<![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Rebecca: Perhaps not "required", but most definitely "encouraged".

BeachLover420

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> [www.msnbc.msn.com]

If this link works, its an interview on a morning show with a former wife from a polygamist compound. In my opinion, leaves little doubt that this way of life can in any form benefit children (ultimately of all ages) or females, regardless of whether it's "all they know".

nyobserver

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> And P.S., because I think you'd jump at this, I don't mean anything derogatory by kitty cat. I also could've used a "big schul word" which probably would've been more offensive in your eyes.

femifister

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @nardo218: Take it easy there kitty cat. I'm entitled to use any language I want to so long as I'm being respectful and am contributing to the conversation. I'm WELL aware of the earlier conversation. I considered what you said, commended you on the things that made sense, then contributed. You're welcome.

femifister

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @femifister: I was responding to a convo at the beginning of the first page. Some folks were hoping that once the mens were removed, the women would take over. Unfortunately, abusive situations aren't as simple as one aggressor and a victim who silently stews over the injustice of it all.

But you prolly know that, what with all your big schul wurds.

nardo218

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @TigerTail: Things fall apart. If white people and modernity can destroy the culture of an entire continent, I think we can do quick work on a small community inside a first world country. While this kind of thinking can pop up again and again, I think it's the beginning of the end for this sect's cell.

nardo218

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I wish they could remove the pedophiles from the compound and cart them off to jail instead of sending 400+ completely sheltered kids into the foster system.

I guess the burden of proof to remove them from suspected harm is much less than the proof you need for a warrant, but that seems like a much better option for these children.

missbheave (is not convinced)

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @BeachLover420: Nobody in the LDS church is required to tithe over 50%.

Rebecca, in China

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @nardo218: WOAHWOAHWOAH

I hope you're not isolating mothers here... it's a structuralist system. Women participate in the reproduction of these practices often under a hetemonic patrilineal system concerned with a paternalistic attempt to protect what that particular group considers to be the morality of females. It's not a blame game, everyone has a hand in it, and some hands have more push than others.

I appreciate that you're mentioning FGM here though because it's definitely in the same realm as this particular problem.

femifister

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @leMaldeTete: What are they going to build a temporary shelter with, rainbows and hope? Who will staff it? Social services doesn't work that way.

nardo218

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @battleaxonista: As we've seen with FGM, mothers often perpetuate the abusive culture by teaching it to their children.

nardo218

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hortense: In a few years I'll be working on a Phd in order to finally reach my goal, which is to counsel people who have left religious cults and want to join/rejoin the "real" world. I've been working toward this for 4 years now, and sometimes it feels really futile, like I wouldn't really be in much demand, and I get a little hopeless. Then, something like this happens and makes me realize all of my hard work might not be for naught.

cinemaddict

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @TigerTail: These people are not pandas. While I'm trying to be culturally relative, I'm pretty sure we can agree here that what is occurring on this compound is destructive. Just because one may not be aware that their lifetime on a compound such as this is destructive, does not mean that they enjoy their life - does that make sense? I feel like I'm not being very clear...

I believe extensive one on one counselling should be available to everyone involved, including the men who have been jailed, then group counselling so those who experienced life in this "cult" group have a backbone, a support system.

I believe that rehabilitation should be the goal, but not necessarily rehabilitation to cosmopolitan or "Western" norms - I completely agree with you there TigerTail. But the patriarchal hegemony of the compound translates to the societies you and I live in as well. I guess I'm just trying to say that those who experienced life on the compound need personal growth, rehabilitation, counselling and guidance to pursue the lives that they seek in a world of options, yet the experience on the compound is undeniably a powerful one for them, and they should always be aware that there is a group of understanding people who have experienced similar things, that there is always that relatedness.

femifister

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> My first thought upon reading about this horrific tale was "Send a few to me. We can frolic at the beach, visit NYC, and discover new horizons. I promise no icky old perverts, no chores. And we can share my awesome therapist."

This wishful thinking is probably due to the fact that I know far too much about this cult/topic. My sister, who rather than accepting her true sexuality (I like/did girls) converted from Catholicism to the LSD. The catalyst was her g/f wanted to recognize their relationship just before my sis was transfered to Salt Lake City. (What is with the denial and hatred of one's true nature?) Since her conversion 15 years ago, she has become horribly judgmental, particularly towards her family and far more rigid in her beliefs. And oh yes, she wears the magic undergarments, has been "re-virginized". And then there is the fact that she is required to tithe over 50% of her salary as a successful stockbroker.

When she last came home for a visit, one of my brother's whispered to me "some chick needs to throw her down and give her an orgasm!!!

BeachLover420

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hamburgerhotdog: I know the state doesn't have a good track record with the cults, but at least they got these women and children out this time without tanks ramming the joint. Unlike last time.

wednesdayam

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @stacyinbean: Absolutely. I hope it's not one of those situations where the cop rightly knows something is wrong but just can't prove it.

I'm not saying that trying to stop these people from knocking up girls is wrong. I'm not saying that this isn't a really creepy, creepy cult that makes me more terrified of organized religion than I already am. But I hope that this tip is real and not the brainchild of some well-meaning cop who wanted/needed any excuse to get into the compound but couldn't find the evidence to do it. The last thing this situation needs is police misconduct.

