The Strength of Any Nation is Rooted in the Walls of its Homes

On September 23, 1995 "The Family" was proclaimed to the world by Gordon B. Hinckley. This came at the end of an address to the world's largest organization of women, the Relief Society. He followed the reading of this inspired document with the statement, "The strength of any nation is rooted within the walls of its homes," which I chose to title this post. These ideas are not new, but they are forgotten by many. Listening to Pres. Obama's state of the union address one would think that the strength of the nation is dependent on the wealth of both individuals and families. Of the several times Obama mentioned families, only once was it not in reference to their financial standing, If the nation is in distress, it is not (only) a policy problem, but I'm willing to bet it's a problem in following the Lord's commands. And the root of a generation forgetting how merciful the Lord hath been can be found in errant families. Fathers and mothers not fulfilling their responsibilities, young children not being taught, the youth of a nation not being held accountable--these are the events which lead to national tribulation. They are what lead us to make those policy decisions and sleazy business moves. If we were a stronger nation, we would be more concerned about what happens in the walls of the home. And I don't know about you, but I'm all for making 'Merca a stronger country. I have included the proclamation at the end of my post because it is always a good idea to review the truths taught therein.

That's me at six weeks. From my very birth I was part of a family. That alone is a blessing that is all to often taken for granted. I was born within the bonds of matrimony to a father and mother who followed the tenets of this proclamation before it was even issued (Then again, nothing much had changed in 1995 as far as church doctrine goes, it was simply necessary to send this message to the world to warn all of the eternal nature of and responsibilities of members in families in order to protect from the ensuing onslaught of offenses to the idea of family, which we have witnessed at various times, in various ways over the past 15 years). I owe who I am today to the parents who fulfilled their divine calling as father and mother and provided me with opportunities to learn about the gospel and choose for myself my path in life.

A little over two years ago I got married in a ceremony binding me, Courtney and our future children together for all time and eternity. This week we celebrate that long awaited time when the 'future' becomes 'now' Our little girl was born a day before Thanksgiving, healthy and happy. This past week has opened my eyes to my new role as a father. The first night I waltzed around the hospital room bouncing my baby to get her to go to sleep I looked at her small face and I thought about the potential she has. One day she will have all the opportunities her mother and I have had, but only if we respect the responsibility of parenthood given us, just as our parents before us. I really believe that it is the family that keeps communities and nations going. When the family loses sight of its purposes and responsibilities, the children don't become the upstanding citizens this country (or any country, for that matter) needs--or in certain circumstances, there are no children at all! I just don't understand that. Having our little girl stare back into my eyes I can't think of why anyone wouldn't want to bring one of God's spirit children into this beautiful world. And now we'll do the best we can to raise her up right and prepare her to be a good mother that she may experience the lasting joy a family brings, just like we have.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

