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State treatment in question as FLDS lose custody of kids
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Sherman | 1:01 a.m. April 8, 2008
God help us all! I am an active FLDS member; heartbroken and aghast at the
police state actions in Texas against our people. To the compassionate hearts
that have voiced their concerns over the constitutionality of this action and
sympathized with the separated families, I say thank you for putting differences
aside and seeing the inhumanity of this episode. To those expressing bitter,
unChristian-like feelings of hatred and bigotry towards us, I say God help you
for your weak-minded media driven stereotypic beliefs. Because we choose NOT to
respond to every outrageous untruth broadcast about our lifestyle, should not
brand us "guilty by reason of silence." Take your little child tonight
in your arms, look in the mirror and imagine a complete stranger in your place,
holding YOUR child, taking over the parenting responsibilities of your precious
one. If that doesn't hurt, you are indeed inhuman, and that will explain
your unfeeling comments regarding this un-American travesty of justice. Wake up!
Show the same level of tolerance for our people that you teach in your Sunday
Schools for other ethnic groups and cultures and quit believing what "those
who hate us" spew out as Gosepl truth.
Agreed | 1:56 a.m. April 8, 2008
I was incensed that the authorities stormed the FLDS temple. I'm all for
stopping scary molesters, but I think that once that is taken care of the media
and police should leave the poor people alone.
Thank you Sherman | 2:07 a.m. April 8, 2008
Yes lets put doctrine aside and truly think about what is happening. 400+
children are being ripped from their parents care all because of a phone call.
Have they found the phone call to be legit? Don't think any one of us
knows. Even if it was, does it mean all FLDS men are committing abuse? In
recent years there has been plenty of press regarding Catholic Priets and even
LDS Scout Leaders accused of sexual abuse. Despite such accusations, does that
mean all Catholic and LDS paritioners are bad? Most definitely not, but based
upon what is happening in Texas, the precedent has been set that when the next
Catholic boy or LDS Boy Scout claims abuse the courts have the authority to jump
in take away all LDS and Catholic kids? Many of you may argue that this is
different due to poligamy, but let me just say, if we as a nation decide now
that we want to prosecute poligamy then we must also begin to prosecute other
century old sexual laws that are still on the books, i.e. infedelity. And, how
can we justify legalizing same-sex marriage but forbid poligamy?
Comments continue below
chemist | 2:27 a.m. April 8, 2008
The FLDS problems all go back to the marriages involving under age children.
They can't ignore the law in that area. What is wrong with waiting until a
girl is of legal age before she gets married. In many ways the FLDS brought this
on by their actions.
xops | 2:37 a.m. April 8, 2008
Impregnating underage girls is illegal in any state and it doesn't matter
what religion you belong to. If you're fooling around with minors, the
state will get you sooner or later. Hopefully sooner.
Eye Dee Ten Tee | 2:52 a.m. April 8, 2008
If Sherman is an active FLDS member, how does he have access to the internet?
John | 2:58 a.m. April 8, 2008
This is a very scary action on such a large scale. As one who was rased in an
obusive home, in which no one came to help I am all for officials stepping in
when it is needed. But this seem wrong even though there have not been much
details given in the matter. I am not a member of the FLDS church but it sure
looks at this point that they are being targeted because of their faith.
To Sherman: | 3:07 a.m. April 8, 2008
Yes - God help us all! Sherman, I'm not FLDS and, personally, I think that
your religion and practices are an abomination. But, that being said, I AGREE
that the actions in Texas are those of a jack-booted police state. I too am
heartbroken and aghast at this situation and that no one is standing up for your
church. Where are the protests? Why are there so few Americans out there who
see that if they can do this to your church they can do this to any church, God
help us all.
Anonymous | 3:13 a.m. April 8, 2008
Let the men be arrested and charged with bigamy. Where are the young boys?
