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FLDS grand jury indicts three people on felonies
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It is hard to read into this, but I was thinking that the strongest cases will be presented first. So, today could either be a continuation of strong cases or it could be the weaker cases. It seems that the number 10 has been floating around as the number of statutory rape or underage marriage cases, so today could be as heavy as the last grand jury day.
I would expect the next grand jury proceeding to be focused on local cases and not so much on the FLDS.
The case of Warren Jeffs is confusing to me. There is evidence that he married more than one underage girl. So, is he going to be indicted over a period of time for each criminal charge or is he just going to be indicted for the case with the most evidence? I would have thought that all indictments against him would come down at the same time.
There's no doubt abuse occurred. And if you think training your daughter to marry an old man isn't abuse, then you are extremely naive (and have a very warped sense of right and wrong...)
You are correct that there is evidence that Warren married 4 underaged girls between 2004 and 2006. However, only one of those underaged girls had a child. This is what Jeffs is being charged for. There is no proof that the other marriages were consummated, hence no charges at this time.
Simply fondling a child can be grounds for a conviction for felonious sexual abuse.
The women have no power and if they oppose their husband they could be severly beaten and, even worse, their eternal salvation can be taken away. They are just told just to "keep sweet" and do whatever they are told. this is a sick system that has become more and more perverse over the years.
The role Elissa Wall's mother played in the crimes that were committed against her is disgraceful. But, this poor women is also a victim. It's just a vicious evil thing that has been visited upon these people to the "third and fourth generation."
Something drastic needs to be done and it needs to include the women. But, we must remember, these women need help, too.
appear in Reynolds vs The U.S.
The Supreme Court created a problem that has resurfaced over and over, throughout the years. And
it will continue to do so.
Should old farts be doing little girls? don't make me hurl. But we have two issues here that need to be
intelligently addressed.
The one is at the end of a rope. The other will require a reversal by the Supreme Court. It won't do
any good venting emotional baggage. It is a time for cool heads, logic, and some good old Constitutional application.
I am not FLDS, and never would be, and disagree completely with their position. I do not believe all FLDS men marry underage girls, but cannot even begin to fathom men 30 to 40 years older than their 'brides' not being seen as abusers. That the women are indoctrinated to believe this is natural, normal or even a privilege is obvious. I have no idea what can change their mindset when they have lived through it themselves and witnessed it all of their lives.
I also believe that some of the actions of the authorities in Texas were not well thought out, and actually inflicted damage on the innocents, the children, and some of their mothers who seemed to be loving and caring toward their children. Separating mothers from nursing children was cruel and inhumane, for example. Taking the men out of the compound and letting the mothers/children live there under supervision I think would have been better.
When this is all over, assuming the evidence that was stolen and/or planted without a warrant even counts, Texas will have what, 2 or 3 convictions, costing 150 million or so? And that total doesn't count any Federal civil rights law suits judgments awarded to the innocent individuals and families from YFZ, that Texas wrongfully imprisoned, kidnapped, and abused.
Here's a tip for Texas: use a little logic in your thinking: Don't break the law to enforce the law. Weigh the pros and cons of your actions. Use Common Sense.
so perhaps the constitution doesn't cover pimping out a 12 yr old girl with the parents blessing.
but that doesn't make it any less sick.
I really don't think telling the truth was one of his options, and he probably didn't even considered it.