Ezra Taft Benson was a prominent Figure in America. He served as U.S. Secretary of
Agriculture in President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration. (1953-1961) Benson's critics predicted that he would be the first to go,
but as it turned out he and one other cabinet member were the only ones to remain the full eight years.
Often against much opposition, Benson fought to limit government and protect farmers from excessive regulations and controls.
As a government official he traveled over 600,000 miles and worked in more than 40 nations. In this essay, "The Proper Role of
Government" Benson reinforces his experiences by drawing on a host of intellectual giants, e.g., Adam Smith, Paine, Bastiat, Weaver,
Smoot, Jefferson, Thoreau, Madison, and Washington.
Benson is also well known to members of his faith for his many years of church service. In 1943, he was called to serve as an apostle
in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Benson was later called to be the President of Church in 1985.
Just $2.25/copy
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All True Americans Should Take Their Stand - Now!
This booklet illuminates the timeless ideas and the individuals who, through their writings, spark the irrepressible inner-drive of
personal liberty. They steel us to confront those who seek dominance over our fellow man.
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The government itself has become much larger, more expensive, more intrusive and worst of all perhaps, more arrogant and aggressive... |
Excerpt from The Proper Role of Government...
Men in the public spotlight constantly are asked to express an
opinion on a myriad of government proposals and projects. “What do you think of TVA?” “What is your opinion of Medicare?” How do you
feel about Urban Renewal?” The list is endless. All too often, answers to these questions seem to be based, not upon any solid principle,
but upon the popularity of the specific government program in question. Seldom are men willing to oppose a popular program if they,
themselves, wish to be popular – especially if they seek public office.
Government Should Be Based
on Sound Principles
Such an approach to vital political questions of the day can only lead to public confusion and legislative chaos. Decisions
of this nature should be based upon and measured against certain basic principles regarding the proper role of government. If principles are
correct, then they can be applied to any specific proposal with confidence.
~Ezra Taft Benson
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We have strayed so far from the limited government principles set down by our Founding
Fathers, that we are hereby asking the readers of Mr. Benson’s essay to do two things: (1) Promise yourself and your children to do a bit
more homework on just what the Founders had in mind in 1776, and then, (2) note just how far we have strayed therefrom and how little you
may have done personally to prevent The Proper Role of Government from becoming a tyranny not unlike that which the Founders came to
America to escape. |
