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INSIDE THE MIND
OF EZRA TAFT BENSON:
PERSONAL LETTERS TO A GRANDSON
For a closer look at some of the political, religious and personal views of
one of Mormonism’s “prophets, seers and revelators,” quoted below are
excerpts from the personal correspondence of Ezra Taft Benson to me, written
when he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and later as President of
the Mormon Church.
They are grouped by topic and provide an inside track for viewing the world
through the eyes of Ezra Taft Benson. The letters were written by him (or on
a few occasions, in his behalf) from the years 1977 to 1986, back in the
bygone days when I was an active and generally politically conservative
member of the Mormon faith..
The Founding Fathers, Conservatism, the Mormon Church and Latter-day
Blood-Spilling
“Learn all you can about this country, its heritage, our birthright, the
spiritual foundation and the prophetic history of this great land and then be
sure you keep your feet solidly on the ground in support of conservative,
solid principles, as spoken of by the founding fathers and the leadership of
this Church.
“What we need and must get eventually is our policies in operation in the
tradition of the founding fathers.
“God bless you in all that you do. Keep closes to the Lord, close to the
Church and close to the tradition of the founding fathers as they established
this great nation, the Lord’s base of operations in these latter days, a
nation that will endure even if it takes blood to save it.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Steve Benson, 18 April 1978)
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Battling the Subversions of Socialism and Communism
“I do hope that you are finding this period out of college valuable, not only
from the standpoint of earnings, but also from the standpoint of study. It
pleases me that you have decided to use your talents in the interest of
presenting the weaknesses and the dangers of socialism and communism and the
power of blessing of the free enterprise, capitalist system, which has built
this country.
“If you are to be effective, you must have a good background of knowledge regarding
the basic concepts and philosophies of the founding fathers and be able and
willing at all times to defend these concepts without equivocation. Unless
this is true, your words will be as sounding brass and tinkling cymbal, as
Paul said, and your cartoons will also be much less effective. In other
words, you will need to maintain the same spirit you had as a young man in
high school when you used to write to Grandpa indicating that a certain issue
was coming up, and then you’d say, ‘What do you have on it?’ Then I’d try to
send you the materials which would be helpful to you.
“The subversive and freedom-destroying forces are closing in, Stephen, as
never before in my memory. They are among our own people. They are whispering
in the ears of our people that there’s nothing particularly wrong with
accepting government help or supporting unsound programs being promoted by
our elected leaders. It is of the utmost importance that you become fully
familiar with the subject matter and follow carefully the current issues and
problems and stand ready to defend the American way of life as it was
established under the inspiration of heaven through a written Constitution.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 11 May 1977)
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The Book of Mormon’s Prophetic Eye on America
"We’re proud of you, Stephen, and pray the Lord to continue to open the
way for you to render even greater service to the Kingdom and to this great
nation. Be sure you read the Book of Mormon each day, if you can.
Grandma and I have just started reading it together again. We just finished
First Nephi this morning. It is a great book for our time. The Prophets saw
our day and they gave us the counsel which they felt we would need.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Stephen Benson, 21 April 1981)
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The Worsening Condition of the World
“With conditions of the world as they are and getting worse, may I suggest
that you read weekly Section One of the Doctrine and Covenants.
“It pretty well gives us the Lord’s appeal, counsel, and reasons for the
condition of the world. It is the preface, or introduction, to His Book of
Commandments.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Father and Grandfather,” to “Beloved Children and Married
Grandchildren,” 1 May 1980)
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The John Birch Society—Second Only to the Scriptures
“I am enclosing [a] copy of the Review of the News (a weekly magazine
published by the John Birch Society]. I assume you get it. I believe you
should. This has more pertinent information and timely information on the
situation today than most any little, inexpensive magazines.
“If you want to get something good, solid, more-detailed articles on various
subjects, I recommend American Opinion [the John Birch Society’s
monthly magazine]. You should be acquainted with Scott Stanley, the managing
editor of these two magazines and one of the most brilliant young editors I
know.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandfather Benson,’ signed by his secretary Betty
MacDonald, to Steve Benson, 11 February 1982)
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“I loaned you several books when you favored us with a visit in Salt Lake
enroute to Texas. I hope you were able to get some time to study them. If
there are any others which I could help you with, I would be happy to do so.
I believe your father gets American Opinion and Review of the News
[the John Birch Society’s weekly news magazine]. These I consider of great
importance as the best single source of reliable information next to the
writings of the prophets and the Holy Scriptures on the question o of
socialism, communism, and other dangerous evils, which are rapidly invading
this great land.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 11 May 1977)
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“It was good to talk to you yesterday from the home of your parents . . .
“I suggested to you at that time American Opinion magazine. I[‘ll]
send you [a] copy of the magazine together with the Birch log by McManus and
a copy of the Alan Stang Report [another Birch publication]. All of
these, I believe, would be helpful to you in the important work you are
doing.”
