Reader comments
FLDS win big victory

127 comments   |   Read story

patriot | 12:24 a.m. May 23, 2008
The lawsuits to recover damages need to start now. In addition, the bureaucrats who perpetrated this atrocity need to be prosecuted, and held personally liable. The people of the United States are disgusting for not making more of an outcry on this. I probably wouldn't like most members of the FLDS, but that doesn't make these government atrocities any easier to stomach.
Fumarase deficiency | 12:27 a.m. May 23, 2008
FLDS diagnosed cases of this rare genetic disorder which can severely restrict the life expectancy of children have not featured in the antics at the ranch. Texas now has responsibility for hundreds of children affected by the Jessop/Barlow descendants genetic carriers of the condition. Let us hope those children have had genetic screening and that plans for them take this into account.
Has anyone detected any media or legal attention to the phenomenal rise in diagnosed cases in FLDS communities in several states and isn't this an important factor in the Jessop families? The genetic combinations of sexual relationships between carriers in the small communities of FLDS in several states account for the rise in prevalence of an extremely rare condition elsewhere. I think we should be told about this and surely this is a factor to be evaluated in plans for children affected.
New Mexico | 12:33 a.m. May 23, 2008
The newest court ruling is all well and good, but I wonder how the court, attorneys, and general public will feel the next time a 14 year old girl is forced to marry some fat old slob three times her age or some poor young man is forced to leave home because the fat old slob can't handle the competition......all in the name of the Lord?? There has to be a better solution than to continue allowing these men to control every aspect of their wive's and children's lives. Perpetual servitude is what is happening under the guise of religion.
Comments continue below
Gramma | 12:47 a.m. May 23, 2008
Finally, some semblance of justice. I don't trust those scum of the earth CPS, though, it would be just like them to oppose the Court of Appeal. They are ruthless baby stealers, and will stop at nothing, having no shame, and no heart.

The outrage is growing, though, and this is only the beginning of the movement against CPS. They must, as every good citizen now realizes, be abolished forever.
EX FLDS M COOKE | 1:06 a.m. May 23, 2008
TEXAS....PROVE THE ABUSE or give back the children. I came from the FLDS and being judgemental of others, strick blind obedience,lack of trusting your own conscience and arranged marriages are all abuse to me, but they are not breaking the law. Prove that there are underage girls pregnant or being abused or admit you took the kids away based on a rumor. I had my children taken away from me on a rumor started and circulated by some of the FLDS and got mine back after it was shown that I was innocent. Yes it hurts to have your loved ones turn against you just because of a difference in belief. Many of the closed minded teachings are found all over the world and so are pregnant teenagers. Prove they have underage mothers that are forced to have sex or treat them like you do everyone else. It is not illegal to look different, or teach children to be self righteous. I want my childeren to believe they are good and trust in a God that allowes us to be individuals and still love unconditionally those that have chosen to be different. Prove illegal actions or give up the fight
Deaf Ears | 1:07 a.m. May 23, 2008
Texas court did the LAWFUL thing for these people. The Justices could not rule otherwise because the Texas CPS engaged in flagrant violations of the Constitution and due process. Of course it�s not over by any means but at least puts a stop to the CPS steamrolling machine. It�s disgusting by any standard. Over 450 kids from FLDS ranch kidnapped and tortured by Texas authorities. Yes, I believe tearing a child from its mother�s arms and sending him/her to a stranger� home is torture for the child and the mother. Just think of the harm done to families by these sicko state agencies. Multiply that thousands of times around the country. It's time for all the states to rethink their so called mandate to "protect the children" and get out of the business of social engineering and morality policing. Family services? More like family dis-services in Texas.
Joe | 1:55 a.m. May 23, 2008
Texas CPS will not go down without a fight. Hopefully this sorry mess will get resolved and the children will be returned before too much time passes.

What would really be great is if the FLDS took a few lessons to heart, specifically:

Not all the world is against you; it is possible to find common ground with people who have different points of view.

When law enforcement investigates, tell the whole truth. When stories change and facts are omitted, law enforcement gets suspicious, leading to further investigation and trouble.

