TAX System Explained In Simple Terms.
Sometimes politicians, journalists and others exclaim; "It's just a taxcut for the rich!" and it is just accepted to be fact. But what does that really mean?Just in case you are not completely clear on this issue, I hope the following will help. Please read it carefully.Let's put tax cuts in terms everyone can understand.
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for dinner and the bill for allten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go somethinglike this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.The ten men ate dinner in the restaurant every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve."Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reducethe cost of your daily meal by $20."Dinner for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still eat for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers?How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to eat their meal. So, the restaurant owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings)
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continuedto eat for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar,too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than me!"
"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 backwhen I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison."We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for dinner, so the nine sat down and ate without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how ourtax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction.
Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start eating overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D Professor of Economics University of Georgia
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Democracy is always temporary!
Here's a lesson you must teach to your children. They won't learn it in school. If you doubt that, ask them who was Patrick Henry. At about the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinborough had this to say about "The Fall of the Athenian Republic" some 2,000 years prior:
THE FALL OF THE ATHENIAN REPUBLIC... "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance,
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy,
From apathy to dependence,
From dependence back into bondage.
"Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law, St.Paul, Minnesota, believes the U.S. is now somewhere between the "apathy" and the "complacency" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy; with some 40 percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
So think before you vote and share your knowledge so others will vote appropriately and just maybe we can save this great nation. It's not too late, we can make a difference
Here's a lesson you must teach to your children. They won't learn it in school. If you doubt that, ask them who was Patrick Henry. At about the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinborough had this to say about "The Fall of the Athenian Republic" some 2,000 years prior:
THE FALL OF THE ATHENIAN REPUBLIC... "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance,
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy,
From apathy to dependence,
From dependence back into bondage.
"Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law, St.Paul, Minnesota, believes the U.S. is now somewhere between the "apathy" and the "complacency" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy; with some 40 percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
So think before you vote and share your knowledge so others will vote appropriately and just maybe we can save this great nation. It's not too late, we can make a difference
Christmas Letter to our Children 2007
Christmas Letter To Our Children 2007
Another year is nearly over, almost time to start anew
It’s time to evaluate, just how much we grew.
Did we learn anything this year, anymore of the truth
Did we grow a little wiser, and continue to advance from our youth
We’re not sure about you, but we think maybe we’ve grown
Maybe not as much as before, but as much as we could on our own.
This was a very good year, starting in January with a cruise with you all
To Mexico with you and spouses, didn’t we have a ball
The food and the Karaoke, as fatting and fun as can be
An exciting game of family feud, and then dancing to Nacho Libre
This was a highlight of our year, a great way to start 07
So much fun in just four days, seemed like we were in heaven
February brought a trip to Lake Havasu, a wonderful new experience,
To the fireworks show of the century, we haven’t been the same since
Then on to Salt Lake City, to attend an insurance convention
And also visit Jason and Jenifer, and give their kids some attention
In March we went to Sacramento, for Matthew’s 8th birthday
And stand as witness to his baptism, what more can we say.
Then Nedra had another birthday, seemed like this one came real fast
So fast in fact that she said, “let’s just let this one pass”
In April we had some fun, going to San Francisco
To dinner with my boss, and see the “Jersey Boys” show
May was the 4th anniversary, of Betty and Denny too
So we cruised the Hawaii Islands, what else could we do
And although it was fun, to be in the sun and on the sea
We really think we are cruised out, at least until it becomes free
May was also the month for Cannon, and we are so very glad
This year he turned 8, and got baptized by his dad
June was another trip, back to SLC again
For McKenna’s graduation, and dad’s birthday party with Jen
It was also a milestone for Kenny, who graduated from High School
Now that he is an adult, he won’t be anyone’s fool.
July was a lot of fun, for every one of us
As we traveled to LA, we should have rented a bus
We went to the Zambrana picnic, kids and the grandkids too,
Then spent the day at the beach, it felt like we were at a zoo.
In August we went back to Utah, a trip to BYU
To attend education week, and learn what we should do
We learned about the gospel, the great plan of happiness
We’ll do it again next year, it was fun we must confess.
We can’t think of anything else, that we would rather learn
Than how God wants to bless us, rather than have us burn
A quick stop at Jen’s house, where we saw two wonderful plays
Saturdays Warriors, and Joseph and his Dream Coat had us all Amazed
Then on to Las Vegas, because our company made us
To attend more education meeting, that turned out to be a plus
Because we took some time to see “The Phantom of the Opera” play
It was so much more fun, than being in class all day
Let us not forget, that in August and then in September
We both got new cars, ones that we’ll always remember.
Nedra got a new Highlander, more bells and whistle than her last one
Dad got a Solara convertible, yes it’s a very fast one.
