I'm glad your way doesn't condone or involve abuse but polygamy is still against the law no matter if your wives chose to become part of the family or not. How do you justify the illegality of your lifestyle? And how in the world do you support that many children???

Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Annie Kate, give me a break. How is this different from married people having relationships outside of marriage especially when one spouse turns a blind eye because he or she depends on the other financially. To use men as an example, as long as it is okay with the wife at home, then mistresses 1 through 3 can have the husband. Where is the legality or illegality to borrow your term in that?
How about married people or even single people who have children or other children from 3 to 4 different men or women and accept their families so? Where is the legality or illegality in that?
How about men who impregnate several willing women around the same time? I"m sure Diddy isn't the only one. Where is the legality or illegality in that?
Where is the law against adultery? Some resign, some don't get impeached and to others we just turn a blind eye.

How about religions that endorse multiple partners? Islam for example condones a man having up to 4 wives.

The problem is with the law and the people who have made themselves hypocritical custodians of that law.

Glad you came foward. Although, I could never see myself doing that, you grew up that way. I still believe people should be able to do that if they are not breaking any laws.

You had a choice and that is all that should matter. I hope that if these people are quilty of what is being said, they pay for their crimes.

I'm not sure what kind of calling you had but it isn't a scriptual one. It breaks the biblical law in adultery and Your Governing law. I can understand that growing up in such an establishment would make it common for you to accept that way of life.Looking at the long term aspect, especially to do with children and even sharing yourself with another person, how can this possibly end up being without consequences?I do see women being just as responsible in these cases, if they are in agreement, she is giving him permission to do so? I suppose, that is what the Governing laws are there for, yet, it still happens?

I continue to very curious about how these families are supported financially. I know what it takes to support our family and its lifestyle and yet it appears these families live typical middle class lifestyles. How do they do it?

I am sorry. If something is illegal it's illegal. It doesn't matter if it's stealing, or committing any other illegal act. This type of marriage, regardless of religion, is not lawful, there should be unacceptable. I am an educator. If we are to teach our children to obey the law, what are the parents doing here? This is appalling.

personally, i think it is SICK. i don't care how you try to explain or how you try to make people think there is nothing wrong, - it is ILLEGAL and the autorities need to come after every one of you and put you all in jail.

I am sorry. If something is illegal it's illegal. It doesn't matter if it's stealing, or committing any other illegal act. This type of marriage, regardless of religion, is not lawful, this type of behavior is unacceptable. I am an educator. If we are to teach our children to obey the law, what are the parents doing here? This is appalling.

what is the means of support for these large fanilies???

I had a friend in high school that had two wives and one husband at home. They were a loving, wonderful family. I've know several other people who had multiple relationships and all of them were mutually beneficial to all the people involved.

I am proud of you for having the strength to stand tall. I 100% support your choice of lifestyle. I hope that within my life time I will see a change in this country that allows plural marriages to be accepted.

What we as a society need to do is get past our belief in 1man/1woman and embrace the alternate ways in which people can make a family. The law is blinded by Christian mores. The law needs to change.

When this lifestyle is agreed upon by the consent of all ADULTS involved, I see no reason to judge. The women who were profiled in both segments look to be very happy in the lives they are living. They are also ensuring their children are properly educated and well integrated into “normal” society. The only problem I see is when children are forced into marriages with much older men, that is molestation and there is no getting around that.

Dear Joe X
I'm sorry but anyway you slice it, your "way" of life is all about men wanting to sleep with several different women. And that's fine. You and the other nymphos like you want to hide your addiction behind religion. And your women are too stupid to know any better. Funny how it's not the other way around. Probably because too many men and one woman wouldn't work. The men would be fighting all the time over her. I'm waiting for the day where the women in your community wake up and realize that this way of life is unhealthy and demoralizing. Quick question...what is the STD rate in polygamists sects??

I am in full agreement with Ruth. Not only are you not abiding by your governing law, which if you are a Christian Jesus commanded in more words or less, obey the laws of which you fall under. And if you use the Old Testament as a means of excuse or reasoning for your lifestyle and that they had many concubines, God had not inteneded man and woman to be shared except by one another and God Himself. God did not desire for men to have many concubines, but He knows how stubborn and hard hearted man (humans) are. I will pray the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus over yours and your families life. God bless your heart.

