The root of all solutions

I've done some posts recently about the struggle I'm facing to either walk away from the LDS Church entirely or stay and try to make a difference.

I've also noticed an alarming increase in rational people talking about revolution. It used to just be the fringe extremists who were doing this, but thanks to the likes of Glenn Beck, this idea is gaining momentum, and it seems to be picking up amongst people who I would have considered normal and rational as well. I think an entire discussion could be had on the ethical implications of a national media celebrity advocating overthrow of the government, but that isn't why I bring it up.

I think the same thing that will fix the US government will also fix the LDS Church.

The root of the problem is simply money.

The problem with the LDS Church is that it has become a worldwide corporation with business interests and leaders who make a substantial living from it. Take the money out, and I think true change for the better can begin. Open the financial records to the world, quit paying the top leaders exorbitant salaries and get rid of all the business interests. A Church, even if it's God's only true Church should be about a very small set of functions. Helping it's members improve their lives and follow the teachings of it's principle source.

The problem with the US Government is too many people stand to make too much money by their involvement. Two prime topics right now are war and health care.

I would submit that the only reason for the Iraqi war was money. You might argue that the government has plunged us into debt in order to undertake the war, but what was it that the money went towards? Ammunition, tanks, uniforms, private soldiers and reconstruction contracts (among other things). I would bet that if you start drawing lines between those making the decisions for the war, and those who profited, there wouldn't be very many.

For health care, I would suspect that we aren't going to see any reforms any time soon either... Why? because health care is big business and those making the money don't want to see it change. I would include among those making the money, most of the US Senate and Congress. It's funny how we distinguish between campaign contributions and bribery when in reality they're one and then same.

Get the money factor out of Washington, and I suspect many of the problems will fix themselves.

Get the money factor out of Religion and I think the integrity of the organizations will return as well.

Ironically I find myself agreeing whole-heartedly with the biblical teaching that the love of money is the root of all evil. Although I suspect all those involve would likely claim that it is a problem with other organizations, but not theirs.