Comments on: Finally, Taking Care of the Innocent Victims

By: Rebecca Witonsky

Rebecca Witonsky — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:15:40 +0000

I am appalled that the State of Texas waited four years since this compound was built in 2003 to finally raid it. I don't understand why they had to wait until a child rape victim came forward to raid this compound and liberate the women and children. If polygamy is illegal, then why do Utah and Arizona hardly prosecute it at all, and why does Texas only choose to prosecute men who are accused of statutory rape by taking young girls as their "plural wives"? I don't understand why all the men who take multiple wives are not prosecuted, even if the wives are all above the age of consent.

At the same time I am gratified that Texas finally took some action and liberated these women and children. I hope that these women and children continue their journey toward freedom. I also hope that the Texas example and the boycott of Utah and Arizona will finally motivate Utah and Arizona to take serious action to end polygamy.

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:10:18 +0000

I became interested in learning about the FLDS a few years ago, when Colorado City, Arizona, and Hilldale, Utah began to appear more frequently on television, and more insight and information on this group started to become available to the public. A few months later, I believe, Warren Jeffs' name was placed on the FBI's most-wanted list.
I have been following the current story involving the YFZ Ranch in Texas non-stop since it broke out. I would like to offer my respect to the courageous women who are former FLDS members, or victims, themselves who are sharing their stories with the rest of us.
My reaction to the situation in Texas is the following:
Yes, this is America, and it is true that in this country all people, regardless of their religious believes should be respected. However, it is also true that one person's rights stop where someone else's begin. The tolerance that has been given to this group in particular by not intervening in communities such as those in Colorado City and Hilldale, perhaps for religious reasons needs to stop, or at least be seriously re-evaluated. It is know, and it has been known that abuses are and have been taking place.
Luckily, the state of Texas saw an opportunity to intervene this week, and did so very well. Hopefully this will be the beginning of the end, perhaps, for this group. Arizona and Utah should also see this as an opportunity to act in their respective states.

By: J&R in NC

J&R in NC — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:35:22 +0000

Stay strong Kathy. We are praying for your strength and praying that your experience will soon help these other children.

–J&R

By: Mike in NYC

Mike in NYC — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:54:47 +0000

Count this as pure speculation on my part, but this story broke as one of MLK's lieutenants was on trial for molesting his own daughter. He was convicted today, BTW.

Strange how only one major domestic news organization (the Washington Post) covered the Bevel story. Google this and see for yourselves.

Two hammer-driven cultural memes on display here - noble civil rights pioneer and child-molesting rednecks.

By: Annie Kate

Annie Kate — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:35:41 +0000

Kathy Jo,

Your statement that the Constitution gave us freedom of religion and that should never mean freedom to abuse sums up this horrible situation very eloquently. Abuse comes in many forms; its horrible that in this case it came in the form of religion and salvation. I applaud all the women that have stepped up to speak for these children who were taught not to speak up for themselves. I hope the other states will step up and do the same; there are probably lots more children in the same situation who need help getting out.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

By: Julie San Diego, CA

Julie San Diego, CA — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:29:16 +0000

Dave, shame on you.
Kathy Jo Nicholson just laid her heart bare in front of the world to try to prevent what happened to her from happening to hundreds of innocent women and children and you have to turn this into a CAMPAIGN ISSUE?
I will be so glad when this election is over so that all the collective narcissists in Washington can get over themselves and this country can focus on fixing the things our "leaders" won't.
Thanks AC360 for keeping on this story. Until you've lived in an oppressive environment where you've been taught to believe that you don't deserve the air you breathe – and you have to "stay sweet" at all costs – you won't get it.
Kathy, please continue to speak.
Dave, you can shut up.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:28:13 +0000

I am happy and hopeful that all of these women,young girls, and children will finally be able to live and breathe as human beings.Knowing that true freedom and security has been there with them all along. They live in the greatist country on earth that has finally caught up to this sick criminal organization. I hope that once they are all well and adjusted that they realize that their dreams can come true.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:16:52 +0000

I too am glad that Texas finally stepped up to the plate and raided this FLDS compound. It is sad that the law knows about these places and what is occurring in them and does nothing. I hope more states follow suit and do away with these cults and their compounds.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:02:04 +0000

What is the connection between Republican Presidential candidate Romney's withdrwal and the decision (and subsequent delay) to go forth with the latest pseudo-Morman polygamy scandal in Texas? Was McCain or his camp aware/privy to the information? How long ago? Was the Romney camp undermined and discredited by this scandal weeks ago?