Sev

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Unless the community is disbanded and everyone is integrated into the rest of the US population, the community - and its mores - will resurrect itself. Removing just the adult men won't work, because the boys will then take charge, emulate the behavior of the community's former adult males, and the mothers and girls will submit to whatever the boys command. Because, after all, that is how the entire community was raised to act.

This is a big mess. I'd suggesting putting them back into their familiar surroundings, but placing social workers, counselors, and perhaps some more mainstream religious leaders to live with them, in order to gradually liberalize their lifestyle. And to stop the men (or boys growing into men) from re-establishing the old culture of patriarchal dominance.

TigerTail

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I always wonder how Freedom of Religion plays into cases such as these.

ceejeemcbeegee

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @braak: Well said. You should check out a book by Sandra Bamford entitled "Biology Unmoored". It's fucking rad. At one point, she examines notions of relatedness in American kinships with regards to surrogacy, and American preoccupation with consanguinity in a family. For example, a surrogate may use the sperm of her partner's father if her partner is infertile - obviously this confounds the American kinship system re: father/grandfather, but the American preoccupation with genetic substance can't be shaken.

It's just a funky problematic to keep in mind with this crazy case...

femifister

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @SammyKitty: eaxctly! especailly since leaving means no contact with anyone you know in the commune and you are now going to hell with no chance for heaven. it is a terrifying thing when it is the only life you have known.

Bountiful B.C. is another example of this kind of society with little education and many "lost boys".

pink_orchid_martini

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @richcreamerybutter: Laura Ingalls Wilder dresses, and 1980's era chola hairdos.

mycatsnores

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @redheadedstepchild: My own limited understanding of genetics suggests that this is a system designed for enormous population growth. You really need much fewer males in a population to produce new generations, the number of half-siblings would be much higher (and, thus, the dangers of cousins inbreeding down the line is actually reduced), etc. I'm not sure how to calculate a stable breeding population, but I believe that there are enough people in the community that they could go for a long time before becoming inbred.

However, as has been noted, the ration of male to female births is nearly 1:1. Trying to culturally organize a population in a fashion that is at direct odds with its biology is problematic, to say the least.

braak

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Certainly the men are more responsible in this case, but are the women at all complicit? And what about men that grew up in the situation? Aren't they just as brainwashed as the women?

redheadedstepchild

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Countess LuAnne nee' dingosmom1: Are there any jeze-geneticists? Not trying to get too off topic, but what happens in this kind of population? Seems like there's likely a lot of father/uncles (or actually only a few, but a lot of sister/aunts).

More redheads? Or 6 fingers and tails?

redheadedstepchild

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @GeektasticallyDelicious: I have not lived next to an FLDS community, but I have done some research, thank you, and I am very aware of the church background. I've read several books on the subject, and it's not a life or religion I would like to lead or support. However, I believe it is important not to jump to conclusions before we tear so many kids out of their homes.

Regarding your statement about an 8-year-old being in a home where her 15 year old brother/sister is sexually assaulted - well, you haven't proven to me that this is case for all or most of the for all the kids taken. I'd be happy to look at further information about this situation in particular.

@snarkhunting: "I say pull out the child-brides and let the rest decide for themselves. But keep an eye on the children, esp. the girls, and if there are more child-marriages, ARREST THE MEN." I agree with your plan!

Super1984

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> How could the moms let their 13-yr old sons be exiled for life, dumped by the side of the road? (see: Lost Boys) I don't think I could be brainwashed to do that. I have no daughter but am awfully fond of my son.

Since they can't cut their hair or wear red, you have to wonder-What happens to the ones with red hair?

Mrs. DeLesseps To You, Dahling

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> In terms of what to do with them, does El Dorado have a hotel? Because it seems to me that the authorities could commandeer (nautical term) the hotel temporarily in order to house the women and children while they sorted out the mess. It's wonderful to hear that the people of El Dorado are stepping up, though.

::sigh:: I don't see why polygamy between consenting adults is criminal, since, as I said yesterday, it's technically impossible to BE legally married to more than one person, so what difference does it make if you choose to have multiple "spouses"? But I also agree that the issue of "consent" here is very, very complicated. The women (and men) have been brought up to believe this is absolutely right, and so their consent is potentially suspect.

I don't know. I say pull out the child-brides and let the rest decide for themselves. But keep an eye on the children, esp. the girls, and if there are more child-marriages, ARREST THE MEN.

snarkhunting

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Super1984: Super, do some research of FLDS and you'll get a much better idea of what the foundations of their religion are.

I grew up 4 miles from a Mormon community and due to proximity and research learned a lot about the LDS and in reference here..FLDS history, lifestyle, abuse, illegalities.

And regarding this statement "Regarding your statement that just because a girl is 8 doesn't mean she wouldn't be married off as a teen - well, exactly, that's not imminent danger."

So if a child who's 8 is in a home where his/her 15 year old brother/sister is sexually assaulted, then because it's not happening to the 8 year old, at that time, that child shouldn't be removed from the home because she/he won't be in imminent danger until she/he reaches the appropriate age?

GeektasticallyDelicious

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Attn: Jessica.

