As I have read the stories of child sexual abuse perpetrated by Warren Jeffs at the FLDS compound in Texas, I am confronted by one stark detail: Why are the parents of the young victims not being prosecuted as an accessory to the crimes that Jeffs now stands convicted of? Certainly the parents knew of and were willing participants to these crimes! Why is the Texas attorney general apparently giving the parents a free pass? Let's Discuss
I saw an interview during the trial that kind of opened my eyes on Warren Jeffs. According to Jeffs, only the righteous few would ascend into heaven. The people he deemed worthy were moved to the Yearning For Zion ranch, and when Jeffs started collecting his "girls", he told their families that if they gave up their daughters, they would be guaranteeing themselves a place in heaven. So that's what they did, without question because they wanted that spot in heaven for their daughter and themselves.
ReplyDeleteTo me, the parents acted in accordance to their blind faith in a man they believed to be their prophet. They gave their consent, and if the FLDS has their way, those families will never know the truth of what they have done.
I believe the Texas AG understands the coercion involved and will not pursue prosecuting the parents.
The Texas AG most likely do not care if there was religious coercion involved, they prosecute under the state laws. I think the problem is, they are having to investigate which state (or country) the parents are in. If the parents are residing in another, the federal AG may have to be the one to prosecute because of the crossing of state or country boundaries.
ReplyDeleteCj- I agree with you with a yes and a no. They do own a regular Bible. IF they would read it. Their GUT had to tell them something was wrong. Was it a place of power in the group they wanted? For sure some did it for the righteous reasons. Their lack of education doesn't help in that matter.
ReplyDeleteRayne- Sure gets complicated! Didn't know that.
MORE! How can there be MORE in a day!
ReplyDeleteMake that... a bunch of Jackin Off, Money Freaks, POWER Monsters....Bankruptcy BUMS......Despicable Child Molesters.....Pediculous (look that one up!)
Parents......
If the took the parents in, esp. with this case, and showed them they meant business, it would slow down. Why they don't is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteI understand Cj, but ignorance can't be bliss. Take them all in and talk to them. Fine them, something!
ReplyDeleteCynical, I've been thinking and praying about what you wrote. (after making dirty jokes on the other, oops). But, what will stop it? He wasn't the only prophet that did it, or higher up, nor will it stop. There has to be something, a meeting, a warning, something.
ReplyDeleteLADY ATTORNEY - What can be done for prevention?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cynical- but, how to change it? We need a WISE one to answer here!
ReplyDeleteI want to thank everyone who took the time to express their opinion! There is no easy "fix" for what Warren Jeffs has done, and I am with all of you that are at a loss what we as a society can do to prevent this from happening in the future.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that decriminalization of polygamy IS NOT the road to take at this time. To decriminalize polygamy for the Browns will mean decriminalization for the FLDS and that cannot happen.
Sorry, I feel that they should be prosecuted. That would stop a lot of it.
ReplyDelete