Deseret News | Jessop says Jeffs to blame for FLDS troubles

Reader comments
Jessop says Jeffs to blame for FLDS troubles

180 comments | Read story

Remember "It's_Chet" | 8:08 p.m. May 6, 2008

Does any one remember that character when the FLDS raid first happened? He was commenting frequently on here until the first court date and then he seemed to disappear. Someone even made a remark about him being a fry cook somewhere. Anyway, I think he has been reincarnated as "Justthefactsmaam". Interesting comments from him.

Does anyone have ANY facts ? | 8:18 p.m. May 6, 2008

A good exchange of opinions, but does anyone have any real facts ? A lot of sensational accusations, about that mythical 16 year old (arrest warrant now dropped, so not a fact), broken bones (well within normal rate), abused boys (maybe, but not by adults), underage pregnancies (ages hotly debated), but without much effert to substantiate any of that. Plenty of empty insults (crazy, deranged, etc.) but that does not replace facts. Meanwhile, the story seems to be that no one is charged with anything, they can all go home, but their chidren will be kept captive. Isn't that a parent's perfect nightmare ? How are you supposed to prove your innocence (as someone suggested), and why should you have to, in America ?

If you google "flds chidren", look at second site. Plenty of troubling pictures and videos. And the Donate page. Talk is cheap folks. These people have to fight 650 lawsuits just to get their chihdren back. Would many of you would be able to afford one legal battle with the CPS ? Whatever accusations there are, let criminal investigations continue. But help them get their kids back. They might be fighting your battle too.

REINCARNATION...lol | 8:22 p.m. May 6, 2008

re: Remember "it's Chet"
I thought it was the same character. Thanks for enlightening me. I have notice as well a few of those same polygamist men who have been reincarnated on here...lol!

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 8:58 p.m. May 6, 2008

Everyone talks about sending the childeren home. I agree that most of the mothers of these childern are caring and loving parents. One thing that is suprising to me is that no one adresses the fact that many of these childern are also mothers. One comment adressed many famous people with large age differences,but all these couples were of legal age. No one address the fact that 15 year old girls are being coupled with 50 year old men.

Lehi | 9:13 p.m. May 6, 2008

I was in Hillsdale a few months ago and saw I believe a husband riding with one wife on his horse then there were two wifes riding together on another horse. I heard and I was struck by the manner in which the husband spoke to his other wives and I felt sorry for them. So my point is that maybe some of the men are out of line.
I think I'm over my anger about the children being taken away now. It is unfortunate that the parents are not allowed to bring up the children in this wholesome way.
Religion is not a democracy so sometimes things go on that should not.
Does anyone know very much about the splinter group that lives in Centenial Hills which joins Colorado City? Does the group have a name? Do they hold services?

SB | 10:06 p.m. May 6, 2008

Im female, FLDS and want anyone and everyone to know for the last time {though i really doubt it} FLDS women are not forced into marriages. I dont know of ANY 14 year old girl who was 'forced' into a marriage, ive lived there for 19 years,how dare you {who are accusing} accuse every man of being child molestors? True there are some who are wicked men guilty of that crime, theres a bad apple in every bunch. As for Carolyn Jessop i grew up with their kids i was always at their house, we're related. She did not 'escape', i tried to read her book, honostly. Im sorry some of you were pulled in by her charms but i really think shes in it for the money. Understand that im not here to start a fight,etc, but there are lots of people out are convinced that ALL FLDS men are rapists/sex preditors.