BY
BY
Mr. Tolerant | 3:19 a.m. April 8, 2008
I will say it is a little chilling to see the government take such dramatic
steps. However if children are being abused or in danger of being abused they
are obligated to respond. I think the FLDS are suffering because a some of
their male leadership have become out of control. I would like to see FLDS
better control their own and stand against practices that run contrary to their
values. They should aggressively challenge abuses of power......at the moment
that doesn't appear to be happening. FLDS seems to be victims of their own
culture.....I see it as a leadership issue and not a fault of the average
member.
re Sherman | 1:01 a.m. | 3:15 a.m. April 8, 2008
Not so fast, some cultures are so degenerate they deserve extinction. Why do I
say this? To make room for pologamy your church has been kicking out 12 year
old boys to fend for themselves.
If taking all of these kids means your society doesn't survive, good. It is a stain on common decency and humanity.
If taking all of these kids means your society doesn't survive, good. It is a stain on common decency and humanity.
H. I. McDonnough | 3:23 a.m. April 8, 2008
Has there ever been a group that truly follows the Lord that has insulated
itself completly from society? How can the Salt of the Earth add savor to the
Earth if it is secluded and separate? What truth is there that has to be hidden
from the world? Are disciples of Christ commanded to be a secluded standard or a
concealed ensign? Prophets and the true church are to be revealed by their
fruits (works). How is the world to taste and judge fruit that is unseen and
untasted?
You can retreat behind your belief that those who think differently are weak minded, hateful, biggoted who are blinded by the media. You can wonder why those women left voluntarily and took their children with them. I pray that they will have the strength to stand on their own, and will grow and prosper in the new light they find.
You can retreat behind your belief that those who think differently are weak minded, hateful, biggoted who are blinded by the media. You can wonder why those women left voluntarily and took their children with them. I pray that they will have the strength to stand on their own, and will grow and prosper in the new light they find.
Freedom Fighter | 3:39 a.m. April 8, 2008
Polygamy is illegal. The children who are now in safe custody have been taken
out of a harmful, empty and shameful way of life. The cycle MUST be broken at
some point and thankfully the brave authorities in Texas have stepped in. This
is more than the state of Utah ever did. It will not be easy for these kids,
but hopefully it will be the beginning of a fulfilling, safe and most
importantally, FREE life for them. They are American citizens and they deserve
this right.
Joe | 4:12 a.m. April 8, 2008
Sherman, I am sorry at the way that the Texas authorities have handled this
situation. However, I can see their point. You have a closed society in which
underage children are married to men who then proceed to have children. In
today's society, a 40 year old man impregnating a 14 or 15 year old girl is
simply unacceptable.
Further, according to news reports particularly in Utah, husbands who fall out of favor with FLDS church leaders can have their wives and children taken away from them and reassigned to another. Again, in today's society, such an act is unacceptable. As a husband and father, I certainly wouldn't stand for that type of action by a church leader.
Although some may see this action as religious persecution, it is the unacceptable behavior embraced by the FLDS church that is under attack. For example, if a church were to discipline its members by stoning (as promoted by the old testament for some crimes), I would expect the state to step in to prevent that type of activity also. I am sorry for your pain, but somehow these types of unacceptable activities will be forced to stop.
Further, according to news reports particularly in Utah, husbands who fall out of favor with FLDS church leaders can have their wives and children taken away from them and reassigned to another. Again, in today's society, such an act is unacceptable. As a husband and father, I certainly wouldn't stand for that type of action by a church leader.
Although some may see this action as religious persecution, it is the unacceptable behavior embraced by the FLDS church that is under attack. For example, if a church were to discipline its members by stoning (as promoted by the old testament for some crimes), I would expect the state to step in to prevent that type of activity also. I am sorry for your pain, but somehow these types of unacceptable activities will be forced to stop.
book'em, Danno | 4:23 a.m. April 8, 2008
There is simply no reason for a little girl to marry an older man; what would
they even talk about? They don't share life experiences and are worlds
apart in regards to mental/emotional development. A child doesn't even yet
understand the concept of love that marriage involves.
There can be only one reason that an old man would want a child bride, and it amounts to filth.
There can be only one reason that an old man would want a child bride, and it amounts to filth.
