amen, John Mayer. I really liked everything he had to say and think it's something that everyone needs to hear. enjoy...
http://johnmayer.com/blog
"....This is about all of us. Who all seem to know deep down that it's incredibly hard to be alive and interact with the world around us but will try and cover it up at any cost. For as badass and unaffected as we try to come off, we're all just one sentence away from being brought to the edge of tears, if only it was worded right. And I don't want to act immune to that anymore. I took the biggest detour from myself over the past year, since I decided that I wasn't going to care about what people thought about me. I got to the point where I had so much padding on that, sure, I couldn't feel the negativity, but that's because I couldn't feel much of anything. And I think I'm done with that.
I'm not the first person to admit we're all self conscious, Kanye was. But what I want to do is to shed a little light on why we're all in the same boat, no matter the shape of the life we lead: because every one of us were told since birth that we were special. We were spoken to by name through a television. We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing.
And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not. The paparazzo following me to the gym ain't gonna be Herb Ritts and the guy he's following ain't gonna be Bob Dylan. It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right.
What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.
Root for others.
Give more and expect the same in return, but over time.
Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that.
And when it's all over, whether at the end of this fabulous career or of this life, which I hope takes place at the same time, I should look back and say that I had it good and I made the most of it while I was able. And so should you."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
conservative vs. liberal...repairing the inequities in the world
I whole heartedly agree:
"Supposedly, in the "traditional wisdom" of things, people become more and more socially and politically and economically conservative as they grow older. This notion is based partially I suppose on the premise that conservatism protects the status quo and that older people want to keep what they have and keep everything the way they are used to having it.
But I think there are many for whom this process works in reverse. As they enter the Autumn of their lives, they are more traveled, more broad-minded, and more tolerant and appreciative of customs, ideas, and appearances other than their own. The wider perspective with which they view the world causes them, in a way, to grow more liberal if the word is defined as an interest in repairing the inequities in the world and making changes that exhibit compassion, empathy and the equality of all rather than protectionism, isolation and superiority of the few."
~Richard Eyre
http://www.ldsmag.com/autumn/080411celebrate.html
"Supposedly, in the "traditional wisdom" of things, people become more and more socially and politically and economically conservative as they grow older. This notion is based partially I suppose on the premise that conservatism protects the status quo and that older people want to keep what they have and keep everything the way they are used to having it.
But I think there are many for whom this process works in reverse. As they enter the Autumn of their lives, they are more traveled, more broad-minded, and more tolerant and appreciative of customs, ideas, and appearances other than their own. The wider perspective with which they view the world causes them, in a way, to grow more liberal if the word is defined as an interest in repairing the inequities in the world and making changes that exhibit compassion, empathy and the equality of all rather than protectionism, isolation and superiority of the few."
~Richard Eyre
http://www.ldsmag.com/autumn/080411celebrate.html
you never know when someone might be watching
October 14, 2007
I've been thinking alot lately about examples -- especially regarding the impact that our examples can have on people when we have NO idea that they are watching! I have been pondering a lot on how SO MANY people in these last few months have come to influence my life on such a deep level...and the majority of those influential moments came from my observations of their examples. Examples such as kindness towards others, concern for others, receiving impressions and then acting on those impressions...examples of sacrifice, love, and humor in times of need...examples of being a good listener, lending a hand, giving advice...examples of offering a smile to a stranger passing by. These quiet moments that I have been blessed to observe have helped me see the importance of always trying to be a good person -- always trying to help others and have a sincere desire to just be good. Most of all, these observations have made me pause and think about how many people are watching ME and my actions. Am I a good example to others around me? I would hope so!
I'm not a big television fan, but a few months ago, I was blessed to see a commercial for an insurance agency that happened to be very inspiring and impactful. What kind of person calls themselves blessed after watching an insurance ad? Call me crazy, but I am one of those people! Thanks to Google and YouTube, I was able to find the commercial online...It is for Liberty Mutual Insurance and can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw97CfZtyGw
Many of you, if not all of you, who are reading this little note are people who have been good examples to me in my life -- whether you realized you were being a good example or had no idea!! And for that, I just wanted to thank each of you for impacting my life for the better.
Love, Britt
I've been thinking alot lately about examples -- especially regarding the impact that our examples can have on people when we have NO idea that they are watching! I have been pondering a lot on how SO MANY people in these last few months have come to influence my life on such a deep level...and the majority of those influential moments came from my observations of their examples. Examples such as kindness towards others, concern for others, receiving impressions and then acting on those impressions...examples of sacrifice, love, and humor in times of need...examples of being a good listener, lending a hand, giving advice...examples of offering a smile to a stranger passing by. These quiet moments that I have been blessed to observe have helped me see the importance of always trying to be a good person -- always trying to help others and have a sincere desire to just be good. Most of all, these observations have made me pause and think about how many people are watching ME and my actions. Am I a good example to others around me? I would hope so!
I'm not a big television fan, but a few months ago, I was blessed to see a commercial for an insurance agency that happened to be very inspiring and impactful. What kind of person calls themselves blessed after watching an insurance ad? Call me crazy, but I am one of those people! Thanks to Google and YouTube, I was able to find the commercial online...It is for Liberty Mutual Insurance and can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw97CfZtyGw
Many of you, if not all of you, who are reading this little note are people who have been good examples to me in my life -- whether you realized you were being a good example or had no idea!! And for that, I just wanted to thank each of you for impacting my life for the better.
Love, Britt
1. priorities. 2. overcoming language barriers.
April 13, 2007
Two little thoughts:
I read a quote by Ellen Degeneres yesterday which made me laugh. After I got through my laughing fit, the significance of her words made me sit back and re-evaluate some things. She said:
“I gotta work out. I keep saying it all the time. I keep saying I gotta start working out. It's been about two months since I've worked out. And I just don't have the time. Which uh..is odd. Because I have the time to go out to dinner. And uh..and watch tv. And get a bone density test. And uh.. try to figure out what my phone number spells in words.”
As much as I hate to admit it, this has been the definition of my life these last few months. And not just with working out but with many different facets of my existence. I complain about not having enough time, but it’s my own fault. I need to pause and take a moment and re-evaluate what I am doing with my time. Where do my priorities really lie?
“We realize our dilemma goes deeper than shortage of time; it is basically a problem of priorities. We confess, we have left undone those things that ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” - Charles E. Hummel
“Success is only another form of failure if we forget what our priorities should be.” - Harry Lloyd
As for my other, completely un-related and random thought process….Two men with hearing disabilities came into my office today. They were lost and needed to know how to get to the landscaping building. The first thought that came to my mind was “dang, how are we going to communicate with these guys?” I was grateful that as soon as they let us know they were deaf, Karla quickly grabbed a pad of paper so that they could communicate with us. (kudos to Karla).
The second thought that came to mind was that of regret in not actively cultivating a talent I once developed in high school – American Sign Language. I guess that I’ve always wanted so much in my life to make everyone I come in contact with feel comfortable, loved, accepted, understood, etc. etc. etc. and I felt like I couldn’t quite do that this afternoon. I felt helpless (although I know that our attempts were not totally in vain as we were able to be of some help through writing and hand signals). But I just know how important it is for people like these two men to be able to communicate with others in the manner in which they are able to communicate.
It reminds me of my mission to Spain. Especially in those first weeks and months, I couldn’t speak Spanish perfectly. But I tried. I made very feeble attempts to speak to the people in their native tongue. They knew I was NOT native (it’s not hard to tell) and I often stumbled over words and made many grammatical errors, but I knew that it made them feel so good just knowing that I cared enough to try to communicate with them in the only way they knew how to communicate.
I guess what I need to remember is that as long as I’m trying to make others feel that sincerity and desire to make them feel good or understood or whatever it may be, then that is all I can do sometimes.
