Reader comments
Reid calls polygamous communities a form of 'organized crime'
126 comments | Read story
Anonymous | 9:29 a.m. July 24, 2008
always has been
Hillbillies to resume | 9:46 a.m. July 24, 2008
posting shortly. Defend, deny, justify.
cjohnson | 9:46 a.m. July 24, 2008
Reid said other crimes they commit include "welfare fraud, tax evasion,
massive corruption and strong-arm tactics to maintain what they think are the
status quo. These crimes are systematic, sophisticated and are frequently
carried out across state lines."
Someone ought to let Brother Reid that the same might be said of his hallowed halls in congress.
Someone ought to let Brother Reid that the same might be said of his hallowed halls in congress.
Comments continue below
SM | 9:46 a.m. July 24, 2008
I dont know about the FLDS (all religions have quirks for sure) but one thing is
for certain, Harry Reid IS organized crime.
Cats | 9:51 a.m. July 24, 2008
To say that these people are being "persecuted for their religion" is
a red herring. They are being pursued and prosecuted for CRIMES.
I have never been a supporter of Harry Reid, but I really appreciate his efforts on this issue. If he is able to do something to bring these perpetrators to justice, it will justify his being Senate Majority Leader on that basis alone.
Polygamy is illegal, immoral and degrading to women. The children are also victims of being raised in such a sick environment. Tax evasion, welfare fraud, etc. are also serious crimes that should be prosecuted.
Go Harry Reid.
I have never been a supporter of Harry Reid, but I really appreciate his efforts on this issue. If he is able to do something to bring these perpetrators to justice, it will justify his being Senate Majority Leader on that basis alone.
Polygamy is illegal, immoral and degrading to women. The children are also victims of being raised in such a sick environment. Tax evasion, welfare fraud, etc. are also serious crimes that should be prosecuted.
Go Harry Reid.
Shocked | 9:51 a.m. July 24, 2008
Reid is LDS and he makes judgments like this. I too am LDS and his comments are
not in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though I oppose polygamy
and think it is an apostate behaviour, I am embarrassed by Reid's rhetoric
because many polygmists do not act this way. Judge not that you be not judged.
Anonymous | 9:54 a.m. July 24, 2008
Polygamy is a crime, why is it being allowed to continue?
willy | 9:55 a.m. July 24, 2008
More bloviating by a pompous blowhard politician trying to make a name for
himself.
EdM | 10:01 a.m. July 24, 2008
Too bad that some of these groups are being painted with the broad brush of
paint when not all of these groups are the same.
I agree with Reid | 10:07 a.m. July 24, 2008
What's one man's religion can be a country's crime, i.e., the
FLDS racket and the US.
In some counties, it's religiously and legally acceptable to perform an "honor killing" when the family has been shamed, but in the US, it's illegal. In some countries, it's legal to practice polygamy, but not in the US. It almost sounds like their way of life is like the Taliban where the education of women is suppressed, where women are controlled by men, where the children are sheltered so much from the outside world that they don't even know what a crayon is. Something is terribly wrong when a religion must practice anarchy to have religious freedom in its own country.
What about the freedom of their citizens in the religion? Many controlling religious fanatics hide their crime under the guise of "religious freedom". Religious freedom is acceptable as long as it doesn't suppress the individual freedoms of others, and that includes women and children.
I agree with the law enforcement and Harry Reid. It's a racket and must be stopped. Hiding crime under the guise of religious freedom is not what our forefathers meant when they wrote the constitution.
In some counties, it's religiously and legally acceptable to perform an "honor killing" when the family has been shamed, but in the US, it's illegal. In some countries, it's legal to practice polygamy, but not in the US. It almost sounds like their way of life is like the Taliban where the education of women is suppressed, where women are controlled by men, where the children are sheltered so much from the outside world that they don't even know what a crayon is. Something is terribly wrong when a religion must practice anarchy to have religious freedom in its own country.
What about the freedom of their citizens in the religion? Many controlling religious fanatics hide their crime under the guise of "religious freedom". Religious freedom is acceptable as long as it doesn't suppress the individual freedoms of others, and that includes women and children.
I agree with the law enforcement and Harry Reid. It's a racket and must be stopped. Hiding crime under the guise of religious freedom is not what our forefathers meant when they wrote the constitution.
Stop inbreeding | 10:14 a.m. July 24, 2008
The Polygamists are criminals. The FLDS religion basically disrespects God in
every matter of the way by using God for their evil practices. Their set of made
up commandments are to; COMMIT ADULTERY, STEEL, LIE, CHEAT, among other FLDS
made up commandments. They thrive on making up their own commandments because it
benefit their doggish like animal habits. When a person has been raised to be a
stud or breeder, it is hard to make them realize that there is more to life than
just having sex.