Terrible | 4:22 a.m. April 8, 2008
What's terrible about all of this is that old men are "marrying"
these young girls and getting them pregnant! That is AWFUL! I think that the
Texas authorities had every right to do what they did and I'm glad that it
happened. Young girls seem to have no say in their lives in the FLDS way of life
and that is WRONG!! So, Sherman you think about that. If you really love your
children why are young girls getting pregnant and not able to choose for
themselves!
Joseph White | 5:05 a.m. April 8, 2008
I am with Texas on this one, although I do fell sorry for the children because
there parents were abusive and neglective.
ThunderBulldog | 5:02 a.m. April 8, 2008
It appears Cowboy Justice is at work in Texas. Personally I think this is a
good thing shaking up the ranks of the FLDS to see what snakes fall out. All
the news this decade about the FLDS has been incredibly horrifying to say the
least, so maybe now we will all have eyes to see what the heck is going on in
the name of the Lord. John Taylor use to preach that if the Saints would not
carry the standards of Celestial (Plural) Marriage, that Angels would come down
from Heaven to keep the standard alive.
Well I think Texas just swallowed that red pill in the Matrix, and there's no exit until the Chosen Ones are either destroyed or destroys the Matrix. I'll be watching until Justice prevails ... some of them are family.
ShortCreek.info
Well I think Texas just swallowed that red pill in the Matrix, and there's no exit until the Chosen Ones are either destroyed or destroys the Matrix. I'll be watching until Justice prevails ... some of them are family.
ShortCreek.info
Bob G | 5:19 a.m. April 8, 2008
The courts are going beyond their duties and breaking up families that have done
no harm or commited any crimes. The FLDS get chastized and condemended for
commuan living but the illegal aliens and illegal foreign nationals from Mexico
living in communal homes of criminal activties are left alone. America's
justice system is warped and gone bad to the point that there is no safety in
the home or security in the home from outside discriminatory legal system. The
legal system attacke polygamy as a terrorist group while at the same time they
allow drugs, illegals, and the real terrorist to walk/run across our borders
from mexico. There may be a few victims as in all cities, but law enforcement
doesn't go home to home in all cities and confiscate children and the homes
of the parents claiming there may be some child abuse going on. Americans can
tollerate their lives, their jobs, their national security being taken from them
by illegal aliens, but we can't tollerate law abiding american families to
live in peace. Then the news media, starving to report on civil crime, overlook
the real crime and criminal actions of government and elected representatives.
Big Brother | 5:32 a.m. April 8, 2008
Imagine. You live in a nice quiet subdivision. An anonymous caller charges a
neighbor with abusing their children. At 11:30 P.M., while
you�re sleeping, the police rush in and take your kids.
Then, they systematically search your entire house (even in places where no one
could hide), take your computers, your journals, your private documents.
Note, you aren�t charged with a crime. You�re guilty by association.
This doesn�t sound like the United States and our Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. It sounds more like the Gestapo and Nazi Germany.
Oh, but you say, �They�re all polygamists and this is a disgusting and revolting practice and they don�t live in a subdivision, they live in a �compound�.� Let�s say it is and they do. Let�s even say that a majority of those homes have �abuse� happening. Then, let�s go back to your home at 11:30 at night � where you�re sleeping and NOT abusing your kids. Just because you associate with people who are, have you forfeited your rights?
What if you live in a neighborhood where people do drugs? or where there�s gang violence? Does the state have the right to, without a specific charge, take your children?
Welcome to Amerika.
Note, you aren�t charged with a crime. You�re guilty by association.
This doesn�t sound like the United States and our Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. It sounds more like the Gestapo and Nazi Germany.
Oh, but you say, �They�re all polygamists and this is a disgusting and revolting practice and they don�t live in a subdivision, they live in a �compound�.� Let�s say it is and they do. Let�s even say that a majority of those homes have �abuse� happening. Then, let�s go back to your home at 11:30 at night � where you�re sleeping and NOT abusing your kids. Just because you associate with people who are, have you forfeited your rights?