(Grandpa Benson, “ETB,” signed by autopen, to Steve Benson, 10 May 1982)
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“I enclose the July/August Scoreboard edition of American Opinion.
“Congratulations on the fact that you have three cartoons in this issue. As I
am told, it is the same number for your predecessor.
“I assume you receive the American Opinion. No red-blooded American
should be without it and that’s where I classify you. I hope this one will be
helpful to you also. I assume you also received the companion weekly
magazine, Review of the News, which I believe you need in the great
work you are doing.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 1 July 1982)
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A Great American Newspaper
“I enclose [a] copy of the May issue of the Manchester Union Leader
which is one of the great conservative newspapers of the nation. The
publisher wrote to me sometime ago and indicating that he believes so much in
my philosophy and that of the Church that he was sending me a year’s
subscription to his daily paper. His editorials are on the front page so
people know where he stands. It’s important that we let people know where we
stand on important issues”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 11 May 1977)
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Calling Up Orrin Hatch to Help Fight Communism, Sell Ezra Taft Benson
Books, Defeat a Nuclear Arms Treaty and Handle a Secret, Soon-To-Be-Destroyed
Memo
“I do hope that things are going well with you. On October 9 I will share the
platform with Orrin Hatch at a big dinner in Los Angeles launching a great
seminar program in that part of the country.
“The Red Carpet [Ezra Taft Benson’s an anti-communist treatise] was
shipped about a week ago and should be reaching you soon. I hope that the
distribution can be made very promptly with the help of some people from
Senator Hatch’s office. It may have an impact on the defeat of [the nuclear
arms treaty] SALT II, which I think becomes more important in view of the
serious situation in Cuba.
“We face difficult days, Stephen. We don’t know what will come. If Soviet
Russia thought she could win, she would not hesitate to make the first
strike. There is much that is favorable to the enemy at this time. I consider
Communism the greatest enemy and the greatest threat to all we hold dear.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” 18 September 1979, original emphasis)
“I received your memorandum by telephone and thank you for your concern. I
have become acquainted with many senators in my life. I know of no one who I
feel made a better record in his first term than Orrin Hatch. I will give
this matter prayerful consideration in the hope that I may be helpful to one
whom I feel is a great asset to the United States Senate and should be
continued in office for many years to come . . .
“Had a pleasant visit on the telephone with Senator Hatch last evening. He
appreciated your concern as well as mine and thanked me very much for the
information contained in your memo. It was agreed that the memo would be
destroyed and there would be nothing more said about it. He would try and
handle the situation as he thinks best. Thanks, Stephen, for your concern and
your willingness to help. May the Lord bless you in your important work.”
[For the record and for the life of me, I do not remember anything about this
above-mentioned memo, although I wish I could].
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Stephen Benson, 21-22 April 1981)
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Recommending Ronald Reagan—and Asking for Advice on Who to Support as
Reagan’s Running Mate
“As you know, the time is getting close for the election. Reagan seems to
have an increasingly favorable opportunity. I am getting questionnaires and
requests to indicate my preference for his running mate as Vice President. I
wonder if you have any information that would be helpful to me.
“I assume you get Human Events [a conservative magazine], which is
published in Washington. In the current issue there is an article entitled
‘The Case for Jack Kemp.’ If you have any information that you think will be
helpful, Steve, please drop me a note.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Steve Benson, 13 June 1980)
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Defending Secretary of Interior James Watt, Even Though He Is a “Saved”
Christian
“Congratulations on the Watt cartoon. May I say to you, however, that he’s
one of the best men, I believe, that the President has in his Cabinet.
“He is fully loyal to the President. He came into my office, at his own
request, where we spent 45 minutes together. He is a fine Christian, although
a ‘saved’ Christian.
“He is active in his church, has a fine spirituality and was responsive as I
quoted to him from the Doctrine and Covenants, sections 101 and 98. I
you will turn to these, you will understand why I quoted them to him. He has
courage, faith, and I think a great deal of wisdom.
“Maybe you could do a favorable one on him before long” [I had been critical
in my cartoons of Watts' embarrassing foot-in-mouth disease, a bad habit of
his which eventually got him fired].
(Ezra Taft Benson, "Grandpa Benson," to Stephen Benson, 27 January
1983)
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The Writings of Economist Ludwig Von Mises, Other Fine Books and a “Secret
Hope” Expressed for a Grandson
“I have just read ‘My Years With Ludwig von Mises’ by his wife Margit von
Mises. It is a very choice 191 page volume and inn part a love story also. As
I have don so, the various publications of this greatest of all economists
have been impressed upon me. I hope you will safeguard, as I know you will,
the books I loaned to you, Stephen, some of which are by this immortal
author. I would appreciate if you would send me, at your earliest
convenience, a list of the books you have from my library. Then, of course,
you will bring them with you when you come to Salt Lake so that I might put
them back on the shelves here, from which shelves, you may draw some of those
and others if you continue your study of economics, which I hop you will do.
