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An Enemy Hath Done This
Book by Benson, Ezra T.
351 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1992
34 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Ezra Taft Benson
119 books71 followersThe thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1985 until his death and was United States Secretary of Agriculture for both of the administrations of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
On October 7, 1943, both Benson and Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) became members of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling two vacancies created by the deaths of apostles that summer. Because Kimball was the older of the two, he was given seniority over Benson in the Quorum. Succession to the presidency of the church is by chronological order of ordination to apostleship, allowing Spencer W. Kimball to become president of the church years earlier than Benson. Upon Spencer W. Kimball's death in 1985, Benson became the president of the church.
Benson suffered poor health in the last years of his life from the effects of blood clots in the brain, strokes, and heart attacks, and was rarely seen publicly. He was hospitalized in 1992 and 1993 with pneumonia.
Benson died of congestive heart failure in his Salt Lake City apartment at the age of 94. Funeral services were held June 4, 1994 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle under the direction of Gordon B. Hinckley. He was buried near his birthplace in Whitney, Idaho, at the Whitney City Cemetery.
On October 7, 1943, both Benson and Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) became members of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling two vacancies created by the deaths of apostles that summer. Because Kimball was the older of the two, he was given seniority over Benson in the Quorum. Succession to the presidency of the church is by chronological order of ordination to apostleship, allowing Spencer W. Kimball to become president of the church years earlier than Benson. Upon Spencer W. Kimball's death in 1985, Benson became the president of the church.
Benson suffered poor health in the last years of his life from the effects of blood clots in the brain, strokes, and heart attacks, and was rarely seen publicly. He was hospitalized in 1992 and 1993 with pneumonia.
Benson died of congestive heart failure in his Salt Lake City apartment at the age of 94. Funeral services were held June 4, 1994 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle under the direction of Gordon B. Hinckley. He was buried near his birthplace in Whitney, Idaho, at the Whitney City Cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 5, 2009
This is one of my favorite books because the first time I read the book (I think I was 21), the world suddenly made sense to me.
It helped me see that not everything you see on the surface is the full story. It was the first time that I realized that those that run the government are often criminally minded, and that true patriotism requires being untrusting and critical of our politicians.
It helped me see that not everything you see on the surface is the full story. It was the first time that I realized that those that run the government are often criminally minded, and that true patriotism requires being untrusting and critical of our politicians.
August 1, 2011
Benson does not mince words. I think it is safe to say that he doesn't like communism. ;-) His vast experience, background, and knowledge make him more than capable to vigorously voice his concerns time and again. This is a great collection of speeches and conference addresses (and supplemental information) of the plague of communism and anything like unto it. While several themes are repeated, the foreword does point out that this is a collection of writings; thus that is to be expected.
How interesting that even more than forty years after this book's publication, the topics discussed still have relevance....if not even more so. Benson reminds us that we are to continue to fight for our freedom, as that is part of living the gospel. How sad that so many members of the LDS Church have been lulled and pacified into thinking that "all is well in Zion" and/or that what we have faced and are facing as a nation (and world for that matter) is just political fodder. We have let so many of our liberties slip through our fingers; most are too asleep to notice or are in complete denial. When there's official statements from The Church eschewing communism, various statements from the prophet himself denouncing it, and multiple talks given in General Conference by said prophet and members of the Quorum of the Twelve warning of the evils of such governments and our duties to understand the Constitution and fight to preserve the freedoms it espouses.....where are the Saints?
Benson points out our responsibilities not only as citizens of the United States but as members of the LDS Church to shun overreaching government. He speaks of the infiltration of communism in our nation, schools, communities, etc, and how it is and will destroy the very fabric of our country. It's just at a faster pace today. Whether we want to recognize it as communism today, call it what you will; but there are organizations inside and out working to transform this nation into something it did not set out to be.