Continuing to engage in plural marriage may be tolerated by society; allowing child bride marriages will not be tolerated. Those who promote or conduct these marriages will continue to be hounded by the law. Continue to engage in this activity at your own peril.

Finally, the lifestyle promoted by Hollywood and the godless is not universal. There are a lot of people who live moral lives, avoid premarital sex, drugs, think of abortion as an abomination, and try to follow the Savior in word and deed. Passing universal judgment is no more fair than all FLDS being lumped together, is it?

Come visit us sometime; you might be pleasantly surprised.
marty | 3:17 a.m. May 23, 2008
Funny how the ACLU has not weighed in on this civil liberties issue. The FLDS belief system doesn't fit with thier liberal, one world view. But one cannot argue that this is every bit as bad as state sanctioned (dare I say, mandated) disruption of families on a par with the 19th century slave trade. And to think that I was at one time proud to call myself a Texan.
MassTransplant | 3:34 a.m. May 23, 2008
A story from the civil rights movement, during a U.S. Senate hearing:

The Alabama sheriff announced that he arrested the man because he might commit a crime.

Bobby Kennedy suggested, sharply, that the sheriff should go back and read the Constitution.


A Texas/YFZ tie-in:

The CPS and local judges in this case probably ought to do the same, for they have saved the children from a crime that might be committed.


For all of us:

We should now, right now, turn ourselves in, confess that we could very well, in the future, commit a crime.

Possibly, we may have to go to Texas or some location close by to get arrested for that possible future crime, or we would end up in a padded cell instead.

edited update
north carolina | 3:54 a.m. May 23, 2008
Praise God.Now those children can go home.The ranch needs to incorporate as a town with each household having it's own address so this can never,ever happen again.
On fumerase Deficiency | 5:04 a.m. May 23, 2008
The Amish also have various disorders related to inbreeding, but you might also note that AUTISM is virtually unheard of in that society. While I appreciate the bad, you must also accept and not ignore the good that comes from inbreeding. Should we "evaluate" blacks and Mediterraneans because they carry sickle cell or Jews because of Tay-Sachs? Should we "evaluate" every person blond and blue eyed since those are also recessiveness issues AND a by-product of inbreeding? The issue you have is the "ew" factor from current societal standards which STILL fluctuate as can be seen with the allowance of first cousin marriages in the U.S. and NO incest laws on the books in France. The biggest problem that you are ignoring though is that a third cousin or beyond might marry in the FLDS AND still produce an affected child. This would be quite legal, yet still produce the problem. The difference though is that the FLDS would not abort, which likely impacts why they have so many affected children are born and raised in that compound. Aborted fetuses aren't counted in the fumerase numbers.
JND | 5:38 a.m. May 23, 2008
Ha! Celebrate now! Who still has the kids? Too bad for you, polygamy lovers.
Sandee | 5:42 a.m. May 23, 2008
The question I've always had regarding this case is "Who will be next?". If this seizure of children en masse was allowed to stand,it would set a very dangerous precedent. What religion's teachings would come into question next? There are already movements out there claiming that certain teachings in many Christian denominations (such as homo-sexuality being morally wrong,etc) are "dangerous". How far would they go in "protecting" children?
FromTexas | 5:47 a.m. May 23, 2008
At first I thought that the FLDS was guilty of all the things accused of. While I don't condone the practices of FLDS, especially the "child brides", I feel CPS was wrong again, as usual. CPS accused my friends of child abuse when their daughter broke her leg. Claimed it was done by her dad because of the nature of the break. Kids were taken away for 2 weeks before the mother got 50% custody back... her husband had to move out, and the other 50% was given to her dad. Father was finally allowed to move back home after a year, and after the judge then threw out the case! I think CPS oversteps their bounds a lot, even though some cases are liget, this was not. Yeah for FLDS!
Kate | 5:51 a.m. May 23, 2008
Where are all the fathers? Wouldn't they want their kids back too? Or their wives for that matter?
Buck | 6:11 a.m. May 23, 2008
The real lawbreakers and criminals are the CPS and the sheriffs who kidnapped children at gunpoint based on an easily verifyed pack of lies.
The CPS went on to hold adult mothers against their will, to violate the constitution by taking childrens holy books - something which has never been done in the history of this country,
the CPS separated families by hundreds of miles, lied about the ages of mothers,
and lied yet again about pregnancies to try to bolter their failed case.
- What needs to happen now is criminal and civil charges against the perpetrators of these many crimes.
Its also sad that based on some shock words so many were willing to forget all the laws and condemn before proving guilty.
Charles | 6:24 a.m. May 23, 2008
CPS will not go into the inner city and pull this same kind of raid, looking for the person that got a 13 year old pregnant, they will not do it and you know why. It was easy to go to the FLDS Ranch with their state of texas army guns etc. draging off mothers and children and than taking the children away from their mothers it,s shameful that this can happen in the good old USA well it did happened and shame on texas
KnotinTexas | 6:26 a.m. May 23, 2008
"Prove they have underage mothers that are forced to have sex or treat them like you do everyone else." By definition, an underage mother (below the age of consent) was forced to have sex. Sure, there is hysteria surrounding the FLDS in Texas, but the issue is what else should CPS have done? How many underage mothers are necessary before CPS should remove the underage children and conduct a hearing?
Anonymous | 6:29 a.m. May 23, 2008
I believe the primary (perhaps the only) difference in the doctrine of the LDS and FLDS is polygamy. I've watched with interest the developments taking place in San Angelo, comparing and contrasting them with the challenges faced by the early LDS church. The attitudes of "nonbelievers" is quite similar. Basic civil rights were ignored in both settings but fortunately the judicial branch of our government has matured. There are still concerns about forced marriages that deserve investigation and can be resolved through regularly scheduled interviews with the parties. Since the marriages are sanctioned neither by the state of Texas nor the federal government, individual rights would prevail if anyone wished to get out of an abusive relationship. Brainwashing, in the 19th century and today, was an easy rationalization to taking action against people whose values and beliefs lies at or beyond the edges of social norms.
russ | 6:54 a.m. May 23, 2008
The case is headed to the Tx. supreme court. Everyone take their two hands and get a good grip on themselves. You can see that this is headed to the US Supreme Court too.

