Political Thoughts of Timothy A. Raty

 After Vladimir Putin launched his invasion into Ukraine, the U.S. Libertarian National Committee issued their position on the matter. After providing several paragraphs summarizing past exchanges between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., as well as the run-up to the First Russo-Ukrainian War of 2014, the LNC stated the following: “. . . A fundamental question must be asked here – are we willing to risk World War III over this conflict in Eastern Europe? ‘It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.’ That was declared by George Washington in his farewell address at the end of a bloody revolution for independence. In his inaugural pledge, Thomas Jefferson opined clearly on foreign policy saying, ‘Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations – entangling alliances with none.’ ” (emphasis in the original) It then goes on to declare that the U.S. should cut its ties with NATO and concludes with the following statement: “...

To the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Greetings. The events of the past ~six years prompt me to remind you of your God’s statement concerning the U.S. Constitution, as conveyed to former President Joseph Smith: “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” (Doctrine and Covenants § 101:80) While this should be familiar to those who regularly study scripture, perhaps less familiar is Smith’s alleged “hanging thread” prophecy which, while not transcribed at the time it was given, was recollected by President George Q. Cannon, former First Counselor in the First Presidency, as follows: “The statement has been made that the Prophet said the time would come when this Constitution would hang as by a thread and this is true. There has been some confusion, however, as to just what he said following this. I think that Elder Orso...