How interesting that even more than forty years after this book's publication, the topics discussed still have relevance....if not even more so. Benson reminds us that we are to continue to fight for our freedom, as that is part of living the gospel. How sad that so many members of the LDS Church have been lulled and pacified into thinking that "all is well in Zion" and/or that what we have faced and are facing as a nation (and world for that matter) is just political fodder. We have let so many of our liberties slip through our fingers; most are too asleep to notice or are in complete denial. When there's official statements from The Church eschewing communism, various statements from the prophet himself denouncing it, and multiple talks given in General Conference by said prophet and members of the Quorum of the Twelve warning of the evils of such governments and our duties to understand the Constitution and fight to preserve the freedoms it espouses.....where are the Saints?
Benson points out our responsibilities not only as citizens of the United States but as members of the LDS Church to shun overreaching government. He speaks of the infiltration of communism in our nation, schools, communities, etc, and how it is and will destroy the very fabric of our country. It's just at a faster pace today. Whether we want to recognize it as communism today, call it what you will; but there are organizations inside and out working to transform this nation into something it did not set out to be.
February 25, 2008
This book is a powerful treaty to the saying "We have seen the enemy, and the enemy is us." The book chronicles the many seemingly innocent acts of nihilism we inflict upon our country as citizens by not doing the duties of a true citizen.
Ezra Taft Benson quotes Daniel Webster in the opening statements of the book, who said, "I apprehend no danger to our country from a foreign foe...Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence, I must confess that I do apprehed some danger. I fear that they may place too implicit a confidence in their public servants, and fail properly to scrutinize their conduct; that in this way they may be madet he dupes of designing men, and become the instruments of their own undoing. Make them intelligent, and they will be vigilant; give them the means of detecting wrong, and they will apply the remedy."
This book does just that. It is a training in the duties of a citizen. Everything from the necessity of virtue and morals, to the understanding of the proper role of government is covered.
This book gave me hope, and a vision, and a plan for changing the tide of apathy, immorality and the daily loss of freedoms.
Ghandi taught that to make a change, you must be the change you wish to see. "An Enemy Hath Done This" is a practical guide as to what and how to be and make that change.
Ezra Taft Benson quotes Daniel Webster in the opening statements of the book, who said, "I apprehend no danger to our country from a foreign foe...Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence, I must confess that I do apprehed some danger. I fear that they may place too implicit a confidence in their public servants, and fail properly to scrutinize their conduct; that in this way they may be madet he dupes of designing men, and become the instruments of their own undoing. Make them intelligent, and they will be vigilant; give them the means of detecting wrong, and they will apply the remedy."
This book does just that. It is a training in the duties of a citizen. Everything from the necessity of virtue and morals, to the understanding of the proper role of government is covered.
This book gave me hope, and a vision, and a plan for changing the tide of apathy, immorality and the daily loss of freedoms.
Ghandi taught that to make a change, you must be the change you wish to see. "An Enemy Hath Done This" is a practical guide as to what and how to be and make that change.