Tonight for the first time I was struck by the almost parallel stigma that is placed upon plural marriage and gay marriage. I'm making no judgment here at all. I'm just sincerely curious. I'm a gay man, and I was just wondering what your thoughts are about gay marriage. Do you see any parallel between the plight of polygamy and gay marriage? Please elaborate, if at all.

who are we to judge these people and say what is right or wrong? As long as the children are brought up in a loving and caring environment and all the parties involved consent to the arrangement – they should be allowed to do what they feel is right for them. It's fascinating how it's "ok" for men to have kids and abandon them with single mothers – leaving them to face hardships and no father figure, but it's not ok for one man taking care of all the families he wants to have. I live in a city with a horrible poverty and crime ridden project area – where many different babies have the same father – yet these fathers never step up or pay up, so these kids just end up growing up on the streets in poverty, joining gangs, doing drugs and having kids themselves at 16 – continuing the legal yet socially detrimental cycle......but no, a man who takes care of all his kids and provides for all his "wives" and creates a loving environment with a father figure to all these 14, 20, 30 kids is just too horrible for our society to handle...common sense and logic is just too rampant in our society nowdays....too common i say

Hi Joe,I am not a religious person,but I must say that your lifestyle and beliefs intrigue me.I believe that if polygomy was not illegal then it would make it much more difficult for the sick cruel people who are abusive in these secret communities.I think that the laws banning polygomy may be in violation of your constitutional rights.Just as I think the laws banning homosexual marriage are against our constitution.I think that as long as people have choices and are not abused in any way or hurting anyone else then we should be able to worship as we see fit and live our lives any way we want.But I don't understand if you only marry your first wife legally how it could be said that you are breaking any laws.Well thanks for this look into your life.

It's not for me, but my lifestyle is probably not for you, either.

Where there is love and support and caring within a family home, who is anyone to judge or criticize? Numbers of wives and husbands and children will never guarantee anyone's safety.

I grew up in a strict Catholic family with 6 children. My oldest brother raped me when I was 14 and had been left in charge babysitting. I never told anyone until I talked to my parents at age 45 and they threatened to move away, sell the farm, change their name and we would never see them again. My sister, who told me about her rape when she was in her 30's, spoke to the police when she was 15 and my brother convinced everyone that he was just experimenting. My sister and I have struggled with trust and authority and self-worth, especially in our relationships with men. I have since disconnected completely from my family to continue my healing until I am strong enough to face their threats and criticism of my behaviour,

I kept the family secret for 30 years and pretended it never happened and lived a double life, eventually moving to China where I have lived for 16 years. I am not alone. More women in our world than we care to imagine struggle through abuse and incest and rape at the hands of men who are meant to protect them.

The shame that comes from being a victim protects the perpetrators.
This is the issue ... not how many men can marry how many women.

Thanks for sharing the story of your very different lifestyles with us. It's very informative and interesting and really makes me want to learn more. Not being able to openly share your story with people you interact with on a daily basis (like coworkers) must be very frustrating.

I wanted to add that in several states there are "adultery" laws in which even if the husband doesn't marry the other woman, he can still be prosecuted for having sex with someone other than his legally wedded wife.

Colorado, California, Washington DC, Georgia, Utah, South Dakota, Alabama, Oklahoma, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, Illinois, Hawaii, Arizona, Wyoming, Minnesota, Ohio, Puerto Rico.

Polygamy doesn't make sense in today's world. It's too expensive to raise all the babies that result. Polyandry makes perfect sense. Multiple husbands, multiple incomes with one female producing off spring assures that mom stays at home to raise the babies, and dads can provide enough income to send everyone to good schools. there's less of a population problem, there's always someone to take care of the kids, one husband is bound to remember the holidays, only one will have to enjoy taking out the trash, and that problem that viagra solves? Since women just get going at 30, two or three husbands just might be answer, not chemicals. Polygamy doesn't make sense.. Polyandry? Where do I sign up?

I don't really understand why some people like these should be marginalized when society is more accepting of those who are considered not sexually "normal" such as gays and lesbians.

Most of these people love their way of life – they should be left alone unless they let their lifestyles cross the line of normality.
We cannot continue to discriminate against a people who could positively contribute to society if they are treated with more respect.

People for different political or religious reasons live their lives differently. The Jews for example have their way of life. They dress differently, won't eat your food, or even interact with the general population. They are not criminalized for living that way because that's their belief.

America is a diverse society and this blend of diversity is what her the greatest nation on earth.

I, for one prefer one wife but I will not criminalize those who believe differently because of their belief or sexual preferenc.

Tonight I watched the report on the news in which these two women, Vicki and Valerie in Salt Lake City, were interviewed about their polygamist lifestyle. The background image was the Salt Lake City mountains and skyline with the LDS temple positioned brightly and prominently directly between the two women. I found this somewhat offensive. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has no association with any polygamist groups whatsoever, and CNN would do well to make this clear in their reports. It is not fair to the LDS church or its members to be associated with these polygamist groups.

