Comments on: FLDS became more restrictive, secretive and threatening

By: Marie

Marie — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:03:22 +0000

In response to Katie and Carol -

Your comments sound exactly like the mean spirited, hurtful words hurled by the other sister wive's children. You sound like FLDS. Wake up there is freedom in America.

Bless you Carolyn for having the courage to take the huge risk of leaving and saving your children. We can only pray that those other mothers still in bondage will see your shining example.

By: Aunti

Aunti — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:52:13 +0000

This FLDS outfit is nothing more than a child abuse cult hiding behind the guise of "religion". It seems anyone can get away with anything just by saying it's in their "religion".

All cults should be permanently destroyed.

By: sally

sally — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:43:42 +0000

i like to see them woman get help and learn how to live like us with there children they don;t need men like that i like to be a friend to you please write back i feel for the woman and children and wass thinking what can we do to help them they say they will leave the ranch well we will see if they really want to get right i glad that you left and got you life back i know it;s hard but it can be done look at you you go and may god bless you and your family and help you throw this . thank;s sally

By: alice

alice — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:42:36 +0000

Hi, I am from California. I am writing this because I am pissed off at these stupid people practicing this fake religion. I hope these mothers and fathers rot in hell. I do appreciate the short story but please if I was a judge or a lawyer, I would do something about this case. People please do something about and not just talk about. Thank you. By the way, love Anderson Cooper!!!

By: Marie

Marie — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:35:35 +0000

I read Irene Spencer's book , Shattered Dreams and yours and my heart went out to you both and your children for what you have gone through. I am amazed that you stayed sane with all the emotional abuse and brain washing. And to think that those in the FLDS blame God for their inhumane power! The mean spirited bullying of the wives and children of the mothers who are not the "favorite" wife was so heart breaking, it sounded like slavery.

Thank you for the courage to tell your story. I hope it will give other women and children the courage to seek those who can help them get the strength and support to get free of the bondage and fear that they are forced to live in.

By: Lynn Ribar

Lynn Ribar — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:30:45 +0000

Carolyn -
I read your book last fall and I couldn't put it down until I read it and I'm going to read it again, now learning more about the FLDS. Watching the drama unfold on t.v. and in print, I just can't get this out of my mind what's going on at the "compound." My heart aches for all those affected.

I am GLAD that you are in the media, telling your story, unlike some of the comments from others here that you are "exploiting" the story for personal gain. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are "speaking" for perhaps hundreds (or thousands maybe) of helpless victims caught up in this and this story NEEDS to be told and in the forefront. God bless you for being the voice of the voiceless!!!

By: Kat Ramani

Kat Ramani — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 01:38:56 +0000

In all of CNN's copious - and overdone - coverage on this story, no one seems to have asked the question of what is the justifying philosophy behind having these multiple, and clearly quite young, wives.

Only when we can understand the philosophy that has kept these women voluntarily imprisoned can we even hope to replace it with another - the secular, monogamist philosophy that clearly we are all assuming is the "right" one in America ...

By: eddie

eddie — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:07:42 +0000

If your book is read my just one person in FLDS and the word gets out there is freedom on the other side and people who understand your Job is done .
Bless you Girl..

By: Danny & Leona

Danny & Leona — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:59:07 +0000

I found this after watching the news. I have read your book and could not put it down. As I read your book I felt that I was going through everything and had all kinds of feelings.
I so glad you wrote this book and that we had a chance to read it. We have known you since you were a tiny one, but just never realized what was going on.
I pray that you can keep on trying to help the ones that are so programed.
Hopeful someday others will be able to have a better life because of your bravery.

By: leti

leti — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:23:24 +0000

The reply from a Kati that "Carolyn is vindictive and spiteful and just plain mean" is ignorant. Kati, have you ever though about the children's fate if Carolyn kept quiet?

By: Susie Cowan

Susie Cowan — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:56:34 +0000

Hi Carolyn,
congrats on your five year aniversary:). I can´t even begin to imagine how hard it was for you to leave. After the decision was made, you faced many challenges. You survived. Kudos to you and your family.

I live in Denmark with about five million others, and we are shocked to see the conditions that the FLDS live under.