Ghost of H.L. Mencken | 10:19 a.m. July 24, 2008
Funny. I think of political communities -- especially those serving in the U.S.
Congress -- as a form of "organized crime."
insist09 | 10:19 a.m. July 24, 2008
Does Harry Reid have n0othing better to do with his time?
nosugrof | 10:18 a.m. July 24, 2008
I read something that i never though i would read. A hate filled attack, in the
Senate, on people who were not given a chance to defend themselves. The Americam
People may not like polygamy. Be warned, Senator Reid, the American people have
a sense of fairness.rof
A word to the wise | 10:31 a.m. July 24, 2008
Any community who kicks out young men before they are unable to fend for
themselves is morally challenged.
Polygamy may be important to you, but it is not more important than all else. If you insist on doing strange things in the name of polygamy, you will continue to invite outside interference.
Polygamy may be important to you, but it is not more important than all else. If you insist on doing strange things in the name of polygamy, you will continue to invite outside interference.
What? | 10:33 a.m. July 24, 2008
Reid says it's a form of 'oganized crime'?
Was he talking about congress or polygamy groups?
Tired | 10:42 a.m. July 24, 2008
Yes, i am from utah. No i am not morman. No I don't know any polygamous
families. No, I don't know why we have to have a membership to the club
first.
get my drift
get my drift
Phantom Panther | 10:42 a.m. July 24, 2008
Now wait just a minute. Harry Reid is a major leader in the Democratic Party.
The same party that has a large wing that declares "when it comes to sex,
anything goes." So, how can Mr. Reid criticize the polygamists? Remember,
not all polygamists are marrying off underage girls. So Mr. Reid, "What
gives?"
And you too, | 10:49 a.m. July 24, 2008
Harry Reid, you too are part of the group of organized criminals called
congress. You have shirkedyour duty in order to win elections, you do not
represent those who elected you, and all you do is complain, yet you never solve
issues. I guess it is true that government's only job is to perpetuate its
own existence and you do a great job of that.
Dave | 10:47 a.m. July 24, 2008
He's one to speak about organized crime. It has been organized crime that
has made our nation, economy, schools, etc., etc., etc., ... the way it is! All
branches of the government are a form of organized crime.
Anonymous | 10:50 a.m. July 24, 2008
It is a Hillbilly lifestyle. Extremely backward and unexceptable in the 21st
century.
Beware of one hand clapping | 10:52 a.m. July 24, 2008
I am from VA (not FLDS of course)and I think it's wrong to not allow
those with differing opinions to speak esp when those speaking are attacking the
FLDS.
Why were the FLDS not allowed to speak for themselves before congress? Is Reid afraid of a little friction? While it's possible crimes were commited (and the people who committed their crimes should have a fair trial and face the consequences of their actions) I can't help but think there is an element of religious persecution going on.
And from all people- a Mormon.
Why were the FLDS not allowed to speak for themselves before congress? Is Reid afraid of a little friction? While it's possible crimes were commited (and the people who committed their crimes should have a fair trial and face the consequences of their actions) I can't help but think there is an element of religious persecution going on.
And from all people- a Mormon.
wrz | 10:54 a.m. July 24, 2008
Congress is a form of organized thievery and Ponzi schemes. Reid is its leader.
Dave | 10:58 a.m. July 24, 2008
And the Nevada gambling industry doesn't have elements of organized
crime?
It's interesting that Christian polygamist groups (those who don't consider the Book of Mormon as scripture) and Muslim polygamists aren't the target of these hearings. It's also interesting that the hearings were begun on PIONEER DAY, the LDS holiday.
It's interesting that Christian polygamist groups (those who don't consider the Book of Mormon as scripture) and Muslim polygamists aren't the target of these hearings. It's also interesting that the hearings were begun on PIONEER DAY, the LDS holiday.
Give Me Liberty | 10:59 a.m. July 24, 2008
Congress should also be considered a form of organized crime -- one of the most
destructive, corrupt, and overbearing. Too bad they are above the law.
Linda | 11:09 a.m. July 24, 2008
Go Harry!!! This time you are right on the money!!
Reid My Lips - Politics | 11:17 a.m. July 24, 2008
Senator Reid is a poor example of a Mormon, his actions show just how
judgemental and hypocritical this man is. I'm embarrassed by him, please
go aware Senator. Your words show us just how you care more about your own
personal political gain than anything else. You're drunk on your own
power.
