Political discussions 101: on a FOUNDATION OF PRINCIPLES

[creator]

I created this for the RKY forum and hope it also has some value on this forum:

Political discussions 101: build on a FOUNDATION OF PRINCIPLES

It's understandable that not all of us are going to have the same opinions on every issue - however, the key to a good political discussion, especially a civilized one, is that it should be based on a FOUNDATION OF PRINCIPLES.

Welcome to Political Discussions 101: by Latter-day Conservative (inspired by the teachings of Ezra Taft Benson and W. Cleon Skousen).

When participating in a political discussion online or in person, before you go stating that this or that person is wrong in their political statements you should first have an understanding of the proper role of government and an understanding of the principles of freedom. This way your discussions can be based on principles and not just feelings.

If you simply feel that a person is wrong why would anyone believe what you have to say? What is your opinion really worth? It's worth a whole lot more if it's based on principles. You have a lot more credibility when you can give a person principled proof in support of your argument. It's always a good idea to use sources whenever possible to back up your statements, because then it's not just you presenting your opinion - instead it may be you presenting the words of the Founding Fathers or the insight of modern-day prophets and other giants such as W. Cleon Skousen, whose ideas were built upon a foundation of principles.

Instead of just telling a person you think they are wrong because that's how you feel, you can state "well... the Constitution says this..." or "The founding fathers believed that...." or "did you know Ezra Taft Benson said this, and Cleon Skousen said that..." - then it is much more likely that the person you are having a discussion with will begin to question what he/she thought.

Many times when you bring the "experts" into the discussion a lot more learning goes on.

Making principled arguments in a discussion is also a great way to keep contention out and keep the discussion on an intelligent level.

You may ask "How can I learn about the correct principles of freedom and the proper role of government?"

If you truly have a desire to gain an understanding you'll find there are many sources for the truth. Below I have created a list of some things you can read and listen to - to begin to understand the principles of freedom and the proper role of government.

Homework for Political Discussions 101:

Please read the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Please read the following short articles:

The Proper Role of Government - by Ezra Taft Benson:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... rticleid=1

What is Left? What is Right? - by W. Cleon Skousen:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... icleid=112

Civic Standards for the Faithful Saints - by Ezra Taft Benson:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... ticleid=20

The Constitution - by J. Reuben Clark, Jr.:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... icleid=144

101 Constitutional Questions To Ask Candidates - by W. Cleon Skousen:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... icleid=159

Know the Truth to Stay Free - by W. Cleon Skousen:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... ticleid=91

100 Things Destroying America - by W. Cleon Skousen:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... icleid=157


Please listen to the following talks:

The History of Secret Combinations - W. Cleon Skousen:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... .php?id=18

Freedom and Free Enterprise - by Ezra Taft Benson:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... .php?id=17

Stand Up for Freedom - by Ezra Taft Benson:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/mo ... .php?id=13


Please consider reading the following books:

The Making of America - by W. Cleon Skousen:
http://nccs.net/making_of_america.html

The Five Thousand Year Leap - by W. Cleon Skousen:
http://nccs.net/ftyl.html

The Book of Mormon is also a great source for these principles.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Some things are true whether you believe them or not." [Rick Koerber]

[WhisperFox]

Thanks LDC. I would like to add one more item to your curriculum.

Right after reading the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence read "Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen". Ezra Taft Benson asked us to read this right from the pulpit in General Conference. It's a small (half size) book and only about 80 pages. I believe, as he must have, that this is the best single primer for learning the basics of the proper role of government we have, and it clears up many of the misconceptions we continually argue about when discussions about the proper role of government develop.

It's available online in it's entirety at http://www.redhotlogo.com/MACBFAC4.htm

Now I'll set about making sure I've read all of your posted links.

Thanks again.

[WYp8riot]

Please share the great updated video MAN, FREEDOM and GOVERNMENT which is the video production of THE PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT. It can be ordered at http://www.latterayconservative.com

A longer version with additional narration titled THE LINK can be found from NCCS or http://www.correctprinciples.org