We bet you wish you had one, but we know that you can see
These cars cost lots of money, no they are not free.
So when you are old and wise, just like your old man
You can have one too, just make it part of your plan.
September was also the month, that Gabe took a ride
It wasn’t exactly a vacation, he spent most of his time inside.
But we think we all learned a lesson, for the three months he was away
We learned to love more and more, as we supported him each day.
Our prayers along with his, were heard by God above
And he showered each one of us, with a very special love.
The kind that only comes, from trials and tribulations
That makes us stronger and wiser, and seldom needs explanations.
Then in October and November, as a family we got together
For trick or treat with the kids, in some very nice cool weather.
To eating a lot of food, at tables decorated so nice
And a delicious turkey too, full of grandpa’s special spice.
So now as we celebrate, this last month called December
Let us not forget, and always try to remember.
That this is a time to reflect, on the things that we have done
The trials and the experiences, along with all the fun.
Time to consider how much, that each of us will learn
From this wonderful year, that caused our hearts to burn.
As we gained support, and gave service to each other
And received the blessings from God, and inspiration from our Brother
Our brother Jesus Christ, who was born so very long ago
In a small town of Bethlehem, in April when there wasn’t any snow.
Let us always remember, how he was born and how he would live
To make our lives better, think about what he was willing to give.
He did it all for us, yes for me and you
Now let us do all we can, and try our best to stay true.
To our Heavenly Father, who sent Jesus to the earth
And gave us a new life in him, even a second birth.
Finally try to remember, something you already know
We love you too, Your Father and Mother here below
They say it’s not good to be proud, we should always try to be humble
But it is so very hard, when we have kids that don’t cause trouble
Oh we know at times each one of you, can make us laugh or make us cry
But all in all we must say, we know all of you really try
You try to be good and do what is right, and when one of you stumble
The rest of you just pick up the pieces, and support the one who’s in trouble
As we end this year we want you all to know, how very proud we are
Of each and everyone of you, who are willing to work so hard
And do what is right against all the odds, and help each others cause
And in helping your fellow man, you make us stop and pause.
To thank our Heavenly Father, for our children, yes all eight
For making our life a blessing, that will last long after we past the pearly gate.
So thank you our special children, for everything that you do
That made this year so wonderful, for Nedra, for Dad, and for you.
Love Forever,
Dad and Nedra
Postscript: We can’t thank you enough for the Perfect gift we received from all of you this year. It was the most enjoyable and appreciated gift we have ever received. It is worth more than any amount of money. We just hope this will be a new Christmas traditions that will go on for the rest of our lives. Although we will know what our gift is each year, we will still be surprised and pleased with the content. And a very special thanks to Gwen who did so much work to make this special book come to reality.
We hope you enjoy the dinner at Yosemite Ranch Restaurant and an evening at the movie. Remember we will baby sit for you if you give us enough warning.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Benjamin Franklin wrote his epitaph:
Benjamin Franklin wrote his epitaph:
"THE BODY of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN - Printer. Like the cover of an oldbook, Its contents torn out, And stripped of its lettering and gilding, Lies here, food for worms; Yet the work itself shall not be lost, For it will (as he believed) appear once more, In a new, And more beautiful edition, Corrected and amended By The AUTHOR."
"THE BODY of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN - Printer. Like the cover of an oldbook, Its contents torn out, And stripped of its lettering and gilding, Lies here, food for worms; Yet the work itself shall not be lost, For it will (as he believed) appear once more, In a new, And more beautiful edition, Corrected and amended By The AUTHOR."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
God Country and Freedom
God, Country and Freedom, by Don Zambrana
I would like to share a few thoughts about this great country on this 4th of July day.
This is a very special day. Today we celebrate the birthday of this great Nation we know as the United Stated of America. I will try to keep my remarks brief, although I would love to talk about this great nation for hours.
It didn’t all begin on July 4, 1776. This was ordained to be a Promised Land long before that, and was a fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
This Land has been inhabited by many ancient civilizations. We know of at least 4. The Jeradites, The Mulikites, The Nephites/ Lamanites, and of course the discovery by Columbus and the migration of many people from many lands around the world to form this current country.
Let me quote a few verses from the Book of Mormon that talk about this great nation and its destiny. (Read 1 Nephi 13: 12-19)
12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles (Columbus), who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.
13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; (Pilgrims) and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.
14 And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten. (Nephites/Lamanites, American Indians)
15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.
16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.
17 And I beheld that their mother Gentiles (England) were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.
18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.
19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.