What is so great about our way of life? Over half of our marriages end in divorce. The women and children who are left behind then experience a drastic decrease in their economic status. Many fathers simply do not pay child support and hardly visit their children subsequent to a divorce.

Most of the world engages in polygamy. Their divorce rate is lower or nonexistent. The women help each other with child rearing.

Instead of cheating on their wives and possibly passes AIDs or other STD's to an innocent spouse, they respect and love their wives.

The crazy sects do not represent all polygamist. I would like to know how many polygamist sects are quite "normal" by third world standards, and how many are abusive. But, since we force them all to go underground, we will probably never find that out.

Why do we even care how many women one man marries, so long as the women are mature and of the age of legal consent and the man supports them financially and emotionally?

Hi Vicki and Valerie,

I agree with you 100% I think if you all happy and your kids are
happy the law should leave you alone, you did not do anything wrong that so very stupid. At least you honest with each other. Seriously I envy you .

Anyway I wish you all the best and I will pray for both of you and your family

Sincerely
Belinda from Montreal Canada

Debbie,
Adultry is the law that is broken by multiple marriages. Roxanne

The problem of kids without fathers is entirely different than polygamy, where the father sires TOO MANY kids to care for each one as an individual and the attention given to an individual. These kids are PROPERTY to be given away (girls who have no say in the matter to older men) or to be kicked out of the society (boys, who would become sexual competition for the older men who want to rape and impregnate young teenage girls in a religious setting so that they can claim "freedom of religion".

There is story after story of the horrors of polygamy, especially to the neglected children of a wife who is not favored. There is never enough for everyone in these families, because it is an irresponsible lifestyle. We have roughly the same number of men and women and that is the reason we try to ensure that everyone has a chance at a marriage.

Call the Chinese who aborted millions of girls over the past 40 years and see how happy their society is when millions of men will never know marriage or even sex for that matter.

The two women interviewed were very articulate and educated – not the negative impression of local uneducated women that we're made to imagine.
Their responses were very intelligent and I truly praise them for their courage to speak out against how society has discriminated against their belief.

I hope there'll be a serious debate to change the law that has criminalized polygamy. Let people have alternative lifestyles. If they choose to be with one man or woman or several let them be.

The time has come to change the law against polygamy.

Joe: Wah, Wah Wah, Wah, Wah....If everything is all so on the up and up why don't you quit identifying yourselves with the "real" LDS Church. Does it somehow give you more validity because you certainly need it. It was very frustrating to see the back drop behind your two of many I suppose, wives being interviewed today on CNN. It showed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints temple front and center on the back drop. Why don't you stand up and take some responsibility and say that's not right...oops probably because what you are doing over all isn't exactly right. Yes, I've already contacted CNN proper to complain about them doing their homework as well, but you could stand up in the first place and make proper identification. But that might be doing something legal, which apparently you all have a problem doing.

I would like to know what kind of job you have that supports 3 wives and 22 children. Isn't only your 1st wife the "legal wife"? Do the other two get welfare payments, food stamps and free healthcare, or any other free benefits courtsey of the U.S. taxpayers ???

I agree with Camille. Whether or not people feel polygamy is right or wrong, we should make sure that those who practice polygamy are not associated with organizations who are firmly against it. It's just common sense and courtesy to those who have to live with the results.

1 Man & 1 Women and a few kids.... That is normal. Anything different is disgusting.

I also contacted CNN about the LDS temple in the background. It is wrong that these associations have been made with the LDS church. Well stated, Rebecca; Do your homework, CNN.

God bless you, Vicki ,Valerie and Joe , for making a decision based upon the quality of your children's lives and not on the silly laws put upon us by our sick society. I was shocked several years ago when I found out after 18 years that my son instead of having 8 children whom we all loved very dearly really had 18 children, it was a great shock to our family but we got over it. When raising my children I encouraged them to as Christians to make there own choices in there lives, I could never take on the responsibility that my son has in his decision to have 3 wives but he didn't take on the challenge because of wanting to be a macho stud, he took it on because he believed he'd be a good father to his children and that they would grow up to be law abiding, spiritually strong children in a community unsoiled by many of the secular teachings and low moral values of our society today. He was right, they are absolutely wonderful young people all very educated, loyal to there family's, very productive loving and kind. It took me a while to see much of this. When I see them marching across the little valley three times a week, dressed in there long dresses and the boys in there white shirt's and ties and holding hands and many of the older ones, girls and boys, holding lovingly there younger siblings, it makes me see a new light in my life. I've learned to love all three of the wives and they dearly love each other. I love them all and wish God speed to them in there lives. I have two daughter's who also have wonderful children who live in the other world but love there brother, even if they do think he's a little crazy. A few words from a loving Grandfather

My question is, A man and two or three women sharing a apartment together, What is that called? If sex is involved whould this man be considered a polygamist if he is married to one of the women? Seems like no law would be broken if this would happen. Just a few questions that answers would be appreciated, Thank you!

