Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Gary, Bullhead City AZ — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:34:04 GMT

Let me get this straight. Because of an anonymous call from an unknown source, the police go into a religious sects community, round up all of the women and children, uproot them, transport them to an internment camp for interrogation,probably scare the kids to deah and traumatize them for life. Sounds more like abuse of power to me. Religious persecution based on the premise that they are protecting the women and children. Sounds like something the Nazi's would have done. Break out the cattle cars. Where is the ACLU? How many men, women and children would have died if it had become another Waco massacre by the ATF?
This is just plain wrong to endanger innocent people for a witch hunt.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

steve, beavercreek OH — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:49:52 GMT

Please get your facts straight. Jeffs was never a member of the Mormon church. The FLDS sect split from the LDS church 100 years ago. Jeffs took over when his father died.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Becky G., Nampa, ID — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:28:49 GMT

There always has to be one extremist that can ruin the old saying "everything in moderation".

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

DP, Murrieta, California — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:46:31 GMT

Finally, the authorities have made their move and they need to follow through and prosecute all those responsible. It is truly unfortunate that many in this compund only know this kind of life and the people within the compound itself.

This spinoff of the main LDS church has been in the crosshairs of local governments for many years but any previous efforts to take action on behalf of these women and children as well as young men, has fallen short.

It seems a bit odd that a single phone call from a teenage girl could result in such a large reaction from authorities. Maybe they have been waiting for something like this to happen before they officially execute a plan they had ready to go.

Now that their so called leader and self proclaimed prophet has been jailed for a short time, now it's time to free all those he has abused and brainwashed for all these years. The remaining leaders should join him in prison and pay for what they have done as well.

May god truly bless these lost souls and open their eyes. They are all of children of god and they should be treated as such. I truly hope and pray that those involved in helping these people will do all that they can.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

LAH Joliet, Illinois — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:04:00 GMT

I have to wonder how Gary would feel if he had a Sister or Daughter under the age of 16 in that compound. Being among members of a religeous sect does not exempt you from protections afforded by the Law. These men are sick pedaphiles hiding behind the curtain of their religion and are a product of Brain Washing at it's worst.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

CT, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:10:48 GMT

Maybe rounding up all the women and children and shipping them off to where-ever was extreme, but certainly the claim of this girl should have been investigated. If true it must have taken amazing courage for her to be able to make that call.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

MP, Detroit, MI — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:14:27 GMT

It's appalling that the 'authorities', of any kind, have ignored what's happening to these young girls and women for so long. I don't care what 'religion' it is, you don't 'marry off' multiple girls to the same man, no matter what his age. This has been going on much longer than what's happening at the Texas compound...finally somebody did the right thing.
You cannot use the guise of 'religion' to excuse rape and incest.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

David, Portland, ME — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:15:40 GMT

Gary from Bullhead City. You sound like you agree with polygamy. Removing those people from that environment was the best thing that could have happened. And it never came close to becoming a "Waco massacre".

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Scott, Denver, CO — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:28:48 GMT

Gary, it is not one phone call from an unidentified source. There is a long list of allegations on this sect. They are known for being a haven for pedophiles. (see Warren Jeffs) I myself, take pride in the freedoms we have as Americans and think the government does go overboard a bit these days. I do not think this is the case here. It is hardly a witch hunt when children are being rapped. I see your location, just wondering, were you an outcast from Colorado City?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Annie Booth, pleasant grove utah. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:34:11 GMT

I am very aware of the lives of those women and girls, Faithful women and obedient children who believe that they are doing what God wants of them, doctrine taught to them by the men of the church. In todays world there is many young men for these young women to marry but they are married off to men who are like respected grandfathers and told that it is their duty to god to love those men and obey them blindly, the young men are not believed to be strong willed enough to control a woman and keep her in their place, I often saw an older man with his older wife and a very young timid girl that seemed frightened to have eye contact with the general public. the older woman was never far from her side, very soon you would see this child with a child of her own, the older man beaming the older woman by his side seeming to be marking her territory and the young girl no more than a child herself emotionless, not speaking, not smiling, just sad at what should be a great occasion. today there is no reason for a man in his 50's to marry a 15 to 18yr old, and marry again and again when those women give birth to boys as well as girls. no reason that those girls should not have their choice of males there own age. I get that the world is evil with tv shows not fit for most of us to view, ads pushing sex to sell product, condoms given out in school without parental consent but to control their lives, take away that which is god given , "our free agency to choose for ourselves", is plain and simply evil to the core regardless of your good intentions. Free agengy is granted to all untill you commit a crime and then you give up that right as you did when you took away the rights of another to possess their own property,commit to them bodily harm or whatever you crime. When you raise a child, teach them that ouside their homes is evil lurking that will devour them{monsters in the closet} and never let them out without a group to "protect them" then you are brainwashing them not protecting them. that is all I have to say on the subject.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Brian Johnson, Tucson, AZ — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:37:11 GMT

The proper role of government in this case is to make sure that the religious sect does not prey upon the helpless. The children, esp. the girls, in this "religion" have been manipulated and dominated to the point that they have no understanding of free will or the opportunity to intelligently decide for themselves if this is the life that they wish to lead.
Waco was a tragedy, but it was caused by the same type of abuse and flaunting of the law that the male elders of this sect are displaying.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

doug — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:37:20 GMT

Anyone involved in abusing children should be punished accordingly.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Kelly-Bowie, MD — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:55:29 GMT

I really hope these poor women and children will be able to live a normal lives without fear of being brainwashed.

I had a sister-in-law who keeps poping out babies because of a twisted belief her religious husband instills in her.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Tari Buchholz — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:25:24 GMT

This whole group sounds like a bunch of dirty old men, hiding behind the mask of religious belief for their own perverted gain. I feel for these young girls who are forced to marry and have sex with men three times their age. What happens to young boys in this sect? This is a cult and their tactics are brainwashing, and they should be treated as such. These "church" elders should be prosecuted for the pediphiles that they are.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Kestrel Morningstar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:44:00 GMT

they dont even legally marry these other wives, they marry them "spiritually" and then get them on welfare so our taxes raise their kids!!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Greg, Clarksville, TN — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:56:32 GMT

It saddens me to hear allegations such as these in America. This story of persecution makes me angry. I have seen first hand women/children being treated like chattel - no voice and no rights. If these allegations are true these men should receive the harshest punishment our judicial system can deliver for their crimes. Gary from Bullhead City you obviously live a very sheltered life.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Ray, fredericksbury, va — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:17:59 GMT

Perhaps the DOM's (Dirty Ole Men) was using their BSR's (bull-S..*religion) as a front for their attacks on the young and submissive. It is great that the young person had the strength to call and realize enought is enought. What does it take to realize these individuals are hiding behind religion, living as if they are kings and destroy lives need to be stopped, and held accountable for their actions.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jane D. MT — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:30:35 GMT

That compound isn't the only place that practices this way. Drive through Pinesdale Montana for another "hideout" that practices polygamy. I thought polygamy is illegal in the U.S.A. Why are they still allowed to continue ?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Maria, Sanford, Florida — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:55:07 GMT

A fine example of using the Lord name and religion to service man's own lusts and need for dominance.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Marge Spring Tx — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:59:13 GMT

ok, Gary. Let's make you into a teenage girl and stick you in the compound! The authorities are not ones that have traumatized these kids, it's the people that they are forced to be around all their lives! Crazy's like that do not deserve to be in this world. In my eyes jail is not good enough. I am glad they are finally cracking down on some of these places. It is insane.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Howard... Upland, CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:00:52 GMT

This guy comes from Colorado City, AZ, a town in exreeme northern AZ, with a twin town over the line that bisects the town from Utah. They have been living this way since the early 1900s...when the renunciation of plural marriage by the mainstream LDS church caused many 'breakaways' all led by their own "Elder-Wise man" who dictated completely their way of life, including the girl's marriages between 14 and 16 years of age, NO older... I saw this while trading rugs on the Navajo reservation, when the men came in with their women trailing them, olders and young with babies...older women NOT with babies now that I recall it...
Yet, the authorities were spread so far between...and these folks were not Stoned/drumk/shooting, so they were overlooked while chasing the meth labs... and crack dealers and marijuana dealers.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

lynn hayes — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:03:05 GMT

If I were the president and could do anything about the pedophiles hiding behind religion, I would arrest every man and throw him in prison for the rest of his sorry life.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John Doe, Chicago IL — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:04:06 GMT

It is Sad what the government did to these people. I don't believe in their religion and if someone broke the law they should be punished, but to go in to a religious compound and detain everyone there because of their beliefs is wrong pure and simple. What happened to freedom of religion? Just because they are weird is not an excuse to persecute them.

The government will separate the kids, get psychiatrist to coerce them into saying whatever they want them to say, then they persecute them because they don’t fall into mainstream thinking. What a crock.

At least they didn't get Janet Reno and the ATF to come in and burn their village to the ground.

What is really sad is that many of you support it? When Uncle Sam starts breaking out the gold stars and firing up the gas chambers, are you going to support that as well?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Angela Long Beach, California — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:06:18 GMT

Gary, you do know that many of these "plural families" support themselves by applying for WELFARE! Guess who pays that, NOT THEM! There are two towns in Arizona (I believe it is) that are supplied by government tax dollars (almost fully) and are full of welfare cheats! I'm glad you want to spend your tax dollar supporting this outdated and illegal cults 'church', but I DON'T!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Shannon, Spokane wa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:06:51 GMT

Oh Gary....

You should consider the fact that the law has been broken regardless of the relious origin. Hitler also used religion to disguise his crimes. I do not believe the lord in any capacity would trade the youth and innocence of our children for a 50yr old mans pleasure.

Who are the real Nazi's??

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Erik — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:08:27 GMT

I always find it amazing that people get offended when the government moves against cults. Just because people follow their "faith" doesn't mean they can do anything above the law. Maybe these people should move out of the country. Oh, I forgot! Some people did that - remember the Peoples Temple - Jim Jones? Isn't religion fun?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Linda Hoban, Tigard, Oregon — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:08:27 GMT

Gary,from Bullhead City, you are an idiot...Polygamy is against the law...Marrying children is against the law...abusing and beating children is against the law...Thank God the people of Texas are doing something about it finally....