Two little thoughts:
I read a quote by Ellen Degeneres yesterday which made me laugh. After I got through my laughing fit, the significance of her words made me sit back and re-evaluate some things. She said:
“I gotta work out. I keep saying it all the time. I keep saying I gotta start working out. It's been about two months since I've worked out. And I just don't have the time. Which uh..is odd. Because I have the time to go out to dinner. And uh..and watch tv. And get a bone density test. And uh.. try to figure out what my phone number spells in words.”
As much as I hate to admit it, this has been the definition of my life these last few months. And not just with working out but with many different facets of my existence. I complain about not having enough time, but it’s my own fault. I need to pause and take a moment and re-evaluate what I am doing with my time. Where do my priorities really lie?
“We realize our dilemma goes deeper than shortage of time; it is basically a problem of priorities. We confess, we have left undone those things that ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” - Charles E. Hummel
“Success is only another form of failure if we forget what our priorities should be.” - Harry Lloyd
As for my other, completely un-related and random thought process….Two men with hearing disabilities came into my office today. They were lost and needed to know how to get to the landscaping building. The first thought that came to my mind was “dang, how are we going to communicate with these guys?” I was grateful that as soon as they let us know they were deaf, Karla quickly grabbed a pad of paper so that they could communicate with us. (kudos to Karla).
The second thought that came to mind was that of regret in not actively cultivating a talent I once developed in high school – American Sign Language. I guess that I’ve always wanted so much in my life to make everyone I come in contact with feel comfortable, loved, accepted, understood, etc. etc. etc. and I felt like I couldn’t quite do that this afternoon. I felt helpless (although I know that our attempts were not totally in vain as we were able to be of some help through writing and hand signals). But I just know how important it is for people like these two men to be able to communicate with others in the manner in which they are able to communicate.
It reminds me of my mission to Spain. Especially in those first weeks and months, I couldn’t speak Spanish perfectly. But I tried. I made very feeble attempts to speak to the people in their native tongue. They knew I was NOT native (it’s not hard to tell) and I often stumbled over words and made many grammatical errors, but I knew that it made them feel so good just knowing that I cared enough to try to communicate with them in the only way they knew how to communicate.
I guess what I need to remember is that as long as I’m trying to make others feel that sincerity and desire to make them feel good or understood or whatever it may be, then that is all I can do sometimes.
when the president talks to God
March 28. 2007
"When the president talks to God"
lyrics by Bright Eyes
When the president talks to God
Are the conversations brief or long?
Does he ask to rape our women’s' rights
And send poor farm kids off to die?
Does God suggest an oil hike
When the president talks to God?
When the president talks to God
Are the consonants all hard or soft?
Is he resolute all down the line?
Is every issue black or white?
Does what God say ever change his mind
When the president talks to God?
When the president talks to God
Does he fake that drawl or merely nod?
Agree which convicts should be killed?
Where prisons should be built and filled?
Which voter fraud must be concealed
When the president talks to God?
When the president talks to God
I wonder which one plays the better cop
We should find some jobs. the ghetto's broke
No, they're lazy, George, I say we don't
Just give 'em more liquor stores and dirty coke
That's what God recommends
When the president talks to God
Do they drink near beer and go play golf
While they pick which countries to invade
Which Muslim souls still can be saved?
I guess god just calls a spade a spade
When the president talks to God
When the president talks to God
Does he ever think that maybe he's not?
That that voice is just inside his head
When he kneels next to the presidential bed
Does he ever smell his own bullcrap
When the president talks to God?
I doubt it
I doubt it
"When the president talks to God"
lyrics by Bright Eyes
When the president talks to God
Are the conversations brief or long?
Does he ask to rape our women’s' rights
And send poor farm kids off to die?
Does God suggest an oil hike
When the president talks to God?
When the president talks to God
Are the consonants all hard or soft?
Is he resolute all down the line?
Is every issue black or white?
Does what God say ever change his mind
When the president talks to God?
When the president talks to God
Does he fake that drawl or merely nod?
Agree which convicts should be killed?
Where prisons should be built and filled?
Which voter fraud must be concealed
When the president talks to God?
When the president talks to God
I wonder which one plays the better cop
We should find some jobs. the ghetto's broke
No, they're lazy, George, I say we don't
Just give 'em more liquor stores and dirty coke
That's what God recommends
When the president talks to God
Do they drink near beer and go play golf
While they pick which countries to invade
Which Muslim souls still can be saved?
I guess god just calls a spade a spade
When the president talks to God
When the president talks to God
Does he ever think that maybe he's not?
That that voice is just inside his head
When he kneels next to the presidential bed
Does he ever smell his own bullcrap
When the president talks to God?
I doubt it
I doubt it
my first ski memories...nostalgic ruminations
February 13, 2007
Marc Peruzzi - I echo your words. This editorial brought back a flood of similar memories of my own first days on the ski hill...memories of the Franklin Junior High School ski program that took us up to the Pebble Creek ski hill during that blessed and yet extremely awkward year of 7th grade...introducing me and countless other insecure 7th graders to the exhiliration of being in the moment...the freedom of the hill. And as Marc put it so well - maybe the Pebble Creek hill was a little "pathetic by today's standard's...[maybe not quite as low-key as Peruzzi's Mount Tom]...but it was enough to make me and every other middle-schooler on that bus a skier for life."
This is beautiful:
"It was before the dream heli trips in Alaska or powder days in Vail's Back Bowls or ski tours in Utah's Wastch range. Before smacking slush bumps in t-shirts on Killington's Outer Limits. Before loading my college schedule with only Tuesday/Thursday classes. Before high school road trips to Vermont in a '77 Pontiac LeMans. Before dating, before puberty. Before any of that there was a ski bus, and night skiing, and a ski hill on a quarry in Massachussett's Pioneer Valley. A ski area called Mount Tom.
There were jumps x-ed off with bamboo. Friends. The taste of freedom. An expert run called Waterfall. Perspiring Catholic girls in waffle-weave cotton long underwear with floral prints. Speed. Repetition. Instruction. Improvement. Leg burn. The high-voltage buzzing of a seventh-grade mind. A rare smile on the dour face of an overly introspective kid.
Six after-school bus trips a winter. A program that cost 60 dollars total - fries and hot chocolate not included. Some crummy yellow lights. Snowmaking with what looked like a fire hose. A pitch like a bowling alley. Maybe 13 runs.
Pathetic by today's standards. But it was enough to make me and every other middle-schooler on that bus a skier for life. Mount Tom, all 680 vertical feet of it, was simply massive.
Mount Tom is dead, along with hundreds of local hills like it that have disappeared over the last 25 years. Mount Tom lived from 1962-1998. It was the only convenient skiing in that part of the state. And cheap. No one really seems to know why it closed. It certainly wasn't making anybody rich, but it must have been sustainable.
I want to think back fondly on my Mount Tom nights, the nights that formed a skier, but I can't right now. The warmth has been taken from me. If skiing isn't convenient and cheap, then only privileged kids get to ski. So when I think of Mount Tom, I think of all the kids who will never know the place. All the kids who will never know skiing. Never know powder, first chair, shattering surface hoar, or counting the minutes until Saturday morning for something other than the cartoons.
We can do better than that."
~Marc Peruzzi, Editor-in-Chief SKIING magazine (February 2007, vol. 59, no. 6)
Marc Peruzzi - I echo your words. This editorial brought back a flood of similar memories of my own first days on the ski hill...memories of the Franklin Junior High School ski program that took us up to the Pebble Creek ski hill during that blessed and yet extremely awkward year of 7th grade...introducing me and countless other insecure 7th graders to the exhiliration of being in the moment...the freedom of the hill. And as Marc put it so well - maybe the Pebble Creek hill was a little "pathetic by today's standard's...[maybe not quite as low-key as Peruzzi's Mount Tom]...but it was enough to make me and every other middle-schooler on that bus a skier for life."