“In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. UAdd a Note

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

“We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

The State of our Union aka Obama's Plans for the Country

It took him 7,390 words interrupted by 91 applauses and a dozen or so laughter breaks. That’s applause ever 739 words or so. Try watching your favourite TV show like that. Anyways, here is a long list of things he said and some ideas I had when I read them. No, I did not waste my time watching it. I read it and computed the information.
"The toughest (letters) to read are those written by children, asking why they have to move from their home, asking when their mom or dad will be able to go back to work."
Simple answer: Not my fault; it’s the invisible hand of the economy leading us through the consequences of poor business practices
"For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough"
I can’t stand the entitlement generation
"They don't understand why... Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems."
That’s not how we roll in this Country. If the free market makes a mistake, the free market should fix it.
"It's time the American people get a government that matches their decency, that embodies their strength."
(APPLAUSE)
Applaud that? Do we really want/need a government that acts on every whim and fancy of the spoiled American people of the entitlement generation who know nothing about economics or fiscal or monetary policy? I submit a heck no.
"Now, let me repeat: We cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses."
(APPLAUSE) (7th)
When those working families finally will see the effects of those tax cuts, they won’t notice them or remember that Obama told them that he did it. Talking about tax cuts is stupid—for 20 years things have been pretty much the same (yes, ever since Reaganomics)
"The plan that has made all of this possible, from the tax cuts to the jobs, is the Recovery Act."
(APPLAUSE) (13th)
"That's right, the Recovery Act, also known as the stimulus bill."
(APPLAUSE) (14th)
I’m glad he mentioned this, actually. At a time when the government looks absolutely stagnant, he reminds us that once upon a time they actually passed a bill and the measures of the bill were carried out, proving that when the government actually does pass a bill, those parts of the bill actually do come to pass.
"jobs must be our No. 1 focus in 2010, and that's why I'm calling for a new jobs bill tonight."
(APPLAUSE) (15th)
‘Oh yeah, I think a bill about jobs would be good, yeah, that’s a good idea. Whaddaya say, congress? You think that’s a good idea?’
"So tonight, I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat."
(APPLAUSE) (18th)
‘Yeah, that money I talked about earlier that we recovered to pay for the bailout—let’s spend it. We’re already in a hole of debt that reaches to China (no joke), so no one even thinks we have a chance at recovering the budget deficit. If it gets too bad, we can fake a manned landing to Mars and borrow money from the Martian colony we discover’
"Now, the House has passed a jobs bill that includes some of these steps."
(APPLAUSE) (25th)
But didn’t you just say you wanted one?
"People are out of work. They're hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay."
(APPLAUSE) (27th)
But you just said...
"But -- but the truth is, these steps won't make up for the 7 million jobs that we've lost over the last two years."
THEN WHY DO YOU WANT THEM IN THE JOBS BILL?
"You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China's not waiting to revamp its economy; Germany's not waiting; India's not waiting."
China’s also not doing anything about human rights and India’s not doing anything about ethnic violence and a class system that makes the people hurt worst in our recession look like the beneficiaries of a bull market. But you know, it’s all about priorities.
"These nations, they're not standing still. These nations aren't playing for second place. They're putting more emphasis on math and science. They're rebuilding their infrastructure. They're making serious investments in clean energy because they want those jobs.
Well, I do not accept second place for the United States of America."
(APPLAUSE) (29th)
I honestly don’t think we’ve been playing for ‘second place,’ and you failed to mention which of these nations were in first, what they were in first of, and how being in first would raise our quality of life. But then again, if you said all of these things it would make for a very boring, yet extremely informative and relevant speech.
"Even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future, because the nation that leads the clean-energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy, and America must be that nation."
(APPLAUSE) (36th)
This is true. Actually, come to think about it, it’s not the first time the government has scared people in one way or another in order to create a new market in the economy to spur growth and job creation. It’s actually a good idea. If I were counting good ideas, I’d be at what, 2, now? And people have clapped 36 times already?
"we need to export more of our goods.
(APPLAUSE) (37th)
"Because the more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America. So...
(APPLAUSE) (38th)
"So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support 2 million jobs in America."
(APPLAUSE) (39th)
A bold goal, and trust me, this is something we’ll hang over his head this time next year when it’s not done. Why won’t it get done? STUPID SUBSIDIES FOR CORN AND SUGAR THAT WON’T GET REPEALED IN THE EFFORT TO INCREASE EXPORTS
"And that's why we'll continue to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens global markets and why we will strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South Korea, and Panama, and Colombia."
(APPLAUSE) (42nd)
No one has a clue what he’s talking about. Any American who watches the Olympics or the World Cup hates the South Korea, and 25% of America think it’s the same as North Korea. 70% of Americans probably are wondering if he just legalized cocaine, too.
"In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education."
(APPLAUSE) (43rd)
The global average of years of educational instruction is 6.2 years. In the States we top the list at 12. In the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science study, the United States ranks 9th in a study of 48 countries, although only five countries have a statistically higher score than us: Chinese Taipei, Rep. of Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan. Does the theory about education preventing poverty hold?
Per capita GDP (CIA factbook)
#17 US 46,900
#24 Singapore 39,500
#25 Japan 38,700
#29 Hong Kong 30,700
#40 South Korea 19,600
#43 Republic of China (Taiwan) 17,100
Granted there are other factors to this, we just got fed a crock.
"And in this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential."
But it doesn’t, it depends on how much the property around where you live is worth.
"To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Instead, let's take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants."
(APPLAUSE) (44th)
Students know it’s better to go to college. While a lot don’t go because they can’t afford it, I think most who think they can’t afford it don’t know that they can get help already. And let’s face it, kids hate school and think 12 years is enough and they need a ‘break’, but don’t know that the odds of going to college after taking a break is low.
"no one should go broke because they chose to go to college."
(APPLAUSE) (45th)
Well, no one should major in anthropology, English or organ performance.
"And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle-class families that we still need health insurance reform."
(APPLAUSE) (47th)
Middle class families could probably afford health care if they A) lived within their needs B) didn’t smoke C) didn’t drink and D) got regular exercise. I recognize that it’s a problem for a lot of people who do these four things, too, but today’s middle class is quite stratified, maybe I refer to the upper middle class.
"But if anyone from either party has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop insurance company abuses, let me know.
(APPLAUSE) (52nd)
"Let me know. Let me know."
(APPLAUSE) (53rd)
Maybe the status quo is the best approach for a people who cringe at tax hikes and don’t like more equality-based (howbeit more bureaucratic) approaches such as those in Canada, Britain and France.
"Now, even as health care reform would reduce our deficit,"
BS. And everybody knows it, that’s why no one applauded.
"Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don't. And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will."
(APPLAUSE) (58th)
BS. Show me a Congressperson who ever lived in a cash-strapped family that lived within a budget and I’ll show you a thousand Americans cash-strapped families that are that way because they don’t live within a budget.
"But at a time of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, for investment fund managers, and for those making over $250,000 a year. We just can't afford it."
(APPLAUSE) (60th)
So they won’t have any money to hire you.
"So I'll issue an executive order that will allow us to go forward, because I refuse to pass this problem on to another generation of Americans."
(APPLAUSE) (62nd)
An executive order to make a great leap forward? Who is this, Chairman Mao?
"That's why, for the first time in history, my administration posts our White House visitors online."
Well, whadday know, Michaele and Tareq Salahi...
"The more that TV pundits reduce serious debates to silly arguments, big issues into sound bites, our citizens turn away."
Do they really?
"We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this moment, to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more."
(APPLAUSE) (91st)
There was a lot of rhetoric at the end. He should have said “Carpe diem!” and pointed his finger to the sky, then tapped two fingers over heart twice, touched his lips and given the peace sign. You know what this country needs? A home run chase! I know it’s tainted by steroids, but whatever, it was so exciting, and everybody got into it, and life was great. Steroids saved baseball, and they can save our country, too.