And that takes time.

The wheels of justice are slow but steady.
Grandma | 6:55 a.m. May 23, 2008
I was glad to see this happen. We should all be a bit frightened of Texas' stormtrooper approach to removing children en masse on the basis of some heresay that hasn't been proven. If this is allowed to continue, we could all be at peril if someone cried wolf about abuse.

Are there bad eggs in the FLDS group? Yes. But are all the people there abusive? NO!

I think this whole thing should be a terrible example to us of how much fear rules our country right now.

Again, if abuse is really going on, prove it. And do something about the perpetrators, as has been done with Warren Jeffs. If not, and the people just seem weird to others, LEAVE THEM ALONE!

Hey, New Mexico | 6:55 a.m. May 23, 2008
I don't remember seeing anyone that was fat or a slob coming from that ranch. Were you looking at the Enquirer or maybe Good Morning America and seeing all the regular americans out there when you made that comment? These people look healthy, trim, neat and I hear they are even respectful (GASP!). Stop listening to the CPS garbage and take a breath. I live in Texas and from what you were describing the FLDS men to be you might have been describing about 98 percent of the men in San Antonio, the third fattest city in the nation, not the FLDS. I am shocked at the religious bigotry I am seeing or hearing about. The Bible Belt rages on....
Lee | 7:22 a.m. May 23, 2008
The Court was absolutly correct in it's ruling.These were "findings of fact". That the Texas CPS used tactics from the Third Riech to tear away these children from thier mother's arms!Single abuse cases can be prosecuted and should be.Texas CPS made a "blanket judgemental" decision on prosecuting the entire group.These people have the same rights as all Americans have.Once again, the Constitution & The Bill of Rights prevail!!BTW, where is the ACLU?
Re: Fumarase deficiency... | 7:23 a.m. May 23, 2008
Thanks so much for your fine scientific analysis. It takes a real mensas to research wikipedia. You are a real credit to your genetic pedigree. What is your point anyway. Are you a fascist or something?
Brave New World | 7:28 a.m. May 23, 2008
Let's assume that all of this leads to legalization of polygamy. Fast forward a few years, say to 2020. At this point, polygamy is now "accepted & legal". Realize that the birth ratio has now (and always has been) about 105 boys to 100 girls born. Now, the wealthy & powerful will get all the girls. Many young men will become "lost boys" (google Warren Snow & Thomas Lewis--just for fun), not enough girls to go around. Women will become a commodity, much like cattle. Wealthy & powerful men will trade women & young girls like expensive sports cars. Sound good to you?