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John Doe, NY, NY — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:08:29 GMT

incest and sex with children should NEVER be condoned.
Period!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Esmeralda Ramirez, Chicago Illinois — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:08:57 GMT

This sort of thing has been going on for years and the authorities in those towns protect this people I am glad and happy that some thing is finally being done for this poor girls.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Erik — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:10:50 GMT

Annie Booth sounds like a lot of fun!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Sherry, Mesa AZ — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:11:25 GMT

I've always believed that every individual has the right to follow their own path, but what these church elders do is just wrong. These poor girls and women have no chance to grow into the adults they could become and they certainly don't choose their own path. The men are sick and using the crutch of "religion" to grab power and control. It's beyond reprehensible

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Shirley Clarke, Ghaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:11:37 GMT

It is sad that in this day and age human beings are being used and abused in this manner. I hope and pray that the authorities can and do something about this advantage that is taking place with these innocent people. I really hope so and that those affected will be able to return to normal lives.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

alf, lakewood, ca — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:14:57 GMT

At least the Amish get a choice in whether they wish to remain in 'the church' and uphold 'family tradition' with rumspringer (where they get to spend a year or so
experiencing living their lives like we do). Most go back. The girls in these cults don't have any choice, because they are secluded away from the rest of the world in these 'hidden towns and compounds....

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Christine, Moscow, Idaho — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:24:00 GMT

Where there are helpless children who finally gain the courage to come forward police and our government have the responsibility to investigate. If they have nothing to hide, why then did the "protective MEN" stopping authorities from entering into the temple? My question for all you God believing people....is this....WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? Let abuse and neglect that seems to be taking place continue to happen? I don't hardly think so......

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

J Hughes — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:26:50 GMT

I agree, that something had to be done there, especially, if the allegation, proves to be true.
Still, it sends a cold chill, down my spine, to think all that activity, was spawned, by a telephone, allegation.
I'm remeinded, of the seat belt laws and the fact that a Mississippi, state senator, recently proposed a
law requiring, restaurants to refuse service to "obese" people.
Be very careful, of voicing approval, of the "big brother", laws. The next one, may bear on you

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Leni Kinney — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:30:27 GMT

Annie Booth, I sign my name under yours. Well done comment.
L. Kinney.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

BJK Las Vegas,Nevada — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:31:02 GMT

Gary,maybe you should walk a mile in there shoes,as the saying goes

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Ameera, California — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:47:11 GMT

I am sure the girl who reported the incident weighed the risk of reporting to not reporting. Forcing a child to marry an adult is worse than death. It is absolutely disgusting, and that is abuse. I would rather die trying to escape than live as some old man's concubine. That shit is just sick.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John Doe, Centennial Park, AZ — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:48:54 GMT

Anyone who can be proven guilty of these crimes should absolutely be imprisoned. But that's someone who can be PROVEN guilty.
Let's think about this for a minute. 500 people have been rounded up, and out of all those people, no anonymous caller? HMMMMMM. Sounds fishy to me. True, if there was an anonymous caller who was "brave" to make that call, wouldn't she have come forward by now? Told the police that she's the one who made the call? She's brave . . . right? This whole thing sounds absurd, and it is doubtful that what they are doing is constitutional.
But OH!! Compelling Public interest . . . riiiiiight! The public doesn't like Warren and his buddies because "that's just not right" so all of the sudden the people in Colorado City, the Texas Compound, and Hildale have no rights. All of the sudden we don't have to PROVE a thing, we can just storm in with our big combat boots because we're the big boys. Riiiight. I see how it works. The one with the gun is right. In this case, the one with the gun has tried to convince the rest of us that they are right, and I'll be darned if good ol' Uncle Sam is EVER wrong.
So now that I've gone on and ranted and raved, back to my point. Where is this elusive "brave" girl that made the call? ALL of these actions are based off of a call from a girl that they can't find. Hmmmmm . . . .

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Michelle, CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:53:20 GMT

Gary, Hullhead AZ: if you had read towards the end of the article you would have seen that the call was made by a 16 year old girl who lived in the compound and was forced to marry a 50 year old man at the age of 15 then gave birth to his child eight months ago.

This compound is sick. These people seclude themselves from the rest of the world and in the end are forced to marry each other - even if they are siblings. It's disgusting.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Hmm — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:01:35 GMT

I think if your naive enough to believe religon isnt some form of brainwashing then you are naive enough to allow one random phonecall the right to tear down a religion. Who cares if you dont think tis right, its someone elses belief, are we not a nation with freedom of religion regardless of belief?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Michelle, CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:02:03 GMT

Annie Booth, Pleasant Grove UT: I can't agree with you more. Your comment was a fresh breath of truth and reality.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jessi, Idaho Falls, ID — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:02:50 GMT

It is amazing in this day and age that situations are allowed to get as far as this one has. It's despicable that this group of religious "Elders" and men have twisted the minds of beliefs of the women around them in such a sick and twisted manner. I may not agree that transfering all those children into the care of the state is the right thing to do, but something drastic does need to happen. The men responisble should definetly be punished as the sexual predators they are.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Steve D.,St Paul,Mn. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:06:59 GMT

It is very sad to see these old men taking advantage of little girls and beleiving it is a right thing to do.I hope when justice is served that the old men will be placed in the general population of some state prison so they to will understand the real feeling of being frightened.I wish the best to all that were taken advantage of.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jean — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:16:14 GMT

Some of these women may have had decent husbands whom they liked and a good life. I feel sorry for the disruption that has come to them. Some women may have been separated from their children, some may have been separated from their half or fully grown sons whom they may love very much. Some families may very legitimately be grieving for one another and be from situations where no abuse or anything evil has taken place. Will they let them return? Have they the right of self-determinination? Will the community contine as a business, with all their sexually mature youth taken away? Such a mess.

I don't think the local government had the resources to to do this whole-sale removal of possible victims correctly and have gone off the deep end - very possibly without reasonable proof in some cases. Are their families to be disrupted because we have laws against their bigamous arrangement? Or are we anti-religious sect? We would not want this to happen to the old-order Amish. Surely they have a right to create a community that suits them, though I understand the need to draw the line at rape and abuse.

Are we doing more harm than good? The government will be hard-pressed to restore lives to the families affected. What does our society have to offer this sort of refugee? The goal of social services is reuinification after all and how will they otherwise support themselves? What a can of worms.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

SONIA R SAN DIEGO,CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:33:31 GMT

I BELIEVE, THAT THIS PEOPLE HAVE EMOTIONAL ABUSE....
THE ALL MEN TAKE ADVANTAGE TO CONTROL THEM, WITH THEIR FALSE DOCTRINE....IT IS TO BAD...THAT THE USING GOD, AS AN EXCUSE TO ABUSE THIS INNOCENT PEOPLE(WOMEN AND CHILDREN) THIS SITUATION IS TOTALLY WRONG...
THE GUILTY PEOPLE MOST PAY FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE.
AND THE INNOCENT PEOPLE NEED OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER.
THEY NEED TO BE TREATED WITH LOVE AND RESPECT SPECIALLY CHILDREN.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Erin V, Monterey, California — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:36:10 GMT

Please, please, everyone remember that the Church of jesus Christ of Latter day- Saints (The Mormons) in no way approves of such behavior.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Sue, Colorado — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:36:57 GMT

Gary, please read "Under the Banner of Heaven" by John Krakauer and "Leaving the Saints" by Martha Beck and you will understand how dangerous these extremist sects can be.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jo Idaho Falls, IDaho — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:39:31 GMT

In answer to Tari, the young boys are most likely in the places like the homeless group in SLC from southern Utah. They are often kicked out when they become teenagers. Gary, in response to you I question your concern about the "abuse of power" when you overlook that these women and children were forced to stay in this compound. Is that not "an abuse of power."

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Stephanie, Oklahoma — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:40:37 GMT

I hope this spurs an investigation in all of their compounds and the necessary steps are taken for those women and children as well.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

pierre — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:42:35 GMT

I am not saying I am agreeing or disagreeing with what this group teaches or does as a religious entity, however I would lke to put this into context on a global basis. The Moslem Mohammed married a 12 year old female to which she bore him children a few centuries ago and one of many wives may I add.

Today in North america the practise of many wife's amongst Moslem men , four maximum so the teaching goes, is paracticed, although not necessarily shown in public documents or records. In Canada it is widely known that although Moslem Men can only be allowed one official married wife, they have three more wives, who in a lot of cases are receiving welfare cheques , to the same addresses. In fact a huge article was written up about this issue wherein it had the name on the article as "Muslim Harems."

I say all this to state my point, if communities are going after this particular sect for practising what they beleive is what is allowed to them via the Bible( by the way Solomon in the old testament had over 900 wives and cocubines) are we to assume that this is wrong when put into what Moslem's practice, yes I know there is no compund per se ,however they do have many wives and it is known they follow Mohammed and that some of these wives are equally young as those described in this article.

My thoughts are if we as a whole have a bias then by all means go after all groups who practice having multiple wives, not just one or two.

Moslems maybe harder to catch, because they are not in some compound and are scattered, and more sneaky in trying to hide, nevertheless however they do have multiple wives. So when does the government round up those families and young wives.

so are we going to after Muslims now knowing what they practice behind closed doors?

I don't know the answer, however if we are biased one way then let's include all just not the ones we feel more biased against when the practices appar to be the same!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Walt Trollman Ca. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:45:44 GMT

I am suprised that no one has realized that these cults of poligamy are raising a vast army of followers that may try to take over the state or even the country by virtue of their overwelming birth rates. Thanks to our laws this is being stoped befor it is too late. I dont want a bunch of morons (mormans) in charge of annything to do with this country or its citizens.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

gg, calif — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:46:18 GMT

Who wants to bet they find the skeletons of male children on the property?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Vance D. Bumpa, Boston, MA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:48:16 GMT

YIKES!? Annie, what exactly did you just say?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

G Los Ageles, CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:49:25 GMT

Interesting collection of comments. I think this could be viewed from three different perspectives, and while I am, by far, not someone who claims to know everything, I will add my two cents in..
The first perspective is from a religious standpoint. While I neither endorse nor condone of polygamy, it is a part of some religions. There are many aspects of the thousands of religions in the world that some may view as different, immoral, or even appalling. The fact is though, that while it is different than what many of us are used to, or have been raised to believe in, it does exist. One of the great freedoms of this nation is the Freedom of Religion. We can't become ignorant to the world and believe these aspects do not exist just because they are not the same as in the religions we follow.
The second perspective is the Moral perspective. Refering back to the religious perspective, no one has appointed us judge on how a person must act when following their religious beliefs. That is for their God to decide. Just because it is different, doesn't mean it's wrong. Most of these people have been raised on these beliefs all their lives and a majority of those (of reasonable age) must believe what they are doing is morally OK, or else they would be questioning it. Now before everyone begins cursing me, please continue to the third perspective, which is Legality.
Legality is the third and most important issue at hand here. While it may be legal in some states to have multiple wives, it is NOT LEGAL to have minors under a certain age to be engaged in marriage or any unlawful sexual activities anywhere in the USA! This is what everyone needs to focus on. Not power issues, abusing power, religious contradictions, moral beliefs, etc. It is the possibility that there are crimes being committed here! If anyone is being held against their will, it is a crime! If anyone is being forced into sexual activities, it is a crime! If anyone is being forced to either marry a minor, or for a minor being forced into marriage, it is a crime! This is what the investigators are looking into, and rightfully so. If their investigations are unfounded, the people who were displaced will go right back to where they were, and probably will be stronger for it. BUT if there is any evidence of any wrongdoing, then the authorities have justified their investigations.