FLDS Member | 10:09 p.m. May 6, 2008

This is the work of God, and woe! be unto us if we do not preach the Gospel! Woe! be unto us if we relinquish or attempt to sell or barter or compromise one of the eternal principles that have been sent down from the heavens and which we have to carry to the ends of the earth! But if we are faithful to our mission and calling, if we stand firm and true, and regard God rather than man, God shall fight our battles. Everything that seems to be against us will be turned for our good. The clouds that overshadow us from time to time will part and roll away, and the glorious sun of prosperity will shine upon us. If we are true and faithful God Almighty will overrule all things for our good, and bring us off more than conquerors. And every nation and people and institution and society that fight against Zion shall become like the dream of a night vision-it will pass away; and those men that fight against this work will be, as the prophet said,

Bad leadership | 10:22 p.m. May 6, 2008

brings on chaos and trouble. Since the very beginning of the FLDS movement, when minor LDS leaders, excommunicated from their LDS roots for carrying on with polygamy and for apostacy took their meager followers into isolation, they have been in trouble. Hopefully, the fringe polygamous groups which exist will come to their senses and quit this nonsense which affects and impacts their lives so heavily. We faithful in the LDS church watch this travesty knowing it could have all been avoided by obedience to the counsel of the true and living Prophet. Hope and pray these people will realize where they have gone wrong soon. The days of polygamy are long since over. Life is good in the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
God bless you all.

SB | 10:26 p.m. May 6, 2008

I draw the line at 'drunk babies', I am astounded every time i read what she has to say as she piles more lies ontop of others until its a teetering stack that overshadows anything else; its completlety outside the truth. I dont care what she or anyone else says, Warren Jeffs is a honorable man and is suffering religious persecution and time for crimes he is not guilty of.
The FLDS didnt have to do what he asked them to if they hadnt wanted to.
Instead of flaming me, you should agree that there are two sides to every story and realize that Carolyn Jessop does NOT speak for the women of our community. I wish she would stop this farce, but, i know its only going to get worse.
Texas is shoving ahead with religious vendetta and theres no one stopping them, what has happened to our contitutional rights?

#1-SB-DUDE! | 10:38 p.m. May 6, 2008

Hey SB...NICE TRY, but SB was my post name and you stole it from me, and I am a man, and I don't give a hoot about polygamy!!! Could I ask you please to be a little more genuine and show some respect on here? This is the 3rd name that I've posted a name and each time in the past few weeks you in turn stole and use it on here.(I RECOGNIZE YOU BY WHAT YOU WRITE) I don't want any confusion on here. I do not believe in POLYGAMY, dude!

Man, I'd like to here something other then all you polygamist men on here.

justthefactsmaam | 10:52 p.m. May 6, 2008

Anonymous | 6:50 p.m. May 6, 2008
You can't actually take the average age of men and subtract the average age of women and get AVERAGE AGE DIFFERENCE you know. Make up some numbers and try it yourself. Whoever calculated the 7 years is likely wrong.

>>>False Information. The opposite is true.

To get the average age difference between spouses you subtract the average age of the men from the average age of the women.

It's that simple and that's exactly what my source, the SLC Tribune, did.

And I am HORRIFIED at the "math skills" of adults here.

How do you people hold jobs? Or do you?

banderson | 11:00 p.m. May 6, 2008

The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution was demanded by the original colonies because the soldiers of King George legally broke down the doors of the homes of citizens to enforce whatever purpose they had. Many think PCS abuses the Fourth Amendment. Will the courts uphold the middle of the night raid with assault rifled troops who forced their way into the homes of the compound and confiscated all the 400+ children?

World wide there have always been many "sucessful" polygmous societies including some among the prophets in the Bible. We're not used to more than one wife so it seems very strange.

Not every polygamous society abuses wives and children. Deceptively "cheating" on spouses may be less common than in our "respectable, Christian, monogamous" society. I suspect that many of the polygamists are at least as law abiding as the "protected" illegal immigrants who sport feloneous ID papers to work.

I suspect the Jeffs were bad men and lead their followers to do some bad things. I suspect some abuse will be found. It should be severely prosecuted.

IF polygamy is the choice of consenting adults without abuse; what justifies destroying it?

justthefactsmaam | 11:10 p.m. May 6, 2008

Thru my blog I've gotten to know since the start of this raid polygynists from all the major Mormon groups.

The Centennial Park people are absolutely wonderful. One of the plural wives whose husband I speak to frequently as well sent me pics of her 2 youngest very beautiful kids.

These people are some of the finest people on this planet.