It is hard to determine whether these actions are right or wrong, simply because we all grow up with different customs. Like it was mentioned earlier, these practicing are very normal in other countries, and just because it's different doesn't make it wrong. We should protect those who are forced into these situations or are victims of sex crimes. No matter where you are, that is a basic human right.
Having said that, whether or not people feel polygamy is right or wrong, we should make sure that those who practice polygamy are not associated with organizations who are firmly against it, namely the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whose temple was placed in the center of the background in the interviews tonight.

How come its always 1 man and 3 or more wives?! Give me a break,how about we see 1 woman and 3 husbands for a change?!
I think women who are willing to share a husband demean themselves and all women. I think it makes women look like sex slaves! Cmon, you know it about the sex! Give me a break. Just say it for what it is,an orgy,its not a family ,its a comune.

Hey here is a twist. First legalize gay marriage ,then legalize polygamy,then gay people can have plural marriages too! Go figure,lets just forget family and marrige.Lets just jump on each other in the streets for crying out loud. Alternative lifestyle = polictically correct word for perverts. Otherwise known as Sodom and Gormorrah. There is nothing new under the sun,mankind has been there done that ,only today its all okay if its expressed in polically correct terms. But funny STD's don't read the dictionary . Or respect peoples definitions. In the end you get what you deserve. Thats in the Bible too,you reap what you sow,it all comes back on you .

Are these Child Molestors using religion and "spirtual marriage" as a defense against child molestation charges? Is it possible that these groups are magnets to child molestors both as legal protection and culture that accepts them? How do these people avoid having child molestation charges and being registered sex offenders?

It's against the law because it's wrong. When people like you agree to allow your "wives" to have multiple husbands, then maybe I'll buy it. Until then, it's a sick lifestyle that leads to the kind of horrors the children in Texas have gone through.

you all keep living your life I wish I could

This subject is very interesting, but my question to Joe would be, why do we never hear of women in polygamy having more than one husband. Can you answer that question? It should work for both genders.

I would be interested in hearing about Joe's own spiritual/theological/religious commitments. It sounds as though he doesn't adhere to the fundamentalists interpretation of mormonism. I'm a Mennonite theology student and would find this information interesting, especially as it pertains to 'freedom of religion' in North America.

CHILD ABUSE = BAD!!!!

POLYGAMY = WHO CARES!!!

Two key issues, neither having a thing to do with the other.

First issue and by far the most important. Child Abuse. If this is true, then it must be stopped. Its heinous to wed a 13-14 yr old with a grown man. Girls of that age are too easily led. PERIOD. I dont even understand how a grown man could enjoy sex with an under developed pubescant girl. Women deserve choice.

Second issue.. Polygamy.. Here, I dont see the big deal. Some crazy guy wants more than one wife, who cares. MANY mainstream singles lead lives that involve multiple partners, friends with benefits etc. At the end of the day, marriage is just a piece of paper and a way for the tax man to keep track of it all. Really, a man with 3 wives on paper is much easier to track than a man with 3 girlfriends on the side.

Nothing 'sick' about a man with multiple wives. A bit crazy perhaps, imagine if the poor bugger unwittingly married 3 women with hardcore PMS! Yikes. Im sure this guy has his share of household headaches.

But is this 'wrong' to have multiple wives? I just dont see it. Who am I to tell a man how to live his personal life? The 'One wife' theory is as bound to religion as the 'polygimist' theory and who is to judge which christian ruling is better or right?

What next, shall we arrest the day to day citizen who has multiple sex partners?

I find it disturbing and disgusting that sisters are sleeping with the same man.

Polygamy is illegal, period.
Secondly, people can justify any sort of aberrant thinking...because...any one in mental health circles KNOWS just by listening that these are maladjustments to the person's avoidance of his/her inner pain.
There are both women and men who are consenting adults who at the same time act against their own best interests and mental, emtoional, spiritual health.
I do not admire nor support your choice. I care about you, each and every one, I hope you get HELP...seek it, embrace it...become willing to explore your childhoods...go into therapy...and you will learn and grow in a positive hopeful faithful and spiritual manner that will make you REALLY HAPPY.... therapy does not destroy your faith, but builds it. May you seek your highest health and healing.