Please refrain from badgering the authorities, or referring it to a Nazi type of action, the men and women of the police (both local and federal) place their lives on the line everyday. They deserve much more than being compared to a Nazi action, or assuming they are abusing their power. I know if I had a daughter or little sister, and there was ANY report of this type of behavior at her school, afterschool activities, her coaches, her religious studies class, ANYWHERE, I definitely would want the authorities to investigate.
If there are those who believe that the government or its agencies are abusive in its power, or believe that their constitutional rights are being violated every day, well then move to a different country and see how good we really have it!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Janice, Katy, TX — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:49:51 GMT

If there is one 16-yr. old who claims abuse, then there are probably dozens more. The women and children on this compound were not allowed to leave. Just ask the people of Jonestown if they would have welcomed earlier government intervention -- oops, sorry there aren't any people of Jonestown anymore -- the government arrived too late.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Andrea, Kingman, AZ — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:49:54 GMT

I urge anyone who is not fully educated on the horrors of the polygamous lifestyle of the FLDS and the abuse that is ongoing in this culture to read the book ESCAPE by Carolyn Jessop. You will not be able to put it down. It is a very well written book by someone who lived this lifestyle her whole life. This will put to rest any thoughts that the government has "gone overboard" in this case by trying to rescue these women and children.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Janice, Katy, TX — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:52:40 GMT

If there is one 16-yr. old who has been abused, then there are probably dozens more.

The government has the obligation to protect all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs.

Just ask the people of Jonestown if they would have welcomed earlier government intervention. Opps, sorry there aren't any residents of Jonestown anymore -- the government arrived too late.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Lynna, Long Beach, CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:52:41 GMT

I grew up in So. Utah about 50 miles north of the Colorado City location where these people came from. I've seen first hand many pregnant polygamist girls 15 years old and younger. Most people in Utah (including Police, Governors, and Attorney Generals etc.)have known of these horrible practices (men marrying off girls as young as 13 to older men). The excuse for allowing it has always been we'll lose any criminal cases brought up because of "freedom of religion". How about the freedom of those young girls? They don't truly have any freedom, especially not freedom of religion. I'm glad to finally see statutory rape being called what it is and prosecuted as such. However, I feel sorry for the trauma that these women and children must be going through right now. But, hopefully this move by the authorities will embolden and enable the one's who want to get out.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Barbara L Kuyper-Cross, Houston, TX — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:53:54 GMT

Gary of Bull(is it 'head'?)City, AZ
I can't help but notice you live less than 250 miles from Colorado City, AZ and even closer to Hilldale UT the other primary sites of this perversion of the Mormon Faith. Hmmmmm Well let me illuminate what seems to be your ill-voiced but adamant missive.
1) This 'going into' a religious compound was well stated by Scott, Denver. It is called probable cause.
2) The 'rounding up', uproot(ing), transport(ing) and 'interment camp' comments were equally absurd. What were the rescuers and police to do? Unlock the gates and say 'find your own way from here we have done our part'?
3)Your 'heartfelt' concern for how much this rescue would scare and traumatize the kids is proved a massive hypocracy, ironically, by your failure to even acknowledge the daily trauma and terror they were made to live.
4) As to your Nazi reference this (almost) amazes me the most. The police, Child Protective Services, Courts, any other law enforcement agency involved, volunteers, the physical and monetary rescources and sheer effort spent on this rescue has not even the slightest similarity to Nazi activity. My dad fought those bad guys and talked about what he saw. These men and women were the guys in the white hats, the good guys. They should all be given medals.
I could continue, but your ignorance seems boundless so I shall end only with one last comment.
When, if ever, you wrap your small mind around the concepts above, locate a real Morman believer and ask them what they think.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

G. Hedrick — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:01:21 GMT

FDLS, "sect of Later Day pedophile old men" Free the women & throw the dirty old men in jail. Joesph Smith made all that stuff up so he could have sex with underage girls. His wife didn't even buy it!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Mrs. Thomas Barnhart, Tacoma, WA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:13:08 GMT

After reading Carolyn Jessup's book, "Escape" - this news feels all too real. Her book gave you a front seat in her life under Jeffs command. After reading her book, my husband and I have been mortified at how these women and children have been treated. Ms. Jessup was fortunate that she was allowed an education - otherwise I don't know that she would have been able to do what she did for her freedom and her family. Several times, my heart broke for this woman and I had to stop and pray for her. I pray her and others like her, would learn about a true loving Heavenly Father. Sadly, they have never been truly loved and have been brainwashed by evil people. Our heart goes out to them: for the horror they are in now and the overcoming they will need to do to find out who they are and the freedom they have. May God Bless them.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Scared of the Nazis, Houston, Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:13:10 GMT

There is no excuse for 50+ year old men being with young teenage girls. However, being from Texas, I can assure you that when a teenage girl at the local Baptist Church is being abused the local authorities will NOT arrest all the men and women at the local mega-church and then transport off all the children to "save" them from abuse. The reality is these are just nazi methods cloaked in the purity of fundamental christian righteousness. Let's round up all the Jews next! Hurray for Jesus!! You know, there was a time in the United States when you were presumed innocent until proven guilty. Of course, that is only for white christians I suppose.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Serg — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:14:38 GMT

2 Timothy 3

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Mark Bramley, Saint George, Utah — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:16:28 GMT

Everybody needs to keep the religious aspect out of this. I really do not think the LDS Community supports these people, I am not LDS, nor do the people of my community (Saint George, UT.) These people are very misguided in thier beliefs. I see them on a daily basis and althought they are friendly in Saint George, UT if you were to travel to to thier community they will spit in your face. I am a contractor and it makes me ill to see these people, who do not pay thier share of taxes, obtain work from those who are more qualified. The real victims are the children. They no nothing of the outside world. One way to stop this is not to hire them, and do not allow them to shop in your stores or eat in your restaurants. They are child abusers. I hope that the Arizona Government will do the same in Colorado City. I will be grateful to help in removing the women and children myself.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

joler madison — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:19:59 GMT

jesus christ is the only one who saves!!!

3000 years ago, how old were their marriages?

how old was the "virgin" mary when she had Jesus?
how many abuses go un-cared for in usa? yet if it has to do with a "organized faith" surely bring in the guns, and weapons, kill if necessary?!?!?!
that is backwards!
right or wrong......
there certainly is a organized ring leader trying to kill , steal , and destroy anything to do with FAITH!

JESUS SAVES>>>>>>JESUS SAVES>>>>>>>JESUS SAVES!!!!!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Sharon, CA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:21:39 GMT

These men are sick pediphiles, and they're using religion as a shield so they can break the law and rape young girls. However, I'm not surprised one bit give the range of sick, sadistic behavior that "religion" comes in handy for masking. Religion has never been anything other than a tool used to control and subjugate weaker people.

Brian of Tuscon has it right on the money when he says, "The children, esp. the girls, in this 'religion' have been manipulated and dominated to the point that they have no understanding of free will or the opportunity to intelligently decide for themselves if this is the life that they wish to lead." Well that pretty much sums up all religious teachings, all religious doctrines and the poor, unfortunate children who are raised to blindly follow a fairy tale without being given a chance to form their own beliefs. God is a fairy tale and this situation is just a far extreme example of how religion poisons society, no matter what form it's in.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Ben There — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:22:30 GMT

Steve in Beavercreek, get your facts straight. The FLDS didn't exist until the 1940s, when the LDS church excommunicated the entire membership of the Short Creek, Arizona branch of the LDS CHURCH. Hardly over 100 years ago.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jim, Hammond, IN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:24:26 GMT

Personally, I don't care one way or the other about polygamy: if consenting ADULTS are involved, it is none of my business who marries who, or who has sex with who, or why, or when.
But that's the problem, isn't it? It is NOT just adults; many of these "wives" have been married off below the legal age of consent, and more than a few have been married off to close male relatives.
I do agree that the men involved here are pedophiles. It would be simple to wait until the girls are 18 before marrying them, so obviously puriant sexual lusts after under-aged girls is at work here, the religious beliefs of the perpetrators notwithstanding.
I do however believe that taking children en masse and placing them in state custody is a mistake. This action will traumatize the children, and further isolate them and the adult cult members, which is detrimental to them, and to the rest of society, especially since these people are religious fundamentalists who already believe that the world is on the brink of ending, and are therefore more prone to violent resistance to authority. Also, I am reminded that state authorities in Utah and Arizona have done this before to the children of polygamists, and the results were not good for the children.
Finally, this was obviously a very, very carefully planned operation, worked out a considerable time ago. The Texas authorites have been waiting a very long time to attack this cult, and this smacks of religious persecution. Not that I think these cult members are in the right - considering the indoctrination of the women and children that takes place, and the breaking of laws, and the pedophilia and incest taking place they are definitely NOT in the right - however these kinds of tactics on the part of police must concern all of us. If the police can do this to these cult members, they can do it to ANY church, given the right excuse.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Sally, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:30:34 GMT

Read Annie's comments. While she does not say anything about from where she came, or to where she is in life at this time, there is truthfulness and an awareness of a situation(s) similar to Texas in her words. Annie may know much more about improprieties/realities within this sect than others in this thread. Annie, I wish you well.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Cece, Missouri — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:39:31 GMT

As to what happens to the young men, Annie Booth commented on this earlier. The young men, just teenagers really, are sent away from the compound; the older men don't want anything taking the attention of their young brides. The elders may use the excuse that the young men aren't strong willed enough, but they really need to have a low male population in the compound so there will be a larger pool of unattached young girls to choose from. I saw this on Anderson Cooper 360.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Fred Otte, Grants Pass, OR — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:41:29 GMT