What if you live in a neighborhood where people do drugs? or where there�s gang violence? Does the state have the right to, without a specific charge, take your children?
Welcome to Amerika.
Tom Hardy | 5:44 a.m. April 8, 2008
While I have compassion for the children, most of whom won't understand the
separation and the emotional trauma they are experiencing, I find it ironic to
be lectured on tolerance and bigotry by commentor Sherman who claims to be FLDS.
Sir, if you are as you claim a member of this group, what exactly did you
expect would happen if you willingly practiced a lifestyle that is illegal? How
long did you anticipate state officials to turn a blind eye to polygamy, which
is illegal, and, in case I forgot to mention, is against the law? As a member
of a group claiming to be an offshoot of the actual LDS church holding to that
church's original doctrines, how do you reconcile your complete disregard
for the Articles of Faith, particularly #12, which requires that you are subject
to governments and to honor and sustain the law? Breaking up families is not
any easier for the state officials than it is for the law breakers who made it
necessary. Having children in a legal relationship is a good way to show them
you truly care about THEIR well-being rather than yours.
Now you know | 5:47 a.m. April 8, 2008
How the Illegas feel right here in good ol' utah!
Michelle | 6:18 a.m. April 8, 2008
In my Sunday schools, we learn that we are to obey the law of the land.
Polygamy is against the law, therefore, you are breaking the law. I'm sure
there are many who practice your religion who feel it is from God. What's
interesting to me is how many of these women left willingly. What's even
more interesting is those who allow their teenage daughters to be married off to
men as old as their fathers and grandfathers. Why can you not see the harm in
this to young girls?
Oh, by the way, just because something is in the Old Testament, doesn't mean it should still continue? If so, the Jews should still be in bondage; there should still be human sacrifice; and the Pharaoh would still be in charge. Wake up! Times change.
Oh, by the way, just because something is in the Old Testament, doesn't mean it should still continue? If so, the Jews should still be in bondage; there should still be human sacrifice; and the Pharaoh would still be in charge. Wake up! Times change.
Outcomes? | 6:17 a.m. April 8, 2008
Texas will probably come to regret such widespread raids. They will realize that
they are dealing with the most brainwashed people who are never going to change
their beliefs. The polygamists have nearly 170 years of history and they are
proud of it.
CITIZEN | 6:23 a.m. April 8, 2008
There are always two sides to every story.this is the other one.the U.S.
government doesn't want any group to separate its self from the
mainstream.one reason is that they pay no taxes because they are self
sufficient.under president bucannon the U.S. declared war against the mormons in
utah.thanks to the leadership of Brigham young the army was beaten back.check
the mormon history on this.
russ | 6:25 a.m. April 8, 2008
Dear Sherman: I am full of tolerance. But when you have suspected child
abuse, spousal abuse, and who knows what else, the legal arm of our society must
act. That is why we are called a "civil" ization. If nothing wrong
is found, so be it. If crimes have been committed, then society has to act.
I am not Mormon by the way.
I am not Mormon by the way.
Cecil | 6:29 a.m. April 8, 2008
The fact that the state can sweep in and take and keep anyone's children on
such a flimsy pretext should cause a shutter of fear through anyone with a
brain, and a heart. They didn't find the person who apparently asked for
help. They quite obviously made a wholesale sweep of a culture someone found
very objectionable. I am not, never have been a polygamist, but if you are niave
enough to believe they couldn't do this to you, your ilk are the reason our
country is in such a terrible place. If there was a crime, find and punish the
criminal. If you don't agree with a man's religion or politics
don't steal his children. It is a dark day for America and the values we
pretent to uphold. Shame on us for allowing this.
Don't come knocking | 6:44 a.m. April 8, 2008
And thus we see your freedom end. In the name of protecting children, the
illegal unconstitutional CPS which operates without due process has struck
again.
I hope all you people who support this action never make any enemies in your life because if they have not a soul with more than 2 bits for a brain they will strike where it hurts you most. They will make a slanderous phone call upon your behalf. CPS will show up at your door, take your children and never give them back. You will never see them again.
