Equality = Equalness?

The cry for equality sounds loudly and clearly from both sides of the aisle right now.

"The claim to equality, outside the strictly political field, is made only by those who feel themselves to be in some way inferior."

--The Screwtape Letters

 Equality under the law has one meaning, Constitutionally-derived. Equalness has a very different connotation. Equalness is used here as the antithesis of Equality. They are two very different terms.
Equalness draws its power from the illegitimate use of the word "fairness". If one person claims that something is not fair, than it must not be equal. Fairness is unfortunately a subjective term. Equalness results from fairness. Fairness in the current political dialogue means equality in outcome, which cannot be legislated, forced or adjudicated.
If one person has more through his own industry and thrift, should he be required under the law to give up the fruits of his labors that the slothful should have an equal amount? Such is not fair from the perspective of the laborer. But if the laborer has more than the slothful, he who has not worked esteems that discrepancy as unfair. This cannot be resolved adequately between the two of them. There are two directly opposing philosophies that cannot be reconciled. It requires a third entity to step in as a mediator.
That mediator is the Law. Equality under the law means that all men are judged the same way under the same law. No preference is given based on the standard criteria by which we define ourselves. A worker is entitled to the rights of property, privacy, expression, petition for redress of grievances, and so forth. A person who takes of the laborer's earnings is judged as a thief. They are dealt with under the constraints of the Law.
The government has as its sole responsibility the protection of the rights of the people under the Law. The specifics are laid out in the Constitution of the United States of America. No government, at any level, whether public, private, institutionalized or religious, should ever be in the business of making people feel good about themselves. Governments are instituted to enforce laws, statutes and guidelines. They are to protect those they serve, they are not entities unto themselves.
To draw this full circle back to the quote by CS Lewis, "The claim to equality ... is made only by those who feel themselves to be in some way inferior." Let's look at the stars. Some are brighter than others. Why? There are several possible explanations for this difference in brightness.

• One star is farther away than another.
• One star is larger than another.
• One star is actually brighter than another.

Much of the brightness depends on the perspective of the viewer. The man who mops floors may be overlooked by the executives and the white collars that drive the business. This same man who works all day may receive honor, praise and thanks when he comes home to his family. A child may think his father a hero, no matter if he mops floors, shuffles papers, or seals deals. 

So apparent difference in brightness may be imagined through differences in perspective, or it may be accurate. What's wrong with a person being superior to another? The moral trap enters when one assumes that they are destined to superiority. 

Just as the man with the mop may be promoted, so too the CEO may be fired. We are all in a constant flow up, down, sideways. Some days I may be equal to you, other days you may be superior to me. We look to heroes as being greater than ourselves. That superiority of our heroes gives us attributes to strive to obtain in ourselves. The inferiority of others gives us opportunity to lend a hand, teach, share and lift.

Equality does not equal Equalness. The Utopian ideal of equality in possessions, knowledge, wisdom and power does not exist in this world. The closest that we can get is a free-market system with limited government regulation to protect the rights of the people. In this system, the worker gets what he earns. The marketplace of his peers decide through the power of their purchases if the product/service/idea is of worth. Worthwhile ideas find success. Poor ideas do not find success but failure.

The freedom and liberty we strive for engenders equality, which is equal parts success and failure. Some days you win, and some days you lose. When you lose, you work harder the next day, and you get what you earn. You keep what you earn. That is fairness. That is equality. That is liberty.

Purity = Strength

 Excellence in character is a rare trait in public lives today. When a man decides who he is and lives that life, there is an honor that cannot be feigned.
We can look to Alfred Lord Tennyson's retelling of the Arthurian Legend in Idylls of The King for an example: Sir Galahad, the Pure.

"My good blade carves the casques of men,
   My tough lance thrusteth sure,
My strength is as the strength of ten,
   Because my heart is pure."   

(http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/Galahad.htm)

  It is when men try to disguise who they are that trust is eroded. There may be something slightly off with that person that we may sense. We might not be able to identify what is wrong, but most people can tell when someone is not being true to themselves or to others. A pure heart lights the countenance of the person. Light drives away darkness.
We prepare ourselves now for another election cycle. Who do we see on the screens and hear on the radios? Are they honorable, or are they what CS Lewis referred to as "little men"? That is up to the individual to educate themselves and decide.

