Reader comments
FLDS raid costs surpass $14M
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Moniker | 1:09 a.m. June 14, 2008
If the FLDS decide to sue for violated civil rights it could be closer to $150
Million.
Gramma | 2:39 a.m. June 14, 2008
It's going to surpass more than 14M by a long shot - wait til the lawsuits
start piling up. FLDS has every precedent on their side. And who'll pay
the price? Not the perpetrators, but the taxpayers.
Jonathan Wurst | 4:32 a.m. June 14, 2008
When the FLDS sue for damages, it will be in the hundreds of millions of
dollars. If they decide to go after the International Genocidal penalties, it
could go into the Billions of dollars.
Comments continue below
Camille | 4:46 a.m. June 14, 2008
I'm glad I don't live there to help pay the bill.
KM | 5:04 a.m. June 14, 2008
Ooooops!
Mahonri | 5:50 a.m. June 14, 2008
Texas considers this a bargain if it gets rid of Mormons.
commonsense | 5:59 a.m. June 14, 2008
Any dollar amount is worth it, when it comes to protection of children. That
being said, if i remember right most ALL attorneys associated with representing
the children were pro bono, (free) so i see no reason to pay high cost lawyers
for pro bono work. Trust me, if this had been a reqular child abuse case, a
Child wouldnt have been represented near as well by a pro bono lawyer.
commonsense | 6:00 a.m. June 14, 2008
Moniker
Dream on buddy!
Dream on buddy!
A visitor | 6:17 a.m. June 14, 2008
What a total waste of money! I hope that to be fair, when the FLDS apply (sue)
for their share of reinbursement, they also receive at least the same mileage
and "moderate" hotel fees as did the perpetrators of crimes against
them. The CPS should be penalized for a belief system promoting abuse of
children. The proof is already there.
Freedom Mann | 6:25 a.m. June 14, 2008
Well, it seems that the State of Texas certainly got its moneys worth but the
cost of the DNA testing works out to abou $1,000 per person.
I guess with both the testing and administrative costs that's not too unreasonable. Where are the results of these tests? (Hint: Nothing incriminating, that's why they haven't been released.)
Still, that's a lot of money just to make a bunch of anti-FLDS haters happy; who says that government doesn't listen?
You'd think that after 14 million dollars, not to mention an informant in the YFZ Ranch for FOUR YEARS they would have found SOMETHING!
I guess with both the testing and administrative costs that's not too unreasonable. Where are the results of these tests? (Hint: Nothing incriminating, that's why they haven't been released.)
Still, that's a lot of money just to make a bunch of anti-FLDS haters happy; who says that government doesn't listen?
You'd think that after 14 million dollars, not to mention an informant in the YFZ Ranch for FOUR YEARS they would have found SOMETHING!
LARRY | 6:32 a.m. June 14, 2008
I HOPE THE FLDS SUES AND THE CPS PEOPLE WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE GO TO JAIL
plankton | 6:39 a.m. June 14, 2008
Even with the all the piling costs the state and local authorities continue to
accrue expenses on this case such as the "Summit" and on-going
investigations (or more aptly "inquisition"). And I'm curious if
all the "pre-raid" expenses were included in the figures given that
were incured going back a few years as the local sherriff and others traveled
about to "learn" of this new neighbor. (How insidious!). Texas has
already earned itself some dubious distinctions among the U.S. states, and it
should be ashamed. Someone needs to tell Texas to back off...D.O.J., anybody
listening???
Anonymous | 6:51 a.m. June 14, 2008
All the result of too big government minding the peoples business. The next
time you vote take a good look at what your elected lawmakers have done to the
constitution and vote accordingly. If they have voted against the constitution
in any way vote them out. Don't listen to the media when they say a
particular person "can't win".
chartelle | 7:12 a.m. June 14, 2008
I have posted several times that FLDS should file both a civil case in the
federal court for damages, and file a civil rights complaint with the justice
department for criminal action against all those state officials that were
involved with the massive state wide conspiracy in this matter. Don't lay
back and think that it will all go away. If they feel you are willing to act
like a punching bag, you will got punched again....and again.
By the way, I am sick and tired of hearing Perry and other officials talk about "protecting" the children. Those innocent children are ,now,having nightmares and fears that they never previously experienced prior to being "protected" by the state. Protection of the children was never the objective. Running FLDS out of the state... and trying to grab more head lines by prosecuting another husband like Jeffs, was. Those hypocrites need witch hunts.