From today's Houston Chronicle:

"Many of the children's mothers chose to stay with their children. Meisner said the 133 women who left with the children are free to return to the compound, but none has chosen to do so. Their quiet demeanor has made it difficult for the more than 200 child welfare workers who have come from across the state to obtain information from them."

That many moms left with their kids and that they can go back if they wish (but likely w/o kids) was also reported on NBC News last night.

probationer

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @GeektasticallyDelicious: I agree there was illegal activity going on, but not everyone who is arrested for breaking the law should have their kids put in shelters. For me, the underage/forced marriage is a much bigger problem than the polygyny.

We don't know all the families involved participated in underage marriage - at least not that I've heard. Do you know evidence to the contrary?

This experience of having one's family torn apart is highly traumatic for children - a slower, more careful approach would have been more prudent. I definitely believe in protecting children, but that also means being concerned for their mental wellbeing.

Regarding your statement that just because a girl is 8 doesn't mean she wouldn't be married off as a teen - well, exactly, that's not imminent danger. There is time to investigate the allegations and protect people accordingly.

Super1984

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Whenever I see a news story with footage or photos featuring grown women dressed like Laura Ingalls Wilder, I know to be prepared for at least a modicum of ick.

richcreamerybutter

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Super1984: Polygamy is illegal in the US...underage marriage is illegal in the US.

99.5% of the families in FLDS (not just this compound) practice both--hence why they were all taken.

And honestly, if a child is in a home where his brother or sister is being abused repeatedly and obviously, should he be left there because he's "not in imminent danger" when his brother or sister is taken away by social services?

This situation is not much different...just because a girl is only 8 doesn't mean she's going to be lucky enough to avoid being married off at 14-15 and forced to have sex with her husband, who could easily be 30-40 years her senior.

GeektasticallyDelicious

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: The problem is that their community isn't about polygamy between consenting adults. It's about old guys getting to sleep with teenage girls dressed up as religion.

I do think polygamy should be illegal. It's lovely to think that people might choose it on their own like in "Big Love", but I don't think it's possible for it to exist in reality without reinforcing patriarchy at the expense of women.

TheX

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I think it is a travesty that 400 kids where ripped from their homes - who are we to decide that the kids need to be "deprogrammed?" I highly, highly doubt most of the kids were in any kind of imminent danger - especially the young ones. Really, this act bypasses most of the procedures in place to protect due process of law.

I absolutely disagree with coerced teen marriages (or any teen marriages), but it seems that Texas could have actually investigated the allegations and maybe removed those they considered most at risk for abuse. There are a number of families involved - would it be okay for the government to round up everyone in your neighborhood or church because one person said she was abused? It's guilt by association.

And honestly, lots of religions appear to have cult-like features, especially to outsiders.

Super1984

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @GeektasticallyDelicious: Exactly. It's a completely abusive environment in general, and no place for children. Girls are groomed to be underaged brides, and boys live in fear of being kicked out once they reach puberty. It's not okay.

TruculentandUnreliable

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @lalaland13: yeah, sterilization is probably not going to happen. but from what i understand, prison for a guy who has sex with children isn't usually pretty.

meanjeanne

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: "Look, this cult/compound is obviously out of control, but i would imagine most of these kids are probably pretty happy. "

It's not just THIS cult/compound. This happens throughout the entire FLDS religion. It is the foundation that it is built on. These children are taught that women have no place other than to breed children and keep the house clean. They do not learn anything outside of what the "religion or god" feels they should learn--thus their education is seriously lacking in even the most basic of skills.

The wives get no say in who their daughters' marry, if their children get an education, whether or not their son will be kicked out of the church to keep the male-female ratio in order. They have no money of their own and if they do hold jobs, the money must be turned over to their husband...the level of mental and physical abuse are both fairly prominent and they live in households where one woman is pitted against the other to get favor of the husband.

I'd say that's a far cry from "not being able to watch tv"

GeektasticallyDelicious

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I feel very bad for the women involved; I think they were raised from childhood to be married off very young to an older man who already had multiple wives and start popping out babies as fast as they could. I think they are clearly victims in one sense in this situation. But in another sense, they're perpetrators. All those boys who were exiled from the community to keep the polygamy-supporting gender imbalance in place had mothers. The women have been trained to choose their religion over their children. So while this is a terrible situation for everyone involved, I'm not chomping at the bit to keep the mothers in charge of their children.

Meanmllemustard

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: But doesn't it seem that it places even more control in the hands of men? And I think BIG LOVE is a terrible example of these types of marriage. It's TV and a world created for entertainment not docu-drama. Not to mention that all the women on the show are nutty. Unless you were using this reference ironically. In which case disregard my comment completely.

Algren

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @ineffable.me: That's not non-PC language. It's accurate language.

Algren

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @battleaxonista: You raise an excellent point. Unfortunately, this seems like such a reactionary move that there was most likely little planning in what they would do with these women and children (or both as many of these women are children) once they removed them. Of course they needed to be rescued from this situation, but it strikes me as similar to the situation where they bust sex-trafficking rings and then have no idea what to do with the women they rescue.

Algren

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Look, this cult/compound is obviously out of control, but i would imagine most of these kids are probably pretty happy. They have a close-knit family who takes care of them. I'm sorry, but I do not ever feel sorry for kids because their parents don't let them watch TV. I just don't see that a cruelty.