 "Democracy demands that little men should not take big ones too seriously; it dies when it is full of little men who think they are big themselves."

--'Notes on the Way' Time and Tide

Sir Galahad demanded of himself purity. He knew that his strength came from the disciplined rejection of the morally degrading thoughts, actions and patterns of living that tore down other men of his time.
Do we demand purity of ourselves? Of our families? Our compatriots? Our elected officials?
As we demand purity of ourselves, we improve in clarity of thought, insight and knowledge. If our eyes are on the right things, our lives will fill with light. Light is truth. Light rejects darkness. By being the people that we would desire at our head, we wordlessly require those around us to live up to the same standards. A good man can improve his neighborhood just by living true. Likewise, a bad man can degrade a neighborhood if his neighbors do not watch themselves. But you notice that a bad man does not stay long in a good neighborhood. Darkness does not long stay in the light.
Let us then be as Galahad. He knew that his heart was pure, and he was stronger for it.
A strong government is one that recognizes its strength is derived from the consent of the governed. The biggest man is he that will not demean the little man for being little. All have their place. As we elect honest people of integrity, no matter their political persuasion, the dialogue will improve, and the system of government can and will purify itself.

More CS Lewis quotes - http://www.comnett.net/~rex/cslewis.htm

Driven to Our Knees

“The Prayer at Valley Forge” by Arnold Friberg 

Only when America willingly drops to her knees in deference to the Almighty Author of Liberty will the chains of captivity around her neck be loosed.
American Exceptionalism is merely one aspect of Human Exceptionalism. Being children of a loving Heavenly Father, we are of noble lineage. Exceptionalism is the expectation.
When America is strong in her faith, the world prospers. When America is weakened, the world trembles. Liberty is threatened, and men are driven to their knees by tyrants.

God bless America. May she always look to her God and be that shining city on a hill that cannot be hid. May America always wave the banner to which the nations flock. May the remembrance of the captivity of our fathers, before this nation was, drive us to our knees in humility, that we may rise in strength and stand in the Liberty wherewith God has made us free.

You Are Worth It

"Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it."
--The World's Last Night

CS Lewis quotes - http://www.comnett.net/~rex/cslewis.htm

Speaking as one who knows the darkness of depression, and who has trudged through life feeling utter worthless, it is no small comfort to know that the Greatest of All, descended below All, that he might know how to succor me in my infirmity.
The principles of Christianity make decent men better, and make bad men turn in shame. Because all men are free to choose liberty and eternal life, or captivity and eternal darkness, gives meaning to Christ's sacrifice. The freedom to determine our own fate is of eternal import.
This land of America was not founded so all men could be materially rich. The riches of the world are God's to give as he pleases. This land was established under the Divine Hand of Providence to enable all men, everywhere, to believe in self-determination. We are not bound to a king. We serve no author of salvation, except by choice. At the end of the day, America means that I am responsible for me. None determines who I am or how far I can reach, without my express consent.
The great American Experiment, as our forefathers named it, was set in motion for a moral people. The howling storm around us would fain convince that none of those who breathe are worth the air or earth they partake.  Life is not a sin. Humans, by nature, are sinners, only because there is an eternal Law. America stands because great men and women rose up to the call of Liberty and sounded that clarion to family, neighbors and community. They stood together in righteousness, despite different creeds or faiths. By doing so, they drove back the storm of tyranny and changed the world.
Once again, tyranny rears its dark head. Voices in the wind would convince each one that only through their product can we be beautiful, or popular, or wealthy, or worth it. The roaring tempest of information whirls around us, removing from us our stable point of reference. Only the still, small voice can penetrate the storm,
America is worth it. Each day, stand proud. America has been the example of Liberty and self-determination throughout the world. Right now, she is slipping from her foundations. If we lie down in sorrow, the house that our forefathers built will come crashing down around us. The hope of this nation is its people.
The supreme sacrifice has been made for you, and for me. You are worth it. I am worth it. And America is worth it.
How can you be a patriot today?