This is beautiful:
"It was before the dream heli trips in Alaska or powder days in Vail's Back Bowls or ski tours in Utah's Wastch range. Before smacking slush bumps in t-shirts on Killington's Outer Limits. Before loading my college schedule with only Tuesday/Thursday classes. Before high school road trips to Vermont in a '77 Pontiac LeMans. Before dating, before puberty. Before any of that there was a ski bus, and night skiing, and a ski hill on a quarry in Massachussett's Pioneer Valley. A ski area called Mount Tom.
There were jumps x-ed off with bamboo. Friends. The taste of freedom. An expert run called Waterfall. Perspiring Catholic girls in waffle-weave cotton long underwear with floral prints. Speed. Repetition. Instruction. Improvement. Leg burn. The high-voltage buzzing of a seventh-grade mind. A rare smile on the dour face of an overly introspective kid.
Six after-school bus trips a winter. A program that cost 60 dollars total - fries and hot chocolate not included. Some crummy yellow lights. Snowmaking with what looked like a fire hose. A pitch like a bowling alley. Maybe 13 runs.
Pathetic by today's standards. But it was enough to make me and every other middle-schooler on that bus a skier for life. Mount Tom, all 680 vertical feet of it, was simply massive.
Mount Tom is dead, along with hundreds of local hills like it that have disappeared over the last 25 years. Mount Tom lived from 1962-1998. It was the only convenient skiing in that part of the state. And cheap. No one really seems to know why it closed. It certainly wasn't making anybody rich, but it must have been sustainable.
I want to think back fondly on my Mount Tom nights, the nights that formed a skier, but I can't right now. The warmth has been taken from me. If skiing isn't convenient and cheap, then only privileged kids get to ski. So when I think of Mount Tom, I think of all the kids who will never know the place. All the kids who will never know skiing. Never know powder, first chair, shattering surface hoar, or counting the minutes until Saturday morning for something other than the cartoons.
We can do better than that."
~Marc Peruzzi, Editor-in-Chief SKIING magazine (February 2007, vol. 59, no. 6)
Nibley's perspective - politics, socioeconomics, and religion
January 17, 2007
So, I had more time than usual this Christmas break to sit down and JUST read (books OTHER THAN textbooks!!). I've been reading Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley and I've come across a lot of thoughts and commentary that couldn't help but make me think about the conversations that I've had as of late about politics, socioeconomics, and religion in general. I thought these were each worth mentioning - just some food for thought.
(p. 163-164) Such considerations [regarding conflicts in our society] admonish me to ask whether all is well in Zion, and I find the answer in myself alone Have I taken the message seriously? No. I have been quite half-hearted about it, and much too easily drawn into what I call the Gentile Dilemma. That is, when I find myself called upon to stand up and be counted, to declare myself on one side or the other, which do I prefer - gin or rum, cigarettes or cigars, tea or coffee, heroin or LSD, the red rose or the white, Shiz or Coriantumr, wicked Nephites or wicked Lamanites, Whigs or Tories, Catholic or Protestant, Republican or Democrat, black power or white power, land pirates or sea pirates, commissars or corporations, capitalism or socialism? The devilish neatness and simplicity of the thing is the easy illusion that I am choosing between good and evil, when in reality two or more evils by their rivalry distract my attention from the real issue...It can be shown that in each of these choices just named, one of hte pair may well be preferable to the other, but that is not the question. There is no point in arguing which other system comes closest to the law of consecration, since I excluded all other systems when I opted for the real thing. The relative merits of various economies is a problem for the gentiles to worry about, a devil's dilemma that does not concern me in the least. For it so happens that I have presently covenanted and promised to observe most strictly certain instructions set forth with great clarity and simplicity in the Doctrine and Covenants. These are designated as the law of consecration, which are absolutely essential for the building up of the kingdom on earth and the ultimate establishment of Zion.
(p. 168) There is plenty to do to satisfy the work ethic without a profit motive, "but the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish" (2 Nephi 26:31).
(p. 170-171). Is the law [of consecration] unrealistic, impractical? It is too much too late for me to worry about that now, for I have already accepted it and repeated my acceptance at least once every month. At a recent conference (October 1978), Elder Mark E. Petersen spoke of the importance of keeping all the covenants we have made - and none is more important, more specific, more sacred than this one. What about Brother So-and-So or Presidend So-and-So? He is free to do as he pleased; I did not covenant with him I knew quite well what I was promising to do and when and where I was to do it, and why - now it is up to me...In 1882, President John Taylor sent out a letter declaring, "If people woudl be governed by correct principles, laying aside covetousness and eschewing chicanery and fraud, dealing honestly and conscientiously with others,...there would be no objection" to their free enterprise - he was appealing to them to do away with covetousness and feigned words, the very things that had put them in control of the economy. But while attempts to implement it [the law of consecration/united order] come and go, the covenant remains, and those who have entered it must live by it or be cursed (D&C 104:3-5), for in this matter God is not to be mocked (D&C 104:6). I am in a perfectly viable position at this moment to observe and keep it, as I have promised, independently of any other party. I do not have ot wait for permission from any other person or group to act.
(p. 236) "What is man," asks Shakespeare, "if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast no more. Sure he that made us with such large discourse, looking before and after, gave us not that capability and god-like reason to fust in us unused." And what is it to be used for? Those very popular how-to-get-rich books, which are the guides to the perplexed of the present generation, say we should keep our minds fixed at all times on just one objective; the person who lets his thoughts wander away from anything but business even for a moment does not deserve the wealth he seeks. Such is the high ethic of the youth today. And such an ethic places us not on the level of the beast but below it.
(p. 240-241) Modern revelation has some interesting things to say about idlers: "Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church" (D&C 75:29). An idler in the Lord's book is one who is not working for the building up of the kingdom of God on earth and the establishment of Zion, no matter how hard he may be working to satisfy his own greed. Latter-day Saints prefer to ignore tht distinction as they repeat a favorite maxim of their own invention, that the idler shall not eat the bread or wear the clothing of the laborer. And what an ingenious argument they make of it! The director of a Latter-day Saint Institute was recently astounded when this writer pointed out to him that the ancient teaching that the idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer has always meant that the idle rich shall not eat the bread of the laboring poor, as they always have. "To serve the classes that are living on them," Brigham Young reports from England, "the poor, the labouring men and women are toiling, working their lives out to earn that which will keep a little life in them [lunch is what they get out of it, and no more]. Is this equality? No! What is going to be done? The Latter-day Saints will never accomplish their mission until this inequality shall cease on the earth." But the institute director was amazed, because he had always been taught that the idle poor should eat the bread of the laboring rich, because it is perfetly obvious that a poor man has not worked as hard as a rich man. With the same lucid logic my Latter-day Saint students tell me that there were no poor in the Zion of Enoch because only the well-to-do were admitted to the city...The moral imperative of the work-ethic is by no means the eternal law we assume it to be, for it rests on a completely artificial and cunningly contrived theory of property.
(p. 248) No one is more completely "of the world" than one who lives by the world's economy, whatever his display of open piety.
(p. 280) A bishop told me this month that people coming to renew their temple recommends when they are asked whether they keep all their covenants frequently answer no, explaining that they do not keep the law of consecration. A General Authority recently told me that the important thing is to observe the law of consecration "spiritually." Yes indeed, say I, and the law of tithing also - how much better to observe it spiritually than in a gross, material way - a great comfort to the rich. And yet the express purpose of both those laws is to test the degree of our attachment to material things, not to provide an exercise in "spiritual" semantics.
So, I had more time than usual this Christmas break to sit down and JUST read (books OTHER THAN textbooks!!). I've been reading Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley and I've come across a lot of thoughts and commentary that couldn't help but make me think about the conversations that I've had as of late about politics, socioeconomics, and religion in general. I thought these were each worth mentioning - just some food for thought.
