Reader comments
Shurtleff squares off with Senate majority leader

Not a Reid fan | 4:19 p.m. April 29, 2008

I don't care what religion Reid is a part of...He should be smart enough to check his facts before he shoots his big mouth shut!!!

Reid is CORRECT! | 4:23 p.m. April 29, 2008

Gee, we convicted Warren Jeffs of promoting rape, yet we were too chicken to convict the MALE rapist of the young girl?

At least Texas has the grit to take it all the way. They're exposing the F/LDS the way no one else ever has.

And for this who don't know: Reid IS LDS.

tantrum | 4:26 p.m. April 29, 2008

So the AG has been asking the Feds for help for 5 years but is angry Reid is promoting Federal action?

The AG said Utah has done so much and has run FLDS to Texas but he wishes Reid would push the Feds to help?

Which is it? Do we want/need Federal help or not?
If so, thank Reid and move on.

Me thinks Shurtleff protests too much.

Comments continue below

Ben Martinez | 4:29 p.m. April 29, 2008

Considering the amount of work the Congress is not doing on fixing the illegal imigration problems in this country and especially here in Arizona, Mr. Reid should just button his lip. Isn't this guy a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Has he not read the history of Nauvoo? So quick to cast the first stone...

cut Reid some slack | 4:33 p.m. April 29, 2008

No one else in America is aware of it if Utah is doing anything about polygamy.

Time to clean up the trash | 5:01 p.m. April 29, 2008

I agree with Reid 100%! Of course, none of the Polygamist who post on these posts are going to agree with anything that may help these young girls and children, because it might break up some of your adultery,and bad sex habits with children. I have been watching what you polygamist men post, and all your support, and defend everything evil, and use God for your sick purposes.

These FLDS cults need to be cleaned up, cleaned out for the sake of the abused woman and children, and done away with for and in behalf all those innocent children. This the USA and slavery was abolished long ago.

Political Spyglass | 5:06 p.m. April 29, 2008

And this comes from a Senator that represents a state where it derives it's tax base in legal gambling, legal prostitution, drug busts, and with the slogan what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? People who live in glass houses should not be throwing stones....

terrible thing | 5:19 p.m. April 29, 2008

Yesiree.
The Principle is a terrible thing that wastes otherwise decent human beings.

you digress | 5:27 p.m. April 29, 2008

knocking Nevada doesn't change the truth of what Reid said about UTAH.

David | 5:31 p.m. April 29, 2008

By the way Reid is LDS. And he doesn't believe in polygamy, and I like what he has to say. I as well stand behind the man completely.

Decades ago? | 5:37 p.m. April 29, 2008

Utah DID try to do something about it decades ago. It was a political disaster, and since then polygamy has been Utah's political third rail. How could Reid not know this? He comes from a place much closer to Hildale/Colorado City than most of us are. Sounds like political games, picking on a couple of GOP states.

Can you imagine how livid liberals and other anti-LDS would have been if Utah, being mostly LDS, would have gone after the polygamists more vehemently than they did when the convicted Warren Jeffs?

AG Exposed | 5:37 p.m. April 29, 2008

Anyone else think that Shurtleff is in "survival mode"? The rest of the world is seeing what we've known for a long time. The state of Utah is fully aware & does VERY little about Polygamy & child abuse. Go after Tom Green after he publicly taunts the law on Oprah? Go after Warren Jeffs & stop there? Where's the ongoing, concerted effort to rid the state of these abusers & welfare crooks? Shurtleff has done the bare minimum & the rest of the world knows it.

Right Is Wrong Is Political | 5:46 p.m. April 29, 2008

Reid is right that the polygamy situation is serious. And maybe he can move the U.S. senate to help out.

But how did he get to his leading position by shooting off his mouth before he peeks at the obvious facts. And why would he alienate his neighboring states? Don't the small western states need to stick together?