“If I can purchase a copy of this book by Mrs. Von Mises I will do so in the
hope I can send it to you or make it available when you come to Salt Lake . .
.
“I hope that your plans are being firmed up for the days ahead. I still have
a secret hope that if you continue your interest in political science and
economics you might someday become an active defender of the free market and
that you might spend six months or a year in one of the solid, private
colleges such as the one in Pennsylvania with Dr. Sennholz. In any event,
this is a grandfather’s dream for a great grandson, whom I would like to see
become one of the great and powerful advocates of the free market, so much
needed if we are to preserve this country and its glorious basic concepts.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 21 June 1977)
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“While going through some of the volumes of reading I had on Saturday, it
occurred to me that you would gain much information from the publication of FEE,
the Freeman, Ideas on Liberty. I have just scanned the article in the current
issues by Benjamin A> Rogge, professor of political economy at Wabash
College, one of our fine independent educational institutions. This one, as I
remember, is located in Indiana. Mr. Rogge has an article entitled, ‘Yes,
America, There is an Energy Problem—BUT.' It could be a very excellent
suggestion for a cartoon, if you were going to do an editorial on the energy
problem. There are also excellent articles by two other outstanding
economists and friends of mine—Henry Hazlitt and Hans S. Sennholz, and also
one by Clarence B. Carson.
“If you do not receive the Freeman, I suggest you write to Dr. Leonard
E. Read, The Foundation for Economic Education,
Irvington-on-the-Hudson, New York 10533 and ask him to put you on the mailing
list and let him know a little of what you’re doing. Send him a few samples
of your cartoons. Who know, you may be doing cartoons for the Freeman.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 31 October 1977)
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Bad Congressional Bills and Good Political Leaders
“The financial situation in the country is serious. This last bank bill is
the worst ever. It’s hard for me to believe that conscientious members of
Congress would pass a piece of legislation like the one they’ve passed in a
hurry, without a roll call on a voice vote, in order to get home for Easter
recess. I often think of the statement I had on my desk while I was in the Cabinet,
'Oh, God, give us men with a mandate higher than the ballot box!'”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Steve Benson, 13 June 1980)
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“I hope you’ll become thoroughly familiar with this sheet which has been torn
out of the U.S. News and World Report in order to make copies. It
contains an interview with William E. Simon, former Secretary of the
Treasury. It is one of the best summaries I have seen.
“The entire U.S. News has much valuable information in it this week.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 19 April 1978)
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Faithful Service to God and Country
“May the Lord bless you. We love you and pray for your success. Keep close to
the Lord, close to His Church, and fully active in the Kingdom, which is the
greatest ting of all.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Stephen Benson, 13 November 1980)
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“May the good Lord bless and magnify you as parents, servants in the ward,
and faithful citizens of this great nation. May you have guidance in all of
your worthy endeavors from the Holy Spirit.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Stephen and Mary Ann Benson, 23 December
1980)
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“We heard the recording of the talk you gave at the ‘We the People’ breakfast
[a conservative political group which Ezra Taft Benson headed as president,
he said, “at the request of President David O. McKay sometime ago when they
had their headquarters n Chicago”] . . . and hope your humor coupled with
humility and faithfulness will carry you much further than popularity.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, to Steve Benson, 11 February 1982; and Ezra Taft Benson,
“Grandpa Benson,” to Steve Benson, 11 March 1982)
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“We’re proud of the work you’re doing and pray that in spite of the barbs
that are directed your way you will keep that sweet, humble spirit of the
gospel mixed with your usual good humor. If you do so, the Lord will bless
and magnify you.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” 18 August 1982)
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The Self-Proclaimed Royal Benson Blood Line
“Your father is doing an outstanding job as a Regional Representative. The
people love him. He has their support and they plead with me not to move him
. . . He is a great man, Stephen. You have choice blood in your veins.
“God bless you. We’re so proud of you . . .”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 6 December 1978)
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“We have a great family and the grandchildren are all marrying well and are
performing beautifully as they face the responsibilities and problems of
life. We are proud of all the children, grandchildren, their companions, and
the great-grandchildren. Of course, grandma says they’re all ‘great’ and I
know they are.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 18 August 1982)
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“Your father is doing an outstanding job as bishop . . .
“What a great family and what grateful grandparents and parents. The Lord
bless you all—now and always—is our humble wish and prayer.”
