Nation Or A Jewish Nation Or A Muslim Nation" (2). He totally does not understand the source of the constitution and its values.
• The second: Obama: Government is the only solution to our problems. (3) (Text of speech on this site). This is 180 degrees from Pres Reagan who said, "Government IS the Problem"

D&C 101: 77, 80

77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; •••

80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

And

D&C 109: 54

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. (4)

From a Catholic viewpoint, Father James Lloyd provides a reasoned argument in this direction, try the link in footnote (5) at the bottom of the page. I don't yet have permission to post it.

The text of Obama’s speech (linked above) is also in stark contrast to the comments of Ezra Taft Benson in 1968. This video file (- link -) is 30 minutes in length. It is a must listen to, this was originally a filmstrip released in 1968, it was written and narrated by the late Ezra Taft Benson. Both the video and audio only are provided.(6)

Lincoln stated that right makes might. Again Obama demonstrates this is true, he does not know what is right and he is not mighty, preferring to diminish this nation and its past.

What then does make right? It is defined in those Judeo Christian beliefs. To have faith in that you have to be grounded in the principles of the Judeo-Christian religions, you have to accept your faith and you have to be willing to live by that. You’ve got three things to acknowledge:

• First, you have basic truths embodied in the Constitution
• Second: you have to know those truths (such as God given inalienable rights)
• Third: you have to be willing to follow them and champion them.

It is that lack of willingness to follow and champion them that marks the dividing line between those who are working to save the country and those who don't really care about the country or constitution, but rather care about self, power and money. Living voluntarily by those rules and principles is the hallmark of someone who is exercising self control, and is willing to contribute to the public good. The opposite is imposed behavior, as in prison or a totalitarian society. Those who go along with imposed behavior are willing to give themselves over to the government and not live for the public good, but rather live selfishly for themselves.

The message of past civilizations, codified by the founders, is that men must be held accountable, governments must be held in check and the people must be very jealous of the power they lend to the government which always wants more. The government will always choose to impose behavior and is always behind in its efforts to legislate all possible behavior.

The message of past civilizations, codified by the founders, is that men must be held accountable, governments must be held in check and the people must be very jealous of the power they lend to the government which always wants more.  The government will always choose to impose behavior to advance its purposes.  In contrast, people who have been taught sound principles and values usually choose to internally regulate their lives according to those principles.  They will be the best citizens you could ever find. Personal behavior must be internally imposed to achieve the greatest effect and must be a part of political behavior.  It isn’t at this time and I strongly urge you to watch the Ezra Taft Benson video I’ve linked to.