(p. 163-164) Such considerations [regarding conflicts in our society] admonish me to ask whether all is well in Zion, and I find the answer in myself alone Have I taken the message seriously? No. I have been quite half-hearted about it, and much too easily drawn into what I call the Gentile Dilemma. That is, when I find myself called upon to stand up and be counted, to declare myself on one side or the other, which do I prefer - gin or rum, cigarettes or cigars, tea or coffee, heroin or LSD, the red rose or the white, Shiz or Coriantumr, wicked Nephites or wicked Lamanites, Whigs or Tories, Catholic or Protestant, Republican or Democrat, black power or white power, land pirates or sea pirates, commissars or corporations, capitalism or socialism? The devilish neatness and simplicity of the thing is the easy illusion that I am choosing between good and evil, when in reality two or more evils by their rivalry distract my attention from the real issue...It can be shown that in each of these choices just named, one of hte pair may well be preferable to the other, but that is not the question. There is no point in arguing which other system comes closest to the law of consecration, since I excluded all other systems when I opted for the real thing. The relative merits of various economies is a problem for the gentiles to worry about, a devil's dilemma that does not concern me in the least. For it so happens that I have presently covenanted and promised to observe most strictly certain instructions set forth with great clarity and simplicity in the Doctrine and Covenants. These are designated as the law of consecration, which are absolutely essential for the building up of the kingdom on earth and the ultimate establishment of Zion.
(p. 168) There is plenty to do to satisfy the work ethic without a profit motive, "but the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish" (2 Nephi 26:31).
(p. 170-171). Is the law [of consecration] unrealistic, impractical? It is too much too late for me to worry about that now, for I have already accepted it and repeated my acceptance at least once every month. At a recent conference (October 1978), Elder Mark E. Petersen spoke of the importance of keeping all the covenants we have made - and none is more important, more specific, more sacred than this one. What about Brother So-and-So or Presidend So-and-So? He is free to do as he pleased; I did not covenant with him I knew quite well what I was promising to do and when and where I was to do it, and why - now it is up to me...In 1882, President John Taylor sent out a letter declaring, "If people woudl be governed by correct principles, laying aside covetousness and eschewing chicanery and fraud, dealing honestly and conscientiously with others,...there would be no objection" to their free enterprise - he was appealing to them to do away with covetousness and feigned words, the very things that had put them in control of the economy. But while attempts to implement it [the law of consecration/united order] come and go, the covenant remains, and those who have entered it must live by it or be cursed (D&C 104:3-5), for in this matter God is not to be mocked (D&C 104:6). I am in a perfectly viable position at this moment to observe and keep it, as I have promised, independently of any other party. I do not have ot wait for permission from any other person or group to act.
(p. 236) "What is man," asks Shakespeare, "if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast no more. Sure he that made us with such large discourse, looking before and after, gave us not that capability and god-like reason to fust in us unused." And what is it to be used for? Those very popular how-to-get-rich books, which are the guides to the perplexed of the present generation, say we should keep our minds fixed at all times on just one objective; the person who lets his thoughts wander away from anything but business even for a moment does not deserve the wealth he seeks. Such is the high ethic of the youth today. And such an ethic places us not on the level of the beast but below it.
(p. 240-241) Modern revelation has some interesting things to say about idlers: "Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church" (D&C 75:29). An idler in the Lord's book is one who is not working for the building up of the kingdom of God on earth and the establishment of Zion, no matter how hard he may be working to satisfy his own greed. Latter-day Saints prefer to ignore tht distinction as they repeat a favorite maxim of their own invention, that the idler shall not eat the bread or wear the clothing of the laborer. And what an ingenious argument they make of it! The director of a Latter-day Saint Institute was recently astounded when this writer pointed out to him that the ancient teaching that the idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer has always meant that the idle rich shall not eat the bread of the laboring poor, as they always have. "To serve the classes that are living on them," Brigham Young reports from England, "the poor, the labouring men and women are toiling, working their lives out to earn that which will keep a little life in them [lunch is what they get out of it, and no more]. Is this equality? No! What is going to be done? The Latter-day Saints will never accomplish their mission until this inequality shall cease on the earth." But the institute director was amazed, because he had always been taught that the idle poor should eat the bread of the laboring rich, because it is perfetly obvious that a poor man has not worked as hard as a rich man. With the same lucid logic my Latter-day Saint students tell me that there were no poor in the Zion of Enoch because only the well-to-do were admitted to the city...The moral imperative of the work-ethic is by no means the eternal law we assume it to be, for it rests on a completely artificial and cunningly contrived theory of property.
(p. 248) No one is more completely "of the world" than one who lives by the world's economy, whatever his display of open piety.
(p. 280) A bishop told me this month that people coming to renew their temple recommends when they are asked whether they keep all their covenants frequently answer no, explaining that they do not keep the law of consecration. A General Authority recently told me that the important thing is to observe the law of consecration "spiritually." Yes indeed, say I, and the law of tithing also - how much better to observe it spiritually than in a gross, material way - a great comfort to the rich. And yet the express purpose of both those laws is to test the degree of our attachment to material things, not to provide an exercise in "spiritual" semantics.
a sweet example of pure love...
January 5, 2007
I feel the need to comment on some sweet moments I have experienced this last week as I have been able to observe my dear grandparents interact. My grandma is dying of a terminal lung disease. My grandpa hates leaving her side...I can imagine he is scared that if he were to step away for even a second he would miss something special - fleeting opportunities that are leaving us all - too fast. Or maybe he's scared that if he were to leave her for but a second, that might be the second she might go. Hard fact to swallow, even for me. I can't imagine how he swallows them every day - after being her companion for over 50 years. It's an emotional sort of time. It's hard to think of saying 'so long' to someone who has had such a profound impact on the person that you are and the person you hope to become. Much pondering and reflection.
I stopped in last night to say a quick hello and give a hug and kiss goodnight. Grandma was on her way next door to my aunt's house to get her hair permed. You never thought going maybe just 50 yards next door could be such an ordeal. Grandma finished her dinner. Grandpa cleared the table, as he has done the last 2 1/2 years since she was diagnosed. Grandma slowly stood up, left the kitchen and changed into some sweats...trailing her oxygen hose behind her...another permanent fixture that has so normally become part of her since her diagnosis. I then observed grandpa as he walked to the garage, grabbed two portable tanks of oxyen and brought them to the kitchen. I could hear grandma calling from the living room "Cor, don't you lift that wheelchair out of the car by yourself." I helped him with the heavy beast. After he got the wheelchair out of the garage and next to the porch, he loaded the portable oxygen tank and helped her make the transfer from her permanent oxygen to the portable. Grandpa told grandma to sit down and rest for a minute. The process of changing, walking to the kitchen and making the transfer of oxygen tired her out...it's amazing how we can take our own ability to breathe for granted. I do it everyday.
The next step...tenderly supporting grandma as she walked down the stairs into the wheelchair. By her side the whole way down. I walked beside him as he began to push grandma down the drive, onto the sidewalk, and up my aunt's drive - Grandma worried that he was pushing her up the incline all by himself. I assured her I was helping.
Such a detailed process - all for what we able bodied people would consider a simple task of walking merely 50 yards next door. Probably not even that much. But, my eyes unabashedly welled with tears as I watched my grandpa so tenderly, lovingly and carefully take care of the love of his life. Definitely an example of pure, undying and eternal love. Something that makes it extremely hard to think of the time when I too will have to say 'so long.'
I feel the need to comment on some sweet moments I have experienced this last week as I have been able to observe my dear grandparents interact. My grandma is dying of a terminal lung disease. My grandpa hates leaving her side...I can imagine he is scared that if he were to step away for even a second he would miss something special - fleeting opportunities that are leaving us all - too fast. Or maybe he's scared that if he were to leave her for but a second, that might be the second she might go. Hard fact to swallow, even for me. I can't imagine how he swallows them every day - after being her companion for over 50 years. It's an emotional sort of time. It's hard to think of saying 'so long' to someone who has had such a profound impact on the person that you are and the person you hope to become. Much pondering and reflection.
