Should we support continual warfare at the cost of our liberties in order to stop out “terrorism”…
James Madison once said:
Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes…, known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few…. No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. (via Quoty)
Continual warfare pretty much sums up the history of our nation. Whether great or small, there have been battles in nearly every year of this nation’s history. For this reason, and as Madison noted, freedom is on the decline.
How eager are we to support war? Are we a warlike people or advocates of peace? Do we believe the propaganda that is promoted through the mainstream media, or do we do our homework to understand the principles and reasons behind military conflict? Do we believe that extremist individuals living half a world away pose more of a threat to our security and prosperity than individuals within our own government?
I was recently in a meeting where war, speaking in general terms, was the topic of discussion. The conversation shifted toward the current wars we are in, and the reasons we are fighting them. Many present seemed to agree that the military conflict in Iraq is all about toppling a dangerous dictator, liberating an oppressed people, and fighting those who want to kill us because of our religion.
I shook my head in dismay, raised my hand to offer a comment, and proceeded to explain my point of view that our greatest threats are internal ones, not external ones. I am supported in my belief by men who I believe are called of God, who have repeatedly stated that our internal threats are more dangerous. Consider one example, in a letter written by the LDS First Presidency to the U.S. Treasury in 1941:
We believe that our real threat comes from within and not from without, and it comes from the underlying spirit common to Naziism, Fascism, and Communism, namely, the spirit which would array class against class, which would set up a socialistic state of some sort, which would rob the people of the liberties which we possess under the Constitution, and would set up such a reign of terror as exists now in many parts of Europe … (via Quoty)
The scriptures emphatically declare that previous civilizations have fallen not because of their enemies, but because of the domestic erosion of virtue, morality, and civic duty. In such instances of societal collapse, it was conspiring men, scheming leaders, and domestic insurgents that posed the greatest threat to their countrymens’ liberty. I am of the belief that the same threat presents itself today. We will not be defeated by any external foe, but by those individuals who use their power to subvert the Constitution, debase the currency, spread our military thin, foment hate for America around the world, and encourage and allow decaying morals at home.
War is ever-present, and we should be prepared. But we must not forget the threat of domestic foes whose actions will cause far more harm and loss of life (not necessarily lives) than men living in caves half a world away.
Connor Boyack is a blogger , husband, web designer, Latter-day Saint, constitutionalist, paleocon, classical liberal, preparedness practitioner, budding philanthropist, and master’s student of political economy. He’s from Poway, CA but lives in Happy Valley.