Truly Columbus was inspired to rediscover this Land. (Columbus words page 26 The Great Prologue) “From my first youth onward, I was a seaman and have so continued until this day. The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and he bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance, of astrology as much as was needed, and of geometry and astronomy likewise. Further, He gave me joy and cunning in drawing maps and thereon cities, mountains, rivers, islands, and harbors, each one in its place. I have seen and truly I have studied all books, cosmographies, histories, chronicles, and philosophies, and other arts, for which our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my emprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?
And many seeking religious freedom follow after him, as was prophesized in the Book of Mormon. This is the land of promise. “A land choice above all other lands”. Given to God’s chosen people and protected from all other nations as long as we are humble before God.
Many righteous men were raised up to form this great nation. With the help of God, they wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence. Let me take a moment to read a portion of this great declaration. I believe it has probably been a long time since most of you have read it. Perhaps the last time was in high school. Perhaps some of our current high school students have never read it. So at the risk of loosing some of you I will read a portion of this great declaration. (Read first portion of Declaration)
“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and the Nature’s God entitle them, and decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Later many of these same great men worked long and hard to establish the constitution that governs this great country. Let me read the preamble to the constitution that explains why the constitution was established. (read preamble)
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
We know that this great constitution was inspired of God as was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants section 101 vs. 80 “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.”
And we know that these great men visited President Wilfred Woodruff in the Saint George Temple and asked that their temple work be completed. (pg77 Great Prologue)
In a General Conference meeting April 1898 he said, “I am going to bear my testimony to this assembly, if I never do it again in my life, that those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of Heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men that labored for the purpose were inspired of he Lord. Another thing I am going to say here, because I have the right to say it. Every one of those men that signed that Declaration of Independence, with General George Washington, called upon me, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Temple at St. George, two consecutive nights, and demanded at my hands that I should go forth and attend to the ordinances of the House of God for them. Would those spirits have called upon me, as an Elder in Israel, to perform that work if they had not been noble spirits before God? They would not. I bear this testimony, because it is true. The Spirit of God bore record to myself and the brethren while we were laboring in that way.”
Many great men have sacrificed much (even their very lives) for the freedoms we enjoy and often times take for granted. It is my prayer that on this special day, as we enjoy our pancakes breakfast and fellowship, that we will take a few minutes to reflect on how blessed we are to live in this great land. And that we would also pay tribute to the many who have given so much, and also thank God for the privilege of being here and for his inspiration to the men who establish this great country.
I would like to conclude with the famous words of two American Presidents. One of long ago and one more recent. I love the great speech Abraham Lincoln gave at the battlefield of Gettysburg, which is now known as the Gettysburg Address. Listen carefully to these famous words of this speech.
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We come to dedicate a portion of it as a final resting-place for those who died here, that the nation might live. It is all to gather fitting that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, no long remember what we say here, while it can never forget what they did here.
It is rather for us, the living, to be dedicated here to the great task remaining before us. That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion. That we here highly resolve, these dead shall not have died in vain. That the nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
And finally a few great quotes from a more current American President, Ronald Reagan.
(pg 126- 127 Pres R Quotations book) “Don’t let anyone tell you that American’s best days are behind her, that the American spirit has been vanquished. We’ve seen it triumph too often in our lives to stop believing in it now. (The State of the Union Jan 26, 1982)”
“We in America have been blessed with a sacred opportunity and a scared quest. At times it may only seem like the imperfect reflection of a perfect dream, but to all whose ancestors came here as immigrants—whether they were non-comformist Protestants fleeing persecution in the 17th century, Irish –Catholics fleeing famine and injustice in the 19th century, Jews fleeing pogroms at the turn of the century, or the Asian boat people and Soviet dissidents of today—all came to seek a higher goal than just mere physical survival. There was, and is, and element of moral principle in our national fiber that makes a difference. Americans are brothers not because we share the same past and the same ancestry, but because we share the same ideals and the same hopes for the future.” (National Conference of Christians and Jews March 23, 1982)
“We have problems in our country, and many people are praying and waiting for God to do something. I just wonder if maybe God isn’t waiting for us to do something. And while no one else is capable of doing everything, everyone is capable of doing something.” (White House Luncheon of National Religious Leaders April 13, 1982)
May we dedicate ourselves to maintain the freedoms God has granted us, and allow our fellow men around the world the same freedoms.
I would like to share a few thoughts about this great country on this 4th of July day.
This is a very special day. Today we celebrate the birthday of this great Nation we know as the United Stated of America. I will try to keep my remarks brief, although I would love to talk about this great nation for hours.
It didn’t all begin on July 4, 1776. This was ordained to be a Promised Land long before that, and was a fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
This Land has been inhabited by many ancient civilizations. We know of at least 4. The Jeradites, The Mulikites, The Nephites/ Lamanites, and of course the discovery by Columbus and the migration of many people from many lands around the world to form this current country.