I stopped in last night to say a quick hello and give a hug and kiss goodnight. Grandma was on her way next door to my aunt's house to get her hair permed. You never thought going maybe just 50 yards next door could be such an ordeal. Grandma finished her dinner. Grandpa cleared the table, as he has done the last 2 1/2 years since she was diagnosed. Grandma slowly stood up, left the kitchen and changed into some sweats...trailing her oxygen hose behind her...another permanent fixture that has so normally become part of her since her diagnosis. I then observed grandpa as he walked to the garage, grabbed two portable tanks of oxyen and brought them to the kitchen. I could hear grandma calling from the living room "Cor, don't you lift that wheelchair out of the car by yourself." I helped him with the heavy beast. After he got the wheelchair out of the garage and next to the porch, he loaded the portable oxygen tank and helped her make the transfer from her permanent oxygen to the portable. Grandpa told grandma to sit down and rest for a minute. The process of changing, walking to the kitchen and making the transfer of oxygen tired her out...it's amazing how we can take our own ability to breathe for granted. I do it everyday.
The next step...tenderly supporting grandma as she walked down the stairs into the wheelchair. By her side the whole way down. I walked beside him as he began to push grandma down the drive, onto the sidewalk, and up my aunt's drive - Grandma worried that he was pushing her up the incline all by himself. I assured her I was helping.
Such a detailed process - all for what we able bodied people would consider a simple task of walking merely 50 yards next door. Probably not even that much. But, my eyes unabashedly welled with tears as I watched my grandpa so tenderly, lovingly and carefully take care of the love of his life. Definitely an example of pure, undying and eternal love. Something that makes it extremely hard to think of the time when I too will have to say 'so long.'
Simple Song of Freedom - by Bobby Darin
January 3, 2007
SIMPLE SONG OF FREEDOM
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you've never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don't want a war.
Hey, there, mister black man, can you hear me?
I don't want your diamonds or your game
I just want to be someone known to you as me
And I will bet my life you want the same.
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
Seven hundred million are ya list'nin’?
Most of what you read is made of lies
But, speakin’ one to one ain't it everybody's sun
To wake to in the mornin’ when we rise?
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
Brother Solzhenitsyn, are you busy?
If not, won't you drop this friend a line
Tell me if the man who is plowin' up your land
Has got the war machine upon his mind?
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
Now, no doubt some folks enjoy doin' battle
Like presidents, prime ministers and kings
So, let's all build them shelves
Where they can fight among themselves
Leave the people be who love to sing.
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
I say … let it fill the air …
Tellin’ people everywhere …
We, the people here, don't want a war.
SIMPLE SONG OF FREEDOM
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you've never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don't want a war.
Hey, there, mister black man, can you hear me?
I don't want your diamonds or your game
I just want to be someone known to you as me
And I will bet my life you want the same.
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
Seven hundred million are ya list'nin’?
Most of what you read is made of lies
But, speakin’ one to one ain't it everybody's sun
To wake to in the mornin’ when we rise?
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
Brother Solzhenitsyn, are you busy?
If not, won't you drop this friend a line
Tell me if the man who is plowin' up your land
Has got the war machine upon his mind?
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
Now, no doubt some folks enjoy doin' battle
Like presidents, prime ministers and kings
So, let's all build them shelves
Where they can fight among themselves
Leave the people be who love to sing.
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
I say … let it fill the air …
Tellin’ people everywhere …
We, the people here, don't want a war.
keeping too much for ourselves
December 19, 2006
"Inaction in the face of the current situation invites moral censure on each of us individually...I can easily imagine a hereafter in which most of the regretting, repenting, and pain experienced by contemporary middle- and upper-class 'active' American Mormons is due to the sin of keeping too much for ourselves." Richard Johnson, BYU Sociology professor
"Inaction in the face of the current situation invites moral censure on each of us individually...I can easily imagine a hereafter in which most of the regretting, repenting, and pain experienced by contemporary middle- and upper-class 'active' American Mormons is due to the sin of keeping too much for ourselves." Richard Johnson, BYU Sociology professor
FYI articles...capitalism v. socialism? democrats v. republicans?
December 19, 2006
Five articles WELL worth the read - If you REALLY want to know where I (and other "liberal church members") stand regarding all of this "debate" I seriously invite you to take a moment and read these (plus it ought to clear up some misconceptions).
#1 "Wealth and Poverty" - address given by BYU Sociology professor Richard Johnson http://sociology.byu.edu/courses/rjohnson/Wealth%20and%20Poverty.htm
#2 "Work We Must But the Lunch is Free" by Hugh Nibley http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/display.php?table=transcripts&id=119
#3 "Capitalism, Culture and Society" by Geoff Price http://rationalrevolution.net/articles/capitalism_culture.htm
#4 "The Spiritual Roots of the Democratic Party: Why I Am a Mormon Democrat" by Todd Compton http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/7207/demosp.html
#5 "I'm a Democrat Because I'm Mormon" by Kathleen Gurr http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=68f7f3ac-4c76-46fe-ae92-de0a6ac7acc7
Five articles WELL worth the read - If you REALLY want to know where I (and other "liberal church members") stand regarding all of this "debate" I seriously invite you to take a moment and read these (plus it ought to clear up some misconceptions).
#1 "Wealth and Poverty" - address given by BYU Sociology professor Richard Johnson http://sociology.byu.edu/courses/rjohnson/Wealth%20and%20Poverty.htm
#2 "Work We Must But the Lunch is Free" by Hugh Nibley http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/display.php?table=transcripts&id=119
#3 "Capitalism, Culture and Society" by Geoff Price http://rationalrevolution.net/articles/capitalism_culture.htm
#4 "The Spiritual Roots of the Democratic Party: Why I Am a Mormon Democrat" by Todd Compton http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/7207/demosp.html
#5 "I'm a Democrat Because I'm Mormon" by Kathleen Gurr http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=68f7f3ac-4c76-46fe-ae92-de0a6ac7acc7
liberal Church members
December 18, 2006
THE FOLLOWING IS MR. BRAD ROYAL'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR (with my response following):
"Liberal Church Members"
by Brad Royal, Las Vegas, Nev.
I have noticed an alarming increase in the number of "progressive" or "liberal" minded members of the LDS Church who appear to have simply adopted the propaganda of the liberal media and are only too happy to slam conservative values. This is manifested in some of the letters bashing the president for the war in Iraq (agreed to and funded by Congress), the economy (which is booming), same sex marriage (an obvious disgrace to mankind) and abortion, among other things. Do these "liberal Mormons" realize liberalism is the foundation of socialism? The mission of liberals is to make the American people so weak and dependant on the government that they can literally control every aspect of life. Of course, nobody will admit that.
Conservative values, in their purest sense, promote self-reliance, protect the family and, when practiced properly, greatly reduces spending and governmental involvement in our lives. It is a mystery to me why so many BYU students will submit hateful letters, which merely recite the latest dicta presented on CNN or in the New York Times. As students of BYU, we may not agree on politics; however, we should certainly agree on the very basics. I was in disgust when Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) a self-proclaimed temple recommend holder; blatantly rejected the prophet and voted against the Constitutional Amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Who else is willing to sell their soul in order to blindly join the mainstream liberal mantra?
AND NOW HERE ARE MY PERSONAL RUMINATIONS:
In response to "Liberal church members" (Dec. 15) I want to say that for one who apparently berates ad hominem arguments (as exemplified when he stated that liberals are "only too happy to slam conservative values"), the author sure has no sense of limiting his attacks on his liberal Mormon associates. As one of these self-proclaimed "liberal church members," I disagree with his reasoning about liberal Mormons and feel he did us a great disservice, especially in not acknowledging our efforts to live the Gospel as he is trying to live it
The author stated that "we may not agree on politics; however we should certainly agree on the very basics." In what "basics" does he believe we are NOT agreeing on? I believe the last time I participated in Sacrament meeting, or attended the temple, or paid my tithing or fast offerings, or participated in my calling, I was agreeing with my conservative Republican neighbor regarding the basics of the Gospel. If those are the basics he refers to, I feel we are doing a decent job (of course there is always room for improvement, but hey, we are accomplishing the mission of the Church, are we not?) If these are not the basics he refers to, he needs to make himself more clear in his distinction between political and religious "basics."
