Morgan Philpot debunks "Blue Dog Dem" myth

Is Jim Matheson really a "blue dog Democrat?"  Is there really any such thing?  Morgan Philpot doesn't think so, neither do I. 

Matheson's track record couldn't be more clear.  Click on the link and learn about his liberal leanings, while posturing in Utah as a "blue dog" conservative Democrat. 

The gap cannot be closed between his actual voting record and what he says he is to woo moderate Republican voters.  He can't have it both ways any longer.  I urge voters in the 2nd District to study the facts, then vote for the only conservative choice running in the race this year -- MORGAN PHILPOT.

Media Alert   Philpot to be on Fox Business Network today October 6th

Philpot to Debunk Blue Dog Myth on Fox Business Network

Salt Lake City, UT October 6, 2010 - Morgan Philpot announced yesterday that he will be a featured guest on “America’s Nightly Scoreboard” with David Asman, on Fox Business Network. The live interview is scheduled to air tonight at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Morgan Philpot will discuss unseating Blue Dogs.

Time: 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time)

Place: Fox Business Network, “America’s Nightly Scoreboard” with David Asman”

Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010.

Patience, President Joseph F. Smith

We have to be patient and educate our righteous desires as they mature and age over time. 

President Joseph F. Smith

President Joseph F. Smith counseled:

"God's ways of educating our desires are, of course, always the most perfect. . .  And what is God's way? Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we wanted them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come. In nature we have our seedtime and harvest; and if children were taught that the desires that they sow may be reaped by and by through patience and labor, they will learn to appreciate whenever a long-looked-for goal has been reached. Nature resists us and keeps admonishing us to wait; indeed, we are compelled to wait." (Gospel Doctrine, 297-­98).

Top Ten Reasons to Love General Conference

President Thomas S. Monson

1.  What other church on earth lets you participate via television and the Internet four days a year in your jammies?

2.  The subjects for talks are never assigned, but are reviewed in advance by peers so the inspiration can flow freely at each spring and autumn equinox.

3.  The soaring transcendency of the Tabernacle Choir's music is enhanced as never before because of the arranging genius of Mack Wilberg.

4.  Living prophets are speaking about timely current topics, quoting dead prophets to illustrate how their prophetic utterances have come to pass.

5.  The focus is always on the basic doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ without the accompanying specious speculation and debate that sometimes ensues outside the Church.

6.  There is always a sense of being anchored in Christ despite the depravity of worldliness permeating everything else as new temples dotting the globe are announced to help cleanse the filth and establish Zion.

7.  The diverse ethnicity among the leaders of the Church is more evident now than ever before, but the unity of the faith has never been stronger among the members as more volunteers consecrate their service to one another and total strangers worldwide.

8.  Every General Priesthood meeting sets a new attendance record as priesthood power and influence expands and floods the earth with goodness and righteousness.

9.  Each new General Conference reignites memories of past lessons learned.

10.  It's a "refill" of your spiritual reservoirs that's good enough to last six months until the next one.

Lessons Learned from General Conference

Back in 2002, we had a son serving his mission in Brazil, while the love of his life, Toni Venema, was simultaneously serving her mission in France.  They had met at Snow College and timed their departures so their returns would coincide.  Nobody knew for sure how it would all work out, but I was writing them both as I made the assumption (correctly) they would eventually rekindle their love and be sealed when they returned.  In fact, that's exactly what happened as they became the very first sealing of the new year performed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 2nd in an early morning ceremony with my father performing the sealing. 

It eventually proved to be a "double-dip match," because Toni's younger brother Tanner married Joe's younger sister Allie.  We love those Venemas!

After graduation from the University of Utah with his DPM,  Dr. Joe and Toni are now living with their two children in Kennewick, Washington, where Joe is plying his wares as a physical therapist at the local hospital.  They are extraordinary people in every sense, and always have been.
I discovered a letter I had sent to both while they were serving as missionaries.  In the spirit of General Conference this weekend, it seems appropriate to share some insights then that resonated with me this morning.
Joe and Toni:
I regret that I let another week slip by without writing to you. My thoughts and my life have been preoccupied with what I have been learning recently – I know, I’m just slow – there is still so much to learn, and I am learning it so late in life! I have to tell you that all the really important lessons in life seem to come too late. My most influential teachers have been Mom and all the children. I told Mom this weekend that she has BY FAR been the greatest influence for good in my life. There have been other influences, no doubt, but no one has made me desire to be a better person than she. That’s why I loved so much what President Packer said at the conclusion of his last General Conference talk [April 2002]:

President Boyd K. Packer

"When it comes to understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father, the things my wife and I have learned as parents and grandparents that are of most worth knowing, we have learned from our children.
"This blessing has come to me as a gift from my wife. The Lord said of such women, '[A wife is given to a man] to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified' (D&C 132:63).

"With women such as this to be the mothers of children, we see why the Lord revealed 'that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers' (D&C 29:48)."