The Texas "authorities" persecuting them aren't worthy to lick their boot dust.

hmmmm | 11:48 p.m. May 6, 2008

Some of the flds who are posting really need some more education. I can't read their posts because of all the mistakes. You all sound like a bunch of illiterate back country bumpkins. It appears that there are a few intelligent people trying to get out of the society.
Seems that many are blindly following a false and fallen prophet. Carolyn J. appears to be a very brave woman who has compassion for her people but couldn't live with the insanity of this group any longer.

Anonymous | 11:49 p.m. May 6, 2008

What a brave lady she is!

Don't listen to these men... | 12:02 a.m. May 7, 2008

Hello. SB the first,

Feel lucky it was just your poster name the Polygamist stole from you. I once had one of these polygamist men try to steal my beautiful, legal and lawful wife away from me many decades ago. However, I got to her before the FLDS men brainwashed her against me. This particular polygamist man said that he had some sort of revelation that my wife should divorce me and become his wife. His revelation was for LUST only, and for a very beautiful married woman.

I am in NO way a believer of polygamy, and I still have my beautiful wife after 30 years.

Anonymous | 12:35 a.m. May 7, 2008

RE: Justthefactsmaam:
All the men in the relationships you just listed have one thing going for them...$$$. Those women CHOSE to marry their sugardaddies.

So do the FLDS women chose their older men for the money??? Seems like the men coerce the women into the spiritual marriage, impregnate them and then collect the welfare...sugar baby-girls...

All those who are criticizing Carolyn Jessop for writing a book...what did you expect her to do? She sort of missed out on the career training (while she was trying to get on her feet and singly raise her kids) and possibly much education at all...Good for her! I hope she makes a mint! Go Carolyn!

DCP | 12:55 a.m. May 7, 2008

While I am a staunch believer in Womens Rights I am also a believer in religious freedom. By all means protect people, especially children from abusive behaviors. Make it clear that children are not to be threatened or injured by religious frevor. To some of us, allowing a child to die from a simple malady that an antibiotic could cure or the need for a blood transfusion, refusal of lifesaving medical treatment seems criminal. I haven't seen the court come in and round up those children.
As to Polygamy, why anyone would want two spouses is beyond me but if they are consenting adults I don't care. I have Amish neighbors who dress a little funny for my taste but they are honest,kind,loving people. They and thier children are spared much of the sensory overload we deal with on a constant daily basis. I might not choose to live my life like thiers but I am glad they are part of my community.
Bottom line? Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Stop illegal behavior, become educated and learn the difference between religious tolerance and failure to care.

SJ Bobkins | 1:38 a.m. May 7, 2008

To SB
Sorry, but my name has been the same for 50 years. I don't use an on-line name.
I don't know idea who you are, and I don't have time to read all the comments, including yours. I think you may be confused. No one speaks for me, and I have never tried to speak for anyone else.
Help the Paranoids are after me!

Defender | 1:57 a.m. May 7, 2008

People criticizing the removal of all the children from the compound are probably decent parents themselves who can't imagine anyone victimizing their own children. They need to wake up and smell the coffee. These FLDS women are brain-dead zombies who apparently have no power or desire to protect their children from harm. And stop making Carolyn Jessop the bad person. She's been there, done that, and is doing what she can to educate the public and help the Texas authorities deal with this problem. Shame on anyone who thinks this all about money for her.

Paul in MD | 5:44 a.m. May 7, 2008

To justthefactsmaam:

Do you realize that posting so frequently with nothing new to say makes you sound like one of those nutters wearing aluminum foil on your head to keep the government from reading your mind?

I don't know all the facts of the case, but I think Texas CPS is handling the children properly at this point. The parents were doing little to cooperate, were lying to authorities about which child was whose, and were STILL teaching the kids to do the same thing. Okay, given that they've been taught all of their lives that their prophet is good and the US Fed is bad, I can understand some of that. But seeing pregnant children is enough to warrant protecting the children, and since no one is being straight with which children belong to whom, Texas CPS are left with little choice.

Given the number of children it will take time to sort it all out. The responsible parties here are the FLDS leaders who let this situation develop, and the victims are the children.

Carolyn | 6:02 a.m. May 7, 2008

Hang in there....I actually did read your book along with several others such as "Under The Banner of Heaven, and "God's Brothel". I am starting the book "When Men Become Gods". I think that you and the others who have removed yourselves from this organization are to be commended. As they say "it will all come out in the end".

To: justthefactsmaam | 8:56 a.m. May 7, 2008

Statistics cannot be mistaken as facts. For example: Husband age 50. 4 wives, ages 65, 45, 45, 13. Statistics: Average age of husband = 50. Average age of wives = 42. No problem, right? But the truth may be deeper than your feeble statistics. Tell me the life story of the three 45 year-old wives (child brides?), taken from their first husbands and given to this husband. And did you notice the 13 year-old? And did you mention that the (facts?) that make up your statistics have been fabricated and ought to be questioned. My scenario may be made up for this discussion, but so are yours. Tell the whole truth, like the authorities are trying to get the FLDS to do. Then let's talk.

The Texan | 8:59 a.m. May 7, 2008

Strange, someone asks how can an ex-member be an expert of the group she left?

Apparently you haven't read the posts on the Salt Lake Tribune, they raise ex's to the status of hero worship on there. How, they get the pot boiling? Yes, she's probably biased, having left but she was in a place to be a good judge of what she saw. Wife to a counselor in the presidency brings certain things others don't have access to.

Tammy RN | 9:04 a.m. May 7, 2008

You folks all look like you could use some antidepressants on here. I think all these FLDS situations are terribly bad and not too religious. And I see too much abuse going on with the polygamist men. The FLDS cult is a religion based on a mans gratification and for men ONLY! to rule over women as slaves. The FLDS woman are so brainwashed that they will say and do anything these men ask of them. Cults like this need to be resolved and dissolved. I in no way believe polygamy was ever a revelation from God.

re:justthefactsmaam | 10:06 a.m. May 7, 2008

Go to myeldorado dot net to see the bishops list. It seems to be a partial list. I don't believe it has 450 children listed?

16 year old married to a 46 yr old at time of census, he has 7 other wives.

Another 16 yr old girl married to 35 yr old man with 4 other wives.

16 yr old married to 28 yr old man with 2 other wives.

2 other 16 yr old girls married as first wifes to 19 and 22 yr olds.

What we don't know is how old these girls were when they were married. To me this list just says how old they are at the time of this census.

This is one document CPS is using to keep the children.

Hysterical | 10:17 a.m. May 7, 2008

The men and the women were all raised in the same environment but it seems only the women are "brainwashed." Such comments defy logic.

HD | 10:26 a.m. May 7, 2008

We are all trying to understand the society that these people are involved with. The fact the Carolyn Jessop came from this group gives her some credibility to share her insight into how the FLDS function. This is what the State of Texas is trying to better understand. This is done in the court systems on a daily basis when "expert" witnesses are brought in to help shed light on issues. Although Ms Jessop does not have a Ph.D. in FLDS Studies, she does have practical experience and that experience is what is being asked for by the Texas authorities trying to unravel this mess. It would do everyone well to read her book and gain some understanding of what is going on in the FLDS society. The evidence provided so far in this case tends to substantiate Ms Jessop rather than discredit her. Everyone who writes a book does it based upon their own bias or in other words, their point of view. Based upon what we have seen in the FLDS community, there is only one point of view and no one thinks for themselves.

I HATED THAT MAN! | 10:44 a.m. May 7, 2008

To HD

I was once married to a polygamist man who had 4 wives. I HATED THAT MAN!!!!! AND NOW I HATE ALL MEN! ALTHOUGH, I HATED MY MAN MORE THAN ANY OTHER MEN OUT THERE. BOY! did I ever HATE THAT MAN!

TO Hd | 10:51 a.m. May 7, 2008

It is carolyn jessop who admits, albeit indirectly, that women DO think for themselves. Read about Warren Jeffs revelation regarding the ban of the color red. Carolyn Jessop stated that some women went so far as to tear out red rose bushes and planting pink ones, while other women continued to wear their red dresses. They clearly DO not have only one point of view, but as clearly defined individuals. You should be afraid for your own rights, especially if you are LDS since you too have a prophet and Mitt Romney was rejected as president because you all are perceived as following the prophet instead of individuals thinking for themselves. I would have though you mormons would "get" it because you are in a similar situation. Apparently, you would rather see rights eroded then admit you are more similar than you would believe. As a catholic, I follow the pope and see clearly how I could be judged by the government based on that. We catholics must all follow blindly the pope and "only have one point of view and no one thinks for themselves." Apparently I gave too much credit to you.

David | 10:54 a.m. May 7, 2008

Why is it you state that girls are undereducated, yet Carolyn Jessop states that the children are advanced educationally? You pick and chose what you want to believe and ignore the rest. To come to a good conclusion you must look at all the facts.

Anonymous | 11:10 a.m. May 7, 2008

Wrong, marrying a 14 year old girl to a 30 year old man is wrong. Being pregnate at 16 is wrong. Hitting your children to teach them is wrong. Having multiple wives is wrong. There is no excuse for it, religion is love and peace not mayhem. Anyone with a brain can see that the whole FLDS organization is compleatly insane those poor people have been brainwashed, abused and out of sorts for too long. Carolyn Jessop is a hero,a survior and a god send, who cares about the FLDS adults they are insane, save the children, its all about the children.

Paul in MD | 11:42 a.m. May 7, 2008

To Tammy RN - In the Old Testament, God specifically commands Solomon to take multiple wives. It was only when he took wives he wasn't commanded to marry that he got into trouble and fell out of favor with God.

That said, the FLDS folks have it all wrong, and the women and kids are suffering for it. Polygamy was never intended to fuel men's lusts, but to provide righteous women with righteous husbands. I think most folks would agree there are more good women than good men out there.

the old shell game | 11:49 a.m. May 7, 2008

It is unclear to me how any of these comments address whether or not child abuse was occurring. The 'average' age difference of FLDS couples is meaningless if a 13-year-old (a 6th grader!) was forced into sexual conduct with an adult. Whether Carolyn Jessop is telling the truth in her book is meaningless if 14-year-olds were forcibly impregnated. The age difference of non-FLDS couples is meaningless as well - this is moral relativism at its worse. Why not make the claim that OJ got away with murder, so who are we to judge child rapists? Why not make the claim that some people have both raped AND murdered, so even if the FLDS men are rapists it really isn't that bad?

You aren't fooling others with these ridiculous diversionary games - are you even fooling yourself? Really? We're talking about 6th and 7th grade girls here.

Tj | 12:34 p.m. May 7, 2008

Jessop said that she left because of Jeffs. She didn't like a lot of things going on but if you read her comments she says that before Jeffs changed things she would not have left. It almost sounds like she still believes in some of it but not all. I think that gives her credibility and she is not doing it because of hate for the FLDS. If it wasn't for Jeffs she would probably be right there with the other mothers that don't have their kids right now. She has good and bad feelings and that is a key.

Evidence | 1:11 p.m. May 7, 2008

There is NO evidence that any 13 year old girls were married to 30 year old men. I actually listened to a girl that left state that "they are waiting until the girls are years older." Read the bishops records for yourself. It lists the ages of the women. The CPS is determining ages based on Looks and these women don't wear makeup and are motivated to lie about their ages to stay with their children. I certainly would!

While you might not like a 16 year old getting pregnant, you need only go to my daughter's school. One girl was also pressured to marry the 19 year old boy after getting pregnant. It seems that you can find that age couple in the bishop's records as well. They too are monogamous. It is also quite legal in Texas, even if you don't like it. Only a few years ago, 14 was permitted. Yet how many instances in which a child is 14 and pregnant do you see CPS go after the guy? One need only look at Houston to find many cases. Why the FLDS?

Anonymous | 1:25 p.m. May 7, 2008

To- PAUL MD
I think there are just as many rotten woman in the world nowadays as there are men. In our society both men and woman control each other in many different ways. There seems to be a even balance of controlling today. Although, I am a man who definitely does not believe in polygamy and I would never subject my wife to that kind of cruelty. I also don't believe in controlling my wife nor she me, she has her freedom to think for herself. We help each other with decisions when needed. I have as well read the Bible and I have interpreted it quite differently then you. May I ask you, how true is the Bible? No one really knows. People write books just as Carol Jessop has from their own point of view. I am quite certain a lot of the Bible is made up and here say to benefit MAN. However, I do believe Carol Jessop is telling the truth. God bless her for coming forth.

To Tammy RN- I agree with you I don't think there ever was a revelation from God for polygamy-- wishful thinking for some men.

Juxtaposition | 2:34 p.m. May 7, 2008

For a supposedly caring, loving group who are just trying to live their religion, it's amazing how mean and vindictive some of them can be when one of their own exposes some of their dark, dirty secrets.

It's easy to see why more FLDS are afraid to speak out about the illegal and immoral practices instituted by their "prophet."

Re: justthefactsmaam | 2:50 p.m. May 7, 2008

"...have you read the SLC Tribune article where it is pointed out that these "14 to 17" women are women as old as 28 that have LIED about their ages in order to stay with their children?"

Apparently, according to mr. factsman, the SL Tribune has ALL of the facts in this case and we should just turn the investigation over to them and save Texas the trouble.

On the other hand, mr. justthefactsmaam appears to be one of the FLDS men who are desperately spamming this board in hopes of trying to stop the investigation before it arrives on their doorstep and fingers them as one of the child abusers who is responsible for this whole, nasty affair.

Sick & Wrong | 2:52 p.m. May 7, 2008

Whenever anyone in authority uses that authority to destroy a family then they are just plain wrong. That is not to say that what CPS did was right but given the basis for the initial invasion of the body snatchers it would appear that neither side is totally in the right. Unfortunately the children pay the price, it would be better if we all started referring this group as individual families rather than lumping them into one group ie: FLDS, as soon as anyone addresses this as a FLDS issue they make it about religion and their religious beliefs. The mere fact that they practice plural marriage is not the issue, its abusing young women and marriage to older men, their own records hold this fact to be true, no one is screaming about a 21 year old marrying a 75 year old if that is what the 21 year old wants, but when it takes place under force and the girl is under 17 by Texas Law regardless of the age of the man it is a criminal act and needs to be dealt with accordingly.

Pervert or Prophet? | 2:59 p.m. May 7, 2008

Is Warren Jeffs a pervert, child molester or a prophet, ask 12 jurors who found him guilty in a court of law which they found him.

For years this community lived in harmony with the rest of humanity, regardless of how they practiced their religion no one complained, in fact it was considered a peace loving community and life was happy. Then along came Warren, self proclaimed prophet who "had a revelation" that lowered the marriage age to under the legal age, now all his followers who believe him spend years brain washing little girls that it is a blessing and their duty to have as many children as possible and to begin as early as possible, and of course the parents should consult him (Pervert Warren) as to who the man should be to impregnate these young girls.

If you ask me Warren is the tip of the ice-berg when it comes to rounding all these sick perverts up, if removing the children is the only way to find them then so be it, there is a special place in hell for those who prey on little children. So far Jeffs is the ring-leader.

Mary amazed | 3:08 p.m. May 7, 2008

Can't believe the ignorance on display here. Who cares about Carolyn Jessop - I didn't read her book and don't care too. So being uninfluenced by her, and still think the FLDS folks are crazy and have perhaps put children at risk, the situation was certaily ripe for it: via illiteracy rampant-media controled-domineering men-subservient women-closed off community. I'd like to know what the cost of the welfare fraud has been? Wasn't that Green character sent to jail for welfare fraud - having been "spiritually married" but sending all his "baby mama's" down to the welfare office to support him in his double-wide? And wasn't it Jeff's who urged his followers to "bleed the beast" (via welfare fraud). Sounds like Jeff's and his henchmen were running a pyramid scheme and some women and innocent children were his pawns to get rich, and we the taxpayers are footing the bill. Color me very amazed at some of the supportive comments of what must be complete fools to sympathize with these evil men.

Jenny | 3:54 p.m. May 7, 2008

I would like to thank Carol Jessop for a great book. She has been through so much in her life. Me and my family appreciates her honesty. Good work Carol.

I am totally against Polygamy and always have been, and always will be--IT IS IMMORAL! I believe polygamy was a sick invention, by some sick men, to use God to have sex with young woman. It really doesn't take too much commonsense to figure this one out.

justthefactsmaam | 4:23 p.m. May 7, 2008

And did you notice the 13 year-old? And did you mention that the (facts?) that make up your statistics have been fabricated and ought to be questioned. My scenario may be made up for this discussion, but so are yours.

>>>Go Fish.

The stats, as has been stated here before (get Hooked on Phonics), came directly from the SLC Tribune. And they crunched the data from the 2007 Bishop's Census that was (likely illegally) seized during the Raid and Kidnapping.

The Bishop's record records only 4 or 5 wives married at either age 16 or 17. That's the reason why the average is so high at 21 for the monogamist wives and 31 average age for the polygynous wives.

Carolyn has sold you a bill of goods. There is no pervasive and systematic pattern of "underage" marriage. There is a systematic and pervasive pattern of national hysteria. You're clearly caught up in as well.

justthefactsmaam | 4:26 p.m. May 7, 2008

HD | 10:26 a.m. May 7, 2008
We are all trying to understand the society that these people are involved with. The fact the Carolyn Jessop came from this group gives her some credibility to share her insight into how the FLDS function. Although Ms Jessop does not have a Ph.D. in FLDS Studies, she does have practical experience and that experience is what is being asked for by the Texas authorities trying to unravel this mess. It would do everyone well to read her book and gain some understanding of what is going on in the FLDS society. The evidence provided so far in this case tends to substantiate Ms Jessop rather than discredit her. Everyone who writes a book does it based upon their own bias or in other words, their point of view.

>>>You are aware of course that apparently Carolyn's daugher who was 13 at the time of her "escape" IMMEDIATELY upon 18 returned voluntarily to her father claiming that her mother had physically abused her for years. It's my understanding that her daughter actually filed extensive police reports detailing this claimed abuse.

Anonymous | 4:29 p.m. May 7, 2008

Anonymous | 11:10 a.m. May 7, 2008
Wrong, marrying a 14 year old girl to a 30 year old man is wrong. Being pregnate at 16 is wrong. Hitting your children to teach them is wrong. Having multiple wives is wrong. There is no excuse for it, religion is love and peace not mayhem. Anyone with a brain can see that the whole FLDS organization is compleatly insane those poor people have been brainwashed, abused and out of sorts for too long. Carolyn Jessop is a hero,a survior and a god send, who cares about the FLDS adults they are insane, save the children, its all about the children.

>>>What if the REALITY is that the only mayhem that is occuring here is what is churning between your own two ears?

don't disagree BUT | 4:51 p.m. May 7, 2008

You don't arrest a ENTIRE COMMUNITY, arrest the OFFENDERS ONLY IN THE COMMUNITY.

Many FLDS are WRONG and TEXAS is WRONG

TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT

Texan | 5:03 p.m. May 7, 2008

If CPS applied the same standards to all of the neglected and abused chldren in Texas they would go bankrupt. This is great opportunity to show these "foreigners" and have some other religious fundamentalist crazies try to convert the FLDS chldren. For once the ACLU should step up.

Anonymous | 5:04 p.m. May 7, 2008

Does anyone know what is happening with the appeals case? Are they still planning to have the 60 day trial in front of one judge or are they going to dispurse them to other counties?

Anonymous | 5:12 p.m. May 7, 2008

The children were not arrested they are in protective custody.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.