When Jeff was arrested we all cheared, but I still don´t think we all had any idea what was really going on. Lets hope that some of theese women feel brave enough to change their conditions.

I think that your story is an inspiration.

Susie Cowan, Denmark.

By: Kat

Kat — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:49:16 +0000

Hooray! Hooray! You got away! Congrats on five years, and on your positive adjustment. It's about time more Americans realized how fundamentalist cults force women into what is, for all practical purposes, a state of abusive slavery. So keep publicizing. Perhaps more people will be inspired to escape abuse. There will always be people who complain about what you say, or who think you're too much in the media. Just remember you don't have to pay attention to people who lack compassion and people who are too stupid to change the channel.

By: gigi

gigi — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:38:08 +0000

THANK-YOU Carolyn. I am so happy for you and your children. I can't wait to read the book. Thank-you for bringing this truth to light in our country and sharing your experience, strength and hope. I find you to be a woman of incredible courage and strength. May God bless you and your kids.

By: Wendy Ellis

Wendy Ellis — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:36:43 +0000

I read Escape – what a tremendous story of courage. I commend Carolyn Jessup fr doing whatever it took to get her kids away from a destructive way of living. At the end of the book, it is mentioned that the oldest daughter returned to the FLDS. Is that daughter still there and is she one of the people in the compound in Texas?

By: Deedee

Deedee — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:10:34 +0000

Anderson

The reason why evil continues to thrive in society is because sometimes good people shut up and say nothing, one person (and more to follow) had the courage and is changing that, Kudos to Caroline. Let us band together as a society and support these families. Anderson a few of us would like to send educational toys, games, clothing and books to the kids and some make-up and new clothes for the moms. Is there an address to send it to?

By: Mickey

Mickey — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:08:01 +0000

It isn't LDS it is FLDS. There is a difference–a big one.

By: Judith

Judith — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:25:42 +0000

Carolyn,

Do not listen to all the negative comments on this post. You are bigger than to let these people take away what has and is sacred to you and your experiences.

I want people to know that this woman is the bravest of women to escape and make a life for herself. She and the rest do not deserve a lifestyle that is abusive and done in the name of "god".

God is loving, gracious, safe and give people freedom of choice. This is not the God I know that these men and their religion created.

Good for Carolyn to write a book. She and her children deserve the royalties as no one can ever replace the evil they have suffered.

She deserves to be a spokes person on every channel on television as she is the voice for those who need to be free and are free from this terrible human tragedy.

Judith
Toronto, Canada

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:52:16 +0000

Kati, It sounds as if you are joulous and wish you had the courage to make decisions for yourself. It sounds as if you are very co-denpendent and in need to tear someone down for making a positive change for their family. Carolyn has always seemed very positive and uplifting to a community that has done nothing but shown her heart break. To tell you the truth Carolyn has provided good PR for the women on the compound then the ones that live there. When the compound ladies speak about wanting their children and comparing the situation to the Jewish community it is sicking. The women sound pathetic and the Texas goverment is not planning on killing the children like the Nazi's did to the jews. Carolyn provides listeners/viewers with an empathic understanding of how and why people may do such things to children without knowing that they are endangering the child.

By: KP

KP — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:31:33 +0000

I applaud Carolyn for sharing her story and I plan to buy the paperback when it comes out. I pray that her story will help other women and children from sharing the same cruel fate.

In response to the negative comments to the book, I just want to say that with any kind of abuse, secrecy is the only thing that keeps the abuse cycle going. It would be easier for Carolyn to keep this to herself. I'm sure sure she re-lives her experiences each time she shares, but I believe that her motive is strictly to help others. To me that takes guts! She is a brave woman. Think of escaping with all 8 of your children and one who is disabled?! It would be frightening and I'm glad she has told her story. Polygamy is a cancer in our U.S. and Canadian societies. To think that such sin and wrong doing is going on under our noses! Think of all the other women & children who have to endure the same plight. To me that is terrifying!

By: Anne

Anne — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:09:37 +0000

Carolyn,

Your book and your commentary on CNN only continue to prove your courage, and for that you are a true inspiration. Thank you for what you are doing. The domination, control, abuse, and degradation you are standing up to is not exclusive to FLDS. I pray that all of your fortunate children follow in your brave footsteps.

Anne