Reader comments: Items seized from ranch detailed

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Mike Ridgway | 1:47 a.m. April 12, 2008
So the authorities are going to TRY to use all of this seized "evidence" in order to TRY to piece together the IDENTITIES OF THE MOTHERS of the sequestered children? UNBELIEVABLE!!
why? | 3:12 a.m. April 12, 2008
Did underage girl bride always the case sicce 18XX?

Did any underage girl's marriage ever been prosecuted before?

When did the law start to prohibit underage marriage?

Did state prosecuator never know what was going on since 18XX?

So many women had come forward testified about their pre-teen marriage, then ? what happened?

Who started all these? why people still believe all these? Why someone in power not doing anything about all these?

the root of problem is they believe all these is come from God, Is it?

can we convince them otherwise?

How? Giving up the faith? Convert them?

to what?

I hope God has the answer, I wish He can give to one of us!! to help those people.
Bob G | 5:39 a.m. April 12, 2008
The 'witch hunt' is on and the prosecutors are doing everything now to discredit and persecute before there has even been any charges filed. Any home in america could fill 88 pages or more of detailed items in the home. We better start destroying all those movies we did in the dilivery rooms and infants getting their first bath, they have become pornograhpic and child abuse pictures now and can be used against us in a court of law. Overkill by the truck load and they are using the publics emotions to the max. Meanwhile, these same law enforcers are allowing illegal aliens to invade us and destroy the fabric of american life. Poligamy is very common in america and practiced widely in about 60% of all marriages now, even with cohabitation. Having affairs and secret sexual encounters is the same practice of poligamy, including the fact of having and raising families of many fathers. This even goes on in the LDS chuuch members going to church every sunday, how many families of children of different fathers do you see there? All is not well in Zion yet they are the first to condemn, with the help of news media.
Comments continue below
I hope... | 6:40 a.m. April 12, 2008
all things will be sorted out in an organized and timely manner for the sake of the sanity of all parties involved in this incident...
James | 7:33 a.m. April 12, 2008
Yeh, pretty threatening stuff
agldestin1 | 8:16 a.m. April 12, 2008
texas does a good hatchet job on these folks. i think they did quite a bit of an overkill, especially in making sure the public knows every little detail about what they found etc...i don't support their lifestyle but feel that the judicial system went way out of line in "capturing" all these women and kids and then not let some of the mommies even contact their kids, some very young....big brother has you in his sights so better be goody, goody...they have been doing an excellent job of making sure we all know all the alleged gory details even that a bed in their temple had been used? implying that some sexual kinky stuff ocurred but knot knowing...why tell the press and all of us that when they don't have a clue as to what the bed was used for... but after all this time still can't find the young girl who filed the complaint...sad that these folks lifestyle is bizare...sad that the government's life style intrudes upon all our freedom in far too many cases...taser guns, guilty until proven innocent etc....sad state of affairs..thank you
wrz | 9:03 a.m. April 12, 2008
>>...and one "clip-on tie."<<

One clip-on tie seized!? That does it! These people ARE guilty!
Appeal | 9:30 a.m. April 12, 2008
An Appeal for Freedom

All Americans who love freedom; Our brothers and sisters rights are being trodden under foot, and will we stand by? How long will this nation’s people be swayed by emotion (which is promulgated by the media), instead of by principles?

We do not and cannot condone the wicked acts of men. But if 1, 2 or 10 people in a community are criminals, then those individuals should be handled by “Due process of law”, and they are innocent until proven guilty. It is not right or lawful in the eyes of God, or this great nation, for an entire community to be torn away from their parents and children because 1 man is a criminal. If this course is just in your eyes, then by the same principle, the government should also tear your children away from you, and blast your good name and reputation all over the news because you are a “Mormon”, or a “Baptist”, or a “Catholic”, or any other denomination, because there are criminals in every sect.
MormonKerouac | 9:40 a.m. April 12, 2008
I'm burning to make a road trip to Eldorado and get a peak inside that temple. Any recommendations on how I can get inside? Many thanks.
BeeCareful | 9:44 a.m. April 12, 2008
They're coming for you next. 1.You voted republican in the last election. Everybody knows that right-wing neocons create a hostile environment for children! 2.You own guns. They will be taken along with your children because guns only have one use, and that is to kill people. Can't have the kids exposed to that. 3.You believe that people can become gods. Society must protect the innocent children from such heretical thoughts. 4. You send your sons to that hateful, bigoted, homophobic Boy Scout troup. Can't allow that. Your kids must be trained to accept any sexual practice... except regular monogomy. Oh, and I'm sure they'll think of a few more things they don't like that you do.

