In chapter 22 of the book of Alma we find a few noteworthy verses for this study. They recount that in peacetime the Nephites "had taken possession of all the northern parts of the land.... And [they] had hemmed in the Lamanites on the south, that thereby they should have no more possession on the north, that they might not overrun the land northward." (Alma 22:29,33.)
This reminds us of the situation on the American continent, just shortly before the United States' Civil War, when the Monroe Doctrine came into effect. It was designed to prevent aggressive European powers from overthrowing the independent governments in Latin America. The Doctrine states, "...The American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for the future colonization by any European powers...."(1) Those sovereigns in Europe who were seeking to enforce the "divine right of kings"(2) resemble the Lamanites who claimed by their tradition that the "right to the government" over all the people belonged to them. (Alma 54:17.)
President Monroe explained that the primary reason for this doctrine was that "the political system of the Allied Powers [was] essentially different...from that of America." History has seen several enemies of the United States arise in Europe and elsewhere in the world whose effectiveness against our nation has been impeded through this doctrine.(3) Similarly, the Nephite record continues, "Now this was wisdom in the Nephites--as the Lamanites were an enemy to them...." (Alma 22:34.)
In principle, the Monroe Doctrine is still in effect today. Yet some leaders in our country have allowed our security to be breached by letting, for example, Cuba and Nicaragua to fall into the sphere of strong Communist hands.(4) These countries have now become powerful Communist beachheads, into which the Kremlin has funneled billions of dollars of military supplies and equipment.(5)
The Monroe Doctrine declares, "We...should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety."(6) Common sense tells us that this doctrine has never been obsolete. The reason the Nephites restrained Lamanite occupation beyond certain boundaries was in order that "they would not suffer their afflictions on every hand...." (Alma 22:34.)
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Endnotes:
1. Ezra Taft Benson, CR, Oct. 1962, p. 16.
2. Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings, p. 689; also CR, Oct. 1962, p. 16.
3. President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "The greatest and most significant principle by which this land is fortified against the encroachments and invasions of European and Asiatic powers is found in the Monroe Doctrine...." (Ezra Taft Benson, CR, Oct 5, 1962, p. 16.)
4. Documented evidence has uncovered the fact that not only were key governmental leaders of our country in a position to block these takeovers, but that some were even involved in secretly assisting the Communist takeovers. (See, Anastasio Somoza, Nicaragua Betrayed, or Jane H. Ingraham, "The Fall of Nicaragua," The New American, July 17, 1989, pp. 23-29.)
5. In 1988, for example, Moscow poured military equipment valuing $515 million into Nicaragua. (Jane H. Ingraham, "The Fall of Nicaragua," The New American, July 17, 1989, pp. 28.) The Soviets annually supply Castro with about $5,000,000,000. (Joseph Ioffe, Ph.D., "Glasnost, a Conservative Opportunity," address given at NCCS Soviet Symposium, 1988.) See also Ezra Taft Benson, CR, Oct. 1962, p. 15.
6. Quoted in Ezra Taft Benson, CR, Oct. 1962, p. 16. Also quoted in J. D. Richardson, ed., Messages and Papers of the Presidents (1896), II, pp. 209, 218-219.
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