Remember, bigamy is against the law in all 50 states and there is no doubt that it is being practiced in this case. Same thing for statutory rape, girls under age 18 with multiple children fathered by men twice their age is "statutory rape". No doubt about it, it's going on (along with inbreeding & genetic disorders, coersion, threats, etc.). Prosecute these people, enforce the laws of the land. Do it or things will get really ugly. There are those in the LDS Church itching to bring polygamy back and we wouldn't want it.
59 year old dad | 7:33 a.m. May 23, 2008
"The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services issued a statement on Thursday defending the raid.

"When we see evidence that children have been sexually abused and remain at risk of further abuse, we will act," it said."

It looks like the CPS violated their own stated policy by acting first before having any evidence. Even my own kids knew at an early age that they were supposed to "think before you act."

No, I'm not an FLDS member. I live on the east coast but follow the news. I didn't find it that difficult to follow this story because I studied not only Deseret News, but several papers from Texas, DFPS's own web site, ACLU, the FLDS's own web site, and several blogs. It was clear from the very beginning to me that even if there was some truth to rumors of illegal activities on the ranch, the Texas authorities were on an admitted all out witch hunt to destroy a community.

Aside from religious beliefs, I'm impressed with the amazing industry that the FLDS demonstrate, building a beautiful community, teaching the kids to be healthy, well behaved, and to be ready and willing participants in chores, etc.
Has anyone thought... | 7:37 a.m. May 23, 2008
I don't know if anyone has had the thought that all of us are reading from a newspaper or other form of media and getting hyped by what may be CPS or media perversions intended to hide or distort for various reasons or agendas! The facts of what is happening back at the ranch are mostly if not all media fed and we are all victims of their information be it good or bad. I always cringe when I read something about religion in the papers. I don't believe it is ever easy to adequately describe spiritual practise or beliefs to someone else. Religion in this world today has been marked as superstition and even within the different churchs or denominations there is skeptisism. We are all very hard at times on each other. Why? Is it that we are looking for verification of our own beliefs and feelings? Is it that we need to "Know" truth but fear others who claim to have a different truth? Religions have been called cults by anyone that doesn't believe similarly including Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Pagans... What about the big cult...the MEDIA! Should we fear them?
Southern Utah Resident | 7:41 a.m. May 23, 2008
Guess the FLDS can get back to business as usual.

*Old men raping and impregnating young girls.
*Welfare fraud.
*Child slave labor.
*Abandoning young boys leaving them homeless.
*Failing to educate children.
*Child abuse.
*"Re-assigning" wives and families by convicted felon Warren Jeffs.
*And oh yea, Polygamy... which is still a felony in Utah... but ignored by our Attorney general.

Letter to CPS | 7:45 a.m. May 23, 2008
The Texas CPS dug themselves into a very deep hole. The Texas Court of Appeals has lowered a ladder for them. If CPS is smart, they will announce that they will comply with the order from the Court of Appeals, return the children quickly, but proceed with an investigation and hearings.

The whole thing will be come under scrutiny for a few days, and then quiet down. Hopefully, the trial judge will order the FLDS families to cooperate, and this matter can be handled in a more orderly manner.

