FOXNews.com On The Scene
Jonathan Serrie

Polygamist Ranch Update: A Clash of Cultures

News photographers follow women in pioneer dresses as they walk to a Texas court that will eventually determine the fate of 416 children removed during the April 3 raid of their polygamist ranch.

If only this juxtaposition of 21st and 19th Century images were the only clash going on.

There are literally hundreds of attorneys representing the different interests in this case — government, parents and each child.

In fact, the hearing has brought so many people to the small city of San Angelo that local hotels are all booked. Residents have opened their homes to accommodate many of the volunteer lawyers representing the children.

The hearing goes into its second day with attorneys for the state presenting testimony that children at the ranch were sexually and physically abused, while attorneys for the parents question whether unproven allegations justify state authorities taking all of the children from an entire community.

Meanwhile, far from the hearing, police in Colorado Springs, CO have announced the arrest of a woman on a charge of false reporting to authorities. Police say the Texas Rangers were in Colorado Springs yesterday “as part of their investigation involving the compound in Texas,” but would release no other details.

Our Denver Bureau is investigating that angle of the story that continues to unfold even as I type these words.

 

11 Responses to “Polygamist Ranch Update: A Clash of Cultures”

Comment by Robert

One of the witnesses for the prosecution says the children have been taught to be obedient and compliant. Heaven help us that any children in this world are taught to be obedient and compliant! Why, that would probably absolutely destroy society as we know it!

 
Comment by Reader Bob

Yet another example of a group of people not wanting to conform or follow the laws of the land where they have chosen to live. They try to hide behind religion and think all is OK. If they want to practice pedophilia and brain washing they should find a country that accepts that behavior. This is the USA and here it is against the law. Those who are guilty of breaking our laws should be locked up. How sad that the very young will suffer for years to come as a result of what has been discovered.

 
Comment by Pendy

This situation is so upsettng! Please do not report as if this is a normal situation in Texas or accepted in Texas. This state would NEVER accept this as a normal way of life! I watch your station all day and I feel a little offended in your reporting of this of this. Just a reminder that Texas loves you too!

 
Comment by Lisa

Sorry Robert but what that witness was talking about was blind obedience rather than respectful obedience… remember Germany circa 1940. What I don’t like is all of the focus on the women in the sect. Where are all of those men with multiple wives??? If they believe so strongly in their way of life, why are they not making themselves known??? I also want to extend my sympathies to those who will be charged with the task of matching children to parents. It is likely that there will be first and second degree relations between “husbands” and “wives”. I suggest they find the biggest wall they can find to fit the geogram they will be developing.

 
Comment by steven

robert, it sounds like you defend these people.
they hand their 13 year old girl children to 50 year old men to marry & bear their children.
that doesn’t give you chills?
what about the “breaking” of the babies?
where the fathers spank the babies, then hold them under running water for up to a minute, then repeat the process over & over.
one woman who escaped from that camp described how jessup did that to her son when he was a baby.
these men are cowards & criminals.
the women & children are brainwashed.

 
Comment by Michelle

It is not about the children being taught to be obedient and compliant. This is about what they are being taught to be obedient and compliant to.

 
Comment by David

Pendy, I was quite offended, also, with how folks on Fox spoke of West Texas as if there are compounds all over! I’ve always been a HUGE Fox fan, but several stories that Fox aired turned me off of Fox and on to CNN. Yes, I’m loyal enough to continue viewing, but I will surely scrutinize Fox’s take on future stories. Obviously I was not the only one to have the same view of how Texas was stereotyped and Fox should realize that viewers have options when it comes to their news.

This case is very sad and believe you me, I’m sure there are other cult activities involving the misuse of children all across this country. I find it extremely disheartening that these SOB’s hide behind religion and that the case is not being handled as it would be if a child was being abused in a “traditional” household. If the wives knew what was going on, then why in the sam h3ll are they running back to the compound free??? And then they cry because their children were taken away!!! Some speak of them not knowing better and that these traditions and behaviors were taught and were all they knew, but that’s just extremely hard to accept. I don’t understand why there have not been more arrests when 400+ children were removed.

 
Comment by Lainy

This entire situation is unbelieveable. Certainly Texas knew what was going on, were they merely turning their head and ignoring this?? Also, why are all these mothers showing absolutely no emotion on TV and any emotion they are “attempting” to show is easy to see as fake! I think we are all going to be shocked at the relationships once the DNA is obtained and tested.

 
Comment by s spaur

I truly beleive that Texas has over stated it’s authority. They started with a group that was doing nothing but exersizing their rights to practice their legal rights of religion, not hurting anyone, where will this stop. Texas says the 400 plus kids are in danager of being abused if they go back home. . I guess next Texas should try and shut down all catholic schools and churches since preist have a problem abusing kids and if the schools remain open the kids that attend will; or in the case of Texas; could be abused. The kids should not be allowed to attend Catholic mass since we have preist abusing kids and come in contact with Preist. Where will this lead? The state has gone to far and it is time the Federal courts get involved. What religion or group will they attact next?

 
Comment by Anita

What is sad about this whole situation is these children. These adult woman have a right to choose. But those children do not know any better. It upsets me that any mother can hand those children over to adult men. I was sexually abused as a child and that just makes me sick. The other thing that is very sad and wrong is. They are doing this in the name of religion. I am a born again christian and I personally know the bible does not condone this type of behavior. And I would never tolerate anyone touching my child especially in the name of God. Those mothers need to be prosecuted if they choose to go back to that compound. Those chldren dont need to be around mothers who dont protect them. Thanks Anita from kansas

 
Comment by mark stone

If child abuse is not found leave them alone..Our lives are filled with so much junk and we worry about things we cant control. Havings so simple alive must be peaseful.

 

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