Teenage girls being forced to marry, I do not agree with on any level. That guy definitely deserves to be in jail, and I don't care what they believe, in this country we do not coerce or force marriages, and minors cannot get married. This law protects children, and these people should not be allowed to thwart that law.

However, it does seem like polygamy should not be a criminal offense. As Big Love shows so glamorously, some people choose this of their own free will. Not for me. I am not into poly-amorous relationships, and do not find monogamy to be a burden, but rather find it freeing. But that doesn't mean I think other people should go to jail.

Dear Blond Diary...

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Obviously it was Rhonda who called. She's a trouble maker.

Seriously, I think a lot of these kids will adapt just fine. Kids are very malleable. Just look at the boy who was kidnapped and found recently after 4(?) years - he seems to be doing well now. Hopefully they'll flourish once they're exposed to all that is great outside of the compound.

brookidy

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> It's men like this who make me want to believe in Hell.

sixseeds

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @BeckySharper: Yes, bugs me that ladies have to have a special term! I've read about polyandry in... er... was it Nepal? And it seemed to mean that you had to marry all the brothers in a family. Which doesn't sound as empowering as marrying whoever you fancy.

bowleserised

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Ha, culture shock is not that bad. Certainly not so bad that it's worth considering leaving them there. You can adapt to the world of com-pu-ters, you can't adapt to being used as a slave - sexual and otherwise - by disgusting old men.

lisas

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @CatOTO: I'm sure there are families in Utah who would take them in to try to help them regardless of religion (or not) in their homes. I wonder if there are enough similarities between the FLDS and LDS that it would even matter if they are LDS? (Not knowing all the doctrine of the FLDS.)

Rebecca, in China

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @NefariousNewt: I agree that it is a sticky situation, on the one hand we do guarantee religious freedom, but there's a line these guys have definitely crossed. In this case I think it comes down to religion being unable to trump the law, you can practice your religion up to the point where you are actively breaking laws, and then the government is bound to step in and go, "Nope, sorry, we can't let you do that." Like here, with the reported statutory rape, the authorities can't just look the other way on that.

recidivicious

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @bowleserised: You're right. I pulled out the OED on that one and stand corrected (much love to the OED). Polyandry, though, is the correct term for just multiple hubands.

BeckySharper

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> A fascinating read about the Fundamentalist LDS sect: Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. I couldn't put this book down--truly haunting.

isilia

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @CatOTO: "Rape and incest -- as well as child abandonment on the one hand alongside child imprisonment and forced marriage on the other."

Don't forget extortion, blackmail, tax fraud (google: "bleeding the beast") and forced tithing that makes the top guys filthy rich and keeps the bottom people in abject poverty and at his mercy.

I mean the guy was arrested in Vegas with 10k in cash in his pockets?

Kali Mama

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> "Polygamy" means multiple marriages (I think it'd be "polygyny" if it was just wives).

bowleserised

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Though foster care and being ripped from everything they know is not ideal, these kids live in compounds where they have little to no freedom, spend a majority of their time babysitting their "siblings", live in homes that are no where near adequate for the number of people living in them, and just barely have enough food to go around.

The abuse they withstand may not be the kind that causes bruises and cuts (though there has been quite a few accounts of the wives being beaten), but it is most definitely there.

And chances are the Mormons will not step forward and help because they have completely separated themselves from FLDS. To them, these people don't even exist.

Carolyn Jessop's book "Escaped" is a pretty good one on giving the details and the brainwashing that happens in FLDS...I was appalled/disgusted while I was reading it.

Another good one that touches on the abuse in FLDS is Jon Kraukauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven".

GeektasticallyDelicious

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @N i s t h a: Well, polygamy is defined that way because "polygamy" literally means "multiple wives." Polyandry is when you have one woman with many husbands.

Unfortunately because men hold power in nearly all of the world cultures, polyandry has never caught on. Not "God's will" apparently, when the interpreters of said will are male.

Personally, I think it would be awesome (as long as I didn't have to pay to support all of them).

BeckySharper

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> The FLDS believe the won't go to heaven unless they bring as many people into the "fold" as possible. This was an original tenet of Mormonism and one of the (f'ed up IMO) justifications for polygamy (or was it the other way around?). FLDS are NOT Mormon, but this belief is still prevalent in the regular church which is why they marry young, go on missions, have lots of babies, and convert dead people in cemetaries (yeah, some people are not happy about that.)
Wiki "Ann Eliza Young" (the "19th" wife of Brigham Young) to learn some crazy stuff about the original church.

TheGintheCity

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> didn't dave barlow even learn to not mess with texas?

couldbebopeep

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Bindarra: It's not about common sense, it's about due process of the law and even crazy jerks are entitled to such. You can't just take away someone's child because you don't agree with their judgment--there has to be an actual violation of the law. Intention is probably insufficient in these cases, as they were unable to get Jeffs until he actually brokered the marriage that led to statuatory rape.

hamburgerhotdog

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> The Logistics for transitioning all those ppl must be a nightmare.

But I'm wondering if the 16 year old girl exists now or if it was called in by one of the neighbors that couldn't get the cops to go in and get the place shut down otherwise. If she is around it's probably going to be a few more weeks before she's comfortable enough and finds the right time to talk to someone. Hopefully the people running the sect didn't find her first or she's in some other State by now.

