[GrannyGodley]

I am sure some of you have been following the news on the 220 young girls and women who are being removed from a Polygamist-Compound of the Latter Day Saints in Texas. It is sad to see that such a compound exists in the US and I believe it is wrong. I just wanted to see a little discussion here on AFC about this event.

CNN News

[fuzzyboo]

It really sounds cult like to me the way that place is set up. I do think it needs to be said that they are a offshoot of the LDS church and not part of the main group. It is definitely scary to think places like this can exist.

[fuzzyboo]

I also am wondering if the armed guards with the night-vision equipment were there to keep people out, or to keep the women and children in.

[tootsie roll]

I'd heard about this group a few years ago. I live in DFW and there have been a few news stories about the compound. People in the nearby town had tried to get inside to see what was going on there, but were only able to fly over in helicopters. I am sad to hear that the abuse of a 16 year old girl has brought attention to this situation, but I am hoping that everything works out. It is very sad to me, but I am glad that that creepy leader Warren Jeffs is in jail.

[GrannyGodley]

Warren Jeffs had a following of over 10,000 so there are no telling how many more of these compounds there are.

[tootsie roll]

very true, Granny. I just feel so bad for those kids. To have been born into such a crazy situation, not knowing that there is a much different world on the outside.

[lhart24]

There was an arrest made at the compound.. however it wasnt the guy they were looking for...

there is a newstory on msn.com about it
Arrest made at polygamist ranch - Crime & courts - MSNBC.com

[GrannyGodley]

I found this interesting article written by a Mormon on the subject of polygamy.

Polygamy

[mandiedq]

I've been watching the news about it today. Just glad it finally is seeing the light of day and does not continue to be a secret place anymore.

[GrannyGodley]

One of the articles I found online about this situation related a scene where a 16 year old picked up a crayola and did not know what it was or what it was to be used for. So sad.

[tootsie roll]

Now it is up to 401 children that have been removed. My goodness.

[lhart24]

I was just coming back to update on that..

here is a link
Texas takes legal custody of 401 sect children - CNN.com

[winnross]

there is an off shoot of LDS! One there is the kind that have the polygimists these are Mormon Fundalmetalists! That is the group that was from way back,( The LDS prophet John Taylor was visited by Joseph Smith and commanded to ordain apostles outside of the normal chain of command in the church, and commissioned them to carry on the practice of polygamy, even after the church abandoned it. So the practice continues among those who feel that it is more important to obey God than it is to obey the government. These folks are called Mormon Fundamentalists.) and then there is a group that branched off from that and have a NORMAL church going and not practice that polygimist stuff! LDS PRAY to the same GOD as we do and believe in him and his work

[lrichard]

I have also been keeping up with this story for months now and its so sad the way these young women are brainwashed, and all of those poor babies born into that dysfunction. Its so sad.

[winnross]

BTW...i thought when i joined i saw somewhere and i can not find it now that there was not to be talk about Church/God or politics on here...this is to be a FUN q-ponning site..and not a battle ground on these 2 subjects as sooo many people have different views and this just is NOT the place to air this...i am sure there are other websites that deal in this area....check them out...you might like them

[monica]

Thanks for looking out for us Winn - discussions are OK as long as people stay friendly.

You agree that you will not make derogatory comments about any person based on religion, race, gender, etc. A tone of "kindness" is appreciated for all discussions.

[GrannyGodley]

This post/thread was not to be derogatory toward any person. Though I am of a different religious belief system and I am sure others here at AFC are from the group in this situation, I am not taking issue with them. I am concerned for the children and ladies in the group who are trapped in a system such as this. This is a news item and of interest to parents everywhere.

I agree that the initial and main intent of AFC when I joined was directed primarily at shopping and saving. However, it has always been (to my observation) a group of friendly, interesting individuals who share much of life with each other.

[CarolynC]

This type of thread just always manages to stir things up and get things going and people will get hurt! Yes, it's a public forum but sometimes things are best left unsaid. JMHO.......this is one of several of those!

[sylwiasta]

I do not understand something. Where are the kids mothers? Did they removed only kids from there? hmm, no it says women and kids. So why r they looking for foster parents for kids with mothers? where did I miss it?

[philomena83]

Originally Posted by GrannyGodley

This post/thread was not to be derogatory toward any person. Though I am of a different religious belief system and I am sure others here at AFC are from the group in this situation, I am not taking issue with them. I am concerned for the children and ladies in the group who are trapped in a system such as this. This is a news item and of interest to parents everywhere.

I agree that the initial and main intent of AFC when I joined was directed primarily at shopping and saving. However, it has always been (to my observation) a group of friendly, interesting individuals who share much of life with each other.

I think that as long as we keep it civil we should be able to talk about anything! We are friends here and mind our manners! I was just thinking, GG, I wonder if people that live in these communities are even allowed to use the internet?

[GrannyGodley]

I feel certain that by-and-large it was not available. Nor was much else. It was reported that a teen age girl did not know what to do with a crayola crayon. This type and group's seculsion goes back several generations. These young girls, their mothers, and their grandmother, possibly their great-grandmothers lived this life-style and know nothing else.

[philomena83]

Well I guess I can't disagree about how bad tv and the internet are for our kids but I have a feeling these women (and men) are not allowed to have any access to the outside world, period. I believe that is one of the marks of a cult-that is, not being allowed to have knowledge of what is going on around you. It is strange though that places like this still exist in a world where there is SO much technology and communication.

[imaguy]

Here is my problem with the whole thing: Where is the right of the parent and the right of the individual??? Where does your right as a parent end and right of the government to take them away begin. I understand that this is a UNIQUE case of polygamy. But were does the government get the right to take away from LOVING parents their children??

I do not believe that all 400 children were abused. I also don't believe that all the women were abused. It is far to easy to escape IF you want to. This whole thing started with a 15y/o girl got pregnant and reported the abuse. They know they can report it. Granted what terrible gross man would violate a 15 y/o is beyond me. But my concern is the right of the parent to govern the child. In this country we are seeing our rights widdled away by an ever increasing Federal Government that seems to know what is best.

In this situation it may have been justified, we will see.

[mandiedq]

I think they are erring on the side of caution and sorting it all out. I don't blame them. There is probably a lot of confusion and rather than leave someone in a situation that is abusive (as it has been reported), they take them all and then sort it out.

I'm not sure leaving is so easy though. A lot of these women grew up in this environment and that's all they know and all the people they know, too. It is hard to leave that situation and go out into the unknown that you've probably been told is nothing but evil. That's my opinion.

[imaguy]

Your probably right. It would be extremely difficult. But my concern is the long and seemly endless reach of our government.

I would be curious to know....what if I was a women in that compound and DID NOT want to go? What would happen to me. Just thoughts. Anyways It seems like a horrible situation and it's easy to type about it in the luxury of my basement!!