By the way, I am sick and tired of hearing Perry and other officials talk about "protecting" the children. Those innocent children are ,now,having nightmares and fears that they never previously experienced prior to being "protected" by the state. Protection of the children was never the objective. Running FLDS out of the state... and trying to grab more head lines by prosecuting another husband like Jeffs, was. Those hypocrites need witch hunts.
Bruce | 7:23 a.m. June 14, 2008
For the grand total of one underaged pregnancy...
Is texas willing to throw that much money into every underaged pregnancy in the state?
Is texas willing to throw that much money into every underaged pregnancy in the state?
samhill | 7:37 a.m. June 14, 2008
"'Any action taken to protect children is never misguided,' said
Krista Piferrer, Perry's deputy press secretary."
For just a three-letter word, "any", has a very big and inclusive meaning.
I wonder if, in "any, she includes the raid on the Branch Davidian ranch back in April of 1993? Remember? That's where 54 adults and 21 children died in an all-comsuming fire.
Perhaps instead of the word "any action", she might prefer, "almost no action". I hope she can think of some exceptions. I sure can. Like, for example, taking 462 children away from their families based simply on the claims of some phone calls by a deranged prankster.
For just a three-letter word, "any", has a very big and inclusive meaning.
I wonder if, in "any, she includes the raid on the Branch Davidian ranch back in April of 1993? Remember? That's where 54 adults and 21 children died in an all-comsuming fire.
Perhaps instead of the word "any action", she might prefer, "almost no action". I hope she can think of some exceptions. I sure can. Like, for example, taking 462 children away from their families based simply on the claims of some phone calls by a deranged prankster.
Smart move Texas | 7:42 a.m. June 14, 2008
The people of Texas should be outraged by what the abuse of powers is costing
them and the CPS and others are still on a witch hunt.
This may be a drop in the bucket when all is said and done. While forgiving people the FLDS will seek compensation from both Federal and State courts for their civil rights being trampled on.
This may be a drop in the bucket when all is said and done. While forgiving people the FLDS will seek compensation from both Federal and State courts for their civil rights being trampled on.
Impeach Perry | 7:47 a.m. June 14, 2008
How can the governor of Texas still feel that the CPS did the right thing after
all the abuse the state laid on the innocent children.
Mike | 8:16 a.m. June 14, 2008
I want the FLDS to sue but not for millions, it should be BILLIONS of dollars.
Think!!!!! | 8:16 a.m. June 14, 2008
And all that money was and is being spent because the state of Texas listened to
a couple of gossiping old women instead of checking out the facts.
BobP | 8:26 a.m. June 14, 2008
Yep and this has barely started.
bilbo | 8:35 a.m. June 14, 2008
ust a tiny portend of expenses to come.
Me | 8:37 a.m. June 14, 2008
If the FLDS had cooperated in the first place, the raid could have been avoided.
"cost to taxpayers is justified" | 8:35 a.m. June 14, 2008
How's that again? Dare I say, what a conglomeration of unintelligent
donkeys.
forfamilies | 8:36 a.m. June 14, 2008
i hope this will make all states re-think their need to control how people live
their lives.
they can never pay enough to cover the pain those families and especially those children felt/feel.
they can never pay enough to cover the pain those families and especially those children felt/feel.
A visitor | 8:56 a.m. June 14, 2008
Readers of this forum may be interested to know that reader forums on the
Russian news service, Pravda, are following the situation with the FLDS ranch
closely. I discovered this when googling for quotes from Texas CPS officials,
and actually found them on an english language forum at the Pravda web site. The
Pravda web site forum was referencing articles from the Dallas news in Texas.
Posters were divided in opinion, just as in Deseret comments, but I did notice that no posted comments seemed to recognize or acknowledge the difference between Mormons and FLDS. One Pravda forum poster referred to the US as "Gringostan"
Posters were divided in opinion, just as in Deseret comments, but I did notice that no posted comments seemed to recognize or acknowledge the difference between Mormons and FLDS. One Pravda forum poster referred to the US as "Gringostan"
kg | 9:08 a.m. June 14, 2008
What the state of Texas has done is an atrocity. Every day more of the truth
comes out and more of the state's claims are proven to be false. The CPS
had no basis to do what they did! They have needlessly abused and traumatized
the FLDS children and their families. When I think of the indignities they have
put these people through I feel enraged. I want those responsible for this
blatant violation of human rights held accountable for their actions.
zxcvbnm | 9:07 a.m. June 14, 2008
Geez....14 million to "save" six kids, if in fact six kids really are "saved".