I say hoo-ray for Texas. Utah and Arizona authorities, for whatever reason, were unable or unwilling to prosecute these lawbreakers and sex offenders. Finally, during the last couple of years, an aggressive attorney general was able to prosecute and get convictions of several of the most notorious men from this group, including their leader, Warren Jeffs, who is currently serving two consecutive five years to life sentences. I lived in southern Utah for 21 years and traveled many times past their enclaves of Colorado City, AR and Hilldale, UT. I had a few dealings with them and generally found them to be hard and capable workers but it was well known that they took advantage of the food stamp and other welfare programs. They were extreemly reclusive people and did not seem to want any "outsiders" visiting their community. I always felt very sorry for the children, very few of whom recieved any education past 12 or 14 years of age. The girls were married by 16, generally to older men, and naturally there was an excess of young men who were systematically excommunicated and driven from the group.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Ann Beardsley, Summit, NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:45:34 GMT

If you all want to know the real story behind this - read the book, ESCAPE, written by Carolyn Jessop last year. She was apparently married and had 8 kids with a very high ranking man in the Fundamentalist LDS organization and finally escaped a few years ago. This will open your eyes to a life in the U.S. that you would believe only exists in radical fundamentalist middle eastern countries - not here in the U.S. If you read the book (which you simply can't put down) you will be thankful that the police made a raid in Texas and got the women and children out.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Pam, Bay Area, CA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:48:14 GMT

After reading Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith," I can't even believe this freaky LDS fundamentalism still goes on in modern U.S. society. Sneaky sneaky. Sooo glad they were raided.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Joe Merrick — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:49:00 GMT

It is really hard for me to understand how any person,
male or female, young or old, could enter into a lifestyle that condones pedophiles. To do this in the name of God is all the more reprehensible. They are going to have a hard time explaining their actions to
a Jury of normal people. How can they justify their actions when they come face to face with Jesus?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Terry McCoy, Independence, MO — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:53:57 GMT

It really irritates me when people say that this Fundamentalists are the same as the LDS church. I've been a member since May of 1972 and have yet to participate in a polygamous marriage. I don't plan to. It's against the law of the land and more importantly the laws of God. I noticed that photographs of the Texas compound were linked with photos from LDS stories. Saying we are like the Fundamentalists is saying the Catholics are the same as the Pentecostals. I hope in the future true professional journalists communicate the news properly.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

CB, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:56:53 GMT

All of you who are responding to Gary from Bullhead City, AZ: Please note, he signs himself as being from BULLHEAD CITY, AZ! Very likely he's part of the FLDS. They have been trafficing in underaged girsl for a long time up in Colorady City (AZ) and that area.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Barbara, Wallington, NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:57:50 GMT

Thank God authorities had probable cause to go into that compound and rescue the women and children from life of sexual abuse. That 16year old did a very brave thing and saved the lives of many little children. Hopefully they will heal from whatever they were subjected to.

I agree with Tari...sounds like a bunch of dirty old men hiding behind religion to have their way with children. Creepy...happens in other religions too. Look at the lawsuit payoffs occurring in the Catholic Church.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Barbara, Wallington, NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:58:23 GMT

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Tim Linton,Bellevue Washington 98007 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:01:35 GMT

Do you really think the federal goverment has the authority to go in there and uproot all the women happingand children on privite property,based on 1 phone call?.Dont get me wrong I dont agree in the slightest bit with what is happing,but what I do know for a fact is that our rights and civil liberties are almost gone entirely.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jay Vee, Tucson, AZ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:02:35 GMT

Hi Tari, the young men are run out of town, exactly like all wild animals do to their "unwanted studs."

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

IRMA - SAN ANTONIO, TX — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:02:53 GMT

I HOPE THIS SENDS A MESSAGE TO ALL THOSE THAT PRACTICE THIS SICK RELIGION THAT AMERICA WOULD NOT STAND FOR THIS BEHAVIOR AND THAT WE DO CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR CHILDREN, AND THEY WILL BE PROTECTED. THIS HAS BEEN A VICTORY DAY FOR ALL ABUSE CHILDREN THAT DONT HAVE A VOICE

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

DG, Gig Harbor, WA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:12:56 GMT

Unless there is abuse by the mothers also, these children should be allowed to stay in the care of their own mother's and all permitted time and training to adjust to "modern" life. I agree that the older men acted in a vile way and should suffer the consequences. The poor children know nothing about the outside world and it would be a shock to them to be forced to live that way all of the sudden. Not to mention they have probably never had processed food. I can just imagine how hard it will be on their stomachs.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John, Colorado Springs, Colorado — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:19:29 GMT

Great Book on this topic "Under the Banner of Heaven" by John Krakauer. It explores the history of the Morman church from a secular point of view and discusses the generational deteriorment caused by this sort of lifestyle. Rarely are the girls ever educated beyond basic reading ability, and they are to submit to their husband as his desires command. Straight bullshit. There is virtue to organized religion, even mormanism, but when we discuss the fundamentalists of any organized religion, we are looking at the fringe society. These people are fanatical by defination. In the case of the church of Latter Day Saints it is very unfortunate that the fringe groups that believe in polygamy victimize young girls. Lastly, the first comment by Gary clearly shows he has little sympathy for the girls that were legimatly rescued in this situation. He may as well be an acomplis. I believe police officials will continue to make discoveries of this nature until the FLDS church is uprooted from American soil.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

PG, Raleigh NC — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:23:22 GMT

In the name of religion. Interesting. That is an excuse for one human to treat any other human as they wish. In this case male dominance. Simple as that. God created one man and one woman. Not one man and many women. And they were created age appropriate. God loves all, but does not lust all. Please wake up and stop using religion as an excuse to kill or control. There is one judge and one judge only, he will prevail. But right is right and wrong is wrong. God gave each of us free will and it was not to be taken by others. AND We are to protect our children! Witch hunt? No it is simple as Good vs Evil.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Norval, 83y, New York — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:29:42 GMT

Let ME get this straight....
Because an anonymous MALE reported being the victim of sexual abuse from a Catholic Priest it was OK for law enforcement and the government to investigate and prosecute the guilty - BUT - when a 16 year anonymous FEMALE reports sexual abuse from a Religious Leader and it is investigated you, Gary, term it religious persecution?!? And reference these actions to those of the NAZIS?!? I served in WWII and if you decide you would like a history lesson I would be more than happy to detail my experience in the European campaign.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Karen, Burnet County, Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:32:18 GMT

Religion can be a wonderful thing but so many times we have seen horrible things happen in the name of religion. So many of the fundamental religions have no room for the rights of women and children, whether it be the LDS church or a fundamental Baptist church or a fundament Islamic religion. It's a scary thing when you are taught that you must do things in order to please God. It seems that the Bible teaches that in order to please God you are to love one another as you love Him. These poor women lost their right to a happy, healthy life due to a misguided belief of what was right in God's eyes. What a shame. I hope and pray that these women and their children can somehow become happy, whole individuals.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

EC, Florida — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:41:58 GMT

As for the young boys...most of them are cast out when they hit puperty because they are a threat to the old men. They are called "the lost boys" and they have no family, no jobs and no education. What happens to them in our society is awful as well. It is sad that all of these women and children have been so traumatized these last few days, but with help, they will be better off than being abused, brain washed and raped. Hopefully, there will be true, loving Mormon families that will take them in and ease their transition into mainstream society. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

D.J., Newell, South Dakota — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:42:21 GMT

I am very proud of the young wife and mother who reported her forced marriage to CPS. The FCJCLS is more than a church, it is a cult in which a few opportunistic men have used religion as a vehicle to dominate and abuse women and children. I hope these perpetrators of rape and incest come to justice, and the women, children, and young men of the group can be rehabilitated to lead normal, self-determining lives. May they all go with God the merciful.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

KP, Memphis, TN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:45:36 GMT

Texas law allows for the death penalty, use it. At no time should sexual abuse of children be allowed in this country. I am shocked that anyone would hestitate to investigate such claims. Thank God law enforcement took the call seriously and put an end to these unimaginable acts.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Greg V, Seattle, Washington — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:49:17 GMT

Honestly, these kind of people disgust me. State tolerance of religious beliefs are one thing, but keeping people in complete isolation from everything and everyone is both a moral and a constitututional violation.

The fact that these same "religious leaders" forced themselves and others on people not so much younger than myself is real cause for alarm.

I only hope that the people responsible for ruining so many peoples lives will have a nice, lengthy, and very uncomfortable stay in prison, followed by a much, much longer one in whatever (bad) afterlife may exist.

Freedom of religion is one thing; religious extremism is just an excuse for insanity.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Clete Bayer, Houston, Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:49:25 GMT

It should be an embarrassment to MSNBC and to every law-abiding American that the first comment published here is from a certain extremist like Gary of Bullhead City, AZ. I concur with Scott of Denver - Gary's comments make him appear a confederate of these evil men. Further, his comments should make him a candidate for scrutiny.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Lulu Larson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:57:17 GMT

According to some news coverage at the time of Jeffs capture, the boys are often run out. They are throw-aways, usually without an education, relying on whatever skills they learned working the land or building things. So the boys are victims too.
This cult is a sorry excuse for a religion. They are truly criminals and deserve prison time.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

J. Rutan — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:01:12 GMT

Annie Booth. Please spread your observations and knowledge of this situation to the end of the Earth. I see what you're saying.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

RC, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:08:49 GMT

Gee, can anyone remember the Short Creek Raids?
I do not in any way, shape or form, condone abuse of any form - specifically in that I mean the forcing someone to bend to your will through coercion, whether physical or emotional. That being said, you should really take a step back and look at this with some intellectual honesty.
It's real easy to say "them" and "those people" and lump all the group together as if they were all of the same mind. Gary from Bullhead City was right on. He wasn't advocating abuse nor polygamy, either. This clearly smacks of prejudice. Prejudice is the first step to oppression and subjugating a people.
There are obviously crimes of the land being committed here, but each of those should be investigated as they arise. Going into a whole community and pulling this kind of stunt is just plain fascism (look up the definition).
Take their religion out of the mix, and use a different group - say tenements in Chicago - we all "know" there is rampant crime, drug use, abuse, etc. happening there. What do you think the political outcome of that would be?
BTW, the latest number is 534, with 401 children. Do you really mean to suggest that everyone of those is a victim of abuse? 133 adult women are all unable to make a choice for themselves? Get real. After the Short Creek Raid, did all the women leave? No - while I'm sure there are abuses galore, the majority of the wives rchose to return, and the community still continued to exist. There
The only crime here was that they are separatists. In the US today, that is the most serious crime there is. We can't allow anyone to be different and avoid the public. We fear them so.
Look how many people are convinced these people will fight back - even though they have never done so. Instead we keep trotting out Ms Jessop to voice her opinion (she seems to be the only disenfranchised member willing to speak) about how they have guns and are all evil.
While I can't condone the FLDS actions and practices, all Americans should be watching with concern at the actions here. Tonorrow it could be your group that is not popular anymore.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jerrie Marty — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:14:57 GMT

It's just another indication of the FLDS lack of reality that they relocated to Baptist/Church of Christ country. What could they possibly expect?
My Great-Grandmother was a product of the polygamous lifestyle, when it was still sanctioned by the Mormon Church. She had an abiding hatred for the life, and a fear of the church which lasted throughout her lifetime. This abuse of women and children needs to be stopped...whatever it takes.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jeffrey Elliott, San Jose, California — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:16:52 GMT

I am skeptical. Is this another Waco. As most reasonable people now awknowledge, the death of the many children at Waco could have been avoided if the authorities had been more honest, upright and forthright and less arrogant in their dealings.