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October 16, 2021Before reading the book, a little historical knowledge is needed about Benson's shameful position in the face of social struggles in an anti-democratic country like the United States. First of all, before accepting without question the ideological position of Ezra Taft Benson, it is necessary to stick to two points: (1) ethnic discrimination and racism as hallmarks of US society since colonial times; (2) deconstruct its image built in the years following McCarthyism, which took place from 1950 to 1957 and was characterized by sharp political repression and struggles for civil rights (especially of blacks), and (3) the United States was never a democratic nation, because we must question who really enjoys democracy in that country: the multi-millionaires or the blacks and Latinos (whose large portion of the land in the west was stolen from them)? And here we will not even go into the question of Native Americans massacred by the aggressive and intolerant system against the true “owners of the land”. In other words, Benson stood against the struggles against injustice and state violence against blacks, whose barbarism had originated long before the Civil War. This is a real paradox for those who profess a Christian religion. That is, he voluntarily opposed the indignation of the blacks and poor that had lingered for decades, oppressed as they were by racist white Americans who concentrated privileges—and Benson owned his privileges. In short, it is necessary to understand the side on which Benson was: the defense by those who practiced violence against blacks. Therefore, just as Lutheranism practiced torture in Salem, some pastors supported Nazism, so too The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints needs to vehemently discuss the presence of certain members of their group who stood up for the worst in the world. And that helps us understand why Latter-day Saints supported Trump (who caged defenseless children on immigration) and recommended that Covid-19 patients inject detergent. In Brazil, Mormons supported Bolsonaro, who is explicitly nazi-fascist. It is a serious relationship, compromising Christianity that is even opposed to personal accumulation at the expense of the misery of the majority. The Christianity present in the sacred scriptures taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse the racism advocated between the lines of Ezra Taft Benson’s position. Possibly he would defend the murder of George Floyd (1973-2020) if such barbarism had occurred in the 50s or 60s in his country. Ezra Taft Benson’s opposition to struggles for democratic justice on behalf of blacks would certainly turn him in favor of the barbaric crime against African-American Luther Holbert, who was tied to a tree in Doddsville, Mississippi (1904), by a mob that accused him of killing a white farmer. We would emphasize that the 13th amendment” shows how, even today, public safety has been treated based on punitive measures in the United States. It had even been reported that, in order for his conservative and fascist ideological position to be “veiled” and disguised, a journey that would take him out of the notoriety of all was promptly prepared. This text would serve for us to reflect and for us to know how to dissociate the legacy of Joseph Smith with what they did in places where there are Fascist Mormons such as in Brazil, as well as in any place where Christianity is distorted to satisfy imperialism and human hypocrisy. (A little about me: I am a historian and illustrator in Brazil, and also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1988).
August 2, 2018
The Honorable Ezra Taft Benson, former Secretary of Agriculture, strenuously and vividly examines somber hazards which are threatening America, especially from within. The book is comprised as a series of speeches made by Mr. Benson to local communities, churches, and universities exposing the Communist Conspiracy. Although the book was published in 1969, this conspiracy is just as powerful then as it is now. Today this conspiracy is known as the New World Order. Topics that Mr. Benson discusses include: the communist conspiracy, treason within the government, foreign policy, constitutional principles, and the proper role of government to name a few. Upon the completion of this book the reader will discover that events don’t just happen by chance but are designed in accordance with an agenda. Although the book was written in 1969, its relevancy is just as dire today as it was then. This book should be read by every man, woman, and child in America.
“There is not time for a full outline of this treacherous development. We have mentioned briefly the help which the communists have received from our Supreme Court. Suffice it to say that they have penetrated every major segment of our society, as J. Edgar Hoover has testified – the news media, the schools, the churches, the unions, etc. But their greatest desire and most successful drive has come from their effective penetration of government.” – Ezra Taft Benson
“There is not time for a full outline of this treacherous development. We have mentioned briefly the help which the communists have received from our Supreme Court. Suffice it to say that they have penetrated every major segment of our society, as J. Edgar Hoover has testified – the news media, the schools, the churches, the unions, etc. But their greatest desire and most successful drive has come from their effective penetration of government.” – Ezra Taft Benson
March 26, 2009
This book is a compilation of writings and talks by Ezra Taft Benson published in 1969. At the time of this books publishing its topics were very serious and urgent; as our country stands today they are absolutely imperative. If the author were living today he would be appalled at how much further our country has moved in the wrong direction. This book gives Ezra Taft Benson's view on the proper role of government, the constitution, communism, deficit spending, social security, disarmament, the UN, taxation, and many other topics. I highly recommend it to anyone. Ezra Taft Benson encourages every American to wake up, get involved, and educate themselves, our freedom depends on it.