Again, I hope you never make any enemies. I hope you never have a jealous family member or a rebellious child. I hope you never have a child with a mysterious ailment. I hope you are glad you have sacrificed your freedom in the name of protection of children.
I think it was Ben Franklin who said, "He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither."
I hope all you people who support this action never make any enemies in your life because if they have not a soul with more than 2 bits for a brain they will strike where it hurts you most. They will make a slanderous phone call upon your behalf. CPS will show up at your door, take your children and never give them back. You will never see them again.
Again, I hope you never make any enemies. I hope you never have a jealous family member or a rebellious child. I hope you never have a child with a mysterious ailment. I hope you are glad you have sacrificed your freedom in the name of protection of children.
I think it was Ben Franklin who said, "He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither."
Pat | 6:45 a.m. April 8, 2008
I cannot understand, and am terribly angry at any gov`t that would feel
justified in executing what has been done in this instance AND the Branch
Dididian massicre! I know (second-hand), and dispise the FLDS life. It is a
"life" THOUGHT UP solely by men who have bullied their
"beliefs" onto their families for generations! It enslaves women,
their minds and God-given talents, forbidden ANY questioning of men`s dictates.
To use a snippit of Biblical revelation in the twisted way that the FLDS men do
is unforgivable. However, the "government" OWES these citizens
(especially the women and children of this group) kinder and more AMERICAN
treatment. Whatever it took and however long it took, this community of people
should have been investigated, and dealt with "in place" and
forcefully. Within the isolated community (STOP calling it a
"compound"! It is not an armed camp!)
people could`ve been "separated", questiond and determinations made. By making it clear that the separation would not end until people disclosed information, perhaps it would`ve taken a long time.
That would`ve been preferable to the destructive UN-American treatment going on here. These children are traumatized for life by their government! SHAME!!
people could`ve been "separated", questiond and determinations made. By making it clear that the separation would not end until people disclosed information, perhaps it would`ve taken a long time.
That would`ve been preferable to the destructive UN-American treatment going on here. These children are traumatized for life by their government! SHAME!!
ST. George | 6:46 a.m. April 8, 2008
I agree with Big Brother, all levels of Government have gone way to far.
Where are Constitutional Rights?
Where are Constitutional Rights?
JND | 6:42 a.m. April 8, 2008
"weak-minded media driven stereotypic beliefs" => Something like
"it's wrong for adult men to have sex with underaged girls"?
Yeah, I guess we do hold to that stereotype in Texas.
The kick out 12 yr old sons | 6:43 a.m. April 8, 2008
Now Texas has the tiger by the tail, what are they going to do with it. Putting
400 children into foster care is no small expense. Did they ever find the girl
who called in the marriage to her and a 50 year old? Was that a hoax?
If this breaks the back of this "religion" that would be a good thing. These people in order to make room for pologamy kick out their 12 year old sons to fend for themselves.
This culture has to be mended or done away with, this is wrong and shouldn't be allowed to continue.
If this breaks the back of this "religion" that would be a good thing. These people in order to make room for pologamy kick out their 12 year old sons to fend for themselves.
This culture has to be mended or done away with, this is wrong and shouldn't be allowed to continue.
Mary | 6:46 a.m. April 8, 2008
Sherman, I sympathize with you and your people. And I realize that you practice
a religion that dates back to Joseph Smith and the way things were back in 1830.
However, I don't remember there being anything in the Standard Works (even
before D&C), that talks about cousins marrying each other, great-uncles
marrying their underaged great-nieces. I wish we would all go back to the times
of Joseph; however, the FLDS have mutated their practices (just as they have
claimed the LDS have with the stopping of polygamy) and are now trying to
legitimize child sexual abuse. This is not an issue of polygomy, this is an
issue of child abuse.I wish the children well and am glad to see their mothers
coming to their sides. Now if only the leadership would come to their sides
too, and protect them from the practice of 14-15 years old being forced to marry
and be impregnated by these men. That is the only issue that I have with the
FLDS. I could care less about polygamy.