Bedrock of Truth

"It matters enormously if I alienate anyone from the truth."
--The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis

For every truth we tell, we cement ourselves further into the bedrock of faith. Nothing less than a firm foundation will preserve us from the howling storm. Let us give and expect the best of others, that through our words, our deeds, and our silent petitions we may be found a friend of truth.


CS Lewis quotes - http://www.comnett.net/~rex/cslewis.htm

Sent To the Principles

Every day we face many challenges. The world is a clever place. It keeps throwing things at you that are both unanticipated and tempting. How is the best way to deal with this barrage of media images and ideas?
The only way comes from the scriptures. We must be built on a solid foundation of principles. When we are, we can trust in the following:

 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Jesus Christ is the true foundation upon which we can build. A solid foundation of truth will anchor us in this maelstrom of information that pummels us each day.
What principles should we learn? Let’s end with a list, given by Joseph Smith in The Articles of Faith. (Articles of Faith 1:13)

Honesty, Truthfulness, Chastity, Benvolence, Virtue, Doing Good to All Men, Believing [truth], Hope, Endurance, Seeking after that which is Virtuous, Lovely, of Good Report or Praiseworthy.

Following these inspired words will give us our principled foundation upon which we can make our decisions. When new situations arise that may or may not be good, compare them to the principles listed above. If the idea or temptation doesn’t fit, get rid of it.

So the best way to deal with unruly ideas? Send them to the principles.

Having Your Feet Shod

The New Testament advises that we put on the whole armor of God. Part of that is having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Whether we wear ancient sandals or modern boots, let us shod our feet with footwear that will run us toward truth and light and turn away from darkness and evil. Only a fool wants war. Good men and women know their duty to protect peace, even if it comes to war.
In the Book of Mormon, a military leader said of their enemies in war, "We would not go to war if they would leave us alone."
So, too, is the case with defenders of liberty today. If we could live in a world that would respect our right to worship, to raise our families, and to govern our lives according to the dictates of our own conscience, we would not seek conflict. We know where we stand.
Let us put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17 ) and stand against the storm.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/eph/6/13)

There are organizations that give support to defenders of liberty by wearing combat boots. Keep this in mind. We only achieve peace through strength. Let us therefore prepare for the gospel of peace by defending liberty today.

Real Men Defend Freedom

In 1863 talented sculptor Thomas Crawford was commissioned by the United States government to create several statues for the Nation's capitol. He created a statue called Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace. This is the embodiment of freedom as a woman. It stands atop the Capitol Dome in Washington D.C.

In the photos below you can see what she looks like.

Official photo from the Architect of the Capitol  taken during the 1993 restoration of the Capitol Building, where the statue was taken down for a time.

http://www.aoc.gov/cc/photo-gallery/statue_of_freedom.cfm - page of thumbnails.

The statue of freedom crowns the dome of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. This statue was created by Thomas Crawford. This is the full-sized plaster model that stands in Emancipation Hall.

Why is freedom personified as a woman?

In classical sculpture, virtuous ideals and concepts are personified as women. Take the nine Muses of Greek mythology, and more recently, the statues of History and Justice as examples.  

Man is not complete without Woman. Man looks to woman for beauty, inspiration and fulfillment. No good man will stand idly by and allow a woman to be injured when he himself can do something about it. A man will defend a good woman to his dying breath because it is the right thing to do.

Notice the sculpture. Freedom has on her head a helmet, in her left hand the shield of the United States. Her right hand rests on the hilt of her sword. I think it significant that Freedom does not have her sword drawn. Freedom is not a tyrant ruling by the sword, but rather a beautiful woman who owns the tools of defense.

Freedom and her sister Liberty do not impose themselves on others. They stand waiting for good men and women to recognize their virtue, and like a light on a hill, all are drawn to it.

  

Neither of these symbolic women personify vengeance or tyranny. It is notable that the symbolic elements that we hold so dear are personified as women. As stated earlier, Man looks to Freedom and Liberty for beauty, inspiration and fulfillment. No good man will stand idly by and allow Freedom and Liberty be injured when he himself can do something about it. A man will defend a Freedom and Liberty, and, by extension, all virtues, to his dying breath because it is the right thing to do. 

