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The moral basis of a free society

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This book is a step by step guild to understanding the moral basis of governmental behavior. The first few chapters give us a clear understanding of how what is not moral or correct for an individual is no more moral or correct for governments. Though the book is written for members of the Church of Jesus Christ, the truths and principles are equally applicable to members of any faith. If you have ever felt that something was wrong with some governmental program or action, but not known quite how to define what if was, this book will help. Read this book trough from beginning to end. The book builds from one idea to the next, so skipping chapters is a bad idea. I wish I had a hundred copies to give out. Everyone should read this book.

H. Verlan Andersen shows what constitutes good government. He used the scriptures and word of Prophets to build a case of what is a proper and what is an inappropriate function of government.

Although this is not exactly a simple book to read (ie. you need to think it through), it is well worth the effort. I believe I am a better person for having read this book.

Since reading this book, I have never looked at the role of government the same. I especially like his treatment of Natural Rights.

--George Stancliffe

This book is currently out of print but was reissued as "The Economic Basis for a Free Society" because that's really what it's about. The book puts forth the well supported idea that the writers of the Constitution did not intend the federal government to be so intrusive in the lives of all citizens through the myriad of rules that have the force of law (through the creation of bureaucracies). The thesis is that the "Feds" should only deal with criminal law, tort (property)
law, defense (including diplomacy), and money. All other of the duties that the "Feds" do, like the EPA (or any of the other collections of capitol letters) taxing for education, art, interpersonal relationships, how we build our houses, our healthcare, our retirement, our charity, our banking, etc.) should be done at the state or county or local level - where a single individual who is not a politician can have an influence. His thesis is that a far away, seemingly all powerful, federal government restricts our freedom and stunts innovation and business (Wouldn't you like most of your federal tax deductions to be included in your paycheck even if state and local deductions increase?) At least you could drive to the state house, the county seat or the city council and feel you had been heard buy someone you had some real hope of influencing or "giving the boot" to - the next election cycle). What an interesting idea!

Next to the scriptures themselves, this is one of the most essential books for one to understand. If one does not understand the basis for freedom, one is unlikely to be able to sustain that precious gem.

As a nation, we have been dumbed down as the fundamentals of freedom have been removed from our schools, generation by generation. These precepts were once commonly understood. Now, we are in confusion and in crisis, because we have allowed these principles to be subverted by flowery speeches and specious arguments by evil intending, power-hungry men.

If we are going to re-enthrone freedom and obtain a measure of safety as a society; we must understand and live by correct principles. We must diligently study the foundations of freedom and implement them for our own happiness, safety, and peace.

This book demonstrates why our freedom depends upon our obedience to moral laws. Once we become corrupt in our morals, we are inclined to demand corruption in our government officials. They, then, are inclined to create laws, which are immoral, which give to government more power, and which take away our freedoms, piece by piece. When we want benefits from the public treasury at someone else's expense, and others support the idea of obtaining similar benefits at our expense; we have established a system of legalized mutual plunder. Assuming the plunder is equal, which it is not; this is a plan, in which no one can win, because the administrative cost increases to plunder everyone. It is a system set up for self-destruction. Assuming it is unequal plunder, one group (the influential) will plunder the remainder (This is economic slavery.) until the remainder is discouraged from being productive. Again, all lose.

If each is allowed to keep the profits of their own labors, to do with it as they see fit; all benefit from the productivity and prosperity, which is enjoyed under such a system. All benefit from the unhindered creativeness, which is fostered thereby.

Because of the importance of this topic, the copyright owner (the author's son) has graciously allowed the text to be reproduced electronically and posted on the internet. A web search for the book title (in quotation) and the last name of the author will find it immediately.

Once you read this book, you will want others to read it, too.