"As marathon court battles continued in Texas today over the future of 464 FLDS children, two Utahns who were kicked out of the group several years ago went to court to testify; and, surprisingly considering their history, they spoke up in defense of the FLDS.
The story of Frank Johnson and Art Barlow provides a revealing insight into the FLDS group. It shows the powerful hold Warren Jeffs had over his followers, and that he may still have, even over some former members of the group.
FLDS wives and children have been used for many years as powerful leverage by Warren Jeffs. Husbands he perceived as unrighteous or disloyal faced the constant threat that Jeffs, their prophet, would kick them out and reassign their wives and kids to other families. That's what happened to Art Barlow when he was excommunicated. We asked Barlow if he thought it was an injustice. His reply, "I don't care to comment on that. I just went peacefully in the interest of the children."
The mother of his five children followed the Jeffs faithful to the YFZ ranch, and the kids wound up in state custody.
Frank Johnson had a similar experience. And now, astonishingly, the two former members came to court to testify on behalf of their former wives. "Telling them how I totally trust her. She is a perfect mother. That's where they belong. And that I'd set aside my selfish interest to have them in the best place for the children's interests," Barlow said.
Johnson said, "The best thing for the children is to be with their mother when their mother is a good mother."
If Texas won't allow that, the two Dads want the kids themselves. They admit their belief system must be mystifying to outsiders, but they think Texas has it wrong labeling the YFZ ranch an "abusive environment." "They're attacking a system that is designed to bless the children, not to destroy them," Johnson said.
The raid did prove beneficial to both men in one respect: they got a chance to see their kids last week for the first time in several years."
"If Texas won't allow that, the two Dads want the kids themselves. They admit their belief system must be mystifying to outsiders, but they think Texas has it wrong labeling the YFZ ranch an "abusive environment."
This comment blows me away: "They're attacking a system that is designed to bless the children, not to destroy them," Johnson said."
“I just went peacefully in the interest of the children.”
I wonder what that means?
Was Blood Atonement the next step, if they refused to accept being excommunicated?