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On 60 minutes recently, the President of Microsoft (Brad Smith) suggested that it would be a good idea to have a government regulatory body—like the FAA for airlines or the FDA for drugs—created that would regulate big tech. Something like a digital regulatory commission. We have it for virtually every other segment of the US economy, is it time to create something to regulate tech?

Recently, a woman who was in Mexico for cosmetic surgery was kidnapped and her friends were killed in a case of mistaken identity. The cartel apologized and actually turned over the people responsible to the authorities, but many question the authenticity of the apology letter. The FBI is working with Mexico to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice, but some people want the US to go further. Some have even called for the US to “unleash the fury and might of the United States” to combat drug cartels. What is the appropriate moral response to this situation? Jesus said to turn the other cheek, does that apply in matters of foreign policy?

Budget negotiations are in full swing in Washington D.C. Republicans would like to reduce the size of the federal budget. Biden is proposing cuts to the federal budget as well, but he would like to increase federal support for Medicaid, increase the child tax credit by $1,600 per child and pay for it with a minimum 25% tax on the richest Americans. The restored gospel clearly teaches us to take care of the poor. Alma 34:28 says that if we do not help the poor we are as the hypocrites that deny the faith. Should Latter-day Saints support government proposals designed to help the poor?

Big Question for debate:

Mosiah 29: 16 says that “because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.” But, in verse 13 he says, “if it were possible that you could have just men to be your kings, who would establish the laws of God, and judge this people according to his commandments, yea, if ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you.”

If you look at the history of Nephite civilization as we know it, they do really well when they have a king (500 years until Mosiah and ~400 years after Christ) the only time we have lots of wars recorded is when they have the system of judges in place. 

Furthermore, when Jesus comes again, He will rule as king. 

The question: Is one form of government morally superior to another? Can’t we just choose any form of government and as long as the people are righteous, the society will prosper?