hmh1497 | 6:47 a.m. April 8, 2008
All of us have only one father and only one mother. We have a right to be
raised by both of our own parents. The State has violated their most precious
human right by taking these children from their own parents. If children are
abused or neglected then act to charge, bring to trial, convict and punish those
who are proven guilty. Taking children and acting to violate their basic human
right is a criminal behavior. It�s clear to me that the
real criminals here are serving the State of Texas.
dear michelle | 6:57 a.m. April 8, 2008
Dear Michelle,
If in Sunday School you are taught to "obey the law of the land" then please explain to me why illegal immigrants are given temple recommends from their bishops and stake presidents. Isn't one of the temple recommend questions have to do with are you honest? How can you respnod that you are honest if you have illegally entered a country..you have violated that countrys laws to enter it. You centainly are not obeying the law of the land by entering it illegally.
Now this has nothing to do with the texas situation.
As far as texas goes, I am not a fan of child protective services except in real cases of child endangerment. At this point, we the public don't know the danger these kids were in...apparently a judge felt they were in danger. I applaud them for allowing the children's mothers to be with the children.
If in Sunday School you are taught to "obey the law of the land" then please explain to me why illegal immigrants are given temple recommends from their bishops and stake presidents. Isn't one of the temple recommend questions have to do with are you honest? How can you respnod that you are honest if you have illegally entered a country..you have violated that countrys laws to enter it. You centainly are not obeying the law of the land by entering it illegally.
Now this has nothing to do with the texas situation.
As far as texas goes, I am not a fan of child protective services except in real cases of child endangerment. At this point, we the public don't know the danger these kids were in...apparently a judge felt they were in danger. I applaud them for allowing the children's mothers to be with the children.
DeLaval Milker | 7:05 a.m. April 8, 2008
Good.
Don't Mess with Texas | 6:58 a.m. April 8, 2008
I live in Texas and often drive near the Eldorado area. My first thought
several years ago when it was determined that the FLDS were building a temple in
this state was "What are they thinking?". Of all the states to pick
to build their society! I am glad that the authorities stepped in and took
charge, at least in order to investigate, and I commend them for how it was
accomplished. Doctrine aside, all cases of child abuse should be
investigated... but we should also presume innocence until proven otherwise.
Let me see now | 7:03 a.m. April 8, 2008
I have relatives in prison who committed felonies of a different nature and
their children were rounded up by the service..there was no outcry then..but now
..when you commit felony after felony as a group you forfeit your rigths and
much more than that in this case ..this religion has taken the away the free
will of man to make their own decisions...let alone the young and that is the
only side of the story here!Now we need to round up the rest living right under
our noses!
Tejas Chick | 7:04 a.m. April 8, 2008
Tolerance, schmolerance! This is purely a cult which serves the base needs of
a handful of controlling old men. These very young girls know no different,
having been brought up to expect to be bartered off, and implored to Keep Sweet.
And this pattern will continue for further generations unless action is taken.
Please read some accounts of those who have broken free of the bonds of the
FLDS!!! And......Don't Mess With Texas!
re: Sherman | 7:05 a.m. April 8, 2008
Abuse. Teen impregnation. Abuse. Silly laws . . .
I am glad those children were removed from the FLDS compound. I am not uneducated. I looked at FLDS beliefs and what I saw appalled me. Sherman, how can you be around such ABUSE and then be sad when the children are saved? I am thankful I was not born into the FLDS church. I heard a small part of Carolyn Jessop's book. It brought my attention to the horrors of your community. Poor, poor wives.
It just makes me sick to see how you take advantage of women like this, making them live terrible lives for your doctrines. SICK.
I am glad those children were removed from the FLDS compound. I am not uneducated. I looked at FLDS beliefs and what I saw appalled me. Sherman, how can you be around such ABUSE and then be sad when the children are saved? I am thankful I was not born into the FLDS church. I heard a small part of Carolyn Jessop's book. It brought my attention to the horrors of your community. Poor, poor wives.
It just makes me sick to see how you take advantage of women like this, making them live terrible lives for your doctrines. SICK.