At that rate trillions would be used on the new Texas war on suspected pregnant teens. The state can begin by raiding one neighborhood at a time in Houston and sorting thru the children one block at a time. But I think the Houston guys would really have something to deal with tanks and troops.
Think of all the overtime state agencies could give their underpaid workers to fight a "pregnancy war".
The task new crusade would be more of a cash cow for Haliburton than Iraq in rebuilding costs alone.
Saddle up Texas......you have children to save.
commonsense | 9:21 a.m. June 14, 2008
No one has committed genocide jonathan. where you getting that?
commonsense | 9:23 a.m. June 14, 2008
All Attorneys and Ad litums were pro bono, so please tell me what charges FLDS
incurred?
Plato | 9:23 a.m. June 14, 2008
How do I pay thee . . . let me count the ways . . .
Texans do things on a grand scale--and when they screw up--it's the biggest screw up in the country . . .
Texans do things on a grand scale--and when they screw up--it's the biggest screw up in the country . . .
Dog | 9:29 a.m. June 14, 2008
Will this be the "wake-up call" for "born agains" in their
myopic view of "Mormons?" See "the Judge" (was that Judge
Judy or Judge Ms I hate anything relating to Mormons," I can't seem to
recall. Some how I don't think so.
They act so threatened by the Mormon Church that they seem to let all reason vanish and lump together apostates et al with real Mormons. Oh well, it's only money and not their's, so who cares? Just get those feisty Mormons at all costs. After all that's what God really wants isn't it?
They act so threatened by the Mormon Church that they seem to let all reason vanish and lump together apostates et al with real Mormons. Oh well, it's only money and not their's, so who cares? Just get those feisty Mormons at all costs. After all that's what God really wants isn't it?
Crusty | 9:30 a.m. June 14, 2008
commonsense, Many children and parents in similar cases get excellent pro-bono
representation. The pro-bono representation in this case is not vastly
different than others except in the huge numbers.
re: commonsense | 9:32 a.m. June 14, 2008
That 150 million that "Moniker" refers to may be about right if Texas
wins the lawsuit. They've backed themselves into a legal corner to the
point it'll take some severe lawyering to get them out.
transplant | 9:42 a.m. June 14, 2008
What price would you put on the value of even one child's life? Now you
know how much Texas values it's children. Apparently we value our children
more than you people in other states where you would put a ceiling on the cost
to protect them.
By the by. The Mormons in Texas assisted their neighbors from Lousisana in a their time of crisis. How much did the FLDS contribute? How much would they help their neighbors in Eldorado in need? My guess? Zero. Nada. Zilch. How many town kids would they foster on the ranch? I could go on but you get the picture. They don't care about us. That's the difference between them and Texans. We care. Most people in most states do. They do not. We in Texas would not be sad to see the FLDS leave. Mormons are good neighbors.
By the by. The Mormons in Texas assisted their neighbors from Lousisana in a their time of crisis. How much did the FLDS contribute? How much would they help their neighbors in Eldorado in need? My guess? Zero. Nada. Zilch. How many town kids would they foster on the ranch? I could go on but you get the picture. They don't care about us. That's the difference between them and Texans. We care. Most people in most states do. They do not. We in Texas would not be sad to see the FLDS leave. Mormons are good neighbors.
zxcvbnm | 9:47 a.m. June 14, 2008
oh now 14 million isn't more than a few tanks of gas and a few tuition payments at todays prices.
Texas law enforcement makes 14 million in a couple days writing traffic tickets.
I bet a few of the CPS workers will get a nice raise when this whole fiasco is finished....paid for with the new foster care surcharge levied on former parents.......now theres an idea for Gov Perry.
Father O'flanigan | 9:47 a.m. June 14, 2008
I hope that Texas will spend some money on educating people about stamping out
prejudis against other peoples religions.
Re: commonsense | 9:48 a.m. June 14, 2008
Here it comes texas. You just gotta know this is coming, and I can think of no
one more deserving than the imperial state of texas.
