Whoa! Polygamist solution is frightening...

[Newman]

Wow. Although I have no time to stay and discuss the issue; I would love to see a thread started about the 400+ children in Texas that have been ripped from the lives they knew.

It is ALARMING to me that the state is seeking to terminate all parental rights (from what I have read).

Prosecute crime? Yes. But aren't we also prosecuting the victims of what they were taught all their lives without outside influence to the contrary? Girls who became mothers just past puberty and knew no other way?

And what of the implications of taking all the children from their parents (not just the ones in immediate harm's way) because we don't like what is taught?

It isn't that far removed from the idea that children could be taken from homes that aren't in step with mainstream society, is it? Think on that and hug your child.

So, what's the verdict? Is Texas right or wrong to remove all of the children and seek to terminate the parents' rights to these children?

What would you do? Are you sure? What path is set for the future????

Again, I wish I had time to discuss the issue, but don't. Hopefully, some others will think and post on this. I would love to read what you all have to say.

[Pressing-On]

Newman,
I am hearing that they have counsel looking into their 1st Amendment rights.

[Sherri]

Although I think what went on is deplorable, it is scary that the government can step in and legislate what you can teach children. It may set a precedent that someday down the road we won't appreciate.

[Blubayou]

I agree that there is just something not right about this -- I understand they had a complaint- but why not take the girls from say 12 to 17 into custody? I also found it very strange that Jeff Jessops was on the 10 most wanted list before he was taken into custody. To put him on the same level as terrorists????

[The Mrs]

Am I right in understanding that your religious practices can't go against the law of the land?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by The Mrs

Am I right in understanding that your religious practices can't go against the law of the land?

I guess that was my understanding. Very interesting to discuss though.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Although I think what went on is deplorable, it is scary that the government can step in and legislate what you can teach children. It may set a precedent that someday down the road we won't appreciate.

I don't think that is what the government is trying to do. I think they are trying to keep these children from any further harm. Some of these parents allowed and facilitated the raping of their daughters. The laws of the state of Texas do not change because you are part of a relegious sect. The best way to gauge future behavior is past behavior. If they allow the other children to stay who is to say it won't happen again? And if it does oh the outcry of why didn't the state take those children while they had the chance. Rape and child molestion is a crime in Texas as in other states, it has nothing to do with their relegious freedoms.

[MissBrattified]

So no one minds that girls were being forced into marriage and pregnancy at a very young age, as well as being forced to marry men 5 times their age?

I define that as abuse, not "polygamy."

If an adult woman wants to choose a life of polygamy, big deal. But children should be allowed a choice, and they can't choose until they are adults.

The fact that younger men were basically ran out of the compound so the older men could have more wives, or younger wives is sickening in and of itself.

If a UPCI church or pastor was advocating the abuse of children, would anyone defend it/him?

I get the flip side of the coin--which sort of has to do with the fact that the children have been brought up this way, so it is "normal" to them. I also don't think its good for them to be separated from their mothers. There is no need for that. It's like the state is trying to detox them from their religious beliefs and polygamist lifestyle. That part is a bit frightening. But I agree with the part about protecting these young girls from early marriage and pregnancy.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

I don't think that is what the government is trying to do. I think they are trying to keep these children from any further harm. Some of these parents allowed and facilitated the raping of their daughters. The laws of the state of Texas do not change because you are part of a relegious sect. The best way to gauge future behavior is past behavior. If they allow the other children to stay who is to say it won't happen again? And if it does oh the outcry of why didn't the state take those children while they had the chance. Rape and child molestion is a crime in Texas as in other states, it has nothing to do with their relegious freedoms.

I tend to agree with you, cneasttx. I don't care what religion you are--if you break the law, you should bear the consequences. These people are breaking the laws of the land by practicing polygamy. That's bad enough, IMO. However, the fact that they are abusing children takes it to another level, and I am not all that sympathetic, even though I do understand that these children are suffering trauma right now from being separated from their parents and "normal" home life.

Norman, would you have the same worries about children who were brought up in a community that used them for child pornography? I would think they ought to be removed from that situation, regardless of whether the child understands that they are being abused.

We're not talking about people doing something because the Bible commands them to do it (marry multiple wives and very young girls). We're talking about people practicing a preference they feel is allowed by scripture and breaking laws and abusing children in the process. That does not fall in line with something that should be defended as religious freedom.

[Cindy]

I agree MissB, the mother's should be allowed their children, but not if they are going to subject them to this abuse in the future. The mothers need help as much as the children.