I re-posted (shared) a video on Facebook today:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=514404727043&ref=mf
(You need to login to FB to view. I will embed the video here once I find it.)
This video is obviously in response to the health care bill that President Obama signed this week. Three modern-day prophets provide the substance with quotations, audio and video about communism, preparation, fear for the future, etc. It does seem a bit fear-mongering, in my opinion.
What is your opinion? I welcome all comments! (to all 3 of you who read my blog)
Here is the response my FB friends pitched in:
Jennifer:
Mike, I'll be honest, I don't understand this fear-based response to the bill. I truly don't.
Bob:
The obstructionists are coming out of the woodwork, now even more than they have been for the past year. Wouldn't it be nice if they had something constructive to offer to the conversation instead of just "No, No, No?"
Jeremy:
I love it Michael. I've actually seen or heard that clip from many places the past couple years.
Fred:
Keep in mind that Elder Benson wasn't speaking at general conference. It looks to me like he's at a political meeting, and not speaking as an apostle (even though he said many similar things at conference, too). He was a notorious super-conservative and was always getting in hot water with Presidents McKay, Smith, and Lee. I got very tired of his always harping on communism, which has pretty well gone away without a fight. Also keep in mind that the early Christians were socialists, and Joseph and Brigham tried (and failed) to make socialism work for the Church in our own time. We love capitalism, even while the rich capitalists are screwing us, because we are greedy and covetous. "You can have anything in this world for money." Where have you heard that before?
Michael 聖 Brady:
I have often stated that FB is a place for fun and friendly comments, and not a place for pushing philosophies or politics. In fact, I remove people from my feed who are chronic offenders. However, I have stepped out of my rules from time to time.
I oscillate between capitalism and socialism. Socialism is a good ideology, even (especially?) in church doctrine. However, it takes effort from everybody, giving effort in proportion to what their abilities can offer. Capitalism should allow all who work hard to succeed, though we know that this is definitely not the case. However, it certainly offers more opportunities to those who know what elbow grease is.
If we could count on everybody to do their part, then welfare would help those who truly needed it, and not enable the poor work ethic and lifestyle of those whom my taxes support.... See More
I watched President Obama's inauguration last year. Tens of thousands crowding the mall were cheering when he offered sentiments like pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps, everybody pitching in, American dream, we all have responsibility, etc. Yet those same supporters couldn't be bothered to clean up their own litter, and it cost tens of thousands of dollars for DC sanitation to clean up the mess of the throng who claimed to support "doing our part." Start by cleaning your own litter! Or by not littering at all.
I *would* be pleased about the future of health care, were it not for the proof all around that we are complacent, worldly, entitled, and unwilling to clean up after ourselves. And so, for the moment, even though it hasn't blessed me with fortune equivalent to my efforts (yet?), I am more of a capitalist. I find myself shying away from socialism as seen through today's political and economic lens.
In a day when we can all be counted on to "clean up our own litter," yes, I will support this kind of legislation.
I know plenty who are disappointed by Obama, whether you voted for him or not. Some of you hated Bush, some of you put up with him because he is a Republican, and some of you loved him. For all of you, I end with this:
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