3 Nephi 3

Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadiantons, writes a letter to Lachoneus, the
leader of the Nephites. After flattering Lachoneus about the Nephites
ability to protect their "so-called liberty," Giddianhi makes these
assertions:

1. The Nephites are foolish to assume they can last against the overwhelming
numbers of Nephites.
2. The Gadiantons are just waiting for the word to go and destroy the
Nephites.
3. The Gadiantons have a deep hatred for the Nephites because of all the
things they have suffered at the Nephite's hands.
4. Giddianhi feels true concern for the Nephite's welfare because they are
so sincere in their beliefs and so noble in battle.
5. Giddianhi invites the Nephites to allign themselves with the Gadiantons
and take part in their secret oaths and become brothers rather than slaves.
If not, he will order his people to destory every person until the Nephite
nation is extinct.
6. The Nephite's stole the government and the rights of the Gadiantons.
There society and all they do is good and is based on ancient traditions
that have been handed down to them.

Lachoneus, who Mormon says was a just man and did not fear the threats of a
robber, sends word that all the people should be gathered together in on
place with all the possessions they can bring. He tells the people that
unless they repent, the words of Giddianhi will be fulfilled. He creates an
army and following past tradition places a great spiritual man as its
commander. This commander is Gidgiddoni who Mormon says was a great prophet
and had the spirit of revelation and prophecy. The Nephites prepared
themselves at the center of their land and waited for the Gadiantons to
attack. Literally tens of thousands gather and the first thing that
Gidgiddoni asks is that they pray and turn to righteousness. It's then that
they make their weapons of war.

Enemies of freedom and family will always claim righteous purposes for what
they do. These people always point out how they and their supporters, as
well anyone who is poor or disadvantaged, has suffered because of the
policies and beliefs of those they seek to overthrow. The poor and
disadvantaged will be quick to join them because they are promised that if
these people are allowed to have power, the governement will take care of
them and all their problems. We would be wise to realize and recognize
those in high places who seek to esablish the same socialistic principles
today. It is amazing to me how after Stalin, Hitler, the Soviet Union, plus
all the others in past history, that the people today would still fall for
the same false promises. In the end, everyone in a socialistic environment
ends up closer to poverty, are oppressed and live in fear. Progress is in
all areas of research and development is severely halted. Just look at the
quality of life and health care in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
They are decades behind. In a socialist governemtn, the rulers gather all
the wealth and power to themselves. The only difference today is they seek
to do it through subversion rather than force. We live in scary times.