FLDS | 11:18 a.m. July 24, 2008
Looks like the Mormons Boys are throwing rocks at the Plyg kids.
Marco | 11:21 a.m. July 24, 2008
If the feds actually stick to stopping crimes committed by polygamists (e.g.,
welfare fraud, child rape, bigamy (i.e., being legally married to more than one
live person at a time)), and the like, fine. This is a reasonable use of fed
resources, especially when states have been so reluctant to prosecute these
crimes.
Unfortunately, the feds actually that good at doing this. They aren't particularly adept at infiltrating insular groups and stopping crime. Gang activity is a great example. Also, it's inevitable the feds will overstep their bounds and try to control polygamists' legitimate free exercise rights.
These strong-arm actions, as they have in the past, will cause polygamists to retreat further from mainstream society, making it nealy impossible for the feds or anyone to infiltrate them. So, in the end, good luck feds. If your history is any indication, you won't do much good.
Unfortunately, the feds actually that good at doing this. They aren't particularly adept at infiltrating insular groups and stopping crime. Gang activity is a great example. Also, it's inevitable the feds will overstep their bounds and try to control polygamists' legitimate free exercise rights.
These strong-arm actions, as they have in the past, will cause polygamists to retreat further from mainstream society, making it nealy impossible for the feds or anyone to infiltrate them. So, in the end, good luck feds. If your history is any indication, you won't do much good.
Not all are MORMON polygamists | 11:27 a.m. July 24, 2008
The correct statemenmt is MORMON polygamous communities, not the blanket of all
polygamists in general. It was just on 20/20 this last Friday... there are
Christian polygamists and Jewish polygamists too. There are also Muslim
polygamists, etc.. All of them oppose the FLDS's crimes too. Do an
internet search for "national polygamy rights movement for consenting
adults" and you will see that non-Mormon plygamists around the country have
always opposed Jeffs and the FLDS's underage crimes. The media is being
controlled by the LDS to lie to the public by forcing the media to not explain
they are only going after MORMON polygamists. By removing the correct adjective
MORMON as they obey the LDS media-controllers, the media is intentionally
misrepresenting the story and facts.
Oklahoma Mormon | 11:30 a.m. July 24, 2008
The government needs to get out of the Big Brother mode and concentrate on their
illegal and immoral activities and leave us alone. Police themselves first.
What harm are we doing? We pay our taxes and "fees" that they subject
us to. Congress, mind your own business.
Sounds Good | 11:32 a.m. July 24, 2008
Now let's go after the homosexual lobby. With their strong-arm tactics of
suppressing opinions that differ from their own; in other words, their violation
of the 2nd amendment, we should be able to form a strong RICO case against them
using the same tactics and logic that Reid is going after the polygamous
communities with.
Mike Richards | 11:39 a.m. July 24, 2008
The Honorable Harry Reid might show that he respects women better by rescuing
them from the brothels in his home state, Nevada. He might show that he demands
that men respect women by outlawing using Nevada's daughters as paid sex
workers.
Mr. Reid knows better. He should act according to that knowledge. Starting a witch hunt to hide his failure as Senate Majority Leader is shameful.
If he wants to stop organized crime, how about shutting down the casinos first.
Mr. Reid knows better. He should act according to that knowledge. Starting a witch hunt to hide his failure as Senate Majority Leader is shameful.
If he wants to stop organized crime, how about shutting down the casinos first.
Anonymous | 11:40 a.m. July 24, 2008
On a very subtle level Reid is absolutely correct.
Break off polygamous sects of the Mormon Church participate in organized criminal activity, especially where government social services (both State and Federal) are concerned.
Food Stamp fraud is rampant among polygamous communities. WIC programs have been taken advantage of by polygamous mothers to the exclusion of more needy mothers and children in surrounding communities. All of this while the State and Federal family services are barred by the communities from interfacing with polygamous community law enforcement and courts. The list goes on.
Sadly, this has and is done in a very 'organized' and premeditated fashion, which is why Reid is correct in his assessment of labeling their activities of an illegal nature being akin to 'organized crime.'
It's a hard one to swallow, especially for the polygamous communities and their residents, but the fact is... it is a subversive form of organized crime.
And all of this in the name of keeping and doing the Lords will to perpetuate a legacy that long ago was disavowed by the rational and law abiding.
Interestingly, the 'crime' of polygamy seems to breed the crime of 'organized crime'...
Break off polygamous sects of the Mormon Church participate in organized criminal activity, especially where government social services (both State and Federal) are concerned.