Brainwashed kids are usually really easy to work with but insanely introverted... I worked a few at my last job and they have no problems with complying with adults and no clue what to do with kids that aren't exactly like them. Showing them their first movies or introducing them to ice cream made me love my job.

BlindKarma

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Hn. Suck it up and fess up to your own desires. If you want to sleep with a bunch of women, OWN UP TO IT.

And because of "God's will", they are allowed to exile people? Is it "God's will" that decides who to to exile? I doubt it.

I wonder why polygamy is defined by one man having many women and not the other way around.

N i s t h a

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @battleaxonista: I think the authorities may also be worried the moms will just keep indoctrinating the kids. But this whole rescue is one big clusterfuck -- the kids need to be together, not in foster homes. Is there some sort of requirement to work in government that you can't think or have any common sense?!?

Bindarra

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lymed: Oh, I know. I am well aware. I think I was raised with somewhat weird beliefs, but most of it was well in the realm of mainstream religion. And I was still free to watch TV, listen to music, read, etc...and the stuff I wasn't allowed to look at, I did anyway.

The idea of removing these children and women from society and completely alienating them is so frightening.

layladylan

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @desertbloom79: I'm glad they went to Texas! At least Texas had the guts to step up and eventually deal with the situation. Way to go Texas, ok other compound fostering states...time to get a clue and a backbone.

AGreenEyeDevil

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: I think the article reports that those who have been taken have left of their own volition. I presume that means some others chose to stay, as is always the case.

nyobserver

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I don't think it's fair to give everyone involved in this the blanket label of "crazies" -- for many of them, this is ALL they know. Their entire families and all their friends are a part of it -- that must be unbelievably hard to walk away from. That said -- of course the abusers deserve to be shivved in prison. But as for many of the other people, it's an issue that goes a lot deeper.

MsQuinn

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hamburgerhotdog: Oh okay, that is awesome. Thanks for telling me that, actually.

tscheese

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> This makes me sick to my stomach. I agree with many here that separating the kids from their Moms is not the best option. Unfortuately, for that to work, the Moms would need some sort of rehab/education because they would have no chance in hell of being able to support their families on their own. All because of fucking incestuous pedophiles manipulating people's faith. STABBY. It's a no win.

TheX

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I wonder if there is a sign up sheet to foster some of the kids? I really want to take a couple shopping. Introduce them to retail therapy.

SammyKitty

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @tscheese: From what I understand (my mother used to live there and knows people) the town has opened it's doors and there's so many people offering help that they've had to turn people away. But, like I said before - there's probably twice as many people on that compound as there is in the whole town, so they're really overwhelmed. They've always viewed the compound with suspicion and hostility (and rightfully so) but have been more than gracious and helpful to these women and children.

hamburgerhotdog

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Also I didn't mean to type so damn much and yes, I am an incurable optimist who still has hope for the human condition. Is there anything setup for the relief effort for this women and children? I doubt there is yet, but I wish I could help somehow.

tscheese

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Aren't there any un-crazy LDS--or even other non-LDS church groups, who are also un-crazy--who can help with the rescue effort here?

I grew up in a very religious, Protestant, conservative small town in the Midwest, where everyone was either a Mennonite or a Lutheran. Blue-and-white-collar, normal, soft-spoken, churchgoing folks. As far as I know, at least in my immediate circle, no one was abusing each other.

There were also some old-school Hutterite colonies where the folks actually lived kinda like Amish, except they were down with electricity and computers.

I didn't know anyone personally from any of the colonies, but when our school building flooded out in the floods that swept through the Midwest in like 1996, there were a ton of folks from the Hutterite colonies who were working tirelessly right up next to us helping with sump pumps and loads of sandbags and getting just as dirty and exhausted as the rest of us. I didn't think much of it at the time, but even though their theology diverted drastically from ours, and it wasn't their school that was being destroyed, they were pitching in to help with a seemingly insurmountable task, just because they believed that God instructed them to help those who were in need.

If it can happen in my tiny and limited experience, can't it happen down in Texas? Surely there are still religious folks in this world who believe in helping others, right? I am no longer particularly religious, but wouldn't it be awesome to see some churches band together and help these displaced women and children to become acclimated to society?

This is kind of anecdotal, but surely there are some groups in that area who can help.

tscheese

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I'm glad the various systems finally stepped-up and made the move to shut down this compound. And yes its a shame that other code issuing agencies didn't address the problem as it was emerging! This cult has been allowed to exist outside the laws of US society FOR YEARS, and I hope the system continues to disassemble this cult at it's other sites. I can only imagine the rehab/reorientation needs of these women and children, it will be vast and a challenge for any state to provide.They deserve a chance to live as fully integrated citizens, I'm glad that may finally happen.

AGreenEyeDevil

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: It's the Devil's bargain we live with in the United States. On the one hand, we espouse freedom of worship, of speech, etc., but at the same time we try to control those things to the extent we can without infringing on the overall right. It's a fine line, and when it comes to "beliefs", we're often very intolerant of belief systems that seem outside the mainstream. Look at the original Mormon settlers, who moved out to Utah to escape the oppression they felt back east, who wanted to live their lives as they saw fit, according to their beliefs. Eventually the U.S. swallowed them up again, forced them to renounce polygamy, and in a way set the stage for this kind of thing to happen. It's not an easy row to hoe.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> red is my favorite color.

dblgoldens

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Good Lord, it's like a human puppy mill.