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

I was consumed last week with reading the new biography on Neal A. Maxwell’s life. It is titled A Disciple’s Life, and is inspiring beyond words. I want you to know the most important lesson I learned from the book – it is possible to be outstanding, excellent, even extraordinary (as Brother Maxwell certainly is) and simultaneously be meek and humble as a true disciple.
I guess I always resisted that notion as I was growing up and trying to find my place in the world, since all the examples I saw seemed to suggest that it was an “either/or” proposition. Not so with Brother Maxwell. His prodigious intellectual gifts gleaned in the fields of academia were consecrated upon the altar of sacrifice for the benefit of the kingdom (and consequently for all of us).
The book was an inspiring account of the progress of the Church over the last thirty years. At the core of his developmental discipleship was the foundation laid by his long list of mentors, including Grandfather Lee. He, along with his brethren in the leadership of the Church, it seems, have implemented the strategic vision for the Church that was established back in the late sixties and early seventies. We have been eyewitnesses to a glorious unfolding as the growth of the Church has been accommodated.  It is the Twelve and the First Presidency who collectively establish that strategic vision for the Church, and Brother Maxwell’s biography gives ample evidence of all the details of that reality. The keys of the kingdom reside with the Twelve, and the First Presidency preside and execute that vision. I loved the book!

President Gordon B. Hinckley

I was also reading early this morning the comments of President Hinckley at the first graduation ceremonies at BYU-Idaho (formerly, Ricks College) since the transition to a four-year college. It caught my eye, because it seemed like such good counsel for all of us. He said, "My dear young friends, keep the faith with the best that is in you. You may not be a genius. You may not be exceptionally smart. But you can be good and you can try. And you will be amazed at what might happen when in faith you take a step forward."

Elder Henry B. Eyring

Elder Henry B. Eyring also spoke. He said, "First, wherever you may labor in life, give more than you take. Second, whoever is around you in life, find someone to help. And, third, ask God to multiply the power of your efforts to give and to help," he said.
President Hinckley expressed similar sentiments about helping others as a way of having faith in associates. He told graduates that they must work together with others in the world in order to accomplish things and they should embrace opportunities to help those around them. "You will have about you, throughout your lives, those who stumble and fall. You can lift them," he said.
President Hinckley gave examples of the temple presidency recently set apart for the LDS Lubbock Texas Temple as men who have kept their faith in the church while still excelling in various professions. He urged graduates to keep that same faith in the church, as well as in God. "Keep that humility which will cause you to get on your knees in prayer, in acknowledgment of his power and goodness," President Hinckley said. "He will not fail you."
I loved these lines from Elder Maxwell, also from last Conference, particularly in light of the ever-present frustration I note in each of your letters with regard to your consecrated labors among those who can’t seem to make the kind of progress you would like. Even you two tend to be hard on yourselves for how slow you seem to progress. Rest assured it is all part of the process:
"Many ignore consecration because it seems too abstract or too daunting. The conscientious among us [he’s speaking to both of you], however, experience divine discontent because of progression mixed with procrastination. Hence, loving counsel is given with the confirmation of this direction, encouragement to continue the journey, and consolation as we experience individually the inherent degrees of difficulty.
"Spiritual submissiveness is not accomplished in an instant, but by the incremental improvements and by the successive use of stepping-stones. Stepping-stones are meant to be taken one at a time anyway. Eventually our wills can be 'swallowed up in the will of the Father' as we are 'willing to submit. . . even as a child doth submit to his father' (see Mosiah 15:7; 3:19). Otherwise, though striving, we will continue to feel the world's prop wash and be partially diverted."
I am humbled continually as I observe your diligence and the obvious evidence of your consecrated efforts to bring souls to Christ. You are serving at a time in the world’s history when the challenges are the greatest. Imagine how difficult it must be to find Christ in a world so diverted with “prop wash.” We are not excused, nevertheless, from making the attempt as both of you do so magnificently in your various fields of labor. The opening of nations begins with the opening of one heart at a time as the gospel rolls forward on its destined course to someday fill the whole earth. And you get to participate your whole lives as Zion spreads forth across the world. How blessed are you?
Love, DAD

Thanks, Elder Holland

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

After President Monson's opening remarks at today's opening session of the 180th semi-annual General Conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland expressed his gratitude for all the members of the Church and their quiet and dedicated service to others.

His gentle spirit this morning prompted many feelings of gratitude within me.  We are coming into that season of the year set aside for remembering and for being thankful.  We may not be able to do all things, but we can all be grateful.  In this we are all equals.

My feelings of gratitude extended this morning to my family first.  When one becomes a grandfather many, many times (up to 35 and counting!), life becomes more filled with memories that push out expansive hopes or fears for the unknown future.  I have outlived all my fears now.  I don't get too worked up about what might happen now, because I have a lifetime of experience behind to whisper reminders that those things I feared most as a young man never happened.

The story of the book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament is filled with the word "remember."  I was reminded frequently by Richard Holzapfel that perhaps it could be said "Thou shalt remember" might be considered the 11th commandment.