Food Stamp fraud is rampant among polygamous communities. WIC programs have been taken advantage of by polygamous mothers to the exclusion of more needy mothers and children in surrounding communities. All of this while the State and Federal family services are barred by the communities from interfacing with polygamous community law enforcement and courts. The list goes on.
Sadly, this has and is done in a very 'organized' and premeditated fashion, which is why Reid is correct in his assessment of labeling their activities of an illegal nature being akin to 'organized crime.'
It's a hard one to swallow, especially for the polygamous communities and their residents, but the fact is... it is a subversive form of organized crime.
And all of this in the name of keeping and doing the Lords will to perpetuate a legacy that long ago was disavowed by the rational and law abiding.
Interestingly, the 'crime' of polygamy seems to breed the crime of 'organized crime'...
Why is Harry Reid Mormon? | 11:47 a.m. July 24, 2008
I have trouble understanding how Harry Reid is even a member of the LDS church.
We do not support polygamy and excommunicate those who participate in it, but
where does this meanness come from?
He lumps all polygamy members into a group of child-molesters and tax cheaters, when the vast majority are really good people.
Replace the word polygamist with the "illegal alien" and you could come to the same conclusions if you wanted.
Outlawing polygamy is unconstitutional anyway. Government has no right to forbid a religious practice.
He lumps all polygamy members into a group of child-molesters and tax cheaters, when the vast majority are really good people.
Replace the word polygamist with the "illegal alien" and you could come to the same conclusions if you wanted.
Outlawing polygamy is unconstitutional anyway. Government has no right to forbid a religious practice.
NYC "Hillbilly" | 11:53 a.m. July 24, 2008
Nice that Reid calls the hearing for roday-the day we celebrate the Mormons
finally arriving in the SL valley, away from the hands of their persecutors (who
were aided by U.S. and state governments).
The crimes polygamist leaders commit to maintain order are wrong. State and federal governments should rightly pursue the individuals who engage in these crimes (child abuse, rape, false imprisonment, kidnapping, etc.), and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
However, they should not prosecute just for being "polygamist." I love how it is acceptable to desire, fight for, even rule in favor of gay marriage, but not polygamist marriage. They are in many ways the same idea-a form of relationship best left to people and their understanding of God/religion.
Let the polygamists alone. Go after the child abusers, rapists, kidnappers, etc. with all possible speed and force.
And don't assume everyone who wants freedom is a hillbilly, please. Happy Pioneer Day.
The crimes polygamist leaders commit to maintain order are wrong. State and federal governments should rightly pursue the individuals who engage in these crimes (child abuse, rape, false imprisonment, kidnapping, etc.), and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
However, they should not prosecute just for being "polygamist." I love how it is acceptable to desire, fight for, even rule in favor of gay marriage, but not polygamist marriage. They are in many ways the same idea-a form of relationship best left to people and their understanding of God/religion.
Let the polygamists alone. Go after the child abusers, rapists, kidnappers, etc. with all possible speed and force.
And don't assume everyone who wants freedom is a hillbilly, please. Happy Pioneer Day.
John | 11:52 a.m. July 24, 2008
Polygamy itself should not be any more of a crime than gay marriage.
Darren | 11:52 a.m. July 24, 2008
Looks like the Snooze doesn't want to post any critical comments--again.
Cowards.
Republican from Utah | 12:13 p.m. July 24, 2008
I think all the Utah senators over the past 20 years should be ashamed that they
did not have the courage to say what Harry Reid has said today. Way to go
Brother Reid!
re: willy | 12:13 p.m. July 24, 2008
Be scared, be very scared, because the bloviating politician will soon be
focusing on your role in theses illegal activites.
RE: Shocked | 12:15 p.m. July 24, 2008
And we have also been taught to live by the laws of the land. Polygamy IS a
crime, whether you feel they act abusive or not. Do you not support him in that
effort, since part of Reid's job is to uphold the law?
Goodness. . . | 12:19 p.m. July 24, 2008
Carolyn forgot the simple rules her mother taught her. Never, ever tell a lie.
I am FLDS, a woman, and have three vehicles licensed, and insured, in my name.
I drive to town (all by myself) All The Time. So did she.
Southern Utah Resident | 12:21 p.m. July 24, 2008
For once Reid has it right on this one!
The FLDS use their boys as slave labor denying them a proper education. They abandon and disown young boys in the streets of Southern Utah. The older men rape their young girls. They cheat the government in every way possible including welfare fraud.
Indeed they are organized crime!
The FLDS use their boys as slave labor denying them a proper education. They abandon and disown young boys in the streets of Southern Utah. The older men rape their young girls. They cheat the government in every way possible including welfare fraud.
Indeed they are organized crime!