A different lifestyle does not necessarily mean abuse; neither, does the exception regarding abusive conduct necessarily mean the entire community is abusive.

However, like Waco, the authorities have committed themselves, so I am sure they will manufacture sufficient evidence to justify taking all 400 plus children. Normally, law enforcement will only take the alleged abused victims, if and only if, sufficient, probable or reasonable cause grounded in provable facts exists, not a set of allegations, based on media hype and an annoymous telephone call (I am sure they will eventually produce someone) and the authorities are now under pressure to produce evidence among the children. Reminds me of a Bakersfield, California case involving a day care center.

The Judicial system should be very very cautions in this circumstances, because you may have well-meaning, but liberal feminists social workers at Child Protection Services experiencing a profound clash of values with a some what odd, ultra conservative polygamist group from another era.

This very well be a war of ideology, rather, than solid and consistent abuse of over 400 children, unless, as an liberal feminist social worker, the mere fact, that children are growing up in a 18 th century polygamist environment infers abuse. However, under the law, more is required. A life style or religion should not be placed on trial. What if liberal feminist social workers children were rounded up and the liberal ideaology was placed on trial? Would we have the same enthusiasim? Remember, Waco, the Bakersfield Day Care Center and Salem Witch trials, before rushing head long into the frey because a unique, isolated and strange life style rooted in another century is at the center of the storm.

The Judicial System should set aside prejudice and examine the true facts. If any abuse is found; the abuser should be punished not an entire community and not mothers separated from children and sibliings separated from each other. And, absolutely no social engineering upon the part of the liberal ideologues working on behalf of the government.

Now, if no massive abuse is found, leave the children and mothers alone. Is there abundant drug use? Is there extreme violence? What about gangland violence? What about gangs? What about teen sucide?
The above are all symbolic and symptomatic of the larger society. Does this small polygamist society have such aliments?

The question of right and wrong is a religious and philosophical question and not the place for law enforcement or Government such as what happened at Waco.

If massive abuse of all 400 children is trully found and rooted in the evidence, than such action is merited, but this smells of Fraud by local authorities.

Moreover, if these children have been taken into custody, wrongfully, under manufactured evidence or without evidence, the criminal acts of the specific government employees should be rooted out (just like Jeff's and Korash); these falsfying individuals should lose their jobs and be criminally prosecuted.

The law should work not only too protect the children from any abuse by their families and religion, but also, protect the children from abusive persons in government, whom decided to manufacture and falsfy evidence, in order, to shut down an opposing life style, such as liberal feminism social workers vs. conservative 18 th century polygamy religious groups.

Both ideologies; both doctrines should be equally accountable for wrongdoing.

Think well and act slowly.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

melissa h nc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:17:02 GMT

to gary in bullhead city. your daughter comes home crying and says daddy an old man raped me. the first thought in your mind should be lets go to the hospital then to police because you want the sob to pay for the hurt he caused your daughter. then your daughter says daddy im pregnant with the rapist child. so now do you not think the sob should pay? do you not want justice done and the dirty old man punished to fullest extent of the law? if not, then you're just as black hearted and un-human as the rapist. GOD does not promote rape of his own children

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Charlie Evans - Los Angeles, Ca. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:20:53 GMT

Take a look at the world we live in - all the crime, drugs, underaged sex, kids killing kids, adults killing kids, and look at the total lack of crime in the FLDS community.

Caught your attention didn't I...

They have lived this way happily for generations, and it is the values and morals of outsiders that deem them deviant. It is only when their children see the evil of the outside world and its temptations do they begin to think their way of life is wrong.

I do not endorse or commend the FLDS church, however, I believe they have a right to practice their religion without state, federal, or local interference.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Don, Lakewood, Co — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:28:04 GMT

As I understand it the young boys are considered competetion for the young girls ans as such are often forced to leave (after being taught for all of their lives the outside world is evil)..They are called the Lost Boys.. they are victims too Imagine, as a parent your child will either be a child bride or forced away from home as ayoung teenager...so sad....

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jan Kasza Temperance, Mi — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:29:55 GMT

This should have been done when Jeffs was arrested! But, this is very typical of Child Protective Services. Everyone KNEW what was going on and just let it go! Sickening to say the least!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

jane — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:35:06 GMT

The whole religion was devised to suit the pedophiles of the time. Ridiculous bunch of fairy tales made up so some guys could touch young women to their heart's content.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Mike K, Springfield, Oregon — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:35:53 GMT

This is a nice little reminder of just how screwed up the Mormon religion( cult) is. I know the Mormons say they split from this 100 years ago, but the fact remains they once lived this unthinkable lifestyle. What your seeing in Texas is true Mormonism at its worse. Mormonism is one of the youngest religions. It was founded by a nut, Joseph Smith, who claims he spoke to God. He wrote the Mormon book. This book is a collection of false teachings. The Bible fortells alot, but it never fortold of Jesus going the the Ameicas to save he Native Americans. Read Revelation 22:18 and you understand why the Mormon religion is wrong. You dont add to or take away things from the bible. The mormon book is there addition to the bible.......hence adding to it. This is a no no according to the bible. And of course you cant forget the gold plates Joseph claimed to have had. But before he could show anyone God conviently took them back. Only a crazy peson would buy into this crap.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Rich — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:38:35 GMT

Huzzah! Huzzah! Uncle Sam fearlessly steps in and saves the day! One phone call and they can destroy a thoudand families and an entire town. Yipee! Individual rights triumph again! I think they'll find weapons of mass destruction too. Thank God our good ole' government is there to protect the rights of the innocent. Ya'll make sure all those parentless children are set right and learn about the good values of paying taxes, playing video games, and shooting their classmates, now.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

R. M Martin House, NM — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:54:28 GMT

Gary from Bullhead City needs to get a GRIP!!! Exploitation of children and the elderly is the very worst!!! We should be taking care of them not abusing and brainwashing them! I pray to God that the right thing will be done to the adults who are responsible for these actions!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Deanna, Harrisburg PA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:58:31 GMT

The most upsetting part of this whole situation is the sad realization that many of these young girls will not have a fighting chance at having a normal, healthy relationship with a man due to the sick, twisted pedophiliacs that have brainwashed them from birth. There is no excuse--not religion, nor cultural--for forcing anyone to marry anyone else, let alone a teenager to a creepy old man. Sadly, just as the women and children are unaware of how wrong their actions are, I'm sure the men are just as ignorant. People like Warren Jeffs don't deserve the luxury accomodations aforded by our tax dollars. To manipulate and brainwash innocent people, robbing them of their free will, denies them the very essence of what it means to be American and more importantly, human. There is no punishment man can provide that will balance the train wreck of lives he has left in his wake. Hope he likes the Texas heat because it's nothing compared to the afterlife that is awaiting him...

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Clio Channel Vancouver British Columbia — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:21:57 GMT

This sect is, and always has been, little more than a pedophelia cult hiding behind the guise of religion. Young men are turfed out so that they will not be competing with the older men for the young girls. The female children are not only bound into a sexual slavery, but also deprived of a basic human right to an appropriate education. Pedophiles in the "outside" world are prosecuted, the men of this cult deserve no less.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Tommy Sande, Shepherdstown, WV — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:26:23 GMT

To paraphrase, the earlier comment, these professed elders seem to be nothing but pedophiles. The laws of the state of residence take precedence over the scriptures and their interpretation. It is sad the impact these guys have had on these 534 and the others before them. I'm sure the Sheriff, the State Police and CPS had reason more reason than a simple phonecall. My hat is to the decision makers.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Justin R, Portland, Oregon — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:28:41 GMT

I agree with most everything said above, but I just hope that these girls that have been abused can live a normal life after these traumatic experiences they have faced.

Although I do not mind most religions, I do not agree with Mormonism. It is a rather disturbing religion, when you think about it and it is growing frightfully fast. I am fully aware that these people in Texas are Mormon extremists and do not represent the Mormon community at whole, but I had a friend that decided to disband from the Mormon church to search for his own religious freedom and he was shunned by his own family and most of his best friends for doing so. Blatant and disgusting Chauvinism also is very present in this society. It is appalling to me that a religion does that to a honest human being because of their religious views!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Shawn Schmid, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:31:54 GMT

Polygamy = pedophilia, in practice. I say round up all of these so-called "religious" pedophiles, whose god tells them to have sex with as many little girls as possible, and give them a fair trial and sentence them to prison. Afterward (but I hope they never get out), they will register as sex-offenders, for life, as they have earned. Is this debatable? Whether or not to have sex with children? Is someone arguing that it's okay? Wake up and burn their child-sex temple to the ground and give these men the sustained ass-kicking they deserve.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Emm, Reno, NV — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:41:35 GMT

"Let me get this straight. Because of an anonymous call from an unknown source, the police go into a religious sects community, round up all of the women and children, uproot them, transport them to an internment camp for interrogation, probably scare the kids to deah and traumatize them for life. Sounds more like abuse of power to me. Religious persecution based on the premise that they are protecting the women and children. Sounds like something the Nazi's would have done. Break out the cattle cars. Where is the ACLU? How many men, women and children would have died if it had become another Waco massacre by the ATF?
This is just plain wrong to endanger innocent people for a witch hunt."

Gary, that's what all religious freaks like you brainwashing young minds as adults take their unwary children to churches thinking it's OK to rape young children by older men or by priests after Sunday school.