To answer his question: "do these 'liberal Mormons' realize liberalism is the foundation of socialism?" I ask: What does he remember the basics behind the Law of Consecration being? Quote me if I'm wrong but I believe the last time I studied about the Law of Consecration, basics revolve around the doctrine of uniting together in our temporal labors, working together for the common good of all, not taking advantage of one another - definitely a more "socialistic" mindset than that of the current capitalistic trend. I don't ever remember learning about the "winner-takes-all" principle or the "importance of the greatest increase on return of investment" or "purpose of material wealth in benefiting the individual" (all capitalistic/conservative mindsets mind you) as being part of MY Sunday school lessons. I refer him to countless scripture references such as Acts 2:44-45 or D&C 49:30, among others, that clearly imply the Gospel and the Law of Consecration as being a more "socialistic" system than what we rest on now.
No, I do not believe that a purely socialistic government will be a cure-all to the societal ills we face today – However, I forever maintain that a more socialistic approach is more in concert with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Law of Consecration than is a capitalistic or limited-government one.
In conclusion, I refer the author to another "basic belief" we seem to agree on at the moment – the Book of Mormon. I invite this individual to think in a more "socialistic" vein the next time he studies his scriptures. An all-time favorite scripture in 4 Nephi 1:3 says " And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift." Think about that next time you choose to misinterpret the values we "liberal Mormons" regard as being in line with the Gospel.
Brittany Hofman
THE FOLLOWING IS MR. BRAD ROYAL'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR (with my response following):
"Liberal Church Members"
by Brad Royal, Las Vegas, Nev.
I have noticed an alarming increase in the number of "progressive" or "liberal" minded members of the LDS Church who appear to have simply adopted the propaganda of the liberal media and are only too happy to slam conservative values. This is manifested in some of the letters bashing the president for the war in Iraq (agreed to and funded by Congress), the economy (which is booming), same sex marriage (an obvious disgrace to mankind) and abortion, among other things. Do these "liberal Mormons" realize liberalism is the foundation of socialism? The mission of liberals is to make the American people so weak and dependant on the government that they can literally control every aspect of life. Of course, nobody will admit that.
Conservative values, in their purest sense, promote self-reliance, protect the family and, when practiced properly, greatly reduces spending and governmental involvement in our lives. It is a mystery to me why so many BYU students will submit hateful letters, which merely recite the latest dicta presented on CNN or in the New York Times. As students of BYU, we may not agree on politics; however, we should certainly agree on the very basics. I was in disgust when Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) a self-proclaimed temple recommend holder; blatantly rejected the prophet and voted against the Constitutional Amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Who else is willing to sell their soul in order to blindly join the mainstream liberal mantra?
AND NOW HERE ARE MY PERSONAL RUMINATIONS:
In response to "Liberal church members" (Dec. 15) I want to say that for one who apparently berates ad hominem arguments (as exemplified when he stated that liberals are "only too happy to slam conservative values"), the author sure has no sense of limiting his attacks on his liberal Mormon associates. As one of these self-proclaimed "liberal church members," I disagree with his reasoning about liberal Mormons and feel he did us a great disservice, especially in not acknowledging our efforts to live the Gospel as he is trying to live it
The author stated that "we may not agree on politics; however we should certainly agree on the very basics." In what "basics" does he believe we are NOT agreeing on? I believe the last time I participated in Sacrament meeting, or attended the temple, or paid my tithing or fast offerings, or participated in my calling, I was agreeing with my conservative Republican neighbor regarding the basics of the Gospel. If those are the basics he refers to, I feel we are doing a decent job (of course there is always room for improvement, but hey, we are accomplishing the mission of the Church, are we not?) If these are not the basics he refers to, he needs to make himself more clear in his distinction between political and religious "basics."
To answer his question: "do these 'liberal Mormons' realize liberalism is the foundation of socialism?" I ask: What does he remember the basics behind the Law of Consecration being? Quote me if I'm wrong but I believe the last time I studied about the Law of Consecration, basics revolve around the doctrine of uniting together in our temporal labors, working together for the common good of all, not taking advantage of one another - definitely a more "socialistic" mindset than that of the current capitalistic trend. I don't ever remember learning about the "winner-takes-all" principle or the "importance of the greatest increase on return of investment" or "purpose of material wealth in benefiting the individual" (all capitalistic/conservative mindsets mind you) as being part of MY Sunday school lessons. I refer him to countless scripture references such as Acts 2:44-45 or D&C 49:30, among others, that clearly imply the Gospel and the Law of Consecration as being a more "socialistic" system than what we rest on now.
No, I do not believe that a purely socialistic government will be a cure-all to the societal ills we face today – However, I forever maintain that a more socialistic approach is more in concert with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Law of Consecration than is a capitalistic or limited-government one.
In conclusion, I refer the author to another "basic belief" we seem to agree on at the moment – the Book of Mormon. I invite this individual to think in a more "socialistic" vein the next time he studies his scriptures. An all-time favorite scripture in 4 Nephi 1:3 says " And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift." Think about that next time you choose to misinterpret the values we "liberal Mormons" regard as being in line with the Gospel.
Brittany Hofman
Who determines understanding?
November 12, 2006
In response to a friend's question about where I stand regarding capitalism...
Dear friend, I'm still struggling with the morals or ethics behind the system that capitalism sits on. I don't know if it's that I don't fully understand the fundamental mechanisms of capitalism - but rather, I don't understand the mechanisms of how it is being applied today - superficially or secondarily (the antithesis of fundamentally) - because unlike your friend mentioned, I feel that I do have a pretty good understanding of how capitalism should work "fundamentally"...I even openly agreed that capitalism could "potentially" be used for good. I understand that when applied and run in the ultimate and supreme society where everything runs smoothly and balanced, then YES, it could be for the benefit of our global society. But then again, I feel the same way about socialism. However, let's face reality - We don't live in that idealistic society YET..and when we do, it's not going to be either capitalism or socialism....in the perspective of the Gospel, we both know that it will be something else. Therefore, I feel that for now, there must be that bi-partisan equilibrium in a society that keeps it running as smooth as smooth can be in the present. I recognize that it is a balance that needs to be established between whatever the differing parties of the day claim to be.
On the other hand, maybe what your friend commented is partly true. Maybe from his perspective, I don't understand "fundamentally" what capitalism is or the mechanisms behind it. Maybe this is the case. HOWEVER, I can honestly tell you that I DO understand what greed is and what it is that propagates it. One of the reasons that it is so insidious is that it can be nearly invisible - our contemporary lifestyles not only encourage but mask it. And whatever my views are, I do know that I DO NOT want to be labeled as a member of the party that falls under that category (whatever party you care to label it). I also know that all of the Savior's teachings are exactly opposite of that side of the spectrum.
Unlike your friend, I don't really have a lot of big words or explanations for how or why I feel the way I do. Maybe that's why I feel I come across as being somewhat ambigous in my opinions (or maybe not?) My rhetoric and his rhetoric lie on completely different levels. (Which can be a very humbling experience when conversing with people like yourself or your friend who do have an exceptional way with words and expression) In fact, it scares the CRAP out of me and intimidates me to think of having a discussion like this (or any that we have had for that matter) face to face because I often feel that I lack words to describe what I feel. (which is a good reason why I DO need to have more verbal conversations on this level!)
