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Show 1974 Resolutions Issue Utah Farm Bureau News The Judiciary In strong and responsible state and local units of government and in protection of state laws against federal pre-emptio- n. We believe in an independent Judiciary, impartial ad- That farm people have the right and the responsibility to speak for themselves through organizations of their choice without coercion or government intervention. That the powers not specifically delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or to the people and that such powers cannot be preempted by federal statutes and must not be by the courts. pre-empt- ministration of law without special privilege, and government by law rather than by men. The judicial function should be performed by the Judicial Branch rather than by the executive agencies. We are concerned about the tendency of the United States Supreme Court to invade the legislative area, to expand federal authority at the expense of state law, and to affirm executive interpretations of statutes beyond the intent of Congress. We urge that appointees to the United States Supreme Court be selected from those best qualified with a minimum of 10 years experience in a state supreme court or a United States court. Supreme Court Justices should be retired by the age of 70. The Judiciary should draft and adopt a code of ethics to assure the impartial administration of justice. Long and firmly established interpretations of the Constitution should be changed only by the adoption of Constitutional amendments. There is cause for serious concern regarding the investigational procedures of the Internal Revenue Service because basic Constitutional protections against search and seizure are being infringed. The principles of due process are being disregarded. We urge that judicial restraint be reasserted on such activities to protect the concept that a man is innocent until proved guilty. ed Farm Bureau philosophy .Americas unparalleled progress is based on freedom and dignity of the individual, sustained by basic moral and religious concepts. Freedom of the individual versus concentration of power which would destroy freedom is the central issue in all societies. Economic progress, cultural advancement, and ethical and religious principles flourish best where men are free, responsible individuals. We reaffirm our belief that freedom may best be d through the following concepts and actions: sec-cure- Basic principles State and local government .We believe in the republican form of government as We believe that the maintenance of strong, independent, and responsible state and local government is imperative to the preservation of and individual freedoms. Public functions should be performed by the qualified unit of government closest to the people without coercion by administrative agencies of the federal government. We favor the assumption of responsibility by state and local units of government for the exercise of their appropriate functions. We urge State and County Farm Bureaus to study the modernization of local government and takean active role in making their local governments effective. provided in the constitution; in limitations upon government power; in maintenance of equal opportunity; in the in right of each individual to worship as he chooses; separation of church and state; and in freedom of speech, press, and peaceful assembly. Property rights are among the human rights essential to the preservation of individual freedom. Individuals have a moral responsibility to help preserve freedom for future generations by participating in public affairs and by helping to elect candidates who share their fundamental beliefs and principles. nt The Constitution The Constitution of the United States was well designed to secure individual liberty by a division of authority among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches and the diffusion of government powers through the retention by the states and the people of those powers not specifically delegated to the federal government. Stable and honest government with prescribed and limited powers is essential to freedom and progress. The trend toward centralization of power and responsibility in the federal government violates Constitutional purpose. It has reached a point dangerous to state sovereignty and individual freedom and should be Capitalism . in riots, defile the flag, or burn draft cards. We recognize the right of citizens to dissent, but protests and demon- strations should not interfere with the rights of others ami must not be permitted to deteriorate into civil disorder and anarchy. Each individual should be held liable for his acts when participating in or inciting such disorders. We favor stricter enforcement of laws protecting private and public property, both rural and urban, from losses due to riots, vandalism, and looting and urge prosecution of offenders. Our campuses must be returned to their traditional role as centers of reason and intellectual pursuit Student activists, extremists, and the faculty members who support them in lawlessness or interference with the orderly operation of educational institutions have forfeited any right to remain in the educational community. They should be summarily expelled and dismissed and if necessary put under peace bond not to return. Any who demonstrate in sympathy with those who have been removed should be suspended or expelled depending on their actions. non-stude- nt Loyalty oath We support of the loyalty oath in the National Defense Education Act whereby recipients of federal scholarships would be required to swear allegiance to the United States and to file affidavits stating that they do not support or belong to any organizations which advocate the overthrow of the government of the United States. We recommend a federal law requiring a loyalty oath for an individual to be eligible for employment in a U.S. defense plant or as a teacher in the public school system or in a state college or university. Patriotism We believe the foundation of a strong, unified America is based on respect, pride, and love of country by its citizens. We encourage a greater effort on the part of adults to set an