Don't sound so surprised, it's been going on for thousands of years in the name of the "LORD"

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jim F, So. California — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:45:55 GMT

I just finished the Jon Krakauer book "Under The Banner of Heaven." An eye opening look at the FLDS and their life styles. Check the welfare roles in Eldorado, Tom Green County, Texas and you will probably find this $700,000. piece of real estate has a lot of checks delivered to its address. The FLDS elders, besides wanting to mate with 13 to 15 year old virgins, want to 'Bleed the Beast', or take freely from what they feel is a corrupt government.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Janice Cox — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:53:56 GMT

Why didn't they just round up the men and let the women and children chose whether they wanted to stay at home or not. Removing 220 women and children sounds like you are putting a lot of children under an awful load of stress.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Donna, Eugene, OR — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:08:27 GMT

Rape under the disguise of religious freedom is still rape. Men who marry children and hide behind their religion to excuse their perversions are no better than their counterparts who commit rape on the streets and back alleyways of our cities. They are worse than scum and should be prosecuted!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John Penner,San Angelo Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:19:22 GMT

I live in San Angelo, which is about 20 miles North of the compound and where all of the women and children were transported after the warrant was served. They have been very well cared for at our historical Fort Concho visitors grounds, many local churches and agencies have donated food and other amenities to insure their comfort. It is certainly a tough time for the kids but every care is being taken to make sure that they are safe and comfortable.
I believe in freedom of religion but this sect has been under scrutiny for some time because they are polygamists, pure and simple. Forcing underage girls to marry and have sexual relations with men, many more than twice their age is wrong, no matter what religious beliefs you hide it behind.
This has been brewing since the sect, who originally masqueraded as a "hunting lodge" broke ground in Eldorado. They have done their best to keep "outsiders" off of the compound,even meeting foodservice suppliers on the side of the road a few miles away.
Gary from Bullhead Arizona, comparing this to the acts of Nazi's is completely unjust. The children were removed to a safe location to prevent further abuse. Innocent victims of a witch hunt? I don't think so. Jail the pedophiles hiding behind the ruse of "religious freedom".

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

MANUEL TOBIAS, SONORA,TX. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:31:23 GMT

FREEDOM, HOPE AND DREAMS ARE WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT. YOUNG GIRLS UNDER 18 IN AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE TO AN OLD MAN, IS THIS FREEDOM? WHAT COULD THEY HOPE FOR? AND WHAT KIND OF DREAMS COULD THEY HAVE?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Erin, San Francisco, California — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:37:01 GMT

I only wonder why it took so long. If these people were not hiding behind the guise of religion to commit crimes, these children who have been raped and brainwashed by their relatives would have been swooped up by Child Protective Services years ago. The religion is an excuse to commit vile acts . . it is a ruse for dirty old men. Congrats to Texas law enforcement for having the nerve to finally exercise the power of the state to save these victims, may Arizona and Colorado follow your lead.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

manuel, Tx. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:38:58 GMT

Shame on you Gary in AZ. sympathizing with a bunch of old perverts that are preying on young girls behind the guise of religion. Whats going on in that compound is simply disgusting.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

GC, Los Angeles — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:44:33 GMT

This was a long time coming. The single phone call was just the tipping point. Everyone knows exactly what goes on in these places whether they are in Utah, Idaho, Arizona or even Texas. Colorado city is isolated enough for law enforcement to turn a blind eye. Texas is not. The men who run this "religion" are nothing more than perverts who have constructed a framework that allows them to prey on children at will. It's sick and should not be allowed to exist.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Misty, OK — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:57:41 GMT

I think what the government did was right the only wrong thing about it is that it wasnt done way sooner, these people who started this idea of polygamy and "putting the woman in her place" are known for their wife beating and sexual abusing ways, they brainwash the innocent and committ crimes of oppression and murdering of the soul, but I am sure that there are other sick and twisted communities such as this one out there, if no one did anything about it this situation, this would be more widespread, we are like fish in water in this fishbowl called earth, everyone who is for leaving this kinds of "cults" or "religious sects" alone, is for leaving these kinds of people to manipulate others... and thus more people, (look at every situation across the globe, how did it get started?) we cannot afford to forsake every effort made to make sure that our rights and the rights of others are protected..

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Robert Broughton, MT — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:59:34 GMT

I agree that arresting people who take advantage of children should occur. But why stop at that religious sect. If memory serves me correctly, the Catholic church has had several priests that have abused children. All Catholic children should be taken from their homes the same way. Also, communities like Washington DC have committed atrocious acts like murder and rape of children. All the children from that community should also have their children taken away for their own safety. After all, the stories from the foster care system is without blemish. Wait, now we have to take away all the kids from the foster care system also. Hmmmm. Maybe they should have just rescued the one girl.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Judy Rose, Centennial, Colorado — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:06:19 GMT

Gary from Bullhead City, you have got to kidding! Legal authorities put a stop to the rape of children and you think that's "religious persecution?" How does preventing sexual assault of underage girls equate with Nazism? I'm a big supporter of freedom of religion, but based on the cruelty of the leaders of this sect, theirs can best be classified as a cult, and an evil one at that!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

raul toledo miami florida — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:12:21 GMT

i feel sorrow for those kids. we probably never know the magnitud of the ordeal. it is my believe authorities should brings whoever is responsible to justice. and keep them away from society.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Micheal, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:14:25 GMT

I know these people, and did business with them for several years before they moved from Salt Lake City.

In all of my dealings with them, I never once witnessed a "child" married to a "dirty old pedophile". I did, however, see very young women being married to what I considered very young men.

The problem you have here is that under Utah law, a girl may get married at 14, yes FOURTEEN, years old with parental consent. I am assuming that if there are 14 to 16 year-olds that are married in Eldorado, they were married in Utah and moved down there.

Maybe Utah needs to re-visit this crazy law before we go around condemning the people who abide by it.

Now, about this raid. It already appears to me that the authorities are sweeping under the carpet the fact that this "16 year old" has yet to be found. Barlow insists that he does not know and is not married to this girl, and I have to wonder whether or not she really ever existed.

Sure seems odd to me that this entire task force was so ready to advance on to this compound within a moments notice. The whole thing smells like a set-up to me.

Other commentors, please stop and think about how distorted news stories can be nowadays. My god, we have a 16 year old sister of Britney Spears being hailed as "brave" for being pregnant and having the child! We should be locking up the guy who "raped" her as well, shouldn't we?

At least the "rapists" in Eldorado stick around to raise, feed, and educate the children that are a product of their actions. What can you say about the 12 to 16 year old single mothers of inner city America?

In the end, it's just easier to attack those that won't fight back, isn't it? Much easier to arrest a bunch of pacifist polygamists than stop drug smugglers and pimps. After all, they have guns.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Doug W. Lewiston, ID — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:14:31 GMT

Hey, Gary, from AZ, the Waco people burned their own place down. Yes, the ATF could have used better methods to execute the warrant (they could have arrested Koresh in town), but the fact remains, the Waco people set their own place on fire. Do not be misled by the tabloids.

Also, all of the activities, if true, is ILLEGAL. If you are such a person who believes that 50yo men should be getting married and having kids with a 14 or 15yo girl is sick and wrong. There is a reason Jeff is doing prison time.

In addition, if an anonymous call can be collaberated with other facts, there is plenty there to get a search warrant.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Carole — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:49:16 GMT

For those of you that want the truth I will tell you. I worked in St. George, Utah ten years ago working for the Health Department in the County of Mohave, Arizona. Colorado City where a lot of the people now in Texas are from were my clients. They were quiet people who wanted to keep to themselves, but the women and children came to me for County health care known as ACCHCS (access). It is health care for those who do not make enough money to purchase health care on their own. They must qualify for it. However, they lied, kept information from me, and I, as the decision maker, would put them off as long as possible as I knew what they were telling me was not the truth. The only ones I could not keep off ACCHCS were the girls (never boys, they didn't come into the office). The day after the girls turned 18 they could become a family of one even though living in a family of up to 30+ people. Their Mothers' would sign a form stating they were given $50.00 a month or $150.00 per quarter and multiplying that by 4 would give a figure of $600.00 per year in income. A family of one at that time could not earn more than $2500.00 per year. It was fraud in the biggest sense. The women knew how to play the game and I was sent to St. George to make the changes. I did and kept many of them off the program. The fact is that all of these people are related to one another mostly named Johnson, Jessop, and Barlow. I had multiple birth defects from first cousins marrying first cousins. There is never any new blood as they don't allow outsiders in. The worst was a baby girl born with her organs turned backward and on the wrong side. The Fundamentalist Church was aware of all of this. Most births took place in the twin cities of Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale, Utah. It's rumored that many babies that didn't live are buried in those locations. No one will ever know how many. If anyone feels sorry for the children that are being taken from El Dorado, Texas right now, don't be. The whole scheme of babies (14 years old and under) having babies has been taking place in this sect for years. Hopefully now with Warren Jeffs in jail and soon to be heading for prison; some changes will take place. I knew it then, and I know it now that the women and young children will be better off being mainstreamed into a society that does not allow men to take one legal wife and any number of sister wives, many if not most of them underage. It was nothing but a baby factory in Colorado City. It has to stop sometime and I hope the time has come.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Roberta, Blue River, Or. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:04:14 GMT

It is about time someone took the safety and concerns of the children and women. That man who called himself a leader was nothing but a pediphile and polyligimast. He had those women go and get on welfare and medi-aid for those childern. It is good that these women and little ones can have a chance at a real life.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

P. Davis, Seattle, WA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:14:29 GMT

Tteenage boys are kicked out for seemingly minor infractions (chewing gum, being late, not doing a chore, etc.) The sect needs to get rid of the young men that are competition for the older men. They are kicked out from the sheltered world they were raised in and forced to fend for themselves as teenagers in open society with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Look up "Lost Boys" on the internet. There are non-profit organizations in Colorado, Arizona, etc. that are trying to care for the dozens of boys suffering this fate. They need to learn street sense, and the basic skills to find a job, earn a living, and care for themselves. The teenage girl are not the only victims in this twisted sect. The boys are as well, they are not wanted, and abandoned. This whole thing is sad and heartbreaking.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Keith Atsirk, Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:21:30 GMT

I was thinking the same thing... what happens to the young boys in this sect? I'm glad the authorities are taking measures to remove and protect the women and children, but has anyone located the probable thousands of young men that have been "sent away" over the years? This whole thing is an aberration, but, what's worse is to imagine where these young boys are. Mark my word, they will turn up in an all-male compound somewhere forced into a life of homosexual incestual pedophilia. These LDS compounds have pulled off their wacky ways by subsisting slighly below the radar, but I guarantee all-male compounds will be discovered that are somehow subsisting totally and completely under the radar. SCARY!!!!!!!!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Genesis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:21:49 GMT

This entire situation is absolutely appalling. Religious fundamentalists systematically using their beliefs as an excuse for sexual and emotional abuse is shameful and entirely beyond reason. This cult needs to be eradicated so that more women and children are not subjected to this intense perversion.