Reading this book has sparked a desire in me to further educate myself by studying the constitution. We are living in a time with an ever increasing government that is showing no signs of shrinking and seems bent on instituting more and more socialism at every turn. I think that if we continue on this path when people finally wake up their freedoms will be gone.
Reading this book has sparked a desire in me to further educate myself by studying the constitution. We are living in a time with an ever increasing government that is showing no signs of shrinking and seems bent on instituting more and more socialism at every turn. I think that if we continue on this path when people finally wake up their freedoms will be gone.
May 31, 2013
Adam C. Zern offers his thoughts . . .
“I have mentioned before that Ezra Taft Benson is one of my most admired statesmen. Elder Benson is an especially unique political figure because he held such prominent office in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an Apostle and eventually as President of the Church. The LDS Church has long endorsed a policy of neutrality toward politics; therefore, to read An Enemy Hath Done This can be somewhat of a jarring experience for members of the LDS Church who confuse politics with principles. Elder Benson is forthright, blunt, and surprisingly specific—going so far as to endorse and criticize specific actions of government.
An Enemy Hath Done This is a compilation of many of Elder Benson’s speeches and comments circa 1960s. The compilation was done by Jerreld L. Newlquist, who also worked on the compilation of Prophets, Principles, and National Survival, which Elder Benson recommends members of the LDS Church to read on several occasions. The fact that the book is a compilation was my least favorite part of the book simply because it lends itself to redundancy between the chapters.
Elder Benson was a serious man who had serious concerns for the welfare and perpetuation of the United States of America. His powerful denouncements of socialism and communism and the principles that support them can, in my opinion, not be misunderstood. I’m certain that many members of the LDS Church will be surprised by how clearly Elder Benson lays out the proper principles of governance (the chapter on the proper role of government was my favorite). I think Elder Benson was ignored by many members of the LDS Church during his day and is especially ignored by many during our current day. I’m sure it’s easy for many to disregard much of what Elder Benson said regarding government and ideology simply because he didn’t say it in General Conference (although he did say a lot in General Conference that is still ignored) or didn’t say 'Thus saith the lord' or ignore it for some other reason. However, I think that Jerreld L. Newquist’s comment in the introduction to Prophets, Principles, and National Survival is an appropriate springboard from which to jump into the reading of An Enemy Hath Done This:
‘We should remember that whether speaking by inspiration or expressing personal viewpoints the Prophets are often learned and experienced men of sound judgment who carefully choose their words, especially if speaking to a public gathering.’
An Enemy Hath Done This is a must read for every Latter-day Saint.”
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
“I have mentioned before that Ezra Taft Benson is one of my most admired statesmen. Elder Benson is an especially unique political figure because he held such prominent office in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an Apostle and eventually as President of the Church. The LDS Church has long endorsed a policy of neutrality toward politics; therefore, to read An Enemy Hath Done This can be somewhat of a jarring experience for members of the LDS Church who confuse politics with principles. Elder Benson is forthright, blunt, and surprisingly specific—going so far as to endorse and criticize specific actions of government.
An Enemy Hath Done This is a compilation of many of Elder Benson’s speeches and comments circa 1960s. The compilation was done by Jerreld L. Newlquist, who also worked on the compilation of Prophets, Principles, and National Survival, which Elder Benson recommends members of the LDS Church to read on several occasions. The fact that the book is a compilation was my least favorite part of the book simply because it lends itself to redundancy between the chapters.
Elder Benson was a serious man who had serious concerns for the welfare and perpetuation of the United States of America. His powerful denouncements of socialism and communism and the principles that support them can, in my opinion, not be misunderstood. I’m certain that many members of the LDS Church will be surprised by how clearly Elder Benson lays out the proper principles of governance (the chapter on the proper role of government was my favorite). I think Elder Benson was ignored by many members of the LDS Church during his day and is especially ignored by many during our current day. I’m sure it’s easy for many to disregard much of what Elder Benson said regarding government and ideology simply because he didn’t say it in General Conference (although he did say a lot in General Conference that is still ignored) or didn’t say 'Thus saith the lord' or ignore it for some other reason. However, I think that Jerreld L. Newquist’s comment in the introduction to Prophets, Principles, and National Survival is an appropriate springboard from which to jump into the reading of An Enemy Hath Done This:
‘We should remember that whether speaking by inspiration or expressing personal viewpoints the Prophets are often learned and experienced men of sound judgment who carefully choose their words, especially if speaking to a public gathering.’