SleeplessNights

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I just read that the Feds were trying to get onto the compound due to multiple EPA violations in their natural gas drilling operations (gotta wonder where the money for this came from, the FLDS church has upwards of $120 mm on a board headed by 7 trustees) and turned away.

So not only are they child abusers, they're polluters as well.

hamburgerhotdog

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Trixie from Toronto: I know the reference, though I think that the show plays up the "compound" Mormons versus the "suburban" Mormons. And I've always liked Bill Paxton.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @J.D.Regent: I think in this care also, the leader of the sect (Jeffs) is already in prison, so he was not there exhorting resistance as Koresh did in Waco.

But yeah -- not bragging rights by any stretch.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @TruculentandUnreliable: I'm so glad he's gone. Because that's just ridiculous. People in these places are either brainwashed or too afraid to leave this type of situation. No rational woman goes, "oh, I think I'll give up all my rights and join a polygamist cult!" He's an idiot.

DorothyZbornak

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @BeckySharper: AMEN.

It's totally God's Will that I slack off in front of the computer. The Devil had something to do with the fact that I'm out of regular coffee and had to make instant. Because he's pure evil.

KimberleeJ

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @SammyKitty:

:( :(

If that's true, I wonder what religious justification they'll spin for having killed her. :( I feel sick. Hope she's ok.

CatOTO

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @desertbloom79: totally!!! they should have stayed in nevada where nobody gives a shit. don't fuck with law enforcement in texas.

J.D.Regent

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> You know I'm really suprised they decided to have a compound in Texas, and I don't think it was a smart move on their part. The Texas Rangers are extremely aggressive, and thorough, and no other state has their equivalant. Plus Texans in general are even more intolerant of this kind of thing than the rest of the country. As a born and bred Texan who now lives in the Northeast, it doesn't suprise me that they are just removing all the children and clearing the place out- before the ATF arrives!

desertbloom79

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @BeckySharper: Amen.

SammyKitty

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @ineffable.me: That's ok. Your "non-pc language" has distilled the issue for me to what it fundamentally is. Rape and incest -- as well as child abandonment on the one hand alongside child imprisonment and forced marriage on the other.

CatOTO

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @KimberleeJ: Srsly. I thank God I live in a culture where it is Her will that I have a career, use contraceptives and have sex with lots of men without benefit of marriage.

Can I get an amen?

BeckySharper

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @SammyKitty: That's what I'm afraid of too. Maybe not necessarily dead, but somewhere where no one will find her and the crazy men who have held her captive will continue having power over her. It's awful.

tell Dolly Parton again

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lizawithazee: It is also God's will that you bring me an Iced Mocha.

SammyKitty

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: When you have been brainwashed from childhood that you have to stay and be happy about it, how many of them do you think will actually leave?

SammyKitty

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @KimberleeJ: Yes, it is God's Will that I now decamp for Starbucks.

Lizawithazee

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @DorothyZbornak: Oh, yeah, he said that feminists say that they want women to do what makes them happy, but as soon as they live lives that we "disagree with," we become nannies who want to swoop in and rescue women from themselves. He seemed to disregard the fact that, even if you don't necessarily like what's going on, there's actual physical abuse and intimidation to keep you quiet and keep you in the group.

TruculentandUnreliable

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @NefariousNewt: I guess I just don't agree that people shouldn't be allowed to live this way if they want to. The kids are being cared for. No, I don't agree that any woman should be forced to marry, nor do I believe that teenage girls should be allowed to marry. But I think the women and children should be allowed to stay, and social workers should be sent in for counseling to find out who needs help and wants to leave, and who is happy and wants to stay.

Dear Blond Diary...

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I hate to say it but the girl who called is probably dead already. I just want to fly down there and scoop up an armfull of babies and bring them home to love them.

SammyKitty

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @DorothyZbornak: I can think of few things more evil or disgusting than to use the word of god and the fear of god to abuse and exploit people. Of course, that's pretty much what's happened throughout human history.

TruculentandUnreliable

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @2Winners: yeah, they live in rape-incest commune. I think it's a good reason to go apeshit on them.

i know, i should have more pc language but its just too fucking nuts for me to care.

ineffable.me

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @NefariousNewt: I agree. I wasn't suggesting there is any love here, I was making reference to the television show in which a very similar (fictional) compound, run by an evil old pervert, was also raided.

Trixie from Toronto

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Isn't it funny how often "God's Will" corresponds to "the stuff I want to do," i.e. sleep with a bunch of women?

KimberleeJ

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @CatOTO: That's a really good idea. There are sizable Mormon communities across the Southwest and they all believe in big families.

I totally dislike the idea of these children being separated from mothers who want to live outside of the compound. Again, I think the Mormons should step forward and offer some assistance.

sjct

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Maybe they can recruit ex FLDS families to foster or adopt some of the kids, people with a foot in both worlds who could understand what they are going through. One would hope they have already made some of those contacts.