Eowyn77 | 7:16 a.m. April 8, 2008
How did this girl know to call CPS? I'm sure the FLDS have the number
laying around. They authorities have been searching since last week, and they
don't even know if the girl EXISTS. I can appreciate that there are
difficulties due to the secretive nature of the FLDS, but this is just getting
to be ridiculous.
I also wonder about the women who left "willingly." If I was told that, like it or not, my kids were being removed from my home, and I could either give them up or go with them, I would "willingly" go with them. We keep hearing how many "willingly" left, but we don't hear how many women did what NORMALLY happens when abuse is suspected and stayed home with the hubby while the kids are whisked away to safety.
I'm not FLDS, and I disapprove of the polygamous lifestyle, but I see a lot of inconsistencies in the info we're getting from the Texas authorities and through the filter of the media. Big Brother addressed the Constitutional abuses very well, but that aside, we're not getting the whole truth of what's going on. That worries me.
I also wonder about the women who left "willingly." If I was told that, like it or not, my kids were being removed from my home, and I could either give them up or go with them, I would "willingly" go with them. We keep hearing how many "willingly" left, but we don't hear how many women did what NORMALLY happens when abuse is suspected and stayed home with the hubby while the kids are whisked away to safety.
I'm not FLDS, and I disapprove of the polygamous lifestyle, but I see a lot of inconsistencies in the info we're getting from the Texas authorities and through the filter of the media. Big Brother addressed the Constitutional abuses very well, but that aside, we're not getting the whole truth of what's going on. That worries me.
Remember | 7:21 a.m. April 8, 2008
Remember that there are many cultures that are different and even have extremely
different life styles than what are considered the norm, all within the borders
of this country. The Amish have a very closed society and conduct their lives
in strict accordance with their beliefs. Does this mean that because they
choose to teach their children different values than mainstream america, that
they should be targeted and stripped of the rights that are afforded to citizens
of this country. If crimes have been committed you deal with the criminal not
with those that don't think the same as you.
Anonymous | 7:20 a.m. April 8, 2008
CPS custody is LESS safe than parental custody in almost every case. Do a little
research on how many kids are abused and sexually molested while in foster care
in the state of Texas.
In my small town in Texas, here are just a few instances of CPS PROTECTION
1- a volunteer that transported CPS kids to doctor appts etc, now in prison for pedophelia exact number unknown -between 9-21 little boys
2 - the president of the foster parents assn. who specialized in special needs young boys in prison for pedophilia -maybe 15 little boys
3- a psychiatrist that had already been in prison in Florida for child rape, that CPS ordered parents to take their kids to, and sent CPS custody kids to, in prison for pedophilia. at least 12 little boys and as many as 28.
So, any of you sighing and saying "oh those poor teenagers are safe now", are agreeing with sending all the little bitty kids into this possible fate
In my small town in Texas, here are just a few instances of CPS PROTECTION
1- a volunteer that transported CPS kids to doctor appts etc, now in prison for pedophelia exact number unknown -between 9-21 little boys
2 - the president of the foster parents assn. who specialized in special needs young boys in prison for pedophilia -maybe 15 little boys
3- a psychiatrist that had already been in prison in Florida for child rape, that CPS ordered parents to take their kids to, and sent CPS custody kids to, in prison for pedophilia. at least 12 little boys and as many as 28.
So, any of you sighing and saying "oh those poor teenagers are safe now", are agreeing with sending all the little bitty kids into this possible fate
SLC gal | 7:32 a.m. April 8, 2008
First of all Sherman - the state of Texas would not have gotten involved had one
of your fellow members not taken a child that per Texas law, could not be
legally wed. It was that violation that sent them out there in the first
place.
Secondly, to everybody.. the nature of polygomist compounds required the actions taken. If they all lived in little nice neighborhoods instead of a sprawling wilderness, then there would probably be a few more polygomist children with their families today.
Secondly, to everybody.. the nature of polygomist compounds required the actions taken. If they all lived in little nice neighborhoods instead of a sprawling wilderness, then there would probably be a few more polygomist children with their families today.