I just wanted to say to anyone who might listen or have anything to do with anything on this station . . .

These people are not related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints whatsoever, even if they claim they are. Our church does not recognize different "sects" of the religion. What these people do is not allowed by our church and they are excommunicated from it if they do it as it goes against our teachings, as well as the law, and Mormons are law abiding citizens.

So I feel a little hurt and a little insulted when you show these people in front of our Temple as a backdrop. Our Temple is sacred and has nothing to do with these people. They aren't even allowed in our Temples.

I understand that in some cases, the people are from Salt Lake City that you are talking to, and so you show downtown Salt Lake which our Temple happens to be the center of, but please, if its not necessary, don't desecrate our Temple and our religion by showing these people in front of our Temples. Its like showing a Muslim with the Vatican as a backdrop or something . . .

I know you guys are adults and although it is ungodly and illegal you feel comfortable living this way, but what kind of example are you all setting for the children of our future?

The FLDS saga raises questions about the protections afforded all religions that prevent transparency and scrutiny, while allowing financial corruption, sexual abuse and a range of other abuses. The FLDS has been hiding in plain site for ages while these abuses continued with plenty of evidence that it was happening all along. Sheer lack of responsible action by law enforcement and a cloak of relgious protection allowed this to happen. My compliments to the Texans who finally took decisive action. If the FLDS were not a religion how much sooner might this cult have been scrutinized and broken up? If the doctrine were not packaged with the fear of eternal damnation how much less compelling would it be to innocent and impressionable teenage women?

I'm still just stumped by the sex question. Everytime these women are asked, "don't you get jealous", they answer no. I just can't believe that. That's just not a normal reaction

God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Eve and Sarah and Rachel and Heather. This whole twisting of the Word to suit some deplorable sexual need to sleep with many is blasphemous. There is a reason why Jesus brought a sword, to make things right. The polygamy of the Old Testament ended many years ago, long before the world population reached billions. Man is just using it to validate their deplorable sexual wants.

To be fair to the person.If we were raised in a similar situation, how do we know that we wouldn't be doing the same thing?

It is interesting to me that this supposedly God inspired way of life means that many young boys are expelled from it. The logistics would never work. The God that I worship wants salvation for all HIs sons as well as daughters. Since there are about equal numbers of each born into this world, He most assuredly does not support polygamy. He wants His children to all be happy. He would never have "Lost Boys."

I've been following the story of the FDLS raid. It has sparked my intrest, or curiosity rather, in the same way a car accident would, in that I don't want to look, but I can't look away. The whole ordeal creeps me out but at the same time, its fascinating. It was obvious that the polyg. couple, er couples featured on tonights show differed greatly from the polyg. compound in Eldorado. From what I understand these people are concenting adults, and abuse is never a factor in their 'marraige'. However a few questions remain...and maybe I missed it, but I'm wondering if the sexual relationship in these multipartner unions are just limited to the man and just one of the women at a time? Or, can it involve just the two (or more) wives with out the husband? Or, is it just one big free-for-all, meaning that all memebers of the polyg. union are entitled to have sexual relations with whomever they want within that particular relationship? Do polyg. relationships participate in threesomes, foursomes, etc.? On tonights show the couple consisted of one man and two women. Are there ever times where a polyg. relationship consists of one women and two (or more) men? How do they choose who is sleeping with who on any given night?
I know that one of the woman on the segment said that sex is not the biggest, most important part of their union, but the issue of jealousy is bound to come up, right? How do they deal with the jealousy that is bound to occur when the husband is sleeping with the other woman that night?

Joe, Vickie & Valerie,
I am very happy that I got to see the sisters on CNN this whole scandel in Texas is a totally different situation. I'm glad you grew up happpy, educated and able to make choices. Obviously you have made the right choice for your lives. I can honestly say after 2 failed marriages I do understand. I must also say to the woman who wrote about "polyandry" you have a great point.
And for all you poeple out there crying about illegal take a look around you look at our society look at corporate America, then ask yourselves. Is this really part of the problem? No. I am alos in agreement with the poor girl who was raped by her brother. It is time for our country to have "a conversation about multiple marriages" if it is to become legal it should be allowed for both men with multiple wives and vice versa. Good Luck to all

In Joe's defense: polygamous lifestyle is NOT illegal. Otherwise Hugh Hefner and the girls next door would film their show from jail. You just can not register more than one marriage with the government. But that has nothing to do with what is going on between you and your god.

Against Joe's position: If he and his wives consider themselves Christians, they probably condemn Hugh Hefner, gay marriages, polyandrous marriages, swingers and group families. If so, there is no reason for us to make an exception for their particular lifestyle.