Oh, maybe it's an election year and he's just doing a bit of posturing, gaining some recognition for bashing his predominantly Republican neighbors. He doesn't care one way or another about the polygamy situation. This is just an opportunity to be heard and maybe be perceived as an activist. He's joining the ranks of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

Bravo | 6:16 p.m. April 29, 2008

Thank you Sen Reid for calling out Utah for turning a blind eye to polygamy and the child abuse that goes on within its borders. Shurtleff won't touch the polygamists unless it is a high profile case. He should resign so someone who is willing to enforce the law can take his place.

Anonymous | 6:24 p.m. April 29, 2008

So what's the deal?

Is Joseph Smith's "The Principle" commanded or condemned by God?

Tim | 6:24 p.m. April 29, 2008

Utah State Government and the Mormon Church have turned a blind eye toward the FLDS practice of polygamy because it's still part of the cannonized LDS Doctrine. It won't go away until the LDS approach this problem in an honest and open way.

TRUTH | 6:26 p.m. April 29, 2008

I am LDS. I am not a Republican or Democrat. I think Harry Reid has done some good things but most the time I don't really care for him.

I do agree however, that the STATE of Utah doesn't do enough about Abuse in general(which includes certain polygamy cases) I think Abuse in ALL forms is highly ignored in Utah.

I think my religion has made statements against polygamy aplenty and I strongly stand by my LDS faith's attacks on abuse especially as of late.

The state of Utah almost ignores the issue and should do more. It's a semi-hard(but much better recently) issue to fight legally but more still needs to be done in the U.S. and certainly in Utah.

From and LDS perspective I see other LDS members who don't get actively involved in politics and wonder how they can support the destruction of family.

If you work to help family, then you do good for it.
If you don't work to help family, then you do harm by it; this is from allowing others to commit crimes against the family.

I think this of Utah in general. Many don't commit but hurt by omitting from helping family

Samuel | 7:01 p.m. April 29, 2008

Polygamy is WRONG, anyway you may look at it. Those of you who have been convinced in believing such a doctrine have only been mislead. Your so called doctrine is false! You people need to give up your silly ignorant, ridiculous PRINCIPLE.

I'm all for Harry Reid going after every last one of you polygamist guys. I will back him up at any cost.

Deeply confused | 7:18 p.m. April 29, 2008

Out of the 17 comments,at least 10 demonstrate complete confusion, or, if not confused, then pure and unadulterated bigotry and hypocrisy. Actually, you disgust the honest amongst us if it is the latter.

First AG Shurtleff is as honest and forthright as any AG in the Country, without exception. Harry Reid may be the worst Senate Majority Leader we have ever had in this country, in fact, no one can name anyone dumber (as a SML) or more radically political. Harry Reid will say nothing unless it furthers his own political agenda. He would not comment publically about any political football, unless it's supported the Democrat party or shows him fully in bed with Nancy Pelosi. In fact, and this can not be argued, there are dumber Senators in Washington, but none as politically rabid as Harry Reid. He keeps his Mormon faith for one reason, to keep getting re-elected in Nevada. I guarantee that when all the scandles about Reid are finally made public they prove he is nothing more than a fake and a hypocrite. Talk to any Las Vegasan and they will tell you his election victories are over. Remember, Bill Clinton is his idol.

Time to make a stand. | 7:37 p.m. April 29, 2008

The very first thing that HAS to be done on this issue is for the LDS Church to come out and state categorically that Polygamy as a doctrine, as a philosophy, as a principle, as a life style is wrong under ANY circumstances. Time to stop using Old Testament Prophets such as Abraham as justification for whatï¿½s happening in the world today. Only then can the State of Utah really claim to be doing something about this insidious practice.