Education and enlightenment will be the antidote to religious fundamentalism. We, as human brothers and sisters, have a moral obligation to help these people realize their spiritual abuse and to assimilate into a sane culture. Think of it as being missionaries of humanism.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Samy, Alex, Virginia — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:20:20 GMT

Every body knows from the beginning that they exist, and all the rituals been practiced there were not a secret, especially to the authorities,,all along these years..!! So,,why the crusade evolved suddenly like that, and on this time,,of course it's quite obvious that it's a pre-arranged raid, and this young teen certainly was not the triggering act as it shows (in such a naive play)..So ...did nobody get the PLOT yet....?? Please just think a bit...

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Dennis Bone Gap, Illinois — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:47:27 GMT

How come every time we hear about something like a cault or siege of a religious Compound it's alway's in Texas, is there something wrong with the protection of Civil Liberties and /or Constitutional Rights in the State of Texas to allow Caults to form and gather amongst the masses, where the government has to step in and put these peoples lives back in the norm of society and costing tax payers millions of unneeded tax dollars, if this was handled properly at the beginning of when they see things like this starting to form, making sure they get proper counseling at the time segregated caults start to form, by making sure these people have the right to education of Society and Religion then if they choose this life style, they have chosen to live this way, which is their right, but if any children that they bare in this lifestyle,they shoulds be held accountable for their actions towards the lifestyle and education of their children making sure they know they have choices in their lifestyle also if this type of manditory education was going on you would stop the majority of forceable rape and marrages of younger children.
The bad thing about this situtation is that here we have soldiers dieing in a far a way country to try and give some other religious Cult their right to the way the want to live, But this country can't even control the bad behaviors of the way people live or treat others in todays society in America, so do we have a right to try and control others when we can't control our own life and society, where do you draw the line ! Do you really want to know what is wrong with America in the whole, the Bible say's thou shall not remove the stick in thy neighbors eye until you remove the beam from thy own eye, the morrow of this verse is before you can someone else you have to be able to see the whole picture, not just the part you want try and fix !

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

David Powell, Ocean City NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:43:32 GMT

Gary: This wasn't "one phone call." This went on for years. Do you get that? Kids were being victimized for years. No Proms, no awkward first dates, no sudden realization that they were feeling close to some other teenager on a field trip, instead they were "married" to some 50 year old goat when they were like 15 or 16. Maybe younger for all we know. This could have happened to dozens of kids. Maybe hundreds, we may never know. It's disgusting. Since the whole population line and the whole atmosphere they were raised in was controlled by a few Taliban wannabes, that's all the poor kids ever knew. Makes one wonder what happens to the teenage boys though. I think I saw a news show once saying many of the teenage boys are just kicked out with nothing at a certain point, wonder why? I also wonder about health problems because the gene pool, at least on the male side, couldn't have been that diverse in the population. Just as a medical thing. I'm just honestly shocked it took that long for them to get busted, doing that here in the USA.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Ben Wade rpt texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:29:59 GMT

gary, i live in texas. I am very glad that this all happened. Are you in the LDS?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Rebecca, Havelock NC — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:44:26 GMT

A situation like this is very sad for all concerned. There are children who's world has been turned upside down and even though it may have been a life you or I would see as abusive, it is still their life. However, I do believe several people who have gotten out of this type of religious cult, and it is a cult, are in Texas to help in anyway possible. I read Carolyn Jessop's book "Escaped" and her ex-husband Merill Jessop is running that compound while Jeffs is in prison. Knowing he is there, along with his first wife Barbara, is enough to believe that serious abuse is happening to young ladies and young children period. Both are very evil people. The saddest thing though is this type of incident turning people away from God. The Jesus that Jeffs says he serves is not the Jesus of the bible. If Jeffs was in fellowship with Christ there is no way he could have done the things he has done or allowed others to do them. People like him pick and choose what they want to believe ,to serve their own lusts and interests. Maybe it was the true God of Abraham and Isaac ant that intervened with a call to the police. Since reading Carolyn's book and doing a lot of research about this cult, I have done a lot of praying for them and I'm sure others have as well. Whether people now days want to agree or not, God is still on His throne.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

L from Nashville, Tn — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:33:59 GMT

And yet if they were Muslims practicing under the name of "religion", I can assure half you liberals would be calling this a witch hunt. What happened to these children is horrible and the law should and must step in. But what is worse is your hypocrisy.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Larry Kimbrough Bloomington Illinois — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:43:46 GMT

I think all of you are crazy, with little or no information you've all passed judgement on what was happening in that compound. I watched the entire news conference yesterday. It seemed to me the only thing that could be commented on was their belief that something wrong had happened there. Any questions about the facts of what happened or the law or if what they were doing was right was met with a no comment or an I don't know that. It seems impossibe to me to say none of theses parents were worthy of keeping their kids. I would think if there was rampant abuse, there would be pic and vid everywhere. It seems the religous leaders aren't the only ones abusing these women and children.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

wrussi, miramar FL — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:53:39 GMT

gary from bullhead city AZ, do you belong to this religion? b/c your comments seem to aggee with what the FLDS does to the women and kids.

i'm glad the authorities are taking action and i hope the man that participated on these acts get sent to jail.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

David, Portland, ME — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:55:54 GMT

The world is not evil. It just has evil in it. People on a whole are basically decent. It just so happens that there are evil people who take advantage of that basic decency. Teaching our children that "outside their homes is evil lurking that will devour them" is foolish and weakening. You teach them the truth about modern life. Both the good and the bad. Therefore you enpower them to make correct, healthy decisions in their lives and build positive relationships that will only serve to strengthen them. Instilling in your children that the world is evil seems not too far removed from what was going on in that compound. Minus the pedophilia of course.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Charlie Freedom, Young AZ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:12:30 GMT

It is about time the judicial and law enforecement communities in AZ, UT and TX got off their asses and were compelled to recognize the rights of these women and children.

Polygemy was outlawed a hundred years ago but the States and the Feds have hid their heads in the sand far too long behind under a veil of religeous freedom. I believe if the massive migration to the Sun Belt had not occured over the past 20 years the likes of the Jeffs and other self proclaimed prophets like David Koresh of the Branch Davidian Adventists' would still be stuffing themselves with the innocent souls of women and children.

I know first hand children born into these "faiths" DO NOT make choices. Women are releived of all freedoms and liberties. They are mentally and emotionally abused from the day they are born or enter the church. They are told the outside world is evil and that no one else can be trusted. They must be hidden away or escorted "into the world" for fear they may see the world differently.

Leaders of this Church, and all other apocolyptic "faiths" that use fear, guilt and often physical force to manipulate and control others, should be shut down and arrested. They should receive punishment consistent with their dogma - force them to marry old hags and care for their children, force them to work to provide for others, force them to contribute their wealth and earnings to support someone elses bastardized view of Christianity.

This is nothing more than indentured servitude or slavery. The FLDS should have been shut down when Rulon Jeffs the polygamyst was the "prophet"; perhaps then we would not be dealing with his child abusing, Cadillac Escalade driving bastard son Warren today.

Churches such as the FLDS and other cults call themselves Christian. I doubt if Christ stood before them today he could recognize his message in their "faith". I believe He would ask God to forgive their sins and ignorance and He would castrate them to ensure their insanity would not spawn another generation of lunatics.

Keep up the pressure AZ, UT and TX. There is no place for this kind of slavery in the world today.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

scott — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:12:43 GMT

If the religion in question had more adherents would it be more legitimate? Guess what Islam allows polygamy. These circumstances happen in other cultures (Pakistan,Afganistan). Maybe it's our Judaeo/Christian bias that's showing. We allow gay marriage in some states, why not polygamy. Should Anna Nicole Smith have been protected from the older man she married?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Mark, Boise, Idaho — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:14:58 GMT

Sick and sad, but not that far from todays morman church teaching men will be gods someday and women forever pregnant cranking out spirit babies to fill their planet and worship them. Joeseph Smith started all this and is paying the price in hell right now.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jenna, Brockport, New York — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:20:43 GMT

Just look at the picture of their "temple," I think that says it all. This is not a normal group of individuals. Only women and children were removed because young men are driven out or not allowed to participate. Polygamy is illegal and the fact that these men are hiding behind religion in order to sexually exploit and abuse girls/women is disgusting. These men deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law - although they could probably plead insanity, because they are clearly not sane. We can only hope that the innocent children are not scarred for life from their experiences at this "human ranch." Come on people, even animals know better.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

LSH, Chicago, IL — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:23:04 GMT

It seems we've forgotten the purpose of the raid--determining what is in the best interest of these children. Without investigation, we cannot know what is truth and what is fiction; we cannot know what will help these young women and their babies; we cannot know what and how they think of their lives.

It is not a question of telling them what is right and what is wrong, but rather guaranteeing that they understand that our society deplores (if not prohibits) the acts with which they are familiar.

Remember, they are victims. They don't realize it.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Lyon Roseville, Mi — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:24:55 GMT

I don't think that it's the polygamy that was wrong persay. I think that it was the arranged marriages and having no rights as a woman. Their religion is like keeping them locked in the 1600s. Well more like the Middle east in the 1600s. (A Harem).

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Daniel Fall, Saint Paul, MN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:26:00 GMT

This case appears to be about separation of church and state and defining those boundaries.

For a moment, entertain the notion that full separation is the superceding law that supercedes all other laws of society.

If so, then a 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 year old child could end up being used for sex under the concept of religion. Society simply cannot allow it and government bears the responsibility to protect its citizenry from harm.

Under this prudent person construct, the separation of church and state cannot, must not, and will never supercede the burden we have to the innocent. But it has been.

Abuse isn't always clear to the abusers or the abused, especially if you have been indoctrinated and believe you aren't abused.

The government had to take an action. In fact, the governments action is long overdue.

The laws of the society to protect the innocent must be followed by religions. When the religions fail to follow the law, every action must be taken to protect everyone in the religion.

The states action is overdue and necessary because the religion isn't following Texas law.

The raid should have happened on the most likely day for abuses to occur and every child should have had a rape test.

Government action is long overdue.