NEVERTHELESS, I do know, and cannot deny that I DO HAVE those core feelings. To me, they are values that I cannot deny and that cannot be taken from me. Almost like my testimony I guess. (if it can be applied in that regard). I don't claim to know the ins and outs of Statism v. Capitalism, but I do know that I want to live as closely to what is outlined in the Gospel as I can. And for me, not that I'm saying that a socialistic society is the answer to the root of all world problems, BUT I do consider the socialistic and democratic approach to socioeconomics ten times more consistent with the teachings of Christ than the capitalistic and republican approach.
~me
In response to a friend's question about where I stand regarding capitalism...
Dear friend, I'm still struggling with the morals or ethics behind the system that capitalism sits on. I don't know if it's that I don't fully understand the fundamental mechanisms of capitalism - but rather, I don't understand the mechanisms of how it is being applied today - superficially or secondarily (the antithesis of fundamentally) - because unlike your friend mentioned, I feel that I do have a pretty good understanding of how capitalism should work "fundamentally"...I even openly agreed that capitalism could "potentially" be used for good. I understand that when applied and run in the ultimate and supreme society where everything runs smoothly and balanced, then YES, it could be for the benefit of our global society. But then again, I feel the same way about socialism. However, let's face reality - We don't live in that idealistic society YET..and when we do, it's not going to be either capitalism or socialism....in the perspective of the Gospel, we both know that it will be something else. Therefore, I feel that for now, there must be that bi-partisan equilibrium in a society that keeps it running as smooth as smooth can be in the present. I recognize that it is a balance that needs to be established between whatever the differing parties of the day claim to be.
On the other hand, maybe what your friend commented is partly true. Maybe from his perspective, I don't understand "fundamentally" what capitalism is or the mechanisms behind it. Maybe this is the case. HOWEVER, I can honestly tell you that I DO understand what greed is and what it is that propagates it. One of the reasons that it is so insidious is that it can be nearly invisible - our contemporary lifestyles not only encourage but mask it. And whatever my views are, I do know that I DO NOT want to be labeled as a member of the party that falls under that category (whatever party you care to label it). I also know that all of the Savior's teachings are exactly opposite of that side of the spectrum.
Unlike your friend, I don't really have a lot of big words or explanations for how or why I feel the way I do. Maybe that's why I feel I come across as being somewhat ambigous in my opinions (or maybe not?) My rhetoric and his rhetoric lie on completely different levels. (Which can be a very humbling experience when conversing with people like yourself or your friend who do have an exceptional way with words and expression) In fact, it scares the CRAP out of me and intimidates me to think of having a discussion like this (or any that we have had for that matter) face to face because I often feel that I lack words to describe what I feel. (which is a good reason why I DO need to have more verbal conversations on this level!)
NEVERTHELESS, I do know, and cannot deny that I DO HAVE those core feelings. To me, they are values that I cannot deny and that cannot be taken from me. Almost like my testimony I guess. (if it can be applied in that regard). I don't claim to know the ins and outs of Statism v. Capitalism, but I do know that I want to live as closely to what is outlined in the Gospel as I can. And for me, not that I'm saying that a socialistic society is the answer to the root of all world problems, BUT I do consider the socialistic and democratic approach to socioeconomics ten times more consistent with the teachings of Christ than the capitalistic and republican approach.
~me
Frustrations with the "East Side"
November 10, 2006
As I find myself pondering the state (economical, political, social, etc.) that we find ourselves in as a global society, as a nation, as members of the Church, as individuals striving for what we feel is the betterment of society as a whole, I find myself narrowing down my frustrations to the grass roots of what I feel is ignorance in it's worst light. By ignorance I regretablly refer to the many members of the Church who think that life is a "certain" way. After discussing this last night with a good friend, I came to realize that unless we begin to really study the issues (economical, political, social, religious) we will continue to find ourself in an endless cycle of apathy and mediocrity. I, myself, am not perfect. Nor do I claim to know everything. However, I do recognize an incredible need for us to step it up a notch (as members of the Church especially) and really come to a conclusion of how we will fight the apathetical approach to "living the Gospel" Here's what was said:
FRIEND - They (many members of the Church) think that life is this "certain" way. It's okay to drive SUVs because we have these overproduced families. It's okay to build monstrous houses. They think in all aspects that consumption is fine, and that they are right - everyone on the east side is always right. They could care less about education - why read? why understand the issues? I have a big house therefore I am saved.
ME: touche, well said. Those are some of my big frustrations as well...the ever increasing ignorance most of all.
FRIEND: They could care less, and that's fine because "being members" makes up for all other flaws.ME: I think alot of it has to do with having all of the zeal without knowledge... knowledge of the implications, the consequences of actions, etc.. (Just as Hugh Nibley put it -- In this 1975 BYU address, Nibley denounced Mormon culture for rewarding "zeal alone, zeal without knowledge - for sitting in endless meetings, for dedicated conformity and unlimited capacity for suffering boredom. We think it more commendable to get up at 5 AM to write a bad book than to get up at 9 o'clock to write a good one - that is pure zeal that tends to breed a race of insufferable, self-righteous prigs and barren minds. One has only to consider the present outpouring of 'inspirational' books in the church that bring little new in the way of knowledge; truisms and platitudes, kitsch, and cliches have become our everyday diet." )
FRIEND: For sure, it's challenging to not relate that to a distancing from them (those certain members), when in reality they are good people and they can add to our lives especially within the context of the gospel.
ME: of course! that's why I think it's a good thing that I'm "friends" with those people...because if it wasn't for those relationships that we do have, then it would be soo easy and justifying to distance yourself...(that's why it's a good thing you're my friend pal...the whole political view difference thing doesn't really matter!!) -- But, it's interesting how the natural man creeps out in you (in me at least) and we set these roles or castes for ourselves in so many different aspects of our lives...religous, political, economical, when in all reality if we just tried to live equally and for the betterment of mankind as a whole, we could avoid many unnecessary problems..say I!
FRIEND: Correct, it's funny to speak of all this and think that we have it all figured out, when so many people can't or don't want to. and when I have for sure have a lot to learn.
ME: I echo that last statement - i'm the first to admit that i know soo little!!
Something to think about.
As I find myself pondering the state (economical, political, social, etc.) that we find ourselves in as a global society, as a nation, as members of the Church, as individuals striving for what we feel is the betterment of society as a whole, I find myself narrowing down my frustrations to the grass roots of what I feel is ignorance in it's worst light. By ignorance I regretablly refer to the many members of the Church who think that life is a "certain" way. After discussing this last night with a good friend, I came to realize that unless we begin to really study the issues (economical, political, social, religious) we will continue to find ourself in an endless cycle of apathy and mediocrity. I, myself, am not perfect. Nor do I claim to know everything. However, I do recognize an incredible need for us to step it up a notch (as members of the Church especially) and really come to a conclusion of how we will fight the apathetical approach to "living the Gospel" Here's what was said:
FRIEND - They (many members of the Church) think that life is this "certain" way. It's okay to drive SUVs because we have these overproduced families. It's okay to build monstrous houses. They think in all aspects that consumption is fine, and that they are right - everyone on the east side is always right. They could care less about education - why read? why understand the issues? I have a big house therefore I am saved.
ME: touche, well said. Those are some of my big frustrations as well...the ever increasing ignorance most of all.
FRIEND: They could care less, and that's fine because "being members" makes up for all other flaws.ME: I think alot of it has to do with having all of the zeal without knowledge... knowledge of the implications, the consequences of actions, etc.. (Just as Hugh Nibley put it -- In this 1975 BYU address, Nibley denounced Mormon culture for rewarding "zeal alone, zeal without knowledge - for sitting in endless meetings, for dedicated conformity and unlimited capacity for suffering boredom. We think it more commendable to get up at 5 AM to write a bad book than to get up at 9 o'clock to write a good one - that is pure zeal that tends to breed a race of insufferable, self-righteous prigs and barren minds. One has only to consider the present outpouring of 'inspirational' books in the church that bring little new in the way of knowledge; truisms and platitudes, kitsch, and cliches have become our everyday diet." )
FRIEND: For sure, it's challenging to not relate that to a distancing from them (those certain members), when in reality they are good people and they can add to our lives especially within the context of the gospel.