WOW!! | 12:24 p.m. July 24, 2008
We have a Mormon Congressmen going after polygamists. The reason there is
polygamy in the FLDS religion, is because the Mormons started it. Its always
been wrong, even while the Mormons practiced it. All they're
"Prophets" that practiced it were all perverts like the people doing
it today. Hypocrisy at it's finest.
Politics and Truth | 12:27 p.m. July 24, 2008
Much of what Harry Reid is saying is true. His blanket judgement that all
polygmists are committing crimes is a little broad.
True polygmy is against the law.
There are groups who only practice as adults and do not sponge off the goverment. They are legally only married to one wife and the other women are spirtitual partners.
There are many people that live together so it would tough to say enforce this law against this group but not anybody else.
If the Warren Jeffs group would quit marrying off teen brides and then have them live off the government all of this attention would go away.
Warren Jeffs has lead them to there own destruction. So now they are sowing what they have reaped.
Let the investigations begin, understanding that Harry Reid is a politician that has done some grand standing. I guess that is what it takes these days to get attention.
True polygmy is against the law.
There are groups who only practice as adults and do not sponge off the goverment. They are legally only married to one wife and the other women are spirtitual partners.
There are many people that live together so it would tough to say enforce this law against this group but not anybody else.
If the Warren Jeffs group would quit marrying off teen brides and then have them live off the government all of this attention would go away.
Warren Jeffs has lead them to there own destruction. So now they are sowing what they have reaped.
Let the investigations begin, understanding that Harry Reid is a politician that has done some grand standing. I guess that is what it takes these days to get attention.
ya buddy | 12:29 p.m. July 24, 2008
No matter how many times you say a lie it doen't make it true. Dan fisher
and carolyn have lied every time they spoke. Search the facts before you print.
Laughing Out Loud | 12:29 p.m. July 24, 2008
Can't believe all the patently absurd comments here today trashing Harry
Reid (obviously from the polygamist camp). I'm far from a Harry Reid fan,
but I'd have come down on his side on this one.
RE Shocked's comments: what exactly about Sen. Reid's comments is out of harmony with the Savior's teachings? If the Savior were commenting about leaders of a group that was guilty of "welfare fraud, tax evasion, massive corruption and strong-arm tactics", do you somehow believe that He would condone that? Remember he's characterizing the leaders of these groups and the tactics they use to remain in power, not necessarily the "follower" families and individuals in the groups.
Perhaps you believe the Savior would condone a leader or a father forcing a young woman into a marriage against her will, or keeping a mother and her children prisoner in their own house? Do you think you may have lost a little perspective here?
RE Shocked's comments: what exactly about Sen. Reid's comments is out of harmony with the Savior's teachings? If the Savior were commenting about leaders of a group that was guilty of "welfare fraud, tax evasion, massive corruption and strong-arm tactics", do you somehow believe that He would condone that? Remember he's characterizing the leaders of these groups and the tactics they use to remain in power, not necessarily the "follower" families and individuals in the groups.
Perhaps you believe the Savior would condone a leader or a father forcing a young woman into a marriage against her will, or keeping a mother and her children prisoner in their own house? Do you think you may have lost a little perspective here?
deflectors & deniers | 12:43 p.m. July 24, 2008
To all you defenders of your cousins - that is fine. But I am tired of paying
for their welfare state, compensating for not having to pay property taxes,
creating and destroying corporations, decarling bankruptcies and gowing under
ground to avoid paying taxes and prosecution.
Keep your blinders on. But I will support any politition who has the will to call it for what it is. And the fact the Reid is LDS, makes his fight more powerful.
Keep your blinders on. But I will support any politition who has the will to call it for what it is. And the fact the Reid is LDS, makes his fight more powerful.
Cosmo | 12:44 p.m. July 24, 2008
Another side show to distract the people. Remember this, Harry Baby thinks 5.00
per gallon for fuel is
good. His Demo-nazis, don't want the U.S. to be free
from OPEC. They are trying to stop the Congress from
repealing the No Drill policy on our continental shelves, now you know the real reason for these Monkey Shines. Bread and Circus, anyone!
good. His Demo-nazis, don't want the U.S. to be free
from OPEC. They are trying to stop the Congress from
repealing the No Drill policy on our continental shelves, now you know the real reason for these Monkey Shines. Bread and Circus, anyone!
Lars | 12:45 p.m. July 24, 2008
The polygamist communities need a good old dose of Airborne Division to enforce
the law, like the South did in the 1950's and 1960's to enforce
integration. Send the troops into the communities, tear down the walls, and if
needed enter the so-called "temples" to enforce the law and free the
children to live their own lives.
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