As Elder Holland reminded me this morning, remembering what others have done for me and counting my blessings is humbling.  I am more frequently aware than ever before how much I have to be thankful for and for God's goodness.  I find my prayers are more populated with gratitude than ever before.  Of course,  partaking of the sacrament is the essence and centerpiece of my gratitude, as we partake "in remembrance," so that we may "always remember" what Jesus has done for us (3 Nephi 18:11; Moroni 4, 5).

Sometimes, like the ungrateful and forgetful mortals we tend to be, we ask God if not always just rhetorically, "What have you done for me lately?" Alma reminded his people to ask themselves whether or not they had "sufficiently retained in remembrance" His deliverance and blessings (Alma 5:6-7). Later he reminds them at the judgment day we will all have "perfect remembrance" of all we have forgotten (Alma 5:18).

Best to remember here and now to be grateful. 

Elder Holland cited President James E. Faust's lifetime agony over his "sin of omission," when he neglected to show his gratitude for his grandmother by failing to carry in the tinder box filled with firewood she used to prepare all the family meals.  Then Elder Holland publicly thanked his aged mother for her sacrifice so he could serve his mission and for his parents' preservation of his savings so he'd have a financial cushion to begin his education after his return.  He lamented he would have to wait to tell his father, who died 34 yeras ago. 

The important theme of remembrance occurs routinely in the Old Testament -- over two hundred times.  It appears in The Book of Mormon dozens of times also.  Whenever the gospel has been upon the earth in every dispensation, the call to remembrance is part of it.

It seems if we fail to live in "thanksgiving daily" (Alma 34:38), God finds a way to help His forgetful and backsliding children frequently by "prompting" them to remember their gratitude.  "And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him" (Helaman 12:3).

"Because of the word" and our many blessings, we have testimonies and gratitude in varing stages of development (Alma 32:14).  Elder Neal A. Maxwell was fond of reminding us of our need for meekness in our discipleship.  Without it, our view in present deprivations or afflictions may prompt forgetfulness instead of gratitude.  Even Joseph Smith had to be reminded about how his suffering compared with Job's and the Savior's -- "Thou art not yet as Job" (D&C 121:10); "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (D&C 122:8). 

I am routinely humbled when thoughts of "poor me" invade my remembrance of them and others like them.  Remembering our gratitude can bring the much-needed perspective.

Alma's suggests we must remember to "sing the song of redeeming love" about the days in which we now live, as well as the days gone by (Alma 5:26; 34:38).  Remembering what the Lord has done in preserving us in past days inspires courage in our present circumstances.

There is a wonderful treatise on "bread" in the gospel of John.  I love the symbolism in the sixth chapter.  Christ had just miraculously produced loaves and fishes for the hungry multitude of several thousand (see John 6:1-14).  We learn there was "enough and to spare," and they were "filled."  But like even the best and most expensive meals we consume today, the next morning some of those who had partaken and been eyewitnesses were hungry again.  The Savior reminded them, "Your fathers did eat [similarly miraculous] manna in the wilderness, and are dead."  He was telling them they would have remained forever dead, too, but for His offering the Atonement to them, an infinite and eternal blessing.  In the wilderness the children of Israel were impelled to gather the manna daily because of its perishable nature, but in Christ they would have the "true bread from heaven," filling them so that they would "never hunger" again (see John 6:31-58).

I must routinely pull myself back from excesses and hyperbole when I tend to get caught up in the heat of political rhetoric.  As you can no doubt discern from these pages, I am deeply concerned as a citizen of the United States of America that we are losing ground in preserving our precious constitutional liberties.  I see slippage everywhere, including the freedoms of religion, speech, and press.  Events in our country, and those around the world remind me of my need for thanksgiving for all the liberties we enjoy as Americans.  When I have rational thoughts, I remember that throughout recorded world history most mortals who have come to live on planet Earth have not had any such constitutionally protected liberties. 

Property rights here and now in America have always been vouched safe as a core element of the Constitution.  However, they are being trampled upon now and can be easily revoked, non-existent, or easily lost through the foreclosures we have witnessed in escalating numbers in recent months.  But wonderful as those property rights may seem now, they pale into insignificance when compared with even one of the least of the many mansions we may someday inherit from our Heavenly Father.  I have to remind myself to keep it all in perspective by remembering what I've been promised if faithful.

After the bread lesson, soon came the "light" lesson.  Fresh from the celebration of the great Feast of Tabernacles featuring illuminated candelabra in the courtyard of the temple at Jerusalem, the Savior taught His followers He was the Light of the world and they would never need to walk in darkness (see John 8:12).

Walking by the light of the Restoration can dispel all the darkness and clouds of political deception currently permeating our existence.  Even the minions of darkness cannot threaten its illuminating relevance in our lives.  I have been reminded this morning that overthrowing the divinely-given principles of the Constitution is not easily achieved.

Thanks, Elder Holland for reminding us to remember to be grateful for that assurance.