Stevens | 7:31 a.m. April 8, 2008
Way to go, Texas! Finally ... a state
that looks out for our children and upholds the law.
that looks out for our children and upholds the law.
alice | 7:35 a.m. April 8, 2008
If there is neglect, abuse of any kind, towards these children, then what has
happened is proper. Societies today that choose to live lives that are contrary
to the law, should be broken up. Is it correct to say that if an adult who is
not FLDS and is involved with a minor in a sexual relationship must feel the
full arm of the law; why then do the FLDS feel they are justified or above the
same legal ramifications? If animals are abused or neglected the law takes care
of it. Why would anyone want their children subjected to these types of living
conditions and then plea " how would you feel if your children were taken
from you?" The tragedy if this type of thinking is not the issue. It is
the protection of children not broken hearted parents who placed their children
in these circumstances.
Anonymous | 7:33 a.m. April 8, 2008
We all seem to have a lot more opinions than information. Before deciding
whether this is an abomination carried out by Texas, or a response to an
abomination carried out by the FLDS, lets wait to see what evidence becomes
public. I'll bet there is a lot of information that has not yet been
released that will shed more light on tis situation.
Where are the boys? | 7:45 a.m. April 8, 2008
If I read correctly, the FLDS attorney declared that the compound is home to 300
- 400 people. The police have removed over 400 children and many women. The men
remain on the compound and are being identified and numbered. We hear no report
of the boys. Where are they? Now do the math. The FLDS attorney is a typical
liar, unless he's confused by the meaning of the word 'IS'. The
Texas police have the responsibility to protect every man, woman, boy, and girl.
In more than one scenario, basic human rights are being violated simply because
agency has been removed from innocent people. If there are no shenanigans here,
then the FLDS should be easily able to provide records and accounting for every
man woman, and child. One role of government is to provide protection to its
citizens. Let this be the case. The FLDS's choice of a closed society
caused this and can prevent this in the future. Sherman, please hold your little
daughters and sons, and learn to treat them with love instead of treating them
as one of your chickens.
Bountiful Mom | 7:53 a.m. April 8, 2008
I'm glad that Texas is taking swift action against the allegations of
suspected abuse. Utah is in a slow, agonizing dance with this same group
because they turned a blind eye for so long. Taking the children(and women) out
of their homes until they can determine that there is no risk to them is humane.
If there is nothing to hide, they will be reunited as families. Religious
tenets aside, why did the FLDS think their polygamous lifestyle would not
attract legal attention? Shame on Utah for waiting so long.
Believer_in_fairness | 7:53 a.m. April 8, 2008
I dislike the FLDS practice of having young girls marry older men. I also
dislike the practice of running off teenage boys and men who challenge
authority. However, I have to say that this FLDS group does not seem violent,
which makes it very different from the Branch Davidian group and many other
cults. I think they deserve more of a benefit of the doubt on childcare than a
blanket assumption that every kid is in danger of abuse and therefore should be
taken from parents and put in foster care.
A recent report showed that HALF of the kids in America's biggest cities don't graduate from HS. Another recent study found that 70% of inner city girls have had sex by age 16. Inner city schools in Houston and Dallas have gun detectors for a reason -- violent crime runs rampant in those neighborhoods. We're talking about far worse atrocities than anything the FLDS are accused of. So is Texas CPS going to storm these neighbhorhoods and take away all the kids and put them in foster care? If they are going to apply the law equally and fairly, they should.
The timing of this 'raid' seems politically motivated...
A recent report showed that HALF of the kids in America's biggest cities don't graduate from HS. Another recent study found that 70% of inner city girls have had sex by age 16. Inner city schools in Houston and Dallas have gun detectors for a reason -- violent crime runs rampant in those neighborhoods. We're talking about far worse atrocities than anything the FLDS are accused of. So is Texas CPS going to storm these neighbhorhoods and take away all the kids and put them in foster care? If they are going to apply the law equally and fairly, they should.
The timing of this 'raid' seems politically motivated...
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