Tuesday, June 26, 2012

A Vote for Dan Liljenquist is a Vote for Liberty

If I were to subtitle my blog today I would choose this: The Myth and Truth about “Power.”

Several years ago I earned a Master’s Degree in Sociology.  A theme that came up over and over again in social theory was “power.”  What I soon realized was that “social theorists” did not understand the concept of power. When they used this term, what they were really talking about was “force.”  In the vocabulary of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, force = “unrighteous dominion.”

In my view there are actually two kinds of power—the “unrighteous” kind, which is “force” and the equivalent of tyranny, and the “righteous,” or good kind, which is the equivalent of liberty.  Tyranny enslaves and destroys; liberty liberates and frees.

One of my fellow bloggers, Kristen (see "Dan for Utah" Weblinks), recently made this point about Senator Orrin Hatch's "power:"

It seems to be extremely important to Hatch's campaign that he retain his power.  Why else would a 78 year old man who has been in Washington 36 years but originally campaigned on the premise - "What do you do with a man who has been a senator for 18 years? Bring him home" be running for office again? Indeed, it is all about the power.  And he's not willing to give it up.  Power corrupts.  You leave someone in Washington too long and he becomes tainted with his own importance and the cronyism that pervades that culture.  Unfortunately such is the case with Senator Hatch.

Which brings us to the primary election today in Utah. In my view, the foundation of our choice today is about power, but not in the way you might think. Today's choice is about tyranny versus liberty. Sadly, Senator Hatch represents "tyranny" more than some would like to admit.  A vote for Hatch is a vote for “more of the same.” He has voted to enslave us and our children with trillions of dollars of debt (and then turns around and says that not only is he “not responsible” but is offended by the implication he helped put us here). He has voted to end the lives of human beings at their very beginnings for the sake of “science.” He has led the way in giving us justices who regularly vote to weaken the constitution. He has voted himself raises and perks and has furthered the encroachment by the federal government where it has no business being. Yes, it may seem harsh, but he has used his “power” in the service of tyranny.

Dan Liljenquist, on the other hand, represents a vote for liberty. He has a proven track record (already!) for “freeing” the citizens of Utah from the burden of a runaway pension plan.  He would vote to preserve human life at its very beginnings. He would fight for justices who would strengthen the constitution, not weaken it. Dan has already committed to "no perks" and "no pension" and to limit the size of government and government spending. Dan represents a vote for someone who would use his “power” in the service of liberty.

Whether we want to think about it this way or not, today Utah truly has a choice between tyranny and liberty. It is my solemn prayer that the citizens of this state are wise and choose liberty.  And a vote for Dan is a vote for liberty. 
*****
It’s time for new leadership in Washington.  It's time for 
Dan Liljenquist. 

Please get out today and vote for Dan!

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