Let me quote a few verses from the Book of Mormon that talk about this great nation and its destiny. (Read 1 Nephi 13: 12-19)
12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles (Columbus), who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.
13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; (Pilgrims) and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.
14 And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten. (Nephites/Lamanites, American Indians)
15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.
16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.
17 And I beheld that their mother Gentiles (England) were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.
18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.
19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.
Truly Columbus was inspired to rediscover this Land. (Columbus words page 26 The Great Prologue) “From my first youth onward, I was a seaman and have so continued until this day. The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and he bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance, of astrology as much as was needed, and of geometry and astronomy likewise. Further, He gave me joy and cunning in drawing maps and thereon cities, mountains, rivers, islands, and harbors, each one in its place. I have seen and truly I have studied all books, cosmographies, histories, chronicles, and philosophies, and other arts, for which our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my emprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?
And many seeking religious freedom follow after him, as was prophesized in the Book of Mormon. This is the land of promise. “A land choice above all other lands”. Given to God’s chosen people and protected from all other nations as long as we are humble before God.
Many righteous men were raised up to form this great nation. With the help of God, they wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence. Let me take a moment to read a portion of this great declaration. I believe it has probably been a long time since most of you have read it. Perhaps the last time was in high school. Perhaps some of our current high school students have never read it. So at the risk of loosing some of you I will read a portion of this great declaration. (Read first portion of Declaration)
“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and the Nature’s God entitle them, and decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Later many of these same great men worked long and hard to establish the constitution that governs this great country. Let me read the preamble to the constitution that explains why the constitution was established. (read preamble)
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
We know that this great constitution was inspired of God as was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants section 101 vs. 80 “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.”
And we know that these great men visited President Wilfred Woodruff in the Saint George Temple and asked that their temple work be completed. (pg77 Great Prologue)
In a General Conference meeting April 1898 he said, “I am going to bear my testimony to this assembly, if I never do it again in my life, that those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of Heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men that labored for the purpose were inspired of he Lord. Another thing I am going to say here, because I have the right to say it. Every one of those men that signed that Declaration of Independence, with General George Washington, called upon me, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Temple at St. George, two consecutive nights, and demanded at my hands that I should go forth and attend to the ordinances of the House of God for them. Would those spirits have called upon me, as an Elder in Israel, to perform that work if they had not been noble spirits before God? They would not. I bear this testimony, because it is true. The Spirit of God bore record to myself and the brethren while we were laboring in that way.”
Many great men have sacrificed much (even their very lives) for the freedoms we enjoy and often times take for granted. It is my prayer that on this special day, as we enjoy our pancakes breakfast and fellowship, that we will take a few minutes to reflect on how blessed we are to live in this great land. And that we would also pay tribute to the many who have given so much, and also thank God for the privilege of being here and for his inspiration to the men who establish this great country.
I would like to conclude with the famous words of two American Presidents. One of long ago and one more recent. I love the great speech Abraham Lincoln gave at the battlefield of Gettysburg, which is now known as the Gettysburg Address. Listen carefully to these famous words of this speech.
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We come to dedicate a portion of it as a final resting-place for those who died here, that the nation might live. It is all to gather fitting that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, no long remember what we say here, while it can never forget what they did here.
It is rather for us, the living, to be dedicated here to the great task remaining before us. That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion. That we here highly resolve, these dead shall not have died in vain. That the nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
And finally a few great quotes from a more current American President, Ronald Reagan.
(pg 126- 127 Pres R Quotations book) “Don’t let anyone tell you that American’s best days are behind her, that the American spirit has been vanquished. We’ve seen it triumph too often in our lives to stop believing in it now. (The State of the Union Jan 26, 1982)”
“We in America have been blessed with a sacred opportunity and a scared quest. At times it may only seem like the imperfect reflection of a perfect dream, but to all whose ancestors came here as immigrants—whether they were non-comformist Protestants fleeing persecution in the 17th century, Irish –Catholics fleeing famine and injustice in the 19th century, Jews fleeing pogroms at the turn of the century, or the Asian boat people and Soviet dissidents of today—all came to seek a higher goal than just mere physical survival. There was, and is, and element of moral principle in our national fiber that makes a difference. Americans are brothers not because we share the same past and the same ancestry, but because we share the same ideals and the same hopes for the future.” (National Conference of Christians and Jews March 23, 1982)
“We have problems in our country, and many people are praying and waiting for God to do something. I just wonder if maybe God isn’t waiting for us to do something. And while no one else is capable of doing everything, everyone is capable of doing something.” (White House Luncheon of National Religious Leaders April 13, 1982)
May we dedicate ourselves to maintain the freedoms God has granted us, and allow our fellow men around the world the same freedoms.
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