I have put this post off for too long - last night I had a lively discussion with several friends, and I believe we all concluded that Texas chose the wrong approach to dealing with their concerns over the beliefs and practices of the FLDS people at the YFZ ranch. Since we believe so strongly in freedom, and lament the fact that we have seen our freedoms slowly erode since the inception of the United States of America, we should speak out openly when we see further erosions of those freedoms. This is a clear case of the ends not justifying the means. Whether or not you agree with the religious beliefs and social customs of a group of people, you still must respect their rights as humans. There should be overwhelming evidence of a crime, and that crime should then be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In the absence of clear evidence, we are walking on thin ice to take the types of measures that Texas CPS officials took. You have to ask yourself - What country do we live in?
Today's article might be a step in the right direction, but Texas and the FLDS have a long, painful, highly expensive legal battle ahead of them. And, due to legal precedent and common sense, Texas will lose badly, even if it has to go all the way to the Supreme Court, and will look foolish in the eyes of the nation.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9347022
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Thank you for your post. I have been saying ever since this thing happened that it was a fraction away from, if not actually, a violation of the FLDS 1st amendment rights. I don't in any way agree with how they practice their religion, but unless and until proof is established of actual illegal activity the 1st amendment should protect them, and I don't feel that it has. This sets a bad presidence for the future of religious freedom if it is not corrected. Thanks again for your comments.
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