Re: Mahonri | 9:50 a.m. June 14, 2008
Evidently it means nothing to you that FLDS are NOT Mormons! Your prejudice is
showing! Regarding the article, I think Texas officials overstepped their legal
authority and they will be paying dearly for that.
Get smarter | 10:13 a.m. June 14, 2008
What a total waste of hard earned money. Totally wasted for a ding-a-ling
brothel.
awesomeron | 10:22 a.m. June 14, 2008
The FLDS Rights where Not Violated, All the Children where in possible danger
and still are from the male members of the group. Yes this was an expensive
operation but we are talking about the lives of young people, who will one day
be Tax Paying Citizens. All Children who live in America or any Territory of
America, should have, A Right To Life from the Moment of Conception. Also from
Birth to the Tomb protection from Abuse, Mental, Physical or Sexual. To include
Having Sex under the Legal Age of the State in which they live. Forced Marriage
to include Marriage because there are No other Options. MGM, and FGM, Sherrill
Law, Freedom both Of Religion and Freedom From Religion. Rights To an Education
that will allow them to compete in a 1st World Nation, at a level good enough to
support a family. Some of these people are Guilty of Horrendous Sex Crimes, and
The Children are/where the victims either directly or indirctly of those crimes.
The State of Texas was right and if need be should do it again.
Ronald A. Young | 10:25 a.m. June 14, 2008
If you are even hinting that these abused young people, should not have been
helped because it was/is deemed too expensive. Then that is Sick and Wrong.
Phil | 10:29 a.m. June 14, 2008
Mark Shurtleff and Washington county DA win. They get to further their bigotry
to this religion, and they don't have to deal with the fiscal fall out.
Texas was dumb for believing the aforementioned parties.
zxcvbnm | 10:45 a.m. June 14, 2008
Ah yes gringostan, the land of George Bush and the use force first policy.
Thats kinda like the dig the grave first policy, just in case you need a foxhole if the condemed man escapes the noose and comes after you.
How about the attack Iraq while Osama is in Afganistan policy. Perhaps ole Osama was in the compound, Texas hasn't used that excuse yet.
Move all the troops to Texas, there lies the next rogue state.
gigi | 11:17 a.m. June 14, 2008
Mormons will always be hated for polygamy-that is that. Texas did the wrong
thing but so have FLDS. Too bad there is so much money involved when we have
people in this world who are ill and starving to death. What ashame. Hatred
first!
truth | 11:47 a.m. June 14, 2008
I am one of the children who got kidnapped by Texas. All they did to us was
make us hate the state and CPS all the more. Texas is so stupid for what it
did. All you people who say we were abused just don't know a thing. Yes,
we were abused--by the state. Its like they took us from our free homes and put
us in some sort of concentration camp. At one place where some children were,
they were given yellowish water to drink. They had hardly any food, which was
always locked up. Wonderful protection, huh.
zxcvbnm | 11:48 a.m. June 14, 2008
Re awsomeron.
I will be the first to get on the side of those poor abused children.
I chose the 24, 27, and 37 year old children to support.
Whoops..they are self sufficient......guess you can take the one 16 year old that might have been impregnated by an adult.
Lets see.......my bill is zero........you might have saved one and your bill is 14 million and she hasnt even attended college yet.
I will be the first to get on the side of those poor abused children.
I chose the 24, 27, and 37 year old children to support.
Whoops..they are self sufficient......guess you can take the one 16 year old that might have been impregnated by an adult.
Lets see.......my bill is zero........you might have saved one and your bill is 14 million and she hasnt even attended college yet.
Susan | 12:00 p.m. June 14, 2008
This case clearly shows how rabid the mind becomes when the government goes
after a religion that doesn't fit the norm. And it's not necessarily
the government so much as it is the religion of the government workers and their
friends.
The early Mormons saw the same thing. Boggs wanted them all exterminated.
The early Mormons saw the same thing. Boggs wanted them all exterminated.
Tim | 12:31 p.m. June 14, 2008
Re: TRUTH
It sounds like you were forced to drinking pee. Sorry that Texas authorities tortured you. it must have just been something awful.
It sounds like you were forced to drinking pee. Sorry that Texas authorities tortured you. it must have just been something awful.
Ω | 12:40 p.m. June 14, 2008
So many harsh judgements and so many dire prognostications. Any real prophets
out there? Anybody got some hot revelation? A word of wisdom? Charity,
humility, forgiveness? Anybody?
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