Please remove the Mormon temple from the backdrop of ValerieX, a story of Mormon apostates.

Ruth,

The bible does not say that you can't marry more than one woman. There are plenty of examples throughout the bible of why you shouldn't. Abraham, David, Solomon, etc all had problems they wouldn't have had if they would have only had one wife. God's plan for marriage is one man, one woman. Paul gives further instruction as to anyone wishing to be an elder must have only one wife. But the bible does not say that you CAN'T have more than one wife.

Polygamy is a way of living together where no one is too involved in the life of the other one – not personally.

The responsibility of each single person for a functioning relationship is almost ... zero because faults are not so harmful. Why? Because an other wife will compensate them.

It's a little bit of a commune, a loose connection between people who want to achieve a common goal in the form of a job sharing.

I wonder about Sentor Clinton's ability to answer that 3 AM call in the White House. When she can stand in front of a crowd of people on three different occasions and repeat the same lie, and when finally caught, she shurgge her shoulders and said I missed spoke, I was sleep deprived, and things like after all I am human.

I would rather have a President of the United States of America that can make a mistake in the manner inwhich he spoke and come back and acknowledge the mistake and indicate that he had no intention to offend anyone than to lie about it over and over again.

Even Sentor Clinton's husband, the former president of the United States came forth and lied about it. Now that is saying a lot about the Clinton family in the political arena.

First of all the mormons use the teachings of the old testament to say it is ok to have multiple wives. But they also say they believe in Jesus. The fact is that Jesus said we are to be the husband of one wife. The teachings and life style of Joseph Smith have been a problem for women ever since he had his visit by the demon spirit that he said was an angel. The fact that the mormons like to quote scripture means nothing. They do not understand the truth of the bible for if they did they would know that the bible tells us not to listen to another teaching whether it comes from man or an angel for when we do we are cursed. I guess the proof of the curse fell on Joseph Smith when disobeyed the Godly laws the world had instituted about single marriage that the bible says we are to obey

I find it interesting that no one will even acknowledge the obvious question of why, if it's OK for a man to have numerous wives, it's not OK for a woman to have numerous husbands. The reason is because this lifestyle is about one thing: Domination and control of women, starting when they are still little girls. That's it. Of course, some women are happy being dominated and controlled. That doesn't make it right.

Well, as long as he says both women agreed and love the arraignment, then it must be so. Right?

I mean, we're not talking about a culture where Women are kept in their place and Men are the "head" of the household or anything like that. It's not as though Women are being taught from birth that their decision is whatever the head of the household (Must be a man) decides. Right? I mean, look at how many Women are in leadership positions in the church. Oh yeah, they aren't allowed to lead anything but the kids in doing the chores.

Some of you should really become more educated it this culture before you make judgments about it.

you know,we can decide to do with ourselves on this planet what we like.The history of humanity is that of man always trying do whatever pleases him. But no matter what we think,say or do, God's law does not change and it is written in our hearts.We can choose to ignore it, we often do anyway, but it doesn't change the fact that it is there. Whether u are against or for polygamy,gay,etc does not count.Man will always do what he likes. The real issue in this case is that this particular society does not recognise polygamy.I guess that is why iy is news.

Dear X, sorry to inform u but all unrighteousness is sin and all sinners shall be cast down in the white throne judgment and u should know this since you are a christian and u believe in the bible. Ask yourself sometimes "did Jesus do this" andif he didn't chances are because it would of been wrong. Christians are christ like ppl we could never be the Christ but we should strive daily to be like him. He had no wife let alone wives.

Many are questioning how he supports so many children. This is easy. Legally he is only married to one wife, all the others are (in the eyes of the law) single women with children. They are the true welfare queens. I hope they all don't forget to thank the taxpayers because it's really not the Lord who is supporting them.

SICK .. I'm sorry religion or no religion.... How can you take an innocent 13 year olds and make her marry and sleep with a 50 or 60 year old man.... THAT'S SICK.

Joe, I am curious that you or nobody else answered Judy's point about lost boys. How do you justify the fact that your husband's taking more than one wife left some other man unable to find any? This may not be a problem as long as there are very few families like yours but if a lot of people in a community were to follow your example, a lot of boys would have to leave their homes and search elsewhere.

There are equal numbers of boys and girls born in the world. Actually, I think there is a slightly higher chance of a boy, but boys have higher mortality. Maybe in the old times when more kids died in infancy the ratio was different. Also, in old times a lot more men died in the wars. Some men were drafted into the army for many years, in some places – decades. This is not the case today.

