Changing Government

The liberty principle for discussion on this Freedom Friday is that the majority of the people have the authority to rid themselves of a tyrannical government. The American colonists endured many injuries from an abusive government that violated the English constitution. They understood well how governments can misuse the power loaned to them by the people. They understood that the government was established by the majority of the people, and that the majority of the people could authorize an appeal to change an established government. This right to change lies with the majority of the people. An individual, group or minority has no right to revolt from the decision of the majority. The Founders understood well the principle expressed Mosiah 29:26 that "it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right…." There is an added warning in Mosiah 29:27, "… if the times comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you…."

In discussing this principle, we must remember that citizens have the right to change government for being tyrannical, but they do not have the right to cause chaos and unrest simply because they want to redistribute money. There is a very big difference between our Founders rebelling and revolting against the tyranny of England, and the protesting unions marching in Wisconsin!