ME: of course! that's why I think it's a good thing that I'm "friends" with those people...because if it wasn't for those relationships that we do have, then it would be soo easy and justifying to distance yourself...(that's why it's a good thing you're my friend pal...the whole political view difference thing doesn't really matter!!) -- But, it's interesting how the natural man creeps out in you (in me at least) and we set these roles or castes for ourselves in so many different aspects of our lives...religous, political, economical, when in all reality if we just tried to live equally and for the betterment of mankind as a whole, we could avoid many unnecessary problems..say I!
FRIEND: Correct, it's funny to speak of all this and think that we have it all figured out, when so many people can't or don't want to. and when I have for sure have a lot to learn.
ME: I echo that last statement - i'm the first to admit that i know soo little!!
Something to think about.
The Restless Consumer
November 10, 2006
a bit of NEIL YOUNG for ya:
The people have heard the news
The people have spoken
You may not like what they said
But they weren't jokin'
Way out on the desert sands
Lies a desperate lover
They call her the "Queen of Oil"
So much to discover
Don't need no ad machine
Telling me what I need
Don't need no Madison Avenue War
Don't need no more boxes I can see
Covered in flags but I can't see them on TV
Don't need no more lies
The restless consumer flies
Around the world each day
With such an appetite for taste and grace
People from around the world
Need someone to listen
"We're starving and dying from our disease
We need your medicine
How do you pay for war
And leave us dyin' ?
When you could do so much more
You're not even tryin'
"Don't need no TV ad
Tellin' me how sick I am
Don't want to know how many people are like me
Don't need no dizziness
Don't need no nausea
Don't need no side effects like diarrhea or sexual death
Don't need no more lies
The restless consumer lies
Asleep in her hotel
With such an appetite
For anything that sells
A hundred voices from a hundred lands
Need someone to listen
People are dying here and there
They don't see the world the way you do
There's no mission accomplished here Just death to thousands
A hundred voices from a hundred lands
Cry out in unison
Don't need no terror squad
Don't want no damned Jihad
Blowin' themselves away in my hood
But we don't talk to them
So we don't learn from them
Hate don't negotiate with Good
Don't need no more lies
The restless comsumer flies
Around the world each day
With such an appetite for efficiency And pace...
Don't need no more lies.
a bit of NEIL YOUNG for ya:
The people have heard the news
The people have spoken
You may not like what they said
But they weren't jokin'
Way out on the desert sands
Lies a desperate lover
They call her the "Queen of Oil"
So much to discover
Don't need no ad machine
Telling me what I need
Don't need no Madison Avenue War
Don't need no more boxes I can see
Covered in flags but I can't see them on TV
Don't need no more lies
The restless consumer flies
Around the world each day
With such an appetite for taste and grace
People from around the world
Need someone to listen
"We're starving and dying from our disease
We need your medicine
How do you pay for war
And leave us dyin' ?
When you could do so much more
You're not even tryin'
"Don't need no TV ad
Tellin' me how sick I am
Don't want to know how many people are like me
Don't need no dizziness
Don't need no nausea
Don't need no side effects like diarrhea or sexual death
Don't need no more lies
The restless consumer lies
Asleep in her hotel
With such an appetite
For anything that sells
A hundred voices from a hundred lands
Need someone to listen
People are dying here and there
They don't see the world the way you do
There's no mission accomplished here Just death to thousands
A hundred voices from a hundred lands
Cry out in unison
Don't need no terror squad
Don't want no damned Jihad
Blowin' themselves away in my hood
But we don't talk to them
So we don't learn from them
Hate don't negotiate with Good
Don't need no more lies
The restless comsumer flies
Around the world each day
With such an appetite for efficiency And pace...
Don't need no more lies.
a reluctant enthusiast, a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Sitting here behind my desk, looking out at the beautiful mountains with the exquisite fall colors makes me pause and realize once again that I will not be confined to sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life. I will soon be out there in those mountains. This is just a means to an end right now. I just wanted to echo the words of Edward Abbey when he said:
"One final paragraph of advice: do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast....a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it's still here. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head firmly attached to the body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this much; I promise you this one sweet victory over our enemies, over those desk-bound men and women with their hearts in a safe deposit box, and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this; You will outlive the bastards."
Sitting here behind my desk, looking out at the beautiful mountains with the exquisite fall colors makes me pause and realize once again that I will not be confined to sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life. I will soon be out there in those mountains. This is just a means to an end right now. I just wanted to echo the words of Edward Abbey when he said:
"One final paragraph of advice: do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast....a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it's still here. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head firmly attached to the body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this much; I promise you this one sweet victory over our enemies, over those desk-bound men and women with their hearts in a safe deposit box, and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this; You will outlive the bastards."
The Moral Test of Government
Hubert Humphrey:
“The moral test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the children – those in the twilight of life, the elderly – and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.? President James E. Faust: “I am a conservative on fiscal and property matters and I am a liberal in terms of human values and human rights. I believe what is said in the Book of Mormon, that the Lord values all of his children equally – black and white, bond and free, male and female, Jew and Gentile – and that the Lord likewise has compassion for the heathen. As a result, I like to see all people enjoy every advantage, every blessing, every opportunity, that comes to them by reasons of citizenship.?"
“The moral test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the children – those in the twilight of life, the elderly – and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.? President James E. Faust: “I am a conservative on fiscal and property matters and I am a liberal in terms of human values and human rights. I believe what is said in the Book of Mormon, that the Lord values all of his children equally – black and white, bond and free, male and female, Jew and Gentile – and that the Lord likewise has compassion for the heathen. As a result, I like to see all people enjoy every advantage, every blessing, every opportunity, that comes to them by reasons of citizenship.?"
The Moral Test of Government
Hubert Humphrey:
“The moral test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the children – those in the twilight of life, the elderly – and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.? President James E. Faust: “I am a conservative on fiscal and property matters and I am a liberal in terms of human values and human rights. I believe what is said in the Book of Mormon, that the Lord values all of his children equally – black and white, bond and free, male and female, Jew and Gentile – and that the Lord likewise has compassion for the heathen. As a result, I like to see all people enjoy every advantage, every blessing, every opportunity, that comes to them by reasons of citizenship.?
“The moral test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the children – those in the twilight of life, the elderly – and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.? President James E. Faust: “I am a conservative on fiscal and property matters and I am a liberal in terms of human values and human rights. I believe what is said in the Book of Mormon, that the Lord values all of his children equally – black and white, bond and free, male and female, Jew and Gentile – and that the Lord likewise has compassion for the heathen. As a result, I like to see all people enjoy every advantage, every blessing, every opportunity, that comes to them by reasons of citizenship.?
accounted unto us as righteousness
“Charity also includes your attitude toward those who have not. In all of my reading, I cannot recall one experience of the Savior asking a man whether he was working, whether he would have worked if he had a job, or even whether he was worthy to receive charity. He seemed to never have a concern for inappropriate begging. Consider the palsied man who was lowered through the roof, the two blind men calling to Him during His triumphal entry to Jerusalem, or the Canaanite woman. When he fed the five thousand and the seven thousand, He did not ask how many had personal supplies or who had eaten most recently; He gave freely to all. Sometimes when we are accosted by panhandlers, excuses are often legitimate. The recipient might be going right back into a bar or liquor store; he or she might indeed by part of a syndicate; a woman might be carrying another persons infant or child merely to evoke sympathy. Maybe the emergency for which they need financial help is fabricated. But then again, maybe not. What if we truly turn away the needy? If we give to the poor and the panhandler, the beggar and the widow, deserving or undeserving, it will be accounted unto us as righteousness. Charity, in my humble opinion, would suggest that it does not make any difference. In fact, I believe that those who best exemplify charity do not think about worthiness; they simply give.?" Vaughn J. Featherstone –THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST
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