I don't know if any CPS officials will read this, but if you are: Here is your chance to get out of this mess without losing too much prestige. Simply comply with the order from the Court, and return the children.
Changes | 7:56 a.m. May 23, 2008
Hopefully this will at least lead to some changes across all polygamous groups that prevent anyone underage from entering into a polygamous marriage. I'm not sure much can be done about the brainwsashing aspect of a cult but society can at least insist it's children are not being forced into sexual relationships in the name of religion. Then it is up to each state to up its legal age to marry in order to give these kids a little more time to be kids.
Mahonri | 8:11 a.m. May 23, 2008
Good for the FUNDAMENTALIST Mormons, the only ones who are still living the teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. They do not compromise for the sake of money and property.
Here's hoping they take the whole plural marriage question all the way to the Supreme Court and have it declared legal. Then the LDS can reinstitute the practice openly and get back to the REAL Gospel.
Colorado | 8:24 a.m. May 23, 2008
Wait and see folks - no one in CPS or law enforcement will pay a consequence for these unconstitutional acts and government "abuse" of these women and children. Time and time again, we read of government abuse at all levels - with nothing more than a verbal slap on the wrist. What has really changed, is that the police, the courts, and other government agencies, do as they please - with no accountability and no consequences for their crimes. They are the real terrorists of our day, not the "law abiding" citizens.
WashCo | 8:38 a.m. May 23, 2008
Regardless of all the sympathy to the FLDS, These perverts are still raping little girls (statutorily) with the mother's encouragement and knowledge. At least Texas tried to do the right thing. Hooray for those who have broken free.
realitycheck | 8:41 a.m. May 23, 2008
I've had a change of heart. I wish to convert.

BAM BAM.. there - I killed my dogs

HEY HEY - Now I've gotten my sister's daughter pregnant and locked her in my back yard....

Now she's had 5 kids so I let her out and put her kids back there so she'll "stay sweet"...

I've brainwashed them all so they obey my every command...

Now I've traded some of my daughters for my brother's daughters and taken them as wives. They've had more kids and they're all in the backyard. (Backyard has no weeds now and looks good)..

All the boys are working at my construction site for no pay - wow, this is great...

I'm giving all my money to the prophet (since I don't need a college fund for these kids)...

I just painted my car green because the prophet said red was no good.

BAM BAM - killed another dog that was wandering around...

Any other criteria? I really want to fit in....


debo | 8:58 a.m. May 23, 2008
WE CANNOT GIVE UP THE LAWS OF GOD. IF EVER WE MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN THE LAWS OF MEN AND THE LAWS OF GOD, WE WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THE LAWS OF GOD. IF THE LAW MAKERS WOULD UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES THERE WOULD NEVER BE A LAW AGAINST WHAT WE DO; FOR WE LIVE HIGHER THAN THEIR LAWS, OUR LAWS ARE MORE STRICT, MORE PERFECT THAN ANY LAWS THEY SHOULD PASS; BUT THE WICKED HAVE PASSED LAWS TO DESTROY THE PRIESTHOOD SO WE MUST UPHOLD THE LAWS OF GOD.
Yes, These are Abused Children | 9:05 a.m. May 23, 2008
Without question, we can all agree that these children are victims of child abuse; unfortunately the facts are being established that over 99% of all the abuse these children received in their lives occurred in the last two months, the day the raid took place. For those deluded into thinking children are better off in the hands of CPS workers, think again. The obsessions with children and perverse activities with children demonstrated by the CPS workers is not unique to Texas but in states all across the country.
? | 9:27 a.m. May 23, 2008
I smell a supreme court ruling
pervasive pattern | 9:31 a.m. May 23, 2008
CPS believes there is, in the FLDS, a pervasive pattern of abuse, but have no evidence. FLDS believe, in the CPS, there is abuse, and have more evidence than could be documented in a lifetime.
Reason | 9:30 a.m. May 23, 2008
I want to congratulate the State of Utah, particularly our Attorney General, for the reasoned way in which they have approached the polygamy issue. By applying the rule of law they have set a standard by which Texas should have taken note.
Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. May 23, 2008
Judge Barbara Walther sounds like she needed to be put in her place. I have never agreed with the idea that they took the smallest children away from their moms arms and given to strangers.
Abuse | 9:35 a.m. May 23, 2008
I feel that Abuse is wrong, and anyone Abusing anyone else, needs to be brought to justice, now can some one with FACTS explain to me what this has to do with FLDS, as far as i can see they the Fathers, Mothers and Children of the FLDS are 100% victims, by all means stop abuse but leave these people alone while you do it

the way I see it every individual involved was given a choice to be a Patriot or a Terrorist, sadly most in power chose to be terrorists.