J.D.Regent

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lady Skittlehattington: thats why i liked the shakers so much. crazy religious sect that didnt have sex so they all disappeared and left behind great furniture.

live it. learn it crazies!

ineffable.me

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @layladylan: Now imagine that you never watched tv, never listened to the radio, never read a newspaper, and only went to school with kids who had the same experience in their home. And imagine your mom didn't get a divorce. Think how much harder it would be for you to believe there was another option for your mother.

Lymed

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lymed: No, I agree with you. I want to believe that these are just mother instinctively protecting their children. But part of what worries me about these people NOT being separated is, well, the cult mentality--if enough of these children believe that they belong at the compound, and the grown women with them agree, then this whole operation seems kind of useless.

videogoddess

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lady Skittlehattington: We need to get these ladies on Jezebel, stat. I'm certain I can teach them how to waste (not really!) an entire day and it only requires a click of the refresh button!

stacyinbean

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @stacyinbean: They all have pretty similar names, probably 'cause they're all married to only a few men, I'm also thinking that the girl may not want to make herself known?
@tell Dolly Parton again: God, I hope so, the story about those boys is so sad. Even sadder because the mums made them leave in the first place. The mums would have to be "deprogrammed" first though.

vegemitekid

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> My understanding is that all girls and all women in the FLDS are in imminent danger of harm as they can be married to a man (including their own step fathers) at any time, at which point it is their duty to have sex. Many of these kids mothers have no more than a middle school education. Even with the raid, I bet a significant portion of people who were taken from the compound will go back. But this raid might just be the thing needed for a few women and children to get away. Let's wait to see how it shakes out before we judge this whole thing.

2Winners

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @J.D.Regent: Wow. I must've missed that. Anyone who could possibly think that is both twisted and absolutely ignorant of the cult mentality.

DorothyZbornak

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @NefariousNewt: Yeah it was pretty much Janet Reno on that one, plus the gun shit really took it to another level. I just thought it was weird that she would offer that information. It's not something you really want to brag about.

J.D.Regent

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @J.D.Regent: I was thinking the same thing. He would probably come up with some bullshit argument about how the 16 year old girl called the authorities, and why couldn't these other women? Which totally fucking misses the point, but that's pretty much his MO.

TruculentandUnreliable

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lymed: True. I can't imagine those women wanting to leave their children. Some of them may be delighted to have a get out of jail free card, but most are probably there because they won't be separated from their kids.

I remember reading a book when I was little about children being shipped out of London during the Blitz and asking my mom if she would have sent me away like the mommies in that book did. She got this look on her face I had never seen before and said "Mommy would NEVER EVER let anyone take you away from me." I bet those women feel exactly the same way.

BeckySharper

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @NefariousNewt: I was just making a joke about the end being 'neigh' (in the UK we spell it 'nigh', not sure about the US) Not a very good joke, obviously.

londoner

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @lalaland13: These guys disgust me. What they're doing has nothing to do with "God," and you're spot-on with the rape parallel because just as in rape, this whole thing is about power over women and sexual deviance. These guys disgust me.

DorothyZbornak

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hamburgerhotdog: That's often a great way to get at people whom you can't directly catch in criminal activity (we're doing that in our neighborhood right now-- watch out junkie man, code enforcement is all over your shit!). But one of the reasons these people put their compounds out in BFE is because there aren't zoning regulations, code enforcement staff (or codes at all) or neighbors to observe and report violations even if there are codes in these remote rural areas.

Lizawithazee

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hortense: You are right, religion gets into your brain at a young age and it is extremely hard to get out. When I was growing up, people talked a lot about the devil. As in, if you sinned too much or let your guard down, the devil could possess you.

I don't believe this now, but sometimes, when I wake up in the middle of the night, there is a part of me that still fears the devil.

I also saw my mother stay in an abusive and adulterous marriage for far too long because my dad (a former pastor) had her convinced that it was God's will. She finally divorced him, but it was an agonizing process. I can't imagine what it would be like for women actually living in this type of scenario.

layladylan

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @J.D.Regent: Nope. I suspect though that they learned a little something from Waco. The compound was not assaulted with tear gas and a tank, and nothing is burning. Of course, that was the federal government's doing in the case of Waco. I think this was more a local matter. I could be wrong.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @lalaland13: You're right, most of them probably will return to it. If someone barged into my home and told me what I was doing was immoral and wrong and backwards, and that person was from a lifestyle I thought to be immoral, wrong and backwards, chances are I wouldn't hold much stock in their opinion. Legally, they can place these children in temporary foster care but the chances of them taking them away permanently (without overwhelming evidence of abuse, which they found in only 18 of the 400) is slim.

hamburgerhotdog

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lady Skittlehattington: Also, crazies never have TV or computers to otherwise occupy their time.

Lady Skittlehattington

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Leiakat: Because the lord sayeth, "Go forth and multiply," and the crazies were all, "Okay! Anything is better than sitting here weaving these wicker baskets."

Lady Skittlehattington

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hortense: That's a good point too. There are so many possibilities, I just hope that if this girl is real, she's safe right now. This whole thing is so unfortunate and the real victims are always the children who are likely just scared and confused.

stacyinbean

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hamburgerhotdog: Abused children? Bah. Who cares about that unimportant event. Only the hope of a big splashy weapons bust is worth the government's time.