An Enemy Hath Done This is a must read for every Latter-day Saint.”
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
November 18, 2015
This book was loaned to me and highly recommended but for some reason I dragged my feet and took forever to start reading it. Once I did start though - I was totally blown away by it's clarity, boldness and truth - this is hands down the best single political book I've ever read. In fact - it's title could have been "Politics 101 for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" as it does an amazing job of relating political principals back to bedrock religious truths. Through this book I've also come to better know, respect, and admire President Ezra Taft Benson for the amazingly courageous patriot than he was. He did not mince words - and was not afraid of the consequences of speaking the truth. I wish that we as a nation had better heeded his warnings as it's pretty clear that in the 46 years since this book was written we've veered off on some very dangerous paths as a nation. In Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address he said "and should we wander from [our founding principals] in moments of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety". It's my hope and prayer that as a people we will wake up to the dangers that surround us and do just that and if you need a guide along the way - there's no better reference I'm aware of than "An Enemy Hath Done This"
April 7, 2008
Hard to find out of print book by the 13th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I found the book to be very informative and easy to read. It does have some spiritual references and was written from a Conservative American view. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is an eye opening view of the struggle for freedom and democracy. If you consider yourself a patriot give it a try, I think you will like it.
October 25, 2009
Former Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson, clearly explains the conspiracy to create a world government to be ruled not by election, but by an elite group. This is not a conspiracy theory, it's a conspiracy fact. The US Constitution is the only thing standing in the way and our government is virtually ignoring it today.
April 27, 2021
This is a collection of different speeches by Benson in the 1960’s. He had strong feelings about freedom and our country. His words gave me a lot to think about.
December 1, 2023
Ezra Taft Benson was the secretary of agriculture under Eisenhower. During the 60s his outspoken eminence shaped Mormon politics into a sort of moralistic libertarianism, characterized by strident culture war, defense of conservative ideals (NBC I believe did a national broadcast of one of his family home evenings) and rabid hostility to government interference in the economy.
In this book Benson sets forth his views as a champion anti-communist, writing as a voice of warning. He specifically alludes to labor and civil rights movements as the proverbial tares down in the wheat field, and decries these as being tantamount to communism or communism in disguise, reflecting his remarks at the LDS general conference:
"Now there is nothing wrong with civil rights; it is what's being done in the name of civil rights that is alarming. There is no doubt the so-called civil rights movement as it exists today is used as a Communist program for revolution in America just as agrarian reform was used by the Communists to take over China and Cuba." (October 1967 conference)
What is remarkable about Benson’s politics is their visionary foresight. The evangelicals weren’t taking these positions until almost 29 years afterward. However I would argue that Benson’s conclusions are the logical ones of this more reactionary strain of Mormonism that still held America to be favored of God and defended the constitution as divinely inspired. Benson shared many ideas with the more eschatologically minded W. Cleon Skousen, who was his accomplice in the attempted alignment of the Mormon church with the John Birch Society.
Being raised in the church post-Hinckley, it is crazy to think that an apostle was so vocal in political matters. McKay was of course magnanimous toward Brother Benson and gave him a wonderful amount of leeway. While Benson's attitudes certainly incurred the dislike of several fellow apostles, namely Elder Brown, there was not a great amount of public resistance among the governing bodies of the church. It is remarkable to consider that this haranguer, this demagogue, this firebrand, upon becoming church president, kept a lid on politics and instead was a gentle, pastoral leader.