I'm just glad to see that our/my justice system still works
THEY HAVE GOT IT RIGHT | 9:40 a.m. May 23, 2008
YOU DON'T ROUND UP A WHOLE COMMUNITY OF SEPERATE FAMILYS BASED ON A FAKE PHONE CALL.

THROW THE PROVEN OFFENDERS IN JAIL RELEASE THE NON OFFENDERS AND INNOCENT.
Open your eyes | 9:41 a.m. May 23, 2008
Anyone who know FLDS personally, or who has ever been involved, or been a TRUE member of their sect, knows darn well these people will pull the wool over even their wives eyes. It's called CONTROL! and they do it very well. So, for those who think they are so sweet-YOU ARE WRONG! Those women are brainwashed into looking and acting the way they do. DON'T FOOL YOURSELVES! And the older men do go after the younger women. They even fight over who has who, and some times switch wives, or kick some of the FLDS fellows out. There are more men in the FLDS cult then there are women.
wrz | 9:48 a.m. May 23, 2008
"TEXAS....PROVE THE ABUSE or give back the children. I came from the FLDS and being judgmental of others, strict blind obedience,lack of trusting your own conscience and arranged marriages are all abuse to me..."

Using your criteria, the entire world is being abused.
patriots | 9:50 a.m. May 23, 2008
Crime is crime, and it is being punished every day in this country. I do not want crime to go unpunished, but i do want another crime to be committed in so doing. Terrorists such as realitycheck do not want due process, they want to terrorize me as an American and say that if I don't support Texas in their unconstitutional behavior than i am not a patriot. I say down with tyrants! Child abuse is wrong and it is being dealt with WITHIN the laws in every state of the union. This is not an attack on the FLDS, this is an attack on me as an American!
Joe Moe | 9:51 a.m. May 23, 2008
To all those who vilify CPS or DCFS, a few comments. There have been mistakes and abuses. Systems, policies, and personnel can always be improved. But hundreds and thousands of children are better off because these agencies exist. The day-to-day muck and mire that these social workers go through as they try to help suffering and abused children counter-indicates the blanket condemnations some of you are giving out.
Susan | 9:52 a.m. May 23, 2008
>>... the Texas CPS engaged in flagrant violations of the Constitution and due process.<<

That's what seems to happen every time the government sets its sights on a religion.
LDS IN SA | 9:53 a.m. May 23, 2008
Congrat's to the FLDS! One question: Has there been one person arrested from any of the "charges"? Prayers are heard. Let the FLDS alone. Give back the children.
finally! | 9:55 a.m. May 23, 2008
I am so excited and hope Judge Walther isn't going to try to stop the return of the children/babies to their moms.
Some of you people seem so bitter about the FLDS getting your knowledge from the media and those who have left the FLDS church. You can hear a lot of negative things on all religions talking to those who have left. Why don't you visit the places of the FLDS and see what is going on yourself before judging.

I am positive the children are much happier, healthier, and better off with their moms.
wrz | 9:57 a.m. May 23, 2008
When law enforcement investigates, tell the whole truth."

You don't have to tell the truth... or say anything. Says so in the Miranda Rights. Which these people were not read upon their "arrest."

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.

Image
LM Otero, Associated Press

Esther Jessop Barlow, left, and Monica Sue Jessop, right, are joined by other FLDS members as they leave the Tom Green County Courthouse Thursday after hearing news of a court ruling in their favor in San Angelo, Texas.

previousnext

Latest comments

Letters: Roundabouts great

You must have a pretty short commute if a roundabout could cut your whole...

"and spending that have ballooned the deficit." what reality is Obama...

Was not built in a day

If I must guess who has more knowledge - BYU professors or couch-surfing,...

How do they know this is the warmest year or decade? They are still...

BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall

Plenty of stones have been thrown between the two sides over the past...

this is just silly, Mapleton needs to jump on the chance to grab ahold of...

Revive full food tax?

How can anyone be in favor of paying more for anything. You are all talking...

It would take a month. One glorious month. I have no problem with an extra...

Good win not a good game. Jazz got lucky to hold. Who is Bonner? If Jerry use...

Advertisements