Don't kid yourselves. They're coming, and it won't be long!
Witch Hunt? | 9:45 a.m. April 12, 2008
The only witch hunt is on this postings.

Stop making things up.
Lie UPON LIE | 10:10 a.m. April 12, 2008
If they're smart enough to read and shred then they should know they have been committing felonies since 1890 was so , so long ago. How long has colorado city been around and where are the other groups which infest the state. I don't care who's grand father did what...it is the law of today which matters the most. Utah is or has been so double standard on this that it is glaring. It doesn't bring any honor to the good members who have to defend their true uprighness. It makes them looks like hicks and as stupid as these people when in all reality there is very little connection but tell that to the ignorant as i try to out siders who ask about this. This is not the time to step into the grey but prevail and uphold the law. This group and others have been allowed to florish for too long due to the complaceny of others. This is a good message sent by Texas! Try this in another state...it won't be tolerated to skirt the law in any manner!
There is no witch hunt... | 10:12 a.m. April 12, 2008
Simple search and seizure is what we see here. Prosecutors build their case from what is seized on a warranted search. Simple and easy to understand, unless you live in a sheltered, polygamist community that teaches people to avoid and act outside the law.
Marquis de More | 10:44 a.m. April 12, 2008
The evidence that is really damning is the pregnant tweeners with tots in tow.

A little DNA testing and we will have a family tree they can study while in PRISON.
wrz | 10:48 a.m. April 12, 2008
>>I'm burning to make a road trip to El Dorado and get a peak inside that temple. Any recommendations on how I can get inside? Many thanks.<<

Easiest way would seem to be with a crow-bar or jaws of death.
wrz | 10:51 a.m. April 12, 2008
>>Poligamy is very common in America and practiced widely in about 60% of all marriages now, even with cohabitation.<<

Sleeping around with a lotta different women at one time is not illegal... Only when you marry them does it become illegal.
Logic | 11:01 a.m. April 12, 2008
To those defending religious freedom and polygamy, you're missing the point. This is ALL about child abuse, illegal in this country regardless of religion.
wrz | 11:02 a.m. April 12, 2008
>>This group and others have been allowed to flourish for too long due to the complacency of others.<<

I'll bet they've been getting away with illegally spitting on the side-walks as well.
dingo | 11:14 a.m. April 12, 2008
last time i checked there is no right rape, incest, pedophilia, and abuse. they are all illegal. also any and all the legal issues, such as they are will settle itself out over time.
Anonymous | 11:18 a.m. April 12, 2008
During the same week that this phone call was made, an almost identical whispered phone call was made to another "unnamed domestic violence shelter" alleging almost identical abuse.
Arizona investigated the alleged reports, and as in Texas, no victim could be found and also the alleged perp was unknown to anyone in the community. Arizona's investigation was closed with it pretty much being a hoax phone call.
There has been a report that a domestic violence center in Utah also received a whispered almost identical phone call with almost identical allegations from a 16 year old girl. Utah state agencies have not made public their investigation.
Doug S | 11:26 a.m. April 12, 2008
Hey, Desnews--

It's "copies of the 'Book of Mormon'", not "Books of Mormon".
Don | 11:29 a.m. April 12, 2008
Why did the sheriffs office take temple clothes,
if not to mock the sacred nature of these peoples
faith. And when did a clip-on tie become contraband?
This situation is developing into a very sinister
"Witch Hunt".
We all know that Texas would not dare to touch a
Muslims Religious clothing, because they are afraid
of them, and the political fallout, that would ensue.
NickJabber | 11:59 a.m. April 12, 2008
Let all the woman and children go, put the men in a prison somewhere in LA, Justice Served!!!
JimmytheMormon | 12:09 p.m. April 12, 2008
I repect these people and their rights to believe however they want except for the part of mating with underage children. Although the police should not have taken out their temple clothes and other things they have which they hold sacred, they still need to PROSECUTE those involved (adult men and women) just like they would anyone else on the street who would abuse young children.
Mosesinlimbo | 12:12 p.m. April 12, 2008
interesting that they use the Book Of Mormon, I wonder if they read the parts which talks about the penalties of "those who offends little ones"
SaveTheChildren | 12:19 p.m. April 12, 2008
I couldn't care less what consenting adults do in private. But I find it appalling that teenagers can be forced into marriages. Does that bed in the temple have a purpose other than ritualized rape?
wrz | 12:27 p.m. April 12, 2008
>>I repect these people and their rights to believe however they want except for the part of mating with underage children.<< JimmytheMormon

The legal age for marriage in Texas used to be 14. That's why the RLDS moved there. So Texas changed the law. Why did Texas think 14 was, at one time, OK?
Sam | 1:13 p.m. April 12, 2008
Man!!! a lot of people here do not even know what they are talking about!! There was nothing sacred about that place. Do you think what was happening down there has the Lords consent and that the spirit was there? Ya, what ever. Only good can finally come out of this raid for those children. Oh, you cry they are being separated from their mommies for a week or so. WEll, folks thats life. You all have it WAY to good here in America. I can tell none of you have seen first hand what the real world is like for the majority of people. You all make me crazy with your whining!!!
Fed up | 1:45 p.m. April 12, 2008
Good on ya Texas!It's about time! I'm sick of these so called "men" who kick out young boys from their midst so the old guys can mate with the cute young girls!There's nothing decent about this situation.AND...poligamy is not a victimless crime.Taxpayers have been footing the bill for all those families forever.They don't pay income taxes.They hide any trace of money they make.They are all on medicaid and every social subsidy they can get their hands on.They are not self-sufficient.That sucking sound you hear is alot of poligamists,not all,suckling at the breast of the taxpayer!Funny how they like the law when is benefits their lifestyle but don't ever question them.In that way I am their victim.Obey the law.And ps...the FLDS beliefs don't include temples and what goes on there.Maybe we should call it the "Temple Hotel".All rooms are Bridal suites!
DAN | 2:01 p.m. April 12, 2008
I the name of all things righteous and good. These terrible men need to be jailed! They are wicked and adulterous men. It's time to clean up the slavery in these polygamy cults, and NO MORE brainwashing woman. This will however take many years to clear the heads of these poor young women who were born into a mans slavery cult, and most appalling, in the name of religion. GEEZ!...nothing religious about these guys, nothing but perverted pretenders... just so they can have sex with kids...DISGUSTING! Most everyone I know is against polygamy. Although there are a few (VERY FEW) deviates out there who desire trashing women.
Give it WRZ | 2:08 p.m. April 12, 2008
you seem to accepting of the sufferage..only it isn't for women and children!
lds member | 2:16 p.m. April 12, 2008
to bob g, what you stated does not happen in the lds church. polgamy is forbidden in the lds faith, it is not in the flds
Henry Drummond | 2:20 p.m. April 12, 2008
I think Utah is about to get another black eye. Its only a matter of time before the national media starts asking why Utah didn't do anything to protect these underage kids from these sexual predators when these people lived in Southern Utah. Incidentally... why didn't we?
Jeff | 2:29 p.m. April 12, 2008
I think polygomy is sick, wrong and disgusting. However, I do believe even wackos like the FLDS people are more principled than the prosecutors, judges and social service burecrats in Texas.

I am amazed not more people find rounding up 400+ children and their mothers and splitting families up in order to find a supposed sex crime a little disconcerting. If you don't -- you better watch out!!!
Jason | 2:41 p.m. April 12, 2008
I am very tired of hearing about these FLDS polygamist! Why hasn't the government done something sooner for these women? This is sooooo wrong! It is NOT religious in anyway shape or form PERIOD! SEX IS SEX! and that is all it is, and NOTHING to do with religion--It would take an idiot to say or believe any differently.
Doug S | 3:14 p.m. April 12, 2008
Henry Drummond:

1) Because no one called CPS from the within an FLDS community and asked for help to "escape";
2) Because the most vocal of those who have "fled" from the communities are women from the top echelons of FLDS leadership who have axes to grind and scores to settle. Think of your typical bickering church ladies. Now think of them on steroids. Do you really think they will be reliable on the witness stand? (Carolyn Jessop was recently quoted as saying "I don't give a [expletitive] what their parents think." A real charmer, that one.)
3) Because Utah law is unclear whether its spousal testimonial privilege extends to cohabiting couples. There's no guarantee Utah DAs could use their subpoena power to make women turn Benedict Arnold against the alleged offenders.
4) Because Utah has respect for this little piece of paper called the Constitution. Even if they'd heard about one instance of abuse, they'd only investigate that one instance of abuse. They wouldn't go on a fishing expedition like Texas has done, because the Constitution prohibits it. Texas, on the other hand, has tried to regulate behavior between consenting adults as recently as 2003 (see Lawrence v. Texas).
Jessejames | 3:22 p.m. April 12, 2008
Right on Doug!
SaveTheChildren | 4:03 p.m. April 12, 2008
>>>>I am amazed not more people find rounding up 400+ children and their mothers and splitting families up in order to find a supposed sex crime a little disconcerting. If you don't -- you better watch out!!!<<<< Jeff