(“Grandpa and Grandma Benson,” to Stephen and Mary Ann Benson, 20 February
1980)
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“How I love you all and express deep gratitude for you and your wonderful
qualities and for your love and support”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Father, Grandfather and Greatgrandfather,” to "Dear
Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Eternal Companions," 18
June 1980)
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“Stephen, I enjoyed a glorious weekend with your father in Jackson,
Mississippi and in New Orleans. He is a great man, one of the outstanding
sons of our Heavenly Father. This was impressed upon Grandma and me even more
fully as we spent the weekend and Monday with him in the South.
“The Lord bless the posterity of your father and mother and bless you as you
go forward following the instructions and example which they have set.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen and Mary Ann Benson, 11
December 1978)
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Recommended Romance Reading
“Knowing that your are probably giving serious thought to love these days, I
though you might enjoy reading Irving Stone’s great historic novel, THOSE
WHO LOVE, which is the biographical novel of John and Abigail Adams. You
may return it to me when you have finished with it.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa Benson,” to Stephen Benson, 11 May 1977, original
emphasis)
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Written from an Undisclosed Location: The Secret Convalescence of Ezra
Taft Benson, Amid Soaring Book Sales
“I am so grateful for your life and prayers for me and want you to know that
our Heavenly Father is mindful of them as I am improving in health each day.
“The loving hospitality of David and Beth [Burton, son-in-law and daughter of
Ezra Taft and Flora Benson] and their four children has been an answer to
prayer. The quiet and peace here are making a speedy recovery possible.
“For my sake and that of the Burton family, may I request that all telephone
calls and letters be directed to the office. Betty [McDonald, Ezra Taft
Benson’s personal secretary] brings me the mail and other messages during the
week.
“Also, we have been advised that for security purposes, it is best that the
location of my present residence [in the Salt Lake suburb of Sandy] be kept
from the public. Therefore we should not inform friends and neighbors as to
where I am recuperating.
“Grandma and I love you very much. We know you are loving and concerned, but
inquires regarding my progress and other information should be obtained from
the office inasmuch as my staff is in close contact with me at all times.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Ezra Taft Benson,” written by staff and signed by auto
pen, to Stephen and Mary Ann Benson, 11 November 1987)
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“Your grandparents really enjoyed your letter of November 1. Your grandfather
is not up to writing letters yet or even dictating them, although he is doing
quite well.
“I took the mail out to him last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and he
looked very good and had been on several walks already that morning. He asked
me to write and thank you for your letter.
“I was not able to visit with your grandmother as she was napping at the
time.
“We understand the biography [of Ezra Taft Benson] is the top in retail sales
at Deseret Book outlets. Isn’t that great news?
“May I convey to you your grandparents love and blessings.”
(Mrs. Betty S. McDonald, Personal Secretary to President Ezra Taft Benson,
“Betty,” to Stephen and Mary Ann Benson, 30 November 1987)
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No Laughing Matter: Cartooning the Hofmann Scandal
“Dear Stephen:
“I still love you and encourage you to keep up the good work by pointing out
by the cartoon method the evils of the day. I would just like to suggest that
you go easy on the Church.
“The Lord bless you, my devoted grandson. I am proud of you. Love and
blessings to all.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Grandpa,” to Stephen Benson, 7 November 1985)
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Last Correspondence Contact from My Grandfather to Me--and No Further
Contact by Him with the Media
The Hofmann cartoon letter was the last personal piece of correspondence I
received from my grandfather before he died nine years later. A few days
after he penned it, he found himself the acting President of the Mormon
Church, following the sudden death of Spencer W. Kimball.
Instantly, circumstances changed. The curtain dropped around my grandfather
and Church handlers took an increasing role in running his life, his schedule
and his attributed utterances.
Less than a year later, my newspaper, the Arizona Republic, expressed
an interest in interviewing my grandfather in his new role as Church
president. I made an inquiry to my grandfather’s office in behalf of the
paper and on 6 August 1986, received the following reply from F. Michael
Watson, Secretary to the First Presidency:
“Dear Brother Benson:
“I have been asked to acknowledge your letter dated July 18, 1986, in which
you requested an interview with your grandfather, President Ezra Taft Benson,
and a representative of The Arizona Republic.
“President Benson appreciated this invitation and, although he is unable to
grant such an interview, asked me to thank you and your associates for your
interest.
“You will be interested to know that Sister Benson had a pleasant birthday in
July and President Benson was joined by friends and staff recently at a
gathering in the Church Administration Building where they celebrated his
87th birthday. President Benson is grateful for your thoughts and prayers in
his behalf and asked me to convey his love and best wishes to you and your
family.”
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By now, the overriding interests of the institutionally-driven Church were in
firm control of my grandfather’s affairs. As family members, we did get to
see him with increasing frequency--just not at the office. As he became
steadily enfeebled and incapable of administering the day-to-day business of
the Church, he was relegated to his apartment, where we would drop by for
personal visits. .
As in life, when my grandfather finally died in 1994, the Church also ran his
funeral.
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