In Utah, many folks frequently repeat an article of faith that reads, “We believe in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” This policy undoubtedly reflects the true sentiments of LDS believers.

This particular article of faith also suggests that early LDS leaders were desirous of convincing government leaders of the day that the faithful were not trying to upset any civic apple carts.

The direction politics has taken in the twenty-first century, however, has exposed the need for an update or two to the article. Today, it might better include the caveat, “to the extent the law is consistent with democratic values and procedures.”

The policy obviously served a good purpose at a time in America when laws and leaders were in the main equitable and honest, and people took time to read and study the nation’s Constitution.

Now, however, political leaders at all levels are demonstrably more malleable or even corrupt than in a day when personal honesty was an iron-clad principle of life.

Today, governors and presidents want to be rulers and kings. They do this by disregarding the written law. They often act without legislatures and without the people, and all too often good people are letting this happen.

It seems yet another clause in the article might read, “We also believe in fulfilling our duty to help make the laws and to hold usurpers accountable.”

— Kimball Shinkoskey, Woods Cross

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