So what are people supposed to do? sit back and let men rape teenagers? Let a totalitarian decide who gets married, who gets divorced, and who gets to keep their kids? He is trying to breed a "pure" race. Sounds a lot like Hitler to me.
aj | 4:04 p.m. April 12, 2008
Shame on the people who are trying to suggest that state of Texas went on a fishing expedition.
Stop trying to act like there is ANY defense for the FLDS. CRAZY perverted people.
Kevin | 4:11 p.m. April 12, 2008
To condone this kind of behavior is an insult to normal human beings. This pure sewer garbage needs to stop! You men who think this sexual mistreatment of women is just ok, need some serious help.
Michael | 4:27 p.m. April 12, 2008
I have this to say about the Texas sect: sickening. I'm EQUALLY disgusted with how the international media is having a hay day spooking their fellow citizens and brainwashing them with misinformation about the official LDS Church. One Italian newspaper commented that "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now under investigation from the FBI" (i.e. with no explanation of the FLDS factor.) Another did make a distinction but said that "the official Mormon Church...renounced polygamy in 1980." When asked to correct the date to 1890 they refused. For those who jump on the anti-Mormon bandwagon, this is the kind of dishonesty and illogicality they partner up with. I'm from Utah but don't live there now, and those in Utah not of the predominant religion don't recognize how good they have it in comparison.
russ | 4:37 p.m. April 12, 2008
It will get settled. Slowly but surely the wheels of justice will turn.

Laws broken? There will be penalties.

If polygamy is wrong, then what about... it is interesting isn't it.
Still Small Voice | 4:45 p.m. April 12, 2008
Child abuse is an outrage! It's shocking to me so many are outraged at the religious interference and overlook the bigger issue. No Temple or religious building should be a shield to protect child abuse. No religious practice no matter how deeply felt or conceived should be allowed to offend a child. Fit them with millstones and dump them in the sea.
Anon | 4:45 p.m. April 12, 2008
Oh yeah there are many wrongs. But anybody who injures and harms a child is the lowest form. And this type of situation is ABUSE. Don't try to justify it by using other behaviors out there in society.
John T. AZ | 4:52 p.m. April 12, 2008
Yeah! It's time these sort of men go down hard. This is all too sick. These men have no respect for women whatsoever!
Utah Valley Resident | 5:56 p.m. April 12, 2008
The U.S. Constitution was set up to govern a country of law abiding citizens. What we have across the country with respect to co-habitation and illegal marriages/bigamy....and basically sodomy behavior is a difficult area to control from a legal standpoint. There is also all the baloney going on that is beyond the pale with repect to anti-american sudo-religious and secular groups located all over the country causing and planning mayhem. These people are largely sacreligous or sectarian groups operating outside of the moral and constitutional law, and are giving this nation a bad name and reputation. Something needs to be done to uncover these groups and go public with their outrageous behavior and plans....this includes what is going on behind closed doors in some of our hallowed halls of government. We are being overrun by marxists, leninists, antisocial dogooders in government, and outside government. This is all being aided and abetted by a socialist, liberal news media, who daily preach doom and gloom and give aid and comfort to all the would be social engineers running around the country....many of them in high elective office. Just listen to what Pelosi, Reid, Kennedy, Shirmer, Dodd, Obama, Clinton's are saying these days.
wrz | 6:13 p.m. April 12, 2008
>>Shame on the people who are trying to suggest that state of Texas went on a fishing expedition.<<

Fishing? Try witch hunt. They should name the place "Salem II."
ediddy | 6:39 p.m. April 12, 2008
IF this really about child abuse (and I don't doubt it has transpired) and there has been an informant on the inside for 4 YEARS, the abuse must have taken place only recently or the law must have stood by for quite some time before storming the compound. Has it occurred to anyone that the 16 year old alleged phone caller was, in reality, likely the inside informant. There still is no straight answer for the storm trooper tactics in play here. Why, if there was an informant on the inside for so long, has nothing been done to save the children til now? In spite of the need to safeguard the children, the facts and means do NOT add up here.
SO? | 7:56 p.m. April 12, 2008
Witch Hunt,EH?
Whatever.
We live in the 21st century. Children, yes children, who are forced into behaviors like this and taught that the ENTIRE rest of the world is evil, are the victims here.
Go preach your idiocy and believe what you want.
They are correctly investigating a charge of physical and sexual abuse.
To Still small voice | 8:04 p.m. April 12, 2008
I could not agree more.
People are trying to turn this into a religious or doctrinal discussion and it's not about that.
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