Case of polygamist sect raises values dilemma

HeraldNet ^ | 5/2/08 | EDITORS

[ricks_place]

The disturbing child abuse case unfolding in Texas raises difficult questions about two ideals we hold dear: Religious freedom and child safety.

The state of Texas has been criticized by church members, lawyers and civil liberties groups for removing all of the children from a polygamist compound following a raid by Child Protective Services.

[metmom]

I can’t figure how LE doing it’s job translates into religion hating or Mormon bashing anyhow.

Breaking the law is breaking the law, plain and simple. It’s the government’s responsibility to deal with it and protect the populace.

People time and again, have told us that the flds is NOT the LDS. Well, if they indeed aren’t then our criticizing the Flds is not Mormon bashing. If someone then thinks it is, it’s because in their minds, apparently, they have not made the distinction themselves; they equate the flds with the lds. It’s the only explanation.

[deport]

Oh, excuse me, it was an “armored personnel carrier” - which of course is another way of saying A TANK.

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An APC is not a tank. It doesn’t have the same capaibilities, armor, weapons, etc. Just your imagination. I posted a picture of the APC used at the Ranch to you and you just ignored it didn’t you?

Do you expect LE to enter a place such as this without the force to necessary to protect their people. Forunately the FLDS didn’t put up a fight.

[deport]

There are pictures on the net at various news outlets that show some of what is being alledged like it was hidden. The LE force went in with the necessary power to protect their people should the FLDS members decide to put up a fight. Fortunately they didn't or the outcome would have been much different.

Photo Gallery

Here's one showing the big bad mean sniper that never fired a shot..

This photo taken Friday, April 4 by an unidentified member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and released Tuesday, April 15, by church attorney Rod Parker, the spokesperson for members of the FLDS, shows an armed police officer on the grounds of the Yearning For Zion ranch near Eldorado, Texas. Photos of a state raid on a West Texas polygamist sect show law enforcement officers, looking for a teenage girl and evidence of sexual abuse, came prepared for an armed confrontation. (AP Photo/Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)

And of course the big bad tank with all it's weapons, etc:

Photo: This photo taken Thursday, April 3, by an unidentified member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and released Tuesday,

[Judith Anne]

Those pictures were obviously not confiscated, and they don’t make me nervous, so I guess there’s no there, there...doesn’t look like much to me.

[is_is]

Saundra protesteth way to much.....wonder what ax she is grinding......

[metmom]

Those alleged pictures allegedly taken at the ranch. But do we have PROOF that that’s what they are?

A person who could get that good a line of sight to take a picture could take a shot as well. What kind of sniper would allow himself to be that exposed? Or the guys in the armored carrier?

Couldn’t we call BS on the pictures and just say that they’re fake because someone has an axe to grind? We can’t tell where they were taken by the background alone. It could be zillions of places anywhere in that desolate region of the southwest.

[Judith Anne]

Sure. I thought about that, too. What proof is there that the “sniper” is not FLDS?

[deport]

What proof is there that the “sniper” is not FLDS?

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First of all I don't think you'll find the LE calling this guy a sniper. Most snipers are very well concealed and not out in plain view or sight. I'd call this guy a part of the long range perimeter security.

Some where I”ve read the break out of people, from what agencies, numbers, etc that participated. I don't remember where it was I saw it but they had many participants from various departments such as the Texas Rangers, DPS troopers, Sheriff's department, Texas Wildlife wardens, and who knows what other groups. To think they wouldn't go in with a detail plan to include enough power to control the Ranch is unbelievable to me. I guess those complaining wanted them to walk in with hands upturned and bowing before the Ranch members....

[Judith Anne]

First of all I don't think you'll find the LE calling this guy a sniper.

Which is why I put "sniper" in quotes.

He was there, IF he was there, for safety's sake.

[deport]

That big bad tank being enjoyed by the boys from the FLDS Ranch. Looks like they are really scared......

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

TAKEN DURING YFZ RAID

Several boys from the YFZ Ranch are given a tour of the Midland County armored personnel carrier by S.W.A.T. officer (upper left) as the 6-day-long search continued on the polygamous compound.

Two boys of the YFZ enjoyed a seat in the shade as a nearby Midland County S.W.A.T. team member described the inner workings of his department's armored personnel carrier.

[metmom]

I hadn’t thought of that.

My question was how we knew those pictures were taken at the ranch.

There’s nothing in the background that would give any indication of where the pictures were taken.

[Judith Anne]

Are these some of the photos “confiscated” so people wouldn’t get nervous?

Thanks for posting, deport. :D