The government was finally there to help you. Against the wishes of former dead Presidents.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Tom Newman — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:44:56 GMT

Its about time that the law was upheld. It is a crime to force underage girls to marry. What I do not understand is why it has taken 100 years to finally clamp down on this sect, which even the Mormon Church condems. Another sect run by dirty old men. And to the man who is so concerned about the children being traumatized by being removed from the compound. Lets be clear, this is probably the first time that they have even seen the outside orld. And if the compound is so great then why are 150 women wuth there children leaving at there own volition? They finally have a choice, the armed guards that kept them in are not there now. Good job Texas!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Louise, TX — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:48:17 GMT

I live not 20 miles from this CAMP. I would have to say when I see these people in town they are pitiful looking. The woman all look like they are beaten daily, they are afraid to look at or speak to anyone I feel so sorry for them. Then one of the men will walk by and I feel chills, because they give you this creepy feeling, they even look creepy. I feel the government should have stepped in a long time ago. How can someone break our laws (Polygamy is against the law) and get by with it. They have been living out there hiding, and the law has done nothing. We all knew those old men where marrying young girls. We knew it. Yet nothing has been done till now. This should have been done when they moved here. Let Utah keep them if they want to turn their heads to the crimes that are being committed by these people. And if it does turn into another Waco, so be it. They are breaking the law and must be held accountable. The cult in the Waco standoff made it what it was not the law enforcement. God help our law enforcement to stay strong.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Marcus M, Roy, Washington — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:51:01 GMT

I agree with most of you above here. As a former Mormon (Yes, I said former), it is appalling that these people would use a system of belief in order to get into the pants of women they would normally have no chance with, or should even be looking at at all. These people are sick. Talk to any Mormon you meet, and they will be just as appalled at the notion of polygamy. They may have believed in such an act a century or more ago, but that still doesn't mean they believe it today. That's like saying that I'm following Greek or Roman systems of belief, so I should be protected from the law if I commit an act that is illegal today, just because it wasn't illegal several hundred years ago. It doesn't make any sense. I say put the hammer down on these people, and let them rot.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John Doe, New York, USA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:51:37 GMT

It is profound that Texas Children's Protective Services spokesman Marleigh Meisnesner, proudly claims that she was also involved in the 1993 Branch Davidian tragedy in Texas. Perhaps she made the call. I bet if they were Muslims they would be left alone.It is so politically incorrect to accuse them of any deviation from normalcy. But if they are Christians, "throw them to the lions".

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Chris Krauss, East Wilton Maine — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:52:05 GMT

Where did Warren Jeffs get the money to keep this group going? Land, buildings, clinic, feeding and caring for so many people...what else is missing from this picture? And echoing another comment, what happens to the young men? Are they viewed as competitors for the same age girls? Sadly the women and children are being thrust into a world that they are not able to understand or quickly adapt to.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Kate Warren, San Antonio, Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:54:42 GMT

it's a shame. the truth is i don't think any of the texas authorities were ready to deal with something like this. i don't have an issue with polygamy, as long as it's among consenting adults, but someone was obviously in trouble in there.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Michael, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:43 GMT

To Gary in Bullhead City - what they're doing is against the law. There are teenage girls who are mothers. There are girls under the age of consent who have been married off to men almost old enough to be their grandfathers. And you have the audacity to say this should be protected? This is statutory rape, plain and simple.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Dee — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:02:43 GMT

Where's the ATF and Janet Reno when you need them?

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

mark, San Diego, Ca. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:07:12 GMT

Catholic priests abuse children and have paid enormous settlements for their homosexual activities.
Fundamentalist Church of Later Day Saints abuse children and have sex with children(read as pedophiles). Maybe they both have the same sermons. I suggest the children of Fudamentalist Church of LDS get the same lawyers to sue the church, after the settlement they will own the property and the bankroll the church has accumulated. AS for the male members of the church, don't worry they can always be catholics, they still seem to be in the business of child abuse.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Carol, Butte, Montana — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:09:46 GMT

Gary, I believe many of these children are already "scared to death" and "traumatized" but not from the raid. Life is far from idyllic for these children in the polygamist lifestyle. The men who control this sect are only after power, control, and in my opinion lead a more lustful and lewd lifestyle that the outsiders they warn their children about. Witch hunt? No, it's about enforcing laws that are in place to protect these children!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Marilyn Soucie Sterling Colorado — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:14:54 GMT

I believe that the Police had to follow up on the call, to not do that would be a compromise with their job description of protection and especially the innocent. As I sit and listen to the reports I pray for these people to come out of the snare satan has them captive in and be set free. This is a spiritual battle of great proportion and all have been influenced by it. Jesus came to set the captive free and my prayer is He will heal and deliver and give these people back the life that He died for them to have and that is life and life more abundantly. They have been lied to and it is the enemy that comes to steal, kill and destroy. That has been done here. Thankyou Annie for your eyewitness to this. Let it all be exposed and good come from all of this for the people that have been held captive.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Marie — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:17:10 GMT

Gary your comments lead those of us who are familar with the facts of the escapees(survivors in my opinion) to believe your are part of the FLDS and your one of their bullies who chase & terrorize those who are not considered to be "keeping sweet."

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Carleen Phillips; Dallas, Texas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:22:48 GMT

I certainly think that anyone abusing young girls or women should be punished legally. However, as this story unfolds, it concerns me more and more. 401 children are to be ripped from their families and put into foster care? Are they really that "endangered"? By what? Is the troubled foster care system really preferable to their being with somewhat strange and out of the norm, but otherwise caring (their mothers did choose to accompany them; I presume this means they are concerned and care about their children)families. Now if there is proven abuse, that is one thing, but I have a hard time thinking that is so in all 401 cases. A parent does have a right in this country to bring children up according to their beliefs, no matter whether you and I agree with those beliefs (I don't, but then I guess they don't agree with my beliefs either...) as long as they aren't harming the children. If some of the children are being sexually abused or exploited, do something about those. But all of them? I have a hard time believing that... Looks like government overstepping to me.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

St. George, UT — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:24:32 GMT

Someone asked what happens to boys in this sect. What happens is they are banished. Read about the "lost boys" of polygamy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Boys_of_Polygamy

Many of the boys end up here in our town, working odd jobs, trying to eek out a living. Unfortunately, some end up in Las Vegas and turning to prostitution to survive. They are victims of this religious perversion as well.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Tommy Thom — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:30:08 GMT

A few years ago, there was another news article about this group, at another location. Young teen-age boys were literally taken from their families with just the clothes on their backs, and no money in their pockets, and expelled from the community to fend for themselves! A follow-up on this report stated that some of them survived by becoming teen-age male prostitutes in Las Vegas. It isn't just the young girls who are abused!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jon Gehr, Boise, Idaho — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:34:51 GMT

Anyone who says that they know for sure who God is, what God is, or what God thinks is a liar. No one knows. Not Warren Jeffs. Not Osama bin Laden, and not The Pope. It's all the same. So you know where I am coming from, I am a former Mormon. Yes, I believe there is a just and compasionate God. But I, unlike the religious perverts, do not try to define him. Since the beginning of time there have been men that try to force others to believe their lies. I hope the women and kids that were practically incarcerated at this compound now have a chance for a normal life. If there is a Hell, these religious perverts will be the most prominant occupants.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Disgusted in NY — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:36:20 GMT

There is a huge difference between a religion freely chosen and one that you are manipulated and forced into. One is religion, the other is a cult. I have no sympathy for child abuse and emotional blackmail disguised as "religious freedom".

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

John Doe Seattle Wash — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:39:55 GMT

Looking at this as an outsider I am not sure what to think. Unless you know the people and circumstances involved it is hard to have an informed opinion. You can't take all the news reports as fact. It sounds like it could be a nice community, though it may not be. But when the media gets involved and people are more interested in a sensationalized version the "community" might be replaced by the word "compound". I like that they are self-sufficient. As for polygomy that is a cultural thing and if it is in a groups culture to accept polygomy as normal and they feel ok about it then it is their business. An outsider would say that they are brainwashed but then so is every member of a culture that is different than your own. We are all raised to believe in certain normal behavior, views, and food. These are our cultural norms. An example is that some cultures are matrilineal and some are patriarchal. In the US it is illegal to have more than one wife but suppose a man has one wife and they agree to take in a female partner then there is no crime in it but it is essentially the same thing. So maybe they should do it that way. I myself believe that young girls belong with young guys even though like most men I admire the beauty of young girls. I also have a hard time believing that the women feel ok about sharing a man and that there is no jealousy. I think that goes against human nature and that is why polygomy and multiple partners is a bad idea. I would be interested in knowing some of these women who are raised this way and talking to them to see if they feel differently about it having grown up with the practice. I kind of suspect it is the way Annie Booth (above) described it and that would be wrong. A girl or woman should not marry for any reason other than attraction and love.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Jana, Oklahoma — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:39:58 GMT

It would be my guess that given the information they were fed from this young woman, the authorities were able to obtain search warrants due to the fact that Jeffs and Barlow are both under arrest in other states for this same thing.

The people who are screaming 'abuse of power' are the same people who would be screaming that the authorities had not done their jobs, if this had become another 'Waco'.

I don't believe you can please everyone with the law...and it just depends on what side of the law you are on, as to how you perceive it.

I would much rather see over 500 women and children taken away and put into protective custody than to see one woman or child held against their will. In the ultimate end, the women will released (they are not criminals..they are victims, remember) and they will have the choice whether to return to their old lifestyle or not.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Stacey — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:40:00 GMT

Mark from Boise - I love your comment! I spent 13 years in Utah and had a jack morman as a college roommate. Mainstream americans have no clue what crazy stuff is in the book of mormon!

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Laura, Wichita, Kansas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:41:08 GMT

It is a CULT people and the members are brainwashed. Forget God, he has nothing to do with this twisted abomination. Hopefully now they will have a chance to find GOD through humane behavior towards them. These girls have been raped and forced into unspeakable things with family members and old men. YES they should be put in foster care if their idiot mothers (that might also be their siblings)can't speak and protect the children on their behalf. PLEASE grow some common sense.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Gary of Nashville TN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:44:40 GMT

To Gary of bullhead AZ. You are sick to think what is going on there is alright. These kids need protection.
Let the adults do what they want to each other, but the children need our protection.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Dick Norris, West Jefferson, NC — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:49:43 GMT

More unHoly acts committed against 'the least of us' under the cloak of religion. I'll stick with my unHoly ahteism. I wish only freedom and happiness for all these people, which sadly they may never find.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Nik, Kalamazoo MI — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:50:47 GMT

I think what is being done to these women in taking them out of their homes with their children, and from the sounds of the latest article, separating them from their children is wrong. I do not agree wtih forcibly marrying someone off regardless of their age, but i do think that these people shouldn't be treated like some strange alien creatures. I'm an atheist and even i understand that religious traditions should be respected to some degree. Rape and incest are wrong, but if these people want to believe in plural marriage then that is their perogative.

Life at Texas compound ‘just isn’t right’

Shawn, St. Anthony,Idaho — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:58:40 GMT

Mark in Boise, I think that maybe before accusing the Mormon church and Joseph Smith for starting this you should know all about the Mormon church, we are nothing like this cult. It is very sad if these children are being abused like this. I agree with one comment that was made, we are all being judgmental of these people until the facts are all in. If the abuse is not happening then shame on our government. My oppinion is that it is. But lets get the facts first