Wednesday, July 4, 2012

In a republic, who is the country?




  On this 4th of July, I could talk forever on how much America means to me. But I'm just going to let Captain America say it for me. So without further ado, Captain America, in what is in my opinion one of the greatest speeches on our country, and the responsibility of the citizens in it, ever given.

"I remember the first time I really understood what it was to be an American...What it was to be a patriot.
"I was just a kid...A million years ago, it seems sometimes. Maybe twelve. I was reading Mark Twain. And he wrote something that struck me right down to my core...something so powerful, so true, that it changed my life. I memorized it so I could repeat it to myself, over and over across the years. He wrote --'In a republic, who is the country? 
Is it the government which is for the moment in the saddle? Why, the government is merely a temporary servant: it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. It's function is to obey orders, not originate them. 
Who, then is the country? Is it the newspaper? Is it the pulpit? Why, these are mere parts of the country, not the whole of it, they have not command, they have only their little share in the command. 
In a monarchy, the king and his family are the country: In a republic it is the common voice of the people each of you, for himself, by himself and on his own responsibility, must speak. 
It is a solemn and weighty responsibility, and not lightly to be flung aside at the bullying of pulpit, press, government, or the empty catchphrases of politicians. 
Each must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, and which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. 
To decide it against your convictions is to be an unqualified and inexcusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label you as they may. 
If you alone of all the nation shall decide one way, and that way be the right way according to your convictions of the right, you have your duty by yourself and by your country. Hold up your head. You have nothing to be ashamed of'." 
"Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right.  
This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree besides the river of truth, and tell the whole world-- 
--No, you move."

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

In brightest day, In blackest night





In brightest day, in blackest night,

No evil shall escape my sight

Let those who worship evil's might,

Beware my power, Green Lantern's light


  The Green Lantern Corps. is a shining light in a universe full of evil and unhappiness. They police the galaxy to protect everyone from darkness and fear. But how do they overcome all that evil? Willpower! They have the will to do whats right, and help others, and that will becomes light. They have no room for fear, or doubt, because they are filled with righteous determination. They protect and serve others because they want that light to shine. They want others to enjoy peace and happiness, and they do everything in their power to give them that peace.

  My favorite scripture is; "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you." (Doctrines and Covenants 50:24-25) I love the idea of shining brighter and brighter until we outshine our darkness. But how do we grow brighter?

  Jesus Christ taught us "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(Matt 5:14-16) "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do."(3 Nephi 18:24)

  Christ taught us that we should hold up our light that it might shine unto the world. And the light that we hold up is the things Jesus taught us to do. Jesus Christ taught us to serve,  to love, to be diligent, and He taught us to share that with everyone. Then we will feel our light begin to shine. Then the light we feel will shine for others too, and they can enjoy that same happiness. "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations." (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5)

  "When you walk in the light, you will feel at that moment some of the warmth and the happiness that will finally be yours when you are welcomed home again with the hundreds and perhaps thousands of others whom you will bring with you, who have walked in the light because you did."  -Henry B. Eyring