Deeply confusing | 7:44 p.m. April 29, 2008

Reid may be all you say but even a broken clock is right twice a day and Reid is right in this case.
You expend a great deal of ink insulting Reid but you never address one thing he said.
Is this because you know he is right?

to: cut Reid some slack | 7:43 p.m. April 29, 2008

If I state the truth here and use the 4 letter work beginning with an L, the comment will not be posted. Reid is a political hack incapable of telling the truth. I am a life long Nevadan. Reid is owned by special interests. Do not believe a word he utters. Oh, and by the way, he is not capable of winning reelection again. His Mormon friends have finally awakened. As to the article, it is a Federal law that prohibits polygamy, just as Federal law prohibits illegal immigration. See any parallels here???

Martha22 | 7:55 p.m. April 29, 2008

Why the fuss over what Reid says? No one has ever paid attention to him in the first place, so why give him any attention now? The only reason he ever opens his mouth is to get attention. Too often it's unfortunate what comes out, and, it's unfortunate that he is known to be LDS. Talk about embarrassment !!!

Reid is Power Hungry | 8:20 p.m. April 29, 2008

Reid is clueless. That's what makes him qualified as majority leader of the US Senate. Never let the facts get in the way of ignorant propaganda.

Of course Reid believes that the government can trample on anyone's rights whenever the government wants. He wants more power and control! It doesn't matter how he gets it or who gets stepped on.

I have no problem arresting the perpetrators, but it sounds like they children are innocent, yet they were the ones taken into state custody. Kind of like the Parker Jensen fiasco, just bigger. I guess what they say is true: "Everything's bigger in Texas!" Especially this abusive government cluster bomb.

Vanishing neocons | 8:38 p.m. April 29, 2008

Sorry neocons,
Reid is right on in this.
Also sorry about The Principle being a lie perpetuated by Joseph Smith.
John Taylor's revelation is correct regarding God viewing The Principle as evil.

Enough is enough | 8:38 p.m. April 29, 2008

Reid is a great guy. I would take his word over many others. Usually he says and does what he says he'll do. If Harry Reid goes after the polygamy issue with full force it will be helpful to our American society and greatly. We don't need these abusive polygamist thinking they can get away with child abuse any longer... NOT even in the name of a very phony religion!

already made a stand | 8:41 p.m. April 29, 2008

The LDS Church is and has been unambiguous in it's policy and teaching on polygamy for a century; some people don't seem to be listening.

Ron | 8:50 p.m. April 29, 2008

To Vanishing neocons

Ditto on that.
no one ever brings up that part of history.

Time to stop all the sicko child molesters. I pray Harry Reid goes after these polygamist suckers full blast!

Brian | 9:20 p.m. April 29, 2008

Reid is an idiot that opens his mouth and proves that he is one. I cannot believe his is an elected official. What was Nevada thinking?

still waiting | 9:30 p.m. April 29, 2008

When is Mark Shurtleff going to do something about Utah's baby brokers? Does the Federal Government need to deal with them too?

John B. | 9:34 p.m. April 29, 2008

Shurtleff is educating Harry Reid about everything Utah has done about polygamy?? Give me a break. Utah prosecuted one man and decertified a couple of polygamist police officers. Ex-polygamists women have been imploring the Governor(s) and Utah Attorneys General for decades to do something. Oh yeah, I forgot that Utah is going after their holdings civilly. But that doesn't do a lot for the children who are forced into marriage or the boys who are thrown out of town so the older men can have the girls. Reid is right on on this one.

Wheezer | 9:47 p.m. April 29, 2008

Shurtleff to Reid, "they wouldn't be in Texas if we hadn't kicked them out of Utah." So that's how Utah deals with pedophiles? Kicks them and their victims out of the State? How about prosecuting them first Mr. Shurtleff? I think you made Mr. Reid's point.

No more forced marriages | 9:58 p.m. April 29, 2008

I see some of the polygamist and supporters of child abuse are on here. Geezee! don't you polygamist people have one ounce of moral abilities? I hope Harry Reid finds every last one of you perpetrator, child molesters. The world would be a bit more decent if you FLDS men were all behind bars.

Free the children! Give them a chance to use their own God given minds. It's only fair.

