The American System

     "The American system was indeed glorious in its beginning, and was founded by wise and good men, in opposition to long established abuses and oppressive systems of the Old World.  But it had its weaknesses and imperfections.  These were taken advantage of by wicked and conspiring men, who were unwisely placed at the head of government, and who, by a loose and corrupt administration, gradually undermined that beautiful structure.  In their polluted hands justice faltered, truth fell to the ground, equity could not enter, and virtue fled into the wilderness."

-Parley P. Pratt

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