Loyal to Their Civil Leaders
Mormon History Related
"The Lord said, 'I will hasten my work in its time' (D&C 88:73). Surely anyone observing the recent growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is keenly aware of that hastening process. This should make us humbly grateful for the Lord's omnipotent hand. Obstacles that seemed insurmountable have proven to be merely challenges for the faithful, for 'with God nothing shall be impossible' (Luke 1:37). "Inspiration has prepared the way from the beginning, when the Lord impressed the Prophet Joseph Smith to compose the twelfth article of faith: 'We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.' This inspired statement was surely written for our day. The Prophet knew that the gospel was ultimately to be taken to all nations regardless of their governmental differences. He knew that the ordinances of salvation and exaltation could bless the lives of people regardless of their politics. And he knew that people who were taught correct principles and who were loyal to their civil leaders and observing of their local laws would be most able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel."
-- Russell M. Nelson, "Drama on the European Stage," Ensign, Dec. 1991, 7
In my opinion it is more important to be loyal to ideals rather then people when it comes to politics. If a man stands by the right to worship as ones conscious dictates, and upholds the principles of freedom as envisioned by the constitution and our Founding Fathers, then this is a man or woman who we should stand behind.
I think the most important part of the quote is the part about people being taught correct principles: It is my opinion that we should stand behind our leaders in order to lead them toward correct principles, but we should not follow them blindly to our own destruction.
Ideally the populace should lead the leaders into righteousness,
We should support and stand behind our leaders so that they may make correct choices. We should also remove them by peaceful means if they try to lead the people into wickedness and away from personal freedoms and individual responsibility.