Inconvinient truth | 9:59 p.m. April 29, 2008

Of corse Harry Reid is correct in his statement. Mormon sects that practice polygami is Utah's inconvinient truth.

To our AG | 10:20 p.m. April 29, 2008

A city called West Desert is a major polygamous town. Everyone knows about it... however because they have secluded themselves they are ignored. Utah turns a blind eye to polygamy unless it is forced to do something.

Save the kids | 10:50 p.m. April 29, 2008

I hope Harry Reid takes a big step in the right direction to catch all these FLDS deviates. I'm really quite tired of hearing about the FLDS men who are practicing some kind of higher law, so that they can go and have sex with teenagers. This so called FLDS higher law doctrine must have come from Satan, and in no way ever coming from God. A NORMAL older man would never use religion to seduce a child. This is way too sick and twisted. Something definitely has to be done very SOON to save the children from those old perverted men!

Veronica from Orem | 10:50 p.m. April 29, 2008

This is one of those too, too funny moments. We have two lunatics in Shurtleff and Reid slugging it out in the press. A veritable battle of wits between unarmed opponents. Well, as it turns out one of them has to be declared a winner and it's Reid. Shurtleff has been dodging the polygamy issue with an adamant fervor. There are just far too many sons of polygamy in high place in Utah for him to offend. Shurtleff is a coward who chooses to shirk his responsibility to enforce the law of the land because it might offend the righteous descendants of polygamist abusers. And hey, Reid has to be right once in his useless life.

Doug S | 10:52 p.m. April 29, 2008

Ooh! Ooh! After we've prosecuted those polygs for bigamy (Utah Code Annotated 76-7-101) and incest (Utah Code Ann. 76-7-102), let's not stop there. Lets continue on and enforce Utah Code Ann. 76-7-103 ("Adultery is a class B misdemeanor") and Utah Code Ann. 76-7-104(2) ("Fornication is a class B misdemeanor"). So what if half the student body of the U of U winds up in jail?

/sarcasm. And Senator, you're an opportunistic nitwit.

Mark | 11:13 p.m. April 29, 2008

Deeply confused - well (perhaps brilliantly) said! Shurtleff's efforts against Jeffs and the UEP forced the FLDS leadership and core followers from their haven of separate and spread out dwellings in Short Creek, where they could play a shell game if the authorities tried to raid. Forcing them to settle in a compound in Texas, where they could be construed as a single "household" made them vulnerable to a move by the authorities. Now, let's just pray that the DNA evidence validates the actions. Shurtleff got this whole ball rolling; credit needs to also be given to the courage of Carolyn Jessop...

dave4197 | 11:23 p.m. April 29, 2008

Thanks, Mark for (already) going after Jeffs and others, and for getting a conviction. And good luck on educating Harry, I really hope he will help you, rather than just carping like he did. Make him come thru with some specific help, like he alluded to in the interview.

Shurtleff | 11:27 p.m. April 29, 2008

Our AG sure hates it when someone points it out when he's wrong. Reid hit the problem right on the head. If Utah wasn't so embarrassed about the history of polygamy in this state the problem would have been nipped in the bud long ago. But how can Utah's government go after something that was a huge part of the initial foundation of the state?

Reid | 1:06 a.m. April 30, 2008

MS is upset because HR singled Utah and AZ out while not mentioning NV at all. Fact of the matter is there are poligimists in most all western states, Nevada included. If HR cared about this issue so much so why hasn't he pushed for it to be a federal issue in the past. Truth of the matter is, HR is doing what most politicians do. He is simply being opportunistic by jumping on the current hot topic and trying to look like the savior in doing so. I wish the real debate going on right now would be regarding the legality of what Texas has done. I am not a poligamist nor a supporter of modern-day-poligamy. However, as a father of two (both under the age of three), I find it unnerving to think that the government can come into a place of worship and take away all of the kids in sight based upon the fact that there is suspision of abuse.

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