Real Men defend Freedom. Always.

The Second Coming of Lazarus, part 1

America was born into a world waiting for freedom. The history of civilization has been slavery and oppression. There never had been a place like America. This great American Experiment revolutionized the world. Such power and wealth had never before been amassed by one people. The spark of freedom ignited a fire that lit the entire earth.
For a time, everything was good. Then the serpents, with their subtle whisperings, insinuated themselves into positions of power and lulled the populace into a false sense of security. Because it had always been free, it would always be so. This is similar to the story of Lazarus, in the New Testament. Each person take life, and each other's lives, for granted. Life has always been here - we don't remember anything different - and so it seems like it always will be.
Lazarus was a friend to Jesus. But even he died. His sisters mourned and wept. The voice of Lazarus could no longer be heard. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, still he stayed in the town where he was for two days. He knew that the sickness of Lazarus was to illustrate the glory of God. Lazarus and his sisters were in an unfriendly town called Judea. When Jesus said that he was going back to Judea, his disciples tried to warn him away, reminding him that the Jews there tried to stone him. Jesus said that Lazarus was sleeping, and his disciples, not understanding the figurative language, thought that was good for him.

"Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead." (John 11:14)

Despite the dangerous circumstances, and knowing that their lives could very well be in danger, Thomas Didymus (who would later be called Doubting Thomas for refusing to believe in the resurrected Lord until he saw for himself), expressed great faith in the Savior by saying, "Let us go also, that we may die with him." (John 11:16)
When Jesus and the disciples came near to the town of Bethany, the body of Lazarus had been in the tomb four days already. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, heard that Jesus was coming and went to meet him. She told of the situation, and Jesus assured her that her brother would live.

Let us compare the story thus far with the current state of the United States of America.
America has been infected with a deadly sickness. The aforementioned serpents have inserted poisons of all kinds into our society. What was once a prosperous, moral nation, has sickened, and in a very real sense, died. Moral decay, corruption at all levels, including the highest levels of power, pride and idol worship have killed the America that once was. Our Founding Fathers knew that this was a risk in establishing this nation under God. Freedom always comes with a price. When lulled into false security, sickness infects and slowly kills. But there was no other way to establish the purposes of God, except to establish a land of liberty and freedom, where the gospel could go forth to all corners of the world.
There are those who hear the voice of freedom and walk in the Light. These re-founders are much like Thomas Didymus, mentioned above, who know that there are those who will mock, persecute and even try to kill them. Nevertheless, they go with the Light, the Lord Jesus, who is the God of this Land. No matter the faith or creed, there are noble patriots rising up in these days who proclaim liberty, no matter the personal cost. These are noble and great souls, saved for these last days, when the gates of hell pour forth blackness, to stand as bulwarks against the raging storm, that freedom may awaken again in the hearts of men.
America has been placed in a tomb by those who do not understand. Life goes on, progresses, and so the dead must be laid to rest. The dead has been bound, hand and foot, and has their jaw bound, so they cannot speak. They have been immobilized and silenced. But this is not permanent, for as we will see in the next segment, the Lord Jesus Christ can command, and even the dead come forth.
In the next post, we will complete the story of Lazarus and compare the awakening of America.

Believe in Honor

Our word is our bond. When all is said and done, your words should stand on their own, and you should stand by your word.
Generations of our forebears have lived and died with few records left behind. Family remembers family. What they remember is built on each day.
With this amazing technology at our fingertips, we can post, tweet, blog, email and instant message - communicate more instantaneously than ever before. All of this immediate communication can create more emotional interaction and less thoughtful consideration. Every word that goes on this screen will be here forever. The aether is not limitless, it has deep memories. Everything said on a screen is somewhere in a network server, cached and archived. What you say today may come back to you ten years from now.
With this knowledge, is our word still our bond? For the sake of our memories and for generations yet to come, I pray it is. Be honest in your dealings, and just in your deliberations and you shall pass day to day with a mind clear of offense.