The Alleged Texas Man-Handle

It’s time for another installment of my take on a current event. Today’s editorial is directed more so at readers of the news, rather than the news itself.

As many of those who stay up-to-date concerning current events, and by up-to-date I mean those who read the news daily, I’ve been intrigued to follow the circumstances involving the FLDS polygamist compound outside Eldorado, Texas.

I have always been fascinated by their beliefs and lifestyle. Note, I use the word ‘fascinated’ not ‘attracted.’ These are interesting people who lead very interesting lives based upon their views of religion and God. I don’t agree with the theology or the manner in which they live, but I respect their right to assemble.

Concerning the recent events, I do have to hand it to the FLDS for winning the early public relations war. Through blogs and comment boards, other members of the FLDS and similar groups have been successful in the early going of using sympathetic expressions to spin the issue into one pertaining to Constitutional religious freedom.

I always thought the people of these faiths were not allowed to view much television or have access to media such as the internet. Over the past couple of weeks, it has grown increasingly apparent that they are very much in touch with the ‘outside’ world and are using the internet to establish their case. At least the public opinion case. Simply read the comment boards and blogs and they are there.

Sadly, there are two compounding issues related to the situation in Eldorado, Texas. No, one is not religious freedom as the FLDS would like you to believe.

Again, I refer to the readers rather than the polygamists.

On one hand, it is disturbing that the American society has become so apathetic toward not only the laws of the land, but even the moral makeup of the society. Many of the comments posted by newsreaders mention turning a blind eye to the FLDS as a whole. Some maintain a lackadaisical attitude towards polygamists of, “well if they aren’t harming anybody, then leave them alone.” The problem with this thinking was noted in the Federalist Papers by James Madison when he realized that a form of government was essential to carry with it a checks and balances system. However, he was wise to point out that one of those balances could not be religion when he said, “a religious sect may degenerate into a political faction.”

It would be unwise for the American public to turn a blind eye to any religion, whether cult, sect, or established denomination, with the supposition that if the group of people aren’t outwardly breaking any major laws than leave them alone.

The second discouraging issue with this story is concerning those who are so quickly led to believe this issue is about religion. The Texas authorities did not raid the compound because men were married to more than one wife. Though, it is illegal to have more than one wife. They didn’t enter this compound because emancipated first cousins were marrying emancipated first cousins; also illegal. In fact, the FLDS should just market themselves as a permanent swingers colony and not only would the mainstream look the other way, they'd probably see a marked increase in members.

Serioulsy though, the Texas authorities entered and took the children away because there was an imminent threat that child endangerment and abuse was happening. Yes, that’s illegal too.

If your religion prescribes to killing off any person over the age of 80, because they believe people of that age are simply a waste of resources, than in the United States of America your religion is not protected from the law against murder.

Similarly if girls under a certain age are being forced, or even choosing of their own will, to have sexual relations with a man over the age of emancipation, than yes, that is illegal.

Of course most would agree that taking all of the children away from their families is a horrific thing. No decent parent would want that to happen to them and I certainly understand the argument.

As of the time I've been writing this, the latest craze among the blogosphere is now how Texas supposedly has infringed on the rights of due process.

Idiots!

You've got 416 children, all of whom may or may not be subject to abuse, you take them out and investigate it. This IS the due process. The authorities must do whatever it takes to assess the allegations and do their best to prevent illegal behavior from occurring.

I give credit to the FLDS for winning the PR war early on by making this a religion issue rather than a sexual abuse issue. Disgustingly, many of my fellow Americans fail to realize the big picture. Liken this unto the Clinton/Lewinsky situation, although Bill Clinton’s actions were reprehensible, he wasn’t impeached for doing what he did with Lewinsky. Theoretically, he could have turned the Oval Office into his own personal strip club and legally, probably had no issues.

The impeachment proceedings came about because he lied under oath. Not because of what he did in a room adjacent the Oval Office.

The FLDS are NOT being singled out because they practice an alternative, albeit illegal, lifestyle. They are NOT being kept from worshiping how and what they may. They ARE, however, being brought to account for alleged illegal activity when it comes to minors. This is what the authorities in Texas are attempting to determine and establish.

Reading the misguided sympathy of the comment boards is troubling. Another great Madison quote: “When indeed religion is kindled into enthusiasm, its force, like that of other passions, is increased by the sympathy of the multitude. But enthusiasm is only a temporary state of religion, and whilst it lasts will hardly be seen with pleasure at the helm.” I relate this to the religion of gossip and judgment that the American public is so quick to pay homage. The doors to the cathedrals of criticism are ripe with arm-chair experts and professional pontificates.

I feel confident as this plays out the Texas authorities will see the public opinion sway in their favor. However, I’m more concerned at the idiocy of the American public for not being smart enough to understand the big picture no matter how the media twists or turns it. Some media outlets are sympathetic to the polygamists while others want to embarrass.

I beg people to start thinking a little more for themselves rather than expecting everything be spoon fed.