Leiakat

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> I saw a show, maybe on HBO? about kids leaving/escaping polygamist compounds and basically having to be rehabbed back into the real world.

Sadly, there just aren't the resources to quickly develop a transitionary school and center for these kids.

Le Kangourou de Kataroo

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @londoner: Yes, that is exactly what they believe.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hortense: Or maybe an overzealous officer who thought they were ready to go in. I know it's far fetched. But it's happened before.

katieb: in charge of the war on the poor.

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Dear Blond Diary...: I wonder if it's a question of lesser evils. Keeping the children with their mothers would be great, but the mothers aren't any better equipped to actually survive in the world than the kids are.

The whole thing is a mess, agreed. At least it clearly indicates that we need to overhaul the foster care system.

braak

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @TruculentandUnreliable: stories like this make me hope rsr is still lurking and reading. remember when he tried to convince us that women on these compounds are just like kinky and like to be dominated?

J.D.Regent

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @nikaoh: agreed. i really hope she's okay.

ElleL

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @videogoddess: But we don't know whether the women are not returning because they do not want to return or because they do not want to leave the children. Family Services probably can't be certain either. There is no easy answer here. But do they take the chance of leaving the kids in a mother's hands if the mother then tries to take the kids back to the compound? We want to see the women as victims, but they do not all see themselves as victims.

Lymed

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @hamburgerhotdog: They might have "known" what was going on, but without an actual complaint from someone inside, they would really have no grounds to intercede. Once this 16 year-old informant told them what was going on, they had sufficient cause to take action.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @TruculentandUnreliable: Yeah I say get those kids out of there. Unfortunately, some moms may very well choose to return, but I hope some don't. Heck, some kids may even return to it later in life, which is really sad.

I want to read that Jessop lady's book. Just reading about what she went through nearly made me cry. Now that's bravery right there. Although I'm a bit afraid that if I read it I'll just bawl and hate men and crazy religious people even more.

lalaland13

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Will I get spanked for Hortense for saying that "The end is neigh" made me laugh a lot?

But more seriously, it reminds me of the Quiverfull stuff and this piece (plus comments) which is extraordinary.

[womensspace.wordpress.com]

bowleserised

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @NefariousNewt: Yes. On second thought, maybe mass killings isn't the answer.

zivah

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Uh, is it any surprise Ms. Meisner was also involved in the Waco disaster?

J.D.Regent

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Foster care, the goverments sect...

angryblackgurl

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @stacyinbean: Or that maybe it wasn't a 16 year old girl at all, but one of the mothers?

hortense

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> 'they believe the end is neigh'

Does this mean the four horsemen of the apocalypse are on their way?

londoner

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Well, hopefully the national media attention on this story will have a positive effect on the outcomes for the kids.

zivah

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> This is a tough situation for all involved because where are all these kids going to go where its not going to mess them up worse than where they are right now? This is so, so screwed up that I'm all frazzled trying to comprehend/think about it all...
Bottom line: The kids need to be placed where they feel safe, secure, and their needs are taken care of. The adults can stay or go for all I care, but the young ones are the ones who probably have fared worst in this whole ordeal.


KathrynwithaY loves Joan Collins

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @zivah: Unfortunately, I'm not sure how well the women would be able to take care of their families. They've been so beholden to their men for support, that I'm not sure how they could function in the regular world without Government assistance. Their rehabilitation may take a decade.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Further proof that anything described as "fundamentalist" is evil...

BeteNoir

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Leiakat: BUT, this compound has been running for awhile and the authorities had full knowledge of what was occuring inside. I find it hard to believe they couldn't get access until the call from the 16 year old. I mean, even petty crap like zoning or taxation or building inspection would have got them in there. I watch Law & Order, I know the score!

Civil liberties are awesome except when you're an abused child.

hamburgerhotdog

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lizawithazee: uh, the innocent people-- women, children, etc.

Lizawithazee

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> i dont know whats worse - being on the compound or being in the foster home of a texas born again, force feeding you mac and cheese and telling you you're evil in the eyes of the lord

no but seriously temporary accomdation seems like a much more sensible option - the community down there is probably as well equipped to deal with potentially abused brainwashed children as those kids would be to play rock band

nothanks

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> This is such a mess. I'm sure the Texas foster system is overwhelmed enough as it is without adding hundreds of kids at once. I'd say let them go back to the compound without any of the men, but that doesn't seem to have the greatest potential for recuperation. I wonder if the lost boys can now be reunited with their mothers.

tell Dolly Parton again

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> Does anyone think the person who tipped them off may not have been someone inside the compound? How have they not found this girl yet?

stacyinbean

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @Lymed: From what I understand such fundamentalist places place a high priorty on women helping with all the children, so they should be able to just gut the compound and leave the non-brainwashed women there to help the kids acclimate to normal life. Maybe shuttle them to some classes or something. But throwing 400 brothers/sisters/cousins into foster care when they've never met another soul most likely is just going to end badly.

battleaxonista

]]> <![CDATA[Authorities Take 400 More Kids From Polygamist Sect In Texas]]> @BeckySharper: Maybe not, but there's a culture of abuse that can't be ignored. I don't really like the method that the