example which will help instill these qualities in youth. In addition, we favor teaching and practicing flag etiquette in the schools. private competitive enterprise We believe in the American capitalistic, private, competitive enterprise system in which property is privately owned, privately managed, and operated for profit and individual satisfaction. We believe in a competitive business environment in which supply and demand are the primary determinants of market prices, the use of productive resources, and the distribution of output. We believe in the right of every man to choose his own occupation; to be rewarded according to his contribution to society; and to save, invest, spend, or convey to his heirs his earnings. These rights are accompanied by the responsibility that each man has to meet the financial obligations he has incurred. We believe that government operation of commercial businesses in competition with private enterprise should be terminated. reversed. The Constitutional prerogatives of each branch of the federal government should be preserved from encroachment by the other branches. The Executive Branch Expansion of the power of the Executive Branch is - jPage 7 un- desirable. We recommend that the Executive Branch: (1) Exercise restraint in seeking broad, discretionary By Booth Wajlentine UFBF Executive Vice President Will public U.S. Treasury Secretary George Shultz says he has grave doubts whether Americans will accept rationing of gasoline. He says the necessary ingredient of patriotism is lacking. I wonder about it too. I respect Mr. Shultz vantage point and his candor. But rationing solution might be the only effective short-terto a very real crisis. The fuel shortage is real. m Utah is sheltered somewhat because the state has abundant oil and coal. But across the nation, were in serious trouble. Even so, Shultz make a point that cannot be tossed aside lightly. How about it; do you have enough genuine concern over the issue to adopt personal fuel conserving practices? Or will it take a heavy surtax on the natural gas you use above a certain level. Will you be willing to cut out a few trips to the store when one shopping trip would have done it? Will you restrict the needless use of your car by your youngsters? Socialism and communism powers from Congress; (2) Refrain from pressuring individual members of Congress to obtain enactment of legislation; and (3) Avoid interpreting laws beyond the scope affirmatively spelled out by Congress. Government propagandizing of the electorate and should be discontinued. jeopardizes We deplore the use of government financed agencies, organizations, or committees to develop policy or promote legislation. This practice is contrary to sound principles of Tolerance of socialist and communist group practices in our land threatens to destroy the American way of life. The welfare state is based on centralization of power in the federal government and the redistribution of the benefits of our economic system by political means and is akin to socialism and communism. We reaffirm our opposition to all socialistic and communistic economic systems. We recommend that: self-governme- nt well-plann- ed self-governme-nt. The primary responsibility of the United States Department of Agriculture is to administer the laws and regulations affecting agriculture in an impartial and - Our government encourage the cooperation of other nations in this endeavor. - The basic principles of Americanism - with emphasis upon freedom and dignity of the individual and our private competitive enterprise system, as compared with the objectives and characteristics of communism and socialism - be taught in the schools. - Legislation be enacted to restrict the use of the mails for communist propaganda. - The House Committee and the Senate Subcommittee on Internal Security be continued. - It be recognized that communists as well as other equitable manner. Secrecy in government affairs should be avoided except when essential to national security. The Legislative Branch Congress must assume the responsibility to preserve our federal system by reversing the trend toward centralization of authority in the Executive and Judicial Federal programs should not be used as vehicles to force state and local governments to conform to federal authority. We urge Congress to safeguard its legislative perogatives by: (1) Insisting that federal expenditures be approved by Congress on an annual basis: (2) Avoiding delegation of broad, discretionary powers to the Executive Branch; and (3) Enacting corrective or conforming legislation where the Supreme Court has invaded the legislative area. Congress should adopt a code of ethics which dearly delineates the conduct and activities that should be ex- pected of its members. Test will come later Respect for law Responsible citizens throughout the nation should protect the concept that ours is a government of laws, not of men. We must emphasize adherence to laws and respect for properly constituted authorities. , Lawlessness of many types is prevalent in the United States. Some Supreme Court decisions provide greater protection to the accused than to society. These make the task of law enforcement more difficult. We condemn the acts of those who incite or participate Tough questions, these. Like every one of you, Im ready to say Ill do all these things. But until the real crunch-poicomes, Im not too sure. Weve turned down the thermostat, reduced the use of the second car and organized a turn-of- f campaign. The kids developed some other ideas for our family at a recent home evening. But how willing are we, as a nation of affluent Americans, to give up some of our affluence? If fuel is restricted to farmers, everyone will give a little on food abundance, If people get hungry, where will patriotism go. I hope not out the window. Weve a real test ahead. Leadership in homes, communities and the nation will have to set an example. But we can meet the test Pessimism could be our worst enemy. Lets be optimistic... all the while we are conserving our energy resources. nt -t- subversive elements are at the forefront in many of the civil disorders and student demonstrations. Branches. accept rationing? j i : he-lights |