Benson’s ideas certainly survive in the church today.
In this book Benson sets forth his views as a champion anti-communist, writing as a voice of warning. He specifically alludes to labor and civil rights movements as the proverbial tares down in the wheat field, and decries these as being tantamount to communism or communism in disguise, reflecting his remarks at the LDS general conference:
"Now there is nothing wrong with civil rights; it is what's being done in the name of civil rights that is alarming. There is no doubt the so-called civil rights movement as it exists today is used as a Communist program for revolution in America just as agrarian reform was used by the Communists to take over China and Cuba." (October 1967 conference)
What is remarkable about Benson’s politics is their visionary foresight. The evangelicals weren’t taking these positions until almost 29 years afterward. However I would argue that Benson’s conclusions are the logical ones of this more reactionary strain of Mormonism that still held America to be favored of God and defended the constitution as divinely inspired. Benson shared many ideas with the more eschatologically minded W. Cleon Skousen, who was his accomplice in the attempted alignment of the Mormon church with the John Birch Society.
Being raised in the church post-Hinckley, it is crazy to think that an apostle was so vocal in political matters. McKay was of course magnanimous toward Brother Benson and gave him a wonderful amount of leeway. While Benson's attitudes certainly incurred the dislike of several fellow apostles, namely Elder Brown, there was not a great amount of public resistance among the governing bodies of the church. It is remarkable to consider that this haranguer, this demagogue, this firebrand, upon becoming church president, kept a lid on politics and instead was a gentle, pastoral leader.
Benson’s ideas certainly survive in the church today.
May 5, 2015
As we watch the decline of American law, American Government and what used to be a higher moral standard which caused the world to look up to us, we wonder what brought all this decay about. Ezra Taft Benson, who helped in giving aide to recovering Europe after the war, was a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who notes the planed destruction of America from within. Read this book and know what is happening in our government today. This book should be called a primer for the Flag-waver, a text book for the patriot, a Bible for the American loyalist; Mr Benson becomes a compatriot to liberty in 2015 even though his book was written decades ago. Do not hesitate to read it because it is an old book, it lays out the plan for our destruction from within. What is going on in the press and our government today is because people with power and money have been putting destroyers in position to do the most harm possible. If Mr Benson was alive today and his book could have been written at this time I believe as a patriot who loves America that it would be #1 in the top ten on the reading list. My copy is well worn and a book I have turned to time and time again.
It should be the next book you read!
It should be the next book you read!
June 30, 2013
While originally published in 1969, it's content is still very relevant for us today - in fact, for some of the passages, I simply substituted the word "communism" for either socialism, Muslim extremism, etc and found that Benson's words still apply very much to us 40+ years later. All who care to protect and preserve our nation's Constitution & freedoms should read this collection of addresses given by this great man.
Benson speaks plainly about what he sees as threats to our freedom coming from within our own ranks and even from within our own government. As he is widely read, and well versed on these topics, it is hard to see how the opposing views can still be held by a certain segment of our population. Taking each argument in favor or communism (or socialism) and completely shreds their reasoning...Very insightful.
Benson speaks plainly about what he sees as threats to our freedom coming from within our own ranks and even from within our own government. As he is widely read, and well versed on these topics, it is hard to see how the opposing views can still be held by a certain segment of our population. Taking each argument in favor or communism (or socialism) and completely shreds their reasoning...Very insightful.
October 28, 2012
This book is a must read for anyone really wanting to know the damage our government is doing to itself and is still doing. If anyone wants to know why people are acting like they are entitled to certain things and the government needs to provide them for them this book gives a detail by detail breakdown of exactly what happens to other countries have gone through with this idea of wanting safety more then freedom.
I knew a lot of the things Elder Benson was talking about as "A Naked Communist" by W Cleon Skousen gives even more specific details of exactly what our government is doing and not doing to stop communism from taking over our government. When I got to the end I realized that there is a way that we can stand up and fight for our freedom and needs to be done the way our consitution intended it to be done through the political system.