Joe"X" you are a good man. Are you working & supporting 4 wives? Any of your wives work to support the family? Do they get jealous of each other any time? I do not know how you people manage many wives & so many kids. It is hard enough for me even to support one. May be their needs are minimal. What do you think about Polyandre.
Polygamy & polyandre goes back 4000 years or more in all cultures. There was nothing wrong in those days. I do not know why people make a big deal of Polygamy, polyandre, gays & lesbians. These relationships well culivated are OK in God's eyes.

Why only two of your "happy and willing " Stepford wives ? Where are you hiding the other two? Probably giving birth to the next round of babies. I really want to know how much PUBLIC money all of you are collecting – there can't be too many job opportunities in your happy compound!

This is just a comment on how they (Texas) are handling the removal of women and kids. They should have left the woman and kids at the ranch and removed all the men. The cost to Texas must be staggering. I am sure that most of the women were running the ranch anyway, they would probably feel more comfortable being in their own environment. If I am not mistaken didn’t they have millions in the bank, give it to the women and kids. Then arrest all the men for being pedophiles.

Please ask these people when they appear on the show how they are supporting their family of 25. I'm curious to know if they too are abusing welfare programs like other polygamist families.

So I don't think it only takes a rocket scientist or someone who is equally as brilliant to understand that God is in favor of ONLY monogamous marital relationships. God is in favor of that in scripture regardless of the wording! Don't think that the Bible only has to say "a man can't marry more than one woman". For instance, Genesis 2:24 states" For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Explanation: God only permits monogamous marital relationships. Yes, polygamy was permitted in the times of the Old Testament . However, that was permitted in a specific historical context. That historical context is not equivalent with our current context in this nation.

Not only does God not allow polygamy...think about the pathopsychological effects it has one the multiple wives and children...

Wow, this is so unbelievable it is almost comical. Is this guy for real?

I love the way some criminals rationalize committing crimes using religion as a shield.

Clearly this goes on in this country because some women are still so riddled by low self esteem that they cannot help themselves.

This sounds to me like something you would read about in Forum Magazine – a threesome with a license to get busy.

This should be labeled more specifically as "polygyny." From what I understand, women aren't permitted to have multiple husbands. Calling it polygamy doesn't acknowledge this.

In my opinion allowing polygyny isn't justified unless polyandry also is allowed.

"How do you justify the fact that your husband’s taking more than one wife left some other man unable to find any?"

How can you justify this statement which suggests that women are some kind of scarce good that needs to be rationed?

Polygamy is against the law. Therefore, it shouldn't take place. My understanding is that in these communities only one marriage is legal and multiple wives can claim aid to dependent children. If this is the case then all taxpayers are paying for the families to stay together. Doesn't seem fair.

Try as i might, all i see is everyone critisising the polygamist religeon!
No one is looking at the constitution nor the bill of rights! It says we cannot discriminate against religeon! it does not say religeon must be acceptable to current society! It merely states we cannot discriminate on that basis! Fingers keep pointing to the religeon and the children, but not one organisation is looking at the rights! I am not a poligamist! But i respect their right to interprit their bible their way; and wonder how long it will be before i am discriminated against for having a saturday sabath???

Track the children and their families with the paperwork trail from the welfare & foodstamps that we are paying for with our taxes! The mothers of these children have to give dates of birth to receive government aid – then you should be able to see how old these children are that are being forced to marry and have babies so the cycle can continue. Using religion to abuse women and children has gone on for centuries. But you can't say it is freedom of religion if you are locked in a compound & have no choice of who or when you marry. This is not religion – it is a cult and if justice is denied for these children due to a technicality, then we will all be responsible for their welfare and raising for generations to come!

How is polygamy any different than the average 35-year-old man sleeping with a 30-year-old woman, she becomes pregnant and He leaves the relationship(Breaking Up) only to impregnate another woman 5 months later, and this happens over and over again. The Man has had more than one woman bear his children, but does not continue the relationship with any of the impregnated women. Is this Not polygamy?
This happens over and over again throughout the world, even in America.

Mike D of Utica NY
Mike, before you spout off on a national blog, you might want to get the facts in better order. One really good way to do that is to talk with the LDS (nickname~Mormon) missionaries in your area. Check the phone book. You probably look like a reasonably intelligent guy, and then you open your mouth (or blog) and are exposed as ill informed. Sad to see. Polygamy has been outlawed since 1890~that's right~ 1890!! (right up there with button hooks and bustles!) and most people that are paying attention know that. Those that choose the life style do so illegally and need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law as it exists. As far as the FLDS group in TX; marrying 13 year old girls to older men is also against the TX law, I'd suppose, and they are going to correctly arrest those found guilty. I believe young marriages for girls are prevalent in other parts of the country, though I can't site specific states. Appalachia?
For the sake of the TX law enforcement, I surely hope, with all this TV coverage, they have their facts straight or they'll be paying Warren Jeffs and his group millions of bucks. Has the ear marks of an emotional and impassioned raid that may have been done in haste. It is rare indeed to separate children from their mothers.
Many men world wide have a sexual obsession with children. My personal solution is to castrate the lot. A bit unpopular, I'm sure.
The marriage laws are a mockery, there is no doubt about that. It's not uncommon to read~fact and even fiction~about a man who has kept two families, one in one part of the world, one in another, and the mess of sorting it all out falls to the survivors when he dies. Points to divorce courts that are overwhelmed with adulterous spouses causing pain and suffering to families as they romp through life unchecked.
Thank you Rev Richards for requesting the press (as usual half informed) take the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City out of the backdrop. That is an insult of the first water to the LDS Church. What ridiculous reporting! Confirms my not taking papers, news magazines and rarely listening the news broadcasts. They just don't fully research the stories and usually get it wrong. Nice try, but no cigar. I have only stories with personal ramifications to judge, but just shake my head when I see the results. Reported for shock value~ period. When they are called on their mistakes, check page 6 in the small print!

About the recent shows on 360, my question:

I’m wondering where are the men in this group. What do they run and hide when the law or reporters come around. If what they are doing is honest ,good and decent why hide behind the skirts of women? Why are the women defending a way of life imposed on them by men? Why do they have to hide in a compound??? If they are living the true religion then why don’t they preach it like Jesus did, why do they hide under a rock in the desert? Because they have got a secret to hide . They oppress women and children. They are so ashamed they even hide the truth from themselves. They have put a holy name to a most unholy crime,they are “Sexual pretators” .

My post clearly express abhorence of what is coming out in the news and I find Joe X and his wives on TV and their story an insult to my intelligence. Maybe they believe their own lies, maybe they fool themselves but they do not fool me. Their is nothing normal about this . And it is not part of christian religion . If they want to say,hey we are a group of people who want to live together and have sex with each other ,the more the merrier .Okay ,thats what it is.But don't say it is a family .Don't say That it is a part of Christain religion because what they do is condemed by Jesus . He called it "Adultery" . And he called people who live lies "Hypocrites"

Do you think that the Pringle, SD compound be raided like other states??? I work for an ABC affiliate here in Rapid City and was wondering what the situation is like there. Have been there only once and very scarey place in that area, don't have cell phone service and have heard that they did have guns when Warren was in the area and wouldn't let utility people go in that area.

Camille, Rebecca, Lynn, Kristen and Dr. Rex A. Richards,

I can understand why you are unhappy about the LDS temple appearing in the background as it may give the LDS church a bad image. But how can you distance the LDS church from the controversy at hand when polygamy is still an integral part if its doctrine? Although polygamy is no longer allowed in the physical world, they do believe polygamous relationships will convene in the afterlife, when worthy members become gods in the Celestial Kingdom (i.e. Mormon heaven). This is key to their faith, along with other things like human sacrifice, white supremacy and the worship of Lucifer. The only reason the LDS church stopped practicing polygamy in the physical realm is because the U.S. govt. threatened to deny Utah official statehood if they continued this behavior. But unfortunately certain LDS leaders continued practicing polygamy AFTER the supposed “commandment” to banish the practice. I come from an LDS family and my grandma’s stepfather had two wives. The church did not punish him for this because he was a high-ranking member and knew the right people. We have a photo of him standing on the steps of the Salt Lake Temple. Does that offend you also? It certainly didn’t offend church authorities as he was never excommunicated. If you do some research you’ll see this is not an isolated incident. Another relevant fact is that the LDS church believes Jesus Christ had multiple wives. Does this bother you as much as Joe X does? And what about Brigham Young commanding his followers to inbreed with their own kin?

Something is incredibly wrong with those people. The lady who gave the interview (Mrs. Jessop) She said her daughter who is 18 years old has a 10 month old child, and we know that it takes 9 months for gestation.THAT MAKES HER DAUGHTER 16 WHEN HAD SEX AND BECAME PREGNANT. PROBABLY BY A GROWN MAN AND POSSIBLY HER HUSBAND. ISNT THAT STATUTORY RAPE! Isnt stautory rape a crime in this country! your show has an obligation to turn this info over to the authorities. I guess her degree forgot to teach Mrs Jessup about following the law.

Jon Cureton
jon12657@yahoo.com