Thank you Senator Lee for your diligent focus on the Constitution during the recent political decisions surrounding the election. Senator Lee has voiced strong concerns on his Twitter page regarding the state of Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to not allow Donald Trump on the ballot.
December 23 is the birthday of Joseph Smith, the first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his day, he dealt with frustrating political issues as well. With the saints facing intense persecution in Missouri, and even having an extermination order put on their lives, Joseph Smith arranged a meeting with U.S. President Martin Van Buren to address the persecution. President Van Buren told them their cause was just, but said that he could not help them or he would lose the vote of Missouri.
Frustrated, Joseph Smith wrote the five leading candidates for U.S. President in the 1844 election. Only three provided replies, but all said basically they could offer no help for the saints, even if they became President. At the urging of John Taylor and B.H. Roberts, two members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, Joseph entered the race as a presidential candidate.
John Taylor led the press efforts in Joseph’s campaign and told those campaigning: “Tell the people who would be the best man, and the most able statesman; who could stand uncorrupted by bribes, and uninfluenced by power, other than the power of justice, and the cause of right; tell them where they can find a man of morality, purity, and virtue; tell them where they can find a man of sterling integrity, who is governed by the principles of righteousness; a patriot and a philanthrophist, who has both the disposition and moral fortitude to administer justice, and whose delight it would be to administer to the wants of the nation; to “break of[f] every yoke and to let the oppressed go free.” Use all of your own influence, and get the brethren, in every part to use theirs also. Recollect, for President, GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH.[50]“
Joseph loved the saints, the country, and the freedoms granted by the Constitution. When he was considering running he wrote the following in his journal:
“It is one of the first principles of my life, and one that I have cultivated from my childhood, having been taught it of my father, to allow everyone the liberty of conscience. I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. (Joseph Smith, Journal, 15 Oct. 1843, JS Collection, Church History Library)
It was ultimately his assassination and martyrdom that would end his campaign. However, his legacy remains as he has encouraged us to seek out candidates with strong moral character and a love of freedom. That’s why we are encouraging the candidacy of Senator Mike Lee. Not only does he espouse these virtues, but he is right on the money.
Mike Lee should run for president. He’s right on the money.
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