I knew a lot of the things Elder Benson was talking about as "A Naked Communist" by W Cleon Skousen gives even more specific details of exactly what our government is doing and not doing to stop communism from taking over our government. When I got to the end I realized that there is a way that we can stand up and fight for our freedom and needs to be done the way our consitution intended it to be done through the political system.
May 10, 2010
Couldn't finish before due. Definitely dated, and much more alarmist political commentary than I prefer.
This book had an inscription in the front cover: "To Rush Limbaugh, from ..." and then it gave his address. I'm guessing from the shape of the book and the handwriting, it was a gift a long, long time ago. The text was marked up pretty heavily, but there's not really any indication who marked it up. The handwriting in the front cover doesn't seem to match the mark-ups... Not that this has ANYTHING to do with the actual book, but I thought it was a little interesting.
This book had an inscription in the front cover: "To Rush Limbaugh, from ..." and then it gave his address. I'm guessing from the shape of the book and the handwriting, it was a gift a long, long time ago. The text was marked up pretty heavily, but there's not really any indication who marked it up. The handwriting in the front cover doesn't seem to match the mark-ups... Not that this has ANYTHING to do with the actual book, but I thought it was a little interesting.
February 6, 2009
This is a collection of speeches given by former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Most of the speeches are about the effects of socialism. There is some very good information in here and has very sound economic principles. He speaks so that all can understand. The reason it gets four stars instead of five is because after awhile it gets a little repetitive.
March 29, 2009
"Hard to rate this one as anything less than five stars, after all it was written by a prophet of God! That said, the book was published in 1969 and care must be taken by the reader to sort through the anti-communist rhetoric and extract the light and knowlege in a modern setting. A bit of an intellectual exercise but the results are definitely worth it."
March 11, 2012
I believe this is one of the best books I have read thus far. No doubt in my mind that it is as important now, as it was in the 60's...some would suggest even more so. I am definetly a different (and better) person from reading this enlightening book. I will make sure to not be found sleeping and saying "all is well in Zion"!
July 19, 2008
I pulled this book out during our study of communism for our school year. I wanted to show someone what Ezra Taft Benson said about communists and the Civil Rights movement--not what you'd think. Eye-opening, excellent read!
November 9, 2008
Although a compilation of speeches given in the 1960's by Ezra Taft Benson, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this book is a great one to read. It's like reading about our day before it happened.
January 19, 2008
This book taught me the definition of socialism. Most of my current opinions on the topic go back to this book.
Want to read
May 4, 2008I have read "The Proper Role of Government, but would like to read the entire book. I understand that it's pretty tough to find.
July 28, 2008
Worthy of a good weekend.
August 22, 2008
This is an incredible book! Everyone should read this. President Benson does not mince words about the downfall of our country coming from within. I learned so much!
January 10, 2009
fantastic book that every American should read
March 1, 2024
The book An Enemy Hath Done This by Ezra Taft Benson is a political centered book. This book outlines what freedom is, why its important, and how to maintain it. There are many lies spread throughout the country by communist, fascists, and socialists that threaten the American freedom. This book helps to debunk those theories and lies and provides valuable warnings for the readers to note and listen to. Ezra Benson is the former secretary of agriculture so he knows a lot of the ins and outs of the government. He provides a specialized view on the government and what really happens there. I personally really liked this book; its one that I think everyone could benefit from reading. If you aren't into politics it may not be for you, but it has very valuable knowledge. I would rate it 5/5 stars.
May 19, 2010
This is Ezra Taft Benson shining a bright light in a dark, DARK cave. Readers beware! Too much light at once can be blinding.
March 30, 2009
Another great book about why we should have less government rather than more.
May 31, 2010
The things warned about in this book written in the 60's have only magnified.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews