First let me say that I was enthralled by that interview. It was the most powerful I have seen on Fox and Friends in a very long time. Just riveting.

I smell a rat here, the ladies sure seemed credible to me.

The interview was good but some questions weren’t asked that should have been. For instance – one lady had 12 children but said she had just recently come to the compound. Why didn’t someone ask who fathered all those children. Someone should have asked the young one in the middle how old her husband is. The ladies, in my opinion, were like robots and not spontaneous in their answers. They seemed to be brainwashed in talking about how happy they were. One seemed to be the spokesman for all and the other two seemed to be afraid to speak freely. That is not America. I’m not buying that interview. Why didn’t they ask the young one how many children she had (if any). I know time is important in interviews, but they dropped the ball on some of these questions. Thanks

The three women look like robots. They lack any emotion in their voice and facial expressions. They all look the same-void of emotion.

Which is worse a religious figure telling a man to have many wives or one
telling them to be faithful you will have no wives?

Ms Pro stated “shame on law enforcement” for making a deal of 45 days for sexual abuse in reference to Texas polygamist raid
The expert should know law enforcement cannot make deals with anyone. That decision is left for prosecutors and judges.
To set the record straight!

It was very interesting watching the women respond to questions. I was struck first by the fitness – no obesity, by these women who had several children. As the interview went on, as a law enforcement interviewer, I was amazed at the lack of body language the women displayed. It appeared that the women were being told what to say, or how to respond, by someone off camera. There was a discernible lag in response time in their spoken and visible response. The one exception was the very real smiles when they were asked if their children would like being back at the ranch rather than where they were.
I would be interested if some questions were asked – outside of expected questions, for any future interviews; ie, some questions that might surprise whomever is coaching them.

I THINK YOU FOLKS ARE WRONG IN THAT YOU ARE FINDING THESE PEOPLE GUILTY OF ALL SORTS OF THINGS ON THE STRENGTH OF AN UNFONFIRMED ACCUSATION. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS……..SHAME ON YOU

Who was off to the side as those women were interviewed. They kept looking over to their left as if there were either looking for help with answers or maybe even to make sure that whomever was there approved of what they were saying.

Alisyn, I dont think its right the way the Authorities went about it.
Sal

They reminded me of the Stepford Wives … completely brainwashed …

The “woman” on screen right (stage left) sure looked a lot like Doocy … if he tried to dress up like a woman …

Those women actually creeped me out … Guh!!

Listening to those ladies it was obvious that they were not being totally truthful about the situation, but the authorities in this case are ridicules. To take those kids away from their families is absolutely henious. These kids need their families and friends to grow up. Consider yourself being taken out of your home and sent somewhere to live with strangers when there is absolutely no reason to do so is awful. THe people that made that decision are the criminals. The alleged cell phone call,,,,,,, there should be a recording of the call on file and the number from which it came. Instead of asking people a lot of dumb questions, how about finding out something about that and the validity of this whole “Raid”. The whole thing is ridiculous, live and let live.

The interview made this confounding situation even more confusing, however Steve Doocey’s question during the follow-up interview in which he stated polygamy was obviously legal in Texas was offensive and ironically elitest. I’m not sure if the comment was a result of innocent ignorance, contempt for the state of Texas, or a failed attempt at humor. Regardless of the reason. I’m not bitter it was simply inappropriate.

During the interview, it seemed as though the 3 women were hesitant to answer some questions. I feel an investigation is in need to find the answers to key questions about the children, were they, are they being abused as reported?

My heart goes out as a Mother, “if” nothing “was” happening to these chrildren WHAT damage is being done to these chrildren now!

I pray for these people,

I agree with Nick, that interview was powerful and enthralling. Sadly, these women have been controlled, brainwashed, and abused. So sad. Hope authorities can find enough information to stop this sect. I can see why they had to seperate mothers and children. How the kids will be brainwashed into the same lifestyle as those women is sickening. I agree with Brian, every minute those kids spend away from the women/ranch is a blessing.
Thanks F&F.

Dear Allyson:

Loved the interview on the women from the Texas (Compound/Ranch) – However, no one
had asked how the men provide for their families and are they receiving Welfare and since they do not go out of the compound – how does food and other necessities get to the compound? Thanx

First , you’re tan looks a little dark today.

What I don’t understand is why it has gone on in the same bunch for a 100 years. It’s kind of hard when they are on the 6-8 generations of them. They start early to get as many kids as they can. The kids also become cash cows on the welfare system. They are not the only ones doing it either.

You had 3 women on, if I did math right they had 12, 5, 9 kids between them …. thats 26 kids.

Which is worse the leading religious figure dictating that to be faithful to God a man
must have many wives or for another religious figure dictating to his leaders that to be faithful
they can have “no” wife?

this is just another of the butch reno syndrone of the government ’s overreaching interference in our lives I served this country in the united states navy for 12 years and i am curruntly a disabled veteran and the freedoms in this country are in danger and very upset about the current status of veterans in this country both parties are guilty of causing veterans to be homeless 1 in 8 veterans are homeless and 1 in 4 commit suicide there is no reason that any veterans in this country should be homeless or having any problems with health Iam also the son of a world war II veteran. please feel free to read these comments on air remember ruby ridge

Good MOrning again Ms. Alisyn,

I couldn’t catch your exclusive but anytime things like this occurr my mind returns to Waco.

I have seem some of them making statements but it is hard to tell truth from fiction. But to me, there has to be something wrong with anyone that would live under those conditions.

chas

It was like an interview with the Stepford Wives. Is this all those children have to look forward to? Someone needs to do something!

I think that they have been abused in some ways. These places just brain wash these people into thinking there ways.

This is appearing to be more based upon an intollerance of a chosen lifestyle that is not understood by the outside than it is based upon evidence of abuse.
The original call that triggered this appears to have been most likely faked. The girl that originally made the call still has not been found. The man mentioned as ‘the abuser’ in the case now seems has not even been in Texas, muchless “abusing” anyone at the ranch that was raided.
There reportedly was an informant inside the ranch for the last four yrs but they were unable to bring forward evidence that could sustain a search warrent, but an unsubstantiated phone call was enough to upend the lives of everyone on the ranch?
Polygamy might be illegal, and not the accepted norm of society in general, but that is the case of other altrenative lifestyles also in this country. Some living “alternative lifestyles” are being allowed to marry and adopt children. They lead a lifestyle that not long ago would have been as widely condemned (and is still by some) as the polygamy lifestyle is now.

This seperation of children from their mothers appears to be the State attempting to find testimony to support their actions because thet have been unable to find evidence to suport the initial actions.

It is scary that in a country that we claim to embrace freedom from the govt intruding on our lives, we have such a blatent case of the gov’t ripping families apart based upon no evidence other than a phone call that can not be substantiated.

We need to know what steps are being taken to ensure that these children are not being lead into making false statements that support the State’s actions. Such things have happened before and innocent people went to prison based upon false testimony that was planted in the children’s minds by those investigating the cases.

Over zealous “protection” of children can lead to as much damage to the children as what they are purportedly being protected from.

I was ashamed of your interview, these women had their children ripped away from them and you were asking totally off the mark questions, this should be about the children. why don’t you do this with gay couples? gay marriages are still illegal, why? children living with gay partners, will that make them gay in the future? hmmm..let us get back to the real situation here, children have been taken from their parents because someone does not like this lifestyle, i do not like the gay lifestyle but do not want to rip kids away from them…

The look on their faces reminded me a lot of the POW interviews from the Hanoi Hilton years ago.

The look on their faces reminded me a lot of the interviews with POWs at the Hanoi Hilton years ago.

It was like interviewing the Stepford Wives. The women were so programmed on what to say. I do feel their pain at being separated from their children, but is this all these children have to look forward to when they are grown? SCARY!

I think that the girl in the middle appeared to be drugged at several times actually looked like she would pass out. they all looked like they were brainwashed and unemotional even when asking for there children. if someone took my children I would not be so complacent. I am the mother of three and grandmother of three number four on the way and I am 47 married for 29 years so I do understand.

Good morning,

Here is another case of the government being abusers of children. In the State of Maine several months ago it was revealed that a SCHOOL system was giving 11 year old girls birth control!! In an effort to take over the job of irrresposible or not present parents!! Who did they think those girls would have sex with??

Isn’t it obvious to everyone that in this country we reallly don’t mind if underage children have sex….as long as they do it our way!!

Now they take 400+ children from their PRESENT Mothers with NO investigation! Why didn’t they just airdrop Birth Control into the Ranch!!

Let’s just all get together and go to Daytona Beach, where no doubt many of our darlings are acting out our confussed messages!!

Thanks for listening,

C. H.

Even mothers from a polygamist compound love their children and I am sure they are sincere. I watched their faces they were not lying they truly believe what their saying. There were a few comments that they coached to say by their lawyers. However overall the three women came off as rather benign and creidible in regard to their own personal beliefs.

The men are pedophiles and child molsters and deserve to do time. This a disaster for everyone concerned. The problem is that origional warrant will not stand up in court if properly challenged and this raid will be bigger diaster than the 1953 cross creek raid in Arizonia

First Hillary’s tears, now Gretchen’s!

Brian is right. Those children may be in more danger inside the “ranch” than in the temporary custody of the proper authorities. This “ranch” has all the characteristics of a cult (Does not even the LDS denomination distance themselves?). These ladies looked very brain washed to stay on their message. It is tragic and very sad. I have had some experience with the people of San Angelo and have every confidence that so far as the churches and authorities involved from the local level, those children will have excellent care and the mothers every consideration.

My eyes were glued to the television screen during that interview. But, I honestly do not know what to think. That one woman is clearly in pain over the separation from her handicapped child and that does seem extremely wrong from this vantage point.

We need to hear from the other side to get some balance on that issue. Is the child being properly cared for now and are there any questions about his/her health status?

the three women interviewed this morning sure seemed happy with their lifestyles and very unhappy with the texas authorities! i think more needs to be revealed to this whole thing. i like nick smell something fishy about the whole thing. according to the ladies, they can come and go from the ranch/compound freely.

I enjoyed the interview,but they seemed to be brainwashed. But isn’t this still America? Do we all have the freedom of religion,no matter how different from say –a traditional one? Would this be going on if the “ranch” was muslim ?

Three more of them and they all sound alike!

Comment by Mike Malone
April 16th, 2008 at 8:17 am

Polygamy might be illegal, and not the accepted norm of society in general, but that is the case of other altrenative lifestyles also in this country. Some living “alternative lifestyles” are being allowed to marry and adopt children. They lead a lifestyle that not long ago would have been as widely condemned (and is still by some) as the polygamy lifestyle is now.
_____

I have to agree with you 100%. I live amongst the Amish. I interact with them on a daily basis. I can speak German to them and as close as a outsider can be to being accepted by them. They are strange and have some strange customs that most would reject.

Alisyn,
As the author of Where Did My America Go? I would like to share with you one of my op-ed articles. David Brown has a copy of my book and media kit. I thought you would like to share this with Steve, Brian and Gretchen. Its title is, “Is Politics Interfering With Your Sex Life.” You can read it here: http://www.wheredidmyamericago.com/MainPages/NewsletterArchives/Newsletter_V2-7.htm

Best wishes to you all.

Michael

Some of the comments have angered me, because any woman over 18 can make their own mind but the children do not have a choice, and those women were brainwashed.

How many of the women recieve child support for their children? Or to what extent does the public support the “family” while the men drive around on their tractors ti9lling the one acre of land to “feed” the people in hte compound?

Ali,

Did not see the segment however I would like to compare and contrast this situation with the Clinton/Reno debacle in Waco a few years back.

There were no armored personnel carriers or other force multipliers employed in this evacuation. I have to wonder why the informant took 4+ years to initiate the take down strategy.

You are a siren. I am supposed to be getting ready for “Turkey” season and yet here I am again answering you call.

While I am making my preps to get an elusive wild tom, I’ll be thinking of how God is a part of everything I do and thank Him for you and the F&F crew.

Will

My husband and I tried to watch the show but unfortunately in our area (Ocean County, New Jersey) there is no audio transmission. We tried other stations but yours was the only one with not sound. Was there something wrong at your station?

Why have NONE of these ladies that have been on ANY channel not cried one tear for their kids??
Not one tear was shed. Now that bugs me. My kids missing, I am shedding a tear!

Can you say Stepford Wife! They appear zombi-like and, unfortunately, don’t know anything else.

Gretchen did a FANTASTIC job!

Body language 101. They are lying. I hope y’all evaluate them.

Great job!

NOT ONE OF THOSE MOTHERS CRIED FOR THEIR KIDS?????? why??? Something is not right!

Each and every one of these people are a complete and total wack-job in need of long, deep psychiatric help. I have some compassion but only to the extent of their being mothers ripped apart from their children, and that’s perfectly understandable. But the way they’re living, the completely robotic, hypnotized way in which they act, look, and speak is very creepy and very strange. There’s no question they were lying when Gretchen and Brian were asking about the age limits for those who have been married and if they knew what was going on. It’s complete brainwashing to the ultimate degree, and their manner of life is very unhealthy.

It’s just a sick situation.

come on, what about children living with gay people? what do you have against these people? why not take children away from gey parents and give them a chance……?????

I listened to the interview and the questions that I would like answered is: Why are these women and children the only ones being questioned? What about the old disqusting old men that are obviously getting away w/ doing anything they want to w/ these women and children? So are these women protecting these men or actually really trying to protect these children that need protection from them???

All of the women sound like they have been programmed with exactly what to say. It is also striking to me that the ones that you are interviewing have not been on the “ranch” very long. Like they were planted there to be the ones interviewed. I am convinced more now than ever that something is really wrong there.

I agree if there are accusations of child abuse that all of the children should be removed, not just the children over five. Removing the handicap child from his Mother is wrong. Let that Mother be with that child unless she’s the one abusing the child. My mother married my Father at the age of 15. They were married for 22 years before he past away. Young marrige wasn’t a problem many years ago, and there are children haveing babys at 12 now. We see on the news almost every day programs about children as young as 10 haveing sex. I’m not saying it’s proper by no means ,It’s wrong in my book but who are we to judge others beliefs. The children on that ranch seem to not have a choice of marrying at 14 and being forced to have children.This is wrong and it’s very obvious the three women on t.v. this morning are not telling the truth. If they love it so much why do they look so scared. I have been in an abusive relationship and I remember very well what it’s like knowing you have to be careful what you say and the fear of saying the wrong thing and I see that in there faces and here it in their voice. These children do need to be protected but, Let the Mother of the handycap child at least see her son to make sure he’s o.k.

OFF TOPIC–

Ali Where can I find the B.S.S

Me

these women sound like they have been coached,drugged,scared or all of the above.they are to thoughtful of there replies

ALISYN;
I SEE A BUNCH OF PHONIES HOLDING THE PETY LINE.SAED MOM’S WITH THEIR KID’S TAKEN
AWAY YET KNOW TEAR’S GIVE ME A BREAK.FOX NEED’S TO TRY AND FIND SOMEONE THAT WILL GIVE THE TRUTH.NOT THESE CLOWN’S.IF THERE’RE TRYING TO GAIN SYMPATHY FROM ANYONE
THEY BETTER TRY AGAIN.

Gretchen and Brian are sounding a little self righteous and condescending towards the second group of Ladies

The second interview is striking in its reinforcement of my earlier observations. The women are pausing in unusual places in their responses. They are stiff and unbelievably similar in their responses. The questions are excellent in the respect of getting unexpected responses. The hesitation in responses tells me that they are being coached, either by a wireless earbud, or visibly. It would be interesting to see a wide angle shot. They keep on trying to redirect the track to the ‘I miss my children’ track rather than what the issue appears to be. Her 19 year old daughter is being interrogated without the benefit of contact with her mother. Hmmmmm

This whole story is so upsetting to me. How can anyone look at the facts of this story and say that there is no abuse going on?

why didnt they refer to “spiritual unions” verses marriage? should have asked the age of the women and the age of their oldest child. why no emotion regarding the children?

This world is so bad when you here of child abuse or misssing children every day. Children are gifts from God and should be treated as such.

Dear Alisyn…I am a little surpised by the number of viewers with very strong opinions about the FLDS compound and its inhabitants. Certainly, the situation is disturbing. We as a society have a public interest in protecting the lives of children…but I am struck by the similarities of the raid on FLDS compound and the assualt on the Branch Davidians.

The same accusation was laid upon the David Koresh (et. al.)…I am not saying that the FLDS’ are innocent…but the storm trooper tactics used to “rescue” the FLDS children are too striking…too similar. I am troubled.

I hope Fox News will continue to investigate and reveal the facts surrounding this reclusive sect of Latter Day Saints.

I am waiting for more facts…Shalom Aleichem, Mark P.

Boy, none of them wanted to answer Doocy’s question about being related to or involved with church leaders. What’s up with the robot voices? There’s obviously something wrong.

Welcome to nazi germany! Is Brian and Herr Pirro going to lead everyone thats different to the ovens? Where’s due process? look at what we have running for office and tell me who the evil doers are!

YOU GUYS ASKED ABOUT “ABUSE” – THEY DON’T BELIEVE THAT WHAT IS GOING ON IS ABUSE. BE MORE SPECIFIC

Wow. The views expressed thus far seem pretty polarized, with an awful lot of assumptions based on relatively little information. Until the investigation is complete and public records are released, we will not know exactly what the State’s case is based on, nor the findings of a judge or jury.

I agree that the women appeared to be coached, and it also appears that whoever was coaching them has moved to near the center of the women’s viewpoint for the second interview, and away from their left. The way the women are talking and responding does very much bring to mind the Stepford Wives, but very much more so Stockholm syndrome.

On the other hand, one has to wonder about the circumstances that led to this raid. We don’t have adequate supporting information from the State about the phone call from the 16 year-old, however, it should be noted that under current child protection laws, no reason is needed to remove children from parents. It’s a dirty little secret of CPS, but any of our children could be taken from us at any moment…they don’t legally need a reason. Fortunately, most CPS workers (who are usually very overworked and underpaid) are genuinely interested in the welfare of children. It is harrowing for those children, and to a lesser extent, their mothers, to be ripped from their homes and families and everything that is familiar to them. But the possibility of those same children being subjected to abuse is even more frightening. It is for that reason I agree in this case with the removal of the children.

From a more personal viewpoint, I find it infuriating that IN AMERICA there are still women living in circumstances that demote them to simply being baby-factories in order to keep a cult (run exclusively by men) going. Even more enraging is the fact that pubescent girls are being treated as commodities whose futures are determined by men who apparently have no other interest in them but to make babies. If there are seventeen year olds in that compound with three kids, you do the math and figure out what their purpose in that compound is. >(

Watching the women from the Texas compound reminded me of the “Stepford Wives”. There is no individuality shown from the ladies. If my kids were taken I would not be so passive.

With all our new technology can DNA be done to see how many children have been fathered by an older man with a minor mother?

These women are not WELL, there is no emotional content in there voices at all. Even during the exchange with Gretchen she still sounded like she needed to have her pulse taken to make sure she was alive. No parent I know could sound so cool when talking about there child being held by authorities and being “abused”. Brainwashing may not cover what is going on with those women.

To all those that feel the women are not acting in the manner in which they should, I would point out that these women have been living a sheltered life. Suddenly they have had armed men and women come into their home, remove them to strange surroundings. Then they have had accusations made against them and the men they love, accusations they deny. And now they have had their children ripped from them. Finally, they are now appearing on TV, with bright lights and audio problems, while being interviewed by people they can not see. All of these things are traumatic for them.
Their reaction seems no different from people that have been thru other traumatic happenings, such as loss of home due to weather, or loss of family and loved ones.

We all should remember to not judge others too harshly when we haven’t walked in their shoes.

We are at war with Muslim extremists that wish to kill or subdue us because they do not approve of the way in which we choose to live our lives. Do we not claim to be more tolerant of those that choose to live in manners that we do not agree with? Or are our biases just different from the Muslim extremists?

I think we must remember that these women have lived their lives in a sheltered life, and they are not use to speaking to outsiders and especially facing questions from Brian. They do seem brainwashed, but I realize that they are very sheltered from the outside and from the norms like television. Their “religion” is a cult and these “spiritual” marriages are nothing but a way for these sexual addicts to have younger and younger girls. I do not think you can judge the “religion” on these women, but take a look at these men who have young teenage girls as “spiritual wives”.

This is disgusting situation not to mention against the law. Everyone is related to everyone. No wonder their kids are physically and mentally handicapped.

Wow! The demeanor of these women does not help their case that their lifestyle is so wonderful. They all sound exactly the same, use the same phrasing, almost the same inflection, not to mention dress alike and where their hair the same. Yet they say they all can do what they want, whatever their choice. Who in their right mind would choose to be just like every one else in their community.

It was very telling that the one woman in the first group didn’t seem to know even how many wives her husband had. We heard earlier reports that some of the men didn’t know how many children they had. Hmmmm.

Notice how they all said they weren’t “aware” of anything bad going on…weren’t there pregnant GIRLS (some already with young children). Too many long pauses when they were asked the hard questions.

A subject that isn’t addressed enough is what happens to the boys/young men of the group. There obviously aren’t enough girls to go around if all the young women are being married off to the older men. I’ve seem some very disturbing documentaries of their treatment/fate. It also seemed like most of the children rounded up were girls. I’d be curious what the ratio of girls to boys was in the children (and in the remaining adults). It almost seems like this compound is raising girls, like a crop, for older men.

My only empathy with these women is that 5 years old does seem to be a bit young for the cut off age to be seperated from their mothers since the real risk is for older girls.

It is so pitiful…there are move victims here than the 400 children. Abuse doesn’t always produce a physical bruise.

This is a disgusting situation. No wonder the kids and physically and mentally handicapped. These men have how many wives?? How many kids? Everyone is related to everyone.

Based on what I saw (see my previous posts) there is a very real concern and reason to continue to hold the children. All of us know that mothers have a tremendous affect on children, and thereby, what evidence they may or may not, give to investigators. The women on camera are clearly brainwashed and coached on responses to questions.

I was watching and listening to the interview, and I must say I do not trust the part of the gov’t that “protects our kids”. It only takes a phone call to have an investigation, and the people that run the investigation come in like you were turned in by God himself and their info could never be wrong. We have never seen this 16yr old or even been told they have her for questioning. In fact they think their might be another call that alters the 16yr olds story. This is a religous group yes poligamy is illeagle, but it is not Child abuse. And it is only illeagle because another religous group decided it was wrong.

WHERE IS THE 911 TAPE OF THE 16-YEAR OLD GIRL’S CALL THAT SHE WAS BEING ABUSED!!!

The interview with the women from FLDS left me feeling ill for all the the children. There was very little real concern for the kids and alot of fudging and lying by omission going on. Did anyone actually see a real tear?

Why did none of those ladies cry for their kids?????

smells…………..stinks!!!!!

The women do not have any expression on their faces…They awlays answcer “Not that we are aware of” to almost every ? asked…They were very hesatant to answcer the ?’s about what # wife they were…The children may be better off…

After watching both interviews now, Who are we to question the way they live? As a abuse survivor I am all for the protection of the children!!! But think about it, What if these people had come to your childs school because someone had reported they were being abused! Imagine them telling you WELL someone from here called and the accusation was made for Abuse, so we will be taking all the children from this school wether it be male or female!!!!!! This is just not making any sense.

It is so plain to see that these women are brain washed and controled as what to say and what not to answer. It is so wrong that this kind of living is tolerated or even permitted to exist, when it is really against the law. Yes! it is a free country but not that kind of free. We do have laws!

These women are like robots. They all sound alike and are ridgid in their body language. I wonder if they understand what a real lie is. I think they are lieing and know it. They don’t even know who’s children are who’s. How can these children know who they were really born to. It’s nothing but a breeding ranch. Breeding if innecent lives and then brain washing them. This is so sad and sorry and so wrong.

I wanted to throw up when Gretchen said she sympathized – as a mother – with these women. I doubt Gretchen could know what they are going through unless she has stood by and watched young girls be raped and abused. If this were going on in my house, I would be in jail. But since it is in the name of relgion, many people think we should just look the other way. It’s disgusting and the media should stop giving so much publicity to these religious wackos. I hope these women never get their children back.

I live in southern Utah. I grew up with these people all my life. There are bad apples and there are sincere good people in this group also. These women are typical of what we see everyday. They were shopping with their families in the grocery store last night at Walmart. A van load of women pulled up in front of the day spa where I was and went in together for manicures. The women are often off in groups , they never go anywhere alone, but they work in our hospitals, they attend our colleges, they are not locked up away from the world. The nurse that took care of my husband was part of the polygamy group. There were several students in my college classes. Some of the women stay home and tend the kids while others are out in the world making a living. They keep to themselves as far as living apart, they are secretive about who they are and where they are, because they abuse the welfare system in both Arizona and Utah, making us the taxpayers provide for these non-legal wives and children, and also because polygamy is illegal in Utah. They moved to the Texas compound because Utah was cracking down on Polygamy and welfare fraud.

Remember the trial of Warren Jeffs? You media types were laughing at Utah because they were trying to convict him of assisting rape? You thought that was ridiculous then, because you didn’t know anything about the lifestyle, and you don’t seem to have learned much since then. Just because they only have one dress pattern and wear their hair in the same hair style doesn’t mean they are abusers.

Now, you’re making a show of interviewing the other side, and failing miserably. I feel sorry for those people because of the way they are being portrayed.

I thought we had certain rights and procedures to be followed in America. How can you take a whole community into custody, just in case there might be inproprieties. Yet, known criminals go free because we don’t want to violate their rights. This really scares me.

In response to M Malone, remember that the women shown were chosen by the FLDS sect. The interview was not a drive-by, but doubtless coordinated hours or days before. Yes, we should not judge others too harshly, but I do not intend to walk in a polygamist, demean women shoes.
The difference from our views to extremist Muslim views are too numerous to enumerate.
Polygamy, demeaning women, are the only similarities I see right now. Give me a while and I am sure I can see more.

I only heard the first interview in my car and was unable to see any of the faces, but all three of the women sounded frightened and coached at the same time. I do not agree with the State of Texas removing all the women and children from the ranch at the same time based on a couple of phone calls from one so-called 16-year old (yet to be found). I also don’t believe it was necessary to go in there with weapons and a tank! I don’t agree with polygamy, but this group has never been violent and I don’t believe a show of force was necessary in this instance. While I agree that an investigation was necessary, I think the State of Texas has handled the situation horibly. Finally, since I could only listen to the interview and the following commentary in my car, I wasn’t sure if it was Steve or Brian who participated in the interview with the first group of women. However, whoever it was mentioned in the discussion following the interview that the sect was living a “mutant lifestyle.” Come on, that is unfair and unnecessary and cruel. These are not mutants or aliens; they are human beings. Most of them have been brought up on this lifestyle and have known no other way of living. Name calling is way out of line.

The most riveting interview I have seen on TV!
These women were so programed it is unreal!
I feel so sorry for the children and I hope they get their head cleared up by being away from these sick people.
I am a mother and I understand the pain of children being taking away, however, if the women would also get away, they would see it is not normal to give your child or have your child with your husband, father, uncle or so forth.
Wonderful riveting interview from My Fox and Friends group.
Cudo’s to fox and friends for putting this one on!

where are the men? where are the men? women who have nothing of their own can elect to leave but they have nothing…..women who are abused believe they are nothing without their men. those who have fled….like the boys who are dropped in St. George, Utah, have nothing, unless they were taught carpentry etc in the compound. Las Vegas Jounal had great articles on the compound just north of them. According to the newspaper, a motel was used for ‘marriage’ on a regular basis, with rooms being set aside by the owners for the group. Have interviewers dress, talk, and respond like compound women do…..keep children at ease. It will take such a long time to help these women and children feel comfortable out of their element. But more important……..THE MEN……THOSE WHO ARE THE LEADERS/HUSBANDS. Where are they?

Give the kids back!..How could our government take those womens kids on just a phone call from a girl that is probably mad at the world and is a teen?The government need to give their kids back,those mothers are Hurting! so bad it breaks my heart.I just cant believe that the government is that cruel,Sure question them but dont take them away until they are 100% sure the kids are in danger.From watching all the Fox news things about all of this ,Please keep up the good work and help to get to the bottom of this mess.because if Fox News don’t help them, then they will get lost in the governments mess along with the other messes the government continues to make.God Bless and May God Guide you All to do the right thing.
Alice Parker
Pensacola ,Fl.

P.S.
I cry for the mothers and the kids,it just breaks my heart!

Hey me,

The B.t.S.S. comes on at 5:55 during the last few minutes of O’Reilly’s pinhead and mail segments.

chas

Thank God that someone took the information about alleged abuse seriosly and decided to take action swiftly! Better than looking the other way as has been done so many times in the past. This is not about religion it’s about the blatant abuse of women and children. According to one of the women the second group the women were offered shelter as a choice or they could return to the ranch. They chose to return home either out of fear or ignorance.

I sure feel sorry for those kids and their Moms. It sounds like this lifestyle is all they know and what they want and it would be devastating if these charges are unfounded, BUT, Where are the Dads?? Why aren’t they speaking yet? I feel this is maybe a perversion of the Scriptures. What came to my mind first was the WACO fiasco(thankfully it didn’t end up like that). When I first heard this story what came to mind was based on a rumor I laughed off when I was a teenager years ago… I was raised on a farm about 30 miles from a compound somewhat like this one. One of the rumors going around the grapevine that I dismissed for a long time was that sometimes these communes or compounds use an outside source on occasion for “stud” for lessening the inbreeding risk and health of the colony. In fact, a couple of my schoolmates at 16 years old (and probably full of B.S.) claimed to have been paid by the compound leader to have sex with some girls there . Now this seems pretty far out there but I was wondering in this case if there is any possibility of this occuring with the man from Colorado City who was charged, and who was unknown to the women at the compound, and the possibility of some arrangement like this existing. I wonder if this possibility is being investigated. How do polygamists prevent inbreeding?

This has noting to do with children from gay nonmariages, we’re talking Child Abuse. And Judges ARE part of Law-inforcement. These women have been brainwashed they don’t know what “abuse” is, so they can’t awnser that question. They will of course lie -They want their Kids back. The one in the purple was drugged. A Few days ago I kept hearing the NAME of this girl that called Police. After Wacko Waco no authority is going anywhere like this place without their T’s crossed. I think the intivewers were trying to be Gentle with these Prisoners of Cult worship. Just because its labled a religion dosen’t make it so.

The interview with the Poligamist Chics was captivating. Of course I feel very badly for their trauma. I am not convinced they are all innocent or all guilty. The siege, as Steve Doucy labeled it, should be investigated to reassure all of us that it was fully authorized and legal. I am disturbed greatly when our law enforcement/government take such extreme measures. I believe the actions of law enforcement/government should be scrutinized.

To Alice- The only thing that hurts these mothers and their sperm donors is their inability to collect welfare while these poor children are not in their custody!

I was on my way to work so missed the interview. Hopefully, it’ll be on the website later. By the way After the Show Show is the best show and I watch it everyday without fail! Much more interesting than the news.

Wow!! They are brainwashed!!! Yeah somebody told them you better NOT! We’ll send you to Gulfport, Mississipi Then you’ll have to PAY $5.69 + TAX a gallon for MILK!!!! It’s the truth.
We lived in Montana 4 years and they have Huttierites. Its a compound just like this.We went to visit it but I’m not sure if they have several wifes. I do remember being at a BAR and they were 5 Huttierite Guys drinking and they say they were looking for fresh blood. Meaning they needed some New Women to join the compound. By the way while on the compound the Leader saw my beautiful daughter 9 yr old and made a remark( she’s beautiful bring her back when she’s a couple years older) I looked @ him and said your SICK then I was getting into my Dodge Truck (to drive) he looked @ my husband and said YOUR GOING TO LET HER DRIVE??? I said No, He’s Riding! Poor Uneducated Women.

I just woke up on the west coast and I am confused was it the C.P.S or the SS that took the kids?

Alisyn, Love watching you, Steve, & Brian Missing E.D Hill!

Rhonda From Crestview, FL

Hey, Nick F, they’re looking for new recruits just like you. Credible?? SNAP OUT OF IT!!

These women sounded like robots when they talked. Each of them sounded exactly alike. It takes years of indoctrination for that to happen. What was more interesting than what they said was what they did not say or did not answer and their silence when certain questions were asked. They answered many questions for me with their silence.

having been the recipient of a false accusation and CPS, I can say every accusation is not founded. We tend to believe the worse of people who are “different” from us. It took 2 years and several thousand dollars to “prove” our innocence. Even though the grand jury found us innocent, CPS still wants us to go through sex therapy to see our grandchildren. CPS has power to destroy lives and they do, all on the word of someone who has an agenda toward that person. What if this was a hoax and the person who made the phone call was not who she said she was? Where is the person who made the accusation. CPS has to remove children from homes if there may be a remote possibility that there is abuse. You can take a child and keep them long enough and make them say anything you want. Where is the “proof”?

Good morning, Ali & Friends.
Those were the most enthralling interviews interviews. One of the things that struck me the most was the robotic responses; I watched the facial expressions on all the women very closely ~ eye movements, hand movements, lip movements, etc ~ and while I’m not an expert on body language, it appeared to me that they were evasive to some of the questions. And it certainly appeared that they had been coached beforehand what to say, and what questions NOT to answer; when asked certain questions, they continued to respond with, “The reason why we’re on this show today is to tell the world that our children were taken away from us, we were lied to, etc.” As a mother of 5 children and grandmother of a 2 year old, my heart goes out to them at having their children removed from their care. And yet, as a concerned mother, I don’t understand their lifestyle and the trauma of having 14 to 16 year old girls married off to +50 year old men, and giving birth to their children! Not to mention their polygamous lifestyle ~ I just don’t get it.
Frankly, I’m amazed that they did agree to be interviewed, yet on the other hand, their responses appeared to have been orchestrated, no doubt by the leadership, to present their case that their children were taken away from them….to tug at our heartstrings and evoke our compassion towards them as mothers. I don’t know if the men were asked to be interviewed, but THAT would have been interesting ~ don’t you think?
And hey ~ how about that Peter Doocy??? How cool is that??? Will he follow in his father’s footsteps?
Thank you; as always ~ you guys rock!! Have a super day!
CJ

looked like a sketch from saturday night live-
I was waiting for them to say that they wanted to return to the mother ship-

Every time the gov’t raids someplace down South its a COMPOUND. Maybe they should try raiding those COMPOUNDS up north. You know Detroit, New York etc. Those that have all those government compounds paid for by the taxpayers. The ones that have little girt having children, crack mothers, no fathers that can be found. Oh Yea we have those down South to, Atlanta, New Orleans. Maybe they will raid one of those since they are in the South. I doubt it. A crime is a crime. Just because the government pays for it does’t change a thing.

The interview really showed how much talent you folks have GREAT JOB. The men therehave totaly brain washed those poor women and hae taken contorl of there own personel thought pattern hopefully they will recieve the opertunity to have there “OWN” life not not the one forced on them.

I want to know how much welfare money they take in? Seems like they are a baby making organization.

It is a very sad situation. Seems like classic case of extreme domestic abuse and mind control.

No one has asked about the men in the compound, where are they? Except for the handcaped boy, ther has been no boys talked about.

I saw both interviews, and my expectation for a third group (or fourth, or more) would be that it would be exactly of the same tone and message as the first two. These women obviously are coached and appear fearful, in spite of what they say.

I think that Gretchen should take the lead in any future interviews with the women of the “ranch” and appeal to them as she did, as a mother. Maybe, just maybe, one would break and relate to her emotionally. More open-ended questions would help, too.

These women may have entered the life they chose willingly, but, I believe that each one is running away from something and looking for someone (men, in this case) to make all their decisions for them. You don’t have to share a husband to enjoy your garden and children!

Hi Alisyn,
Yes the women were being coached what they had to say or could not say. There hair
styles are all the same to so that is a sure sign to of a cult with the same dresses.
the handicapped should of been returned but more investigation needs done before returning
any of the children. I wonder to where the older men are and why was it just the women
singled out when the men are just as bad but of course they brain wash the women.

That was a strange interview – some of the women were very selective in their hearing!!! They only answered questions that they wanted and could not hear the rest………. I happen to be up early this morning ( california) so was fortunate to see the first showing of the women from the ranch… I truely believe there is much more going on in that “ranch ” than the women told . keep on top of it , but do try to get an interview with who ever is keeping the older children…..There might be some concerns there.
My husband goes to work at 3 am so I often stay awake to watch the first 2 hours of fox and friends before my alarm goes off at 5!!! keep up the good work……. The show is fast paced, current, and fun at times too.

Several of the comments posted have referred to gay people with children. First of all, that has nothing to do with this unless the children are being sexually abused in that gay home. Second, I personally believe that the children of gay parents SHOULD be removed from them. When a child is raised to think that normal life is something that it really isn’t, then someone should intervien to make sure that the child is safe.

I agree that these woman are brainwashed. They said they were given a choice to return to the “ranch” or go to a women’s shelter. If they had chosen to go to the shelter, then without a doubt they would be in serious trouble with the religious leaders for doing so. They had no choiced but to go back.

Would it be possible for you to have on the expert that reads peoples faces and movements(of which there were none) to assess these women?

First thing I thought when I saw and heard them were that they were Amish style Stepford Wives.
Everything is beautiful and perfect. That thought alone shows that they are delusional.

I wish that they would have been asked how many children in total do the husbands have? The one woman had 12 children and she seemed to be older so add onto that say nine more wives and if each had 12 children, that one man alone could have fathered 120 children! Even if each woman was getting welfare for only two children each, that man could be amassing moneis for 20 children each month and personally, why should we have to be paying towards the welfare of these people?

how scary it is that any one person can be so brainwashed into anything much less accepting the fact that your husband has other wives and other children besides you and yours and that it is ok.

There are so many issues here! but what amazes me is that brian steve or gretchen will ask one specific question (looking for a number like how many wives, or your age when married, etc) and getting an answer after a pause that has NOTHING to do with the question just asked! i saw that lots of times.

Plus i never even thought of who pays for their food, gas, electric, etc. not to mention the little handicapped child! does this handicap have anything to do with inbreeding? must go on there, no? forget about the fact that they all have the same dress (blue or purple only), hair, and out-in-orbit expression on their faces.

AND everyone has a point! where are these wonderful men? if they are hiding, they should be. how on earth can they stand up and proclaim this is the best thing for their wives and children with a straight face?

these women obviously are doing nothing to help their cause with their answers, demeanor, and enthusiasm. but the issues of tearing children from their mothers and the real crime here have nothing to do with each other. they are getting mixed together and they shouldnt be. they are two separate issues.

as far as the phone-caller, no big deal she is not found out by the media. for her own protection, i hope her name never comes out. i am not against the media but in order for the police to investigate this, her name and personage SHOULD be kept from the public. who she is has nothing to do wth the abuse going on there. if its going on, it doesnt matter who blew the whistle.

Many people are asking about the phone calls from the 16-year old girl… My guess is that since everything else released to the media seems to be fixed by the leaders of the group, that the same thing is happening with the girl. Either she is in custody of CPS and that information has not been released, or she was discovered by the group to be making the phone calls and was quickly moved to another compound/ranch belonging to the group.

As far as the ladies being able to leave whenever they want to, that may be true… But, I live in the general area, and know ranch roads well. Most likely, the ranch is set off MILES from a main road, and then Eldorado itself is a tiny town. San Angelo, the closest city, is 40 miles away. Sure they could leave, but where would they go, and how long would it take them to get there?

Friends,
I watched the interview from the compound today and I may have a different opinion than many others who have commented. Where I totally abhor any abuse and believe that if this was present, then the children need removed for their safety.
However,is most hypocritical for the government to take them or keep them,because to their lifestyle. They need only to look as far as our welfare system. They pay women to take care of children by multipule Fathers. I know of a family of 5 that all the children have different Fathers. No one has taken her children because they don’t like her lifestyle. She gets a large check each month to help with them.
(from the U.S .government) How long before the government decides it does not like the Christian, Jewish,Catholic,or Home school ……… lifestyle? Will they come for those children because they believe the parents beliefs are harming them? What country is this?

Has anyone tested those woman for drugs? They seem so docile. if my children had been taken my emotions (anger,frustration,outrage) would show if not in my words than in my body language and tone of voice. Bill O should do a body Lang segment on the ladies. As a sexual abuse surviver I cannot understand anyone living that way!
Margaret M Ernenwein
336 Park Street
Tupper Lake ,NY12986
518-359-3600

[...] brings up many issues at once. A Fox News co-host begins to cry when one of the mothers from the FLDS compound describes how federal agents removed her handicapped 5-year-old son from the El Dorado site and [...]

Would you guys please to God, get the name right. It’s El Door AAAA DOE. You are supposed to be accurate. Get it right ahead of time or find out. Don’t look like idiots. I’m from Brownwood, TX and we have known about this place for some time. I think this thing may backfire. If it smells fishy, it’s probably fish. It was a good interview and the ladies spoke the truth as they see it. The athorities( & Bill O) have jumped the gun and rushed in. Keep digging. Those children belong with the parents. I have never been a big fan of CPS. They are a bunch of liberal do-gooders and know-it-alls. And where are the men. Why don’t you get an interview with them?

Gretchen looked very concerned about the mothers & the children being seperated for the interagation. She said that she could feel for them because she has a 4 yr old, I wonder if she would feel the same if they took her child at the age of 13 or 15 to have sex with the older males.
We all feel for the seperation, but I feel worse for the children, not the mothers

Allison and All

I thought you did a terrific job with the women. Gretchen you were perfect, just didnt get the answers you/we wanted, but you asked !!
Stepford Wives came to mind while watching.
I cant decide if we should be angry as h*ll at these women because they are part of the problem, or feel for them because they are victims.
Im swaying more the angry side, thats for sure.
I think they are liars, just as the men on the “ranch”. They know all too well that what is going on there is illegal. I don’t care about them being different, or whatever, I care about what they are doing to the children there.
Im still not convinced why they wanted to be on the air, to play on our feelings about being seperated from their chidlren? It didn’t work for me then.
I wonder what would have happened to one of she mis spoke? Would you find her back in a week if you wanted to? And what shape would she be in if you did find her?

they really didnt show any emotion whatso ever, its like they were robots doing what they were told…

This morning I was glued to the TV watching your interview with the three polygamist wives. (7:30-8:00am interview) I felt so bad for these women and was disgusted at how the media is treating these people. I am completely and 100% against sexual and physical abuse as well as underage women being married and having children. However, like any other group in society, abuse, rape, etc. unfortunately does take place. That does not mean that every single person is practicing this behavior. Not every FLDS member practices this behavior and it’s unfair for us to force them away from their homes and tell them what they are doing is horrible and wrong.

America is completely uneducated of the beliefs and practices of the FLDS. It would be nice to see the media educate themselves and then focus on educating America. We have absolutely no right to tell these people what to believe in, how to live their lives, and that what they are doing is wrong without completely understanding it. We do not pull Catholic children away from their parents and question them about how their parents are treating them at home. What gives us the right to do it to these women and children?

My heart completely went out to these women this morning as one day they were living their lives how they wanted to and then the next were being scared out of their homes and away from their family with guns. What we are doing is not right and how the media is portraying these women is not right.

I love Fox news and am a loyal viewer. I appreciate the “fair & balanced” approach the network does take. Please take this same approach when reporting on the lives of FLDS members.

That HotAir site is insinuating that Gretchen’s emotions during the interview were staged in an effort to appeal to the audience. I didn’t see it that way in the least and found myself tearing up when the woman spoke of her handicapped child.

Often a healthy dose of cynicism is due while watching any news program, but HotAir really made a reach to come up with that analogy.

I watched the interview this morning and i think its sad that these children are growing up not knowing any other lifestyle. So of course that want to go back to the compound they dont know any other lifestyle.

Send those women to Guantanamo and water board them until they tell the truth about that wicked cult of theirs!!!!

It seems we all, or most of us, agree that these poor women are brainwashed. Most likely voluntarily because they have been raised this way. It appears that they cannot think for themselves and truely believe that they are happy in their choice of lifestyle. Choice could also be what they are brainwashed to believe. What’s the old saying? It’s not a lie if you really believe it?

Many comments have been made about “where the men are”? Doesn’t it make perfect sense that they are off camera coaching what the women say? If they can get the women on camera saying they are happy and there is no abuse going on and that they are not aware of any underage marriage or sex that this helps the men look innocent. The men could go on camera to speak for themselves but I believe they think it looks better to have the women try to convince us all that it is their free will to live like this and there is nothing bad going on. Also if the men are on camera we may see a big age difference.

As for the poor children, tough call. They have been seperated from the only life they know and are probably very unhappy but I think they should be kept away until the investigation is completed and it is known for a fact if and what type of abuse they are being subjected to.

I was very upset by the interview. I worked for CPS before having my own kids. Every mother cried for their children to be given back to them. Even the mothers who knew or helped or were the ones hurting the children!!! i wish the follow up segment had been with a person trained in child abuse and brainwashing. I think Gretchen was totally unprofessional with her tears!!! If child abuse of any kinkd is going on, she should be thinking about the kids, not her 5 year old who doesn’t have to worry about sick people hurting them.
These are the women who choose to go back, of course they are going to say what they have been trained to say. I am sure that a lot of the kids would say that they want to go back. Even when there is abuse, it is normal for them to want to return because that is all they have known.
Children are not our property!! They are a gift from God, it is our job as adults to protect them at ALL costs.
Maybe the the second interview should have been with three of the women who didn’t return to “the ranch”.

It would be nice if the replies are displayed a reverse order LIFD (Last in First Displayed).
So when we come back later in the day to read the rest of the comments we have not yet read,
we do not have to scroll down all the way.

Enjoy your show, and reading your BLOG. Thank you.

I’m glad you didn’t ‘break’ while you had them on air……..I really wondered…is there a significance in the colors of their dresses ?
It almost appeared that the colors were chosen according to age a/o status.

Totally enjoy Fox and Friends
Mary Ann

I agree that both of these interviews were riveting! Easy for some of our bloggers to suggest that other questions should have been asked. I think that Steve, Brian, and Gretchen were, as always, striving to be fair and balanced with these victims. I’m sure that our friends had many other questions they would have liked to ask the “Stepford Sisters”. To those of you suggesting that perhaps the phone call from the 16 yr. old is bogus or non existent, I say time will tell. Thanks, Allison, to you and the entire Fox staff, for your remarkable show!!

P.S. What a great study for O’Rielly’s body language segment….. These empty eyed women often held their arms tightly across their bodies. Perhaps this suggests both protection and defense from the soul searching questions being asked of them.

The word religion is used often with these types of cults. People can worship a rock and call it religion, but it does not make it right. These people are hiding behind a false religion, and their lives are broken. How sad for those kids who have been brought up in this mess.

Not only do their responses seemed rehearsed, but will someone ask them why they dress like prairie women from the 1800’s and their “husbands” dress in 21st century shirts and pants? At least when you look at the Amish, both the men and women dress the same way.

I SAW THE INTERVIEW WITH THE THREE WOMEN THIS MORNING AND I HAVE ALSO READ A FEW OF THE COMMENTS THAT OTHER VIEWERS HAVE LEFT. AS I RESPECT EVERYONES OPIONS BECAUSE THAT IS OUR RIGHT AS AMERICAN CITIZENS. MY ONLY THOUGHT IS WHERE HAVE THESE WOMEN AND CHILDRENS RIGHTS GONE. I LIVE IN UTAH AND HAVE SEEN MANY OF THE WOMEN FROM OTHER FAMILIES LIKE THIS OUT AT THE GROCERY STORES AND YES MOST OF THEM DO DRESS SIMILIAR TO THIS WOMEN.NEVER HAVE I COME ACROSS ONE THAT IS RUDE OR JUDGMENTAL TOWARDS ANY ONE ELSE. WE MAY NOT ALL AGREE WITH THEIR LIFESTYLES BUT I ALSO DO NOT AGREE WITH ALOT OF POLITICIANS LIFESTYLES THE GOVERNER OF NEW YORK COMES TO MIND. I ALSO DO NOT AGREE WITH SOME ATHLETES AND OUR CHILDREN LOOK UP TO THEM. BUT THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO LIVE THE WAY THEY CHOOSE. WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE THEM. WHAT TEXAS IS DOING IS WRONG THOSE CHILDREN DID NOTHING WRONG. IF THERE IS ABUSE GOING ON THEN WHY AREN’T THESE MEN UNDER ARREST. I READ SOMEWHERE THAT TEXAS AUTHORITIES ARE ALREADY TALKING ABOUT ADOPTING THESE CHILDREN OUT WHY? THESE WOMEN HAVE NO RIGHT TO GET THEM BACK. I ALSO READ THAT THE MEN HAVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD LEAVE THE COMPOUND IF THEY WOULD ALLOW THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN TO GO HOME. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA THEY HAVE EVEN SAID THAT THEY COULD HAVE SOMEONE STAY THERE TO WATCH OVER THEM. AS A MOTHER I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO . MY HEART GOES OUT TO THESE WOMEN AND CHILDREN. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THEIR LIFE STYLE BUT WHO AM I TO TELL THEM WHAT IS RIGHT OR WRONG.

I found the interviews today very interesting but the women were obviously coached on what to say and seemed to have problems hearing the really tough questions. I felt that further questions should have been asked or these points made. Was the woman who was raised on the ouside but came to the ranch on her on free will raised in a polygamist environment? Is that the only life that she has known? If I understood the response from one woman, why was she under the impression that children on the outside were being “forced” to become jewish? Or Catholic -or Presbyterian? What was that about? That was an obvious slip of the tongue and I can’t help but wonder what exactly these women and children are being told about the “outside”. The woman who said she “chose” to come back to the ranch at 12 was a CHILD when that decision was made, not an adult. How could you have let that slip by without comment! The 2nd group of women appeared to being holding something in their hands. I wondered if it were cell phones and they were receiving text messages on how to respond?

Gretchen – I didnt think you weren’t unprofessional with your tears – you are human and that is why I LOVE Fox and Friends. You, the hosts, aren’t afraid to show your emotions and that make you real and human to your viewers, not cold and automated like other shows.

All in all, its a sad situation but the ultimate goal here is the safety of the children. If an “informed and educated” woman at the age of 21 or older chooses to live that lifestyle – she is a consenting adult. But when young girls are bearing children at 13 or 14, that is CHILD MOLESTATION AND RAPE. And in America we have laws to protect those innocent children.

I ALSO SAW THE INTERVIEW THIS MORNING. I HAVE ALSO READ A FEW OF THE OTHER COMMENTS THAT OTHER VIEWERS HAVE LEFT. AND I RESPECT THEIR OPINIONS I HAVE TO WONDER WHERE HAVE THEIR RIGHTS GONE. IF THERE IS ABUSE THEN WHY HAVEN’T ANY OF THESE MEN BEEN PLACED UNDER ARREST. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING THAT HAS IMPLIED THAT THEY HAVE EVEN BEEN INTERREGATED. I READ SOMEWHERE THAT THE CPS IS TALKING ABOUT GETTING THESE CHILDREN ADOPTED OUT WHY? DO THESE MOTHERS HAVE NO RIGHTS. I ALSO READ THAT THE MEN HAVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD LEAVE THE COMPOUND SO THAT THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN COULD GO HOME. THATS A GREAT IDEA. THEY HAVE ALSO SAID THAT A CPS AGENT COULD STAY THERE TO WATCH THE CHILDREN. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THEIR WAY OF LIFE, BUT I ALSO DO NOT AGREE WITH THE WAY SOME IN WASHINGTON LIVE THEIR LIVES EITHER BUT WHO AM I TO SAY WHAT THEY CAN DO. REMEMBER WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE. WHEN DID THESE MOTHERS BECOME SUSPECTS.

What I saw when I watched the interview was three women who were apprehensive, probably frightened, and certainly upset by the removal of their children from their care. I applaud Gretchen for her handling of the interview. I thought she showed a great deal of compassion and sympathy. I thought Brian was very condesending in his approach to the women. Certainly, your producers or camera people on site could tell you if they were being coached or watching anyone for a signal as to how to respond. I don’t think they were forthcoming on all answers; however, I can understand that they want to be very particular in dealing with the outside world. Some of you don’t like their clothes. Different religions in our country have a style of dressing themselves that sets them apart from “worldly” fashion. Amish, Mennonite, Pentecostal–all do not favor such fashions. They do not wear makeup or jewelry; and they do not cut their hair. That does not necessarily make them complicit in child abuse.

I do want these children to be totally safe, but I do worry about the trigger that put this all in motion. Where is this 16 year old? What cell phone did she use? The authorities should be able to track the number and location of that cell phone. How did someone be accused of abuse when he wasn’t even in the state? There are alot more questions that need to be answered about the handling of this whole situation. Things just don’t seem to be adding up here. Do not for a moment think the government can’t screw up or that they are always right in what they do. Waco/Ruby Ridge/Richard Jewel–there are alot of examples where our government has been in error in dealing with domestic situations. I just caution that all be very careful in judging anyone just because of their clothes or maybe aren’t as “TV savvy” as you think they should be.

If the women in TX are wrong for the way they live, what about the teens on the outside? How many of them at 12 and 13 begin having babies and before they are 21 have had more children and all by different men, some of whom they do not know who the childs father really is.

The children in TX are loved and cared for and are wanted, why does the Law feel it has the right to storm in there and yet these other children, mentioned above, are lost in the system. America thinks it has the right to make laws and that they must be followed BUT not all laws are even up held and carried out here in the outside world, as called, why bother them.

When the gangs, killing, fighting, school troubles, abuse of outside children, and on goes the list are cared for THEN go looking for more issues.

Why is the media making such a show out of this and the Mothers that have broken hearts?
Why can’t we even keep the promises made to them?
We think we are better, but are we? Americans are so far from what it was founded on that it does not see the mote in the eyes of their lives that they have to make this a big deal.

I hate to admit, but this is the first time since I have been watching your show that you sicken me with what you try to make look like empathy.

These women will get no sympathy from me. We live in America and there is no reason for anyone (male or female) to be this devoid of education and understanding. These women are trying to pass themselves off as naive and innocent. But many of their statements sends up red flags for me. For instance, when reading more about this story, one mother states “I do not understand how they can do this when they don’t have a for sure knowledge that anyone has abused these children.” (off Drudge Report link). Excuse me? For sure knowledge? Red Flag!!

And as for the interview and the body language, these women aren’t worried about their kids. They’re worried about what the kids will say and if they’ll end up being charged with some criminal act.

A very poor interview–these women are using the media to their advantage and Fox News played right into their hands. These women, who supposedly love and miss their children, have most likely sat idly by while their pubescent daughters were handed over in marriage to men old enough to be their grandfather. The young brides are repeatedly raped by these older men in the name of religion.

Has anyone asked these women where all the little boys are? The news reports state that the children are mostly girls. The teenage boys are often ejected from the sect because the older men want to make sure they have enough women and do not want competition from younger men.

Many of these women refuse to give their last name, their age, or the age of their children. They are being secretive and deceptive. This “religion” is nothing more than a haven for pedophiles and sexual predators and these “suffering women” are willing accomplices who have been trained to lie for the sick men who run this cult.

The women being interviewed are worried about their children and how they are being treated. As opposed to what?? Being raped and impregnated by sick old men who should be in jail. Will they worry about their sons if they are ejected as teenagers?

Fox News–do not be misled. These people are masters of deception!

I thought it was a great interview! I do not believe they were telling the truth. I feel they were coached on what to say.

question…do you think the mothers were afraid of the setting in which they were in, they do not experience the “outside” life on a regular basis. I would have been stoake if I were in that setting having questions fired at me.

do you think if they had cried it would really have made them more crediable? Perhaps, no tears allowed them to think with their head and not their emotions?
I have a sister-n-law who came out of the Amish faith and she was a long time getting to know the “outside” world as such, and even today is still VERY controlled with her emotional display.
To see tears only means your bladder is closer to your eyes than others.

I am so sorry Fox and “Friends” have done the interview the way they did…empathy or understanding you can never have unless you walked in their shoes as their life is so different.

Would knowing the age of the husband mean anything, would knowing where the bread winners worked make any difference, do you really believe that they accept welfare, would you put your children up against them in school testings, (bet unless home schooled yours would loose), would you pit your children against theirs in work ethics and abilities, who made you god, is one sin more wrong than another and what do you use as your basis for right and wrong (the Bible or man’s law), and my question list could go on and on of who, what, where, when and how you live your lives, what is your sin(s) and how do you deal with them?

Let him that is without sin cast the first stone.

The women seemed detached from the probability that many of their community’s children have been sexually abused. And frankly, the term abuse may be defined differently by a willing polygamist than by a mainstream American. Many cultures see nothing wrong with what this community is accused of. And just because an intervention may be traumatic doesn’t lessen the need for it, nor for the measures of protection taken by those who prosecute it.

To above poster Dianna: While you won’t see the men on TV, you can find some of the boys who are born to these women on the streets of Dumped to make room for the older men to have more juvenile wives.

To above poster Mary Ann: Excellent observation about the colors of the dresses. Probably only someone within the cult could tell us. However, as in any polygamist society, there are alpha females who have as much to lose by the disruption of their lifestyle as the men do. The only power a wife has in these situations is their sexual attractiveness, so the woman most desired by the husband is the most powerful in the household. In some cases, this can lead to the alpha female being as, or more, abusive than the husband. Not a good situation for any of these women or children.

With regards to Jack The babies are held under water after being hit to teach them NOT to cry. This is done over and over again until the baby no longer cries. Not child abuse?

Why are women who are into polygamy always so unattractive?

Also, what kind of man can take so many not-so-attractive at the same time????

So incomprehensible.

So far, I have watched interviews with eight of these “mothers”. All the women displayed the same speech patterns. The flattened affect of these women seems to indicate a restriction on their free will and emotional freedom. They obviously do not view the treatment of anyone in their sect as abusive. Perhaps the term “abuse” needs to be defined to them in more concrete terms.

No real concern for the welfare of their children was evident. Part of a parent’s role is to protect their child from harm. Obviously, they have no realistic definiton of “harm” especially when their sect is the sole definer what is appropriate.

I would have preferred to hear more specific questions as to their living arrangements, income sources, education levels and reasons for mattresses in the temple building. Let’s have some professional pyschologists interview these women.

The three women acted liked people who were afraid to talk. They rarely looked up, mostly looking downward even when they answered questions, of which I didn’t think they were giving straight answers. They seemed to avoid the question Brian asked about the sister wives. They kinda acted programed to me.. And where were the men? What do you think Alisyn

The feeling was the answers were given in a manner they felt their “men folk” would have them speak. These women were raised in this life and they believe in it. They have also been told that the outside world will not understand them and if anything ever happens to answer their questions as not to break any of the outside world laws.

I’m very sorry their children have been separated from them. With the necessary tactics that our government must take to ensure the children are safe, have not been harmed and not coached in their testimony by the mothers must reinforce what they have been taught…”the outside world is a terrible place.”

As for the men…off with their manhood.

I was just wondering if they have had no contact with their children since they were removed, how would they know the children have been , in their words – interrogated through out the night and for two more days, etc as they stated. These mothers may very well believe that because that is what they have been told from their husband at the “ranch”. They have been programmed to believe whatever is told them.

While it’s sad that children have been taken from their mothers, the safety of the child is the number one issue.

I agree with most of the comments that the women all seemed alike and appeared to be coached. I was also thinking about the colors of their dresses. It looked like the ones without children seemed to be wearing lavendar, and those who had kids were blue. The first girl in lavendar seemed sadly to look like a little girl dressing up like an adult. Strange how none of them were aware of young girls being married or pregnant when news reports have said “a number of pregnant underaged girls” were removed from the compound. A convenient oversite on their part.

Is it true that the women who are not the ‘first wives’ or, in other words, are not the legal wife, are eligible to collect welfare since they would be considered single, with children? That may explain how they are able to maintain financial stability. If it is the case, shame on the US government for subsidizing the lifestyle of polygamists!

Ali,

I think it’s a sad day in America when all it takes is an alleged “phone call” to turn your world upside down. This wreaks of religious persecution. These authorities are depriving these women of their basic fundamental rights as parents. This should scare the wits out of anybody witnessing these acts. It could happen to any one of us.

Hi Alisyn….Come on people. Make up your mind. If these women are brain washed, as I suspect they are, then what they say is not “a lie” as far as it goes, but, the propaganda by the cult, repeated in unison by it’s brainwashed congregation. Let us hope, that unlike Waco, we have really rescued these people and not caused great harm to the families involved. People of like mind are allowed to gather in communities with each other, i.e. The Amish…but, it is always alarming when the doors are completely closed to the outside world. Yes, Obama, you are defined by the company you keep..so sorry. As Children’s Services has made so many huge blunders along the way, my trust in their ability is skeptical at the least. Children can be led to say anything, so I hope these children have court appointed guardians to protect them from “the system”. ..which regularly sticks it’s big foot inside our front doors, and have huge authority whether they are right or wrong. It would seem to me that the sheriff had grounds to go in without all this about a phone call, which now seems to be in question. Polygamy is illegal and the rumor of pregnant children would seem to me to be plenty of good cause to get a warrant. But, I am not an attorney, so what do I know. This is scary on every level. And, Gretchen, I wish they could tear the whole place down and stop this, so I did not misunderstand your concern. I just agree that I would be in jail if anyone had tried to take my children. I can’t even imagine the sheer terror these woman and children must feel. I did go to school in the great state of Texas so I do hope they have “…all their ducks in a row”, quote from Greta. My five year old son cried the whole time I was gone (this was years ago..he’s 31 now) and I left him with his Godmother, whom he knew well and loved a lot. This is a mess and I continue to “…have chills down my leg” and it ain’t over Obama!!!!! (well…that too). :) Virginia

I believe that these women are frightened for their future. I think that the lesser of two evils is what they already know. The thought of going into the world and setting up a home in a strange city/suburb is probably more terrifying to them then staying where they are. What could they do and where could they live? The “Jeffers” men have seen to it that the women have no higher educational assets to support themselves and working for minimum wage would never do. The whole community was set up so that the men had complete control. I feel sorry for the women and children in that they have been brainwashed enough that they feel that they have no choice but to remain in that god-forsaken hell hole.

I agree with Gia absolutely….very scary….very reminiscent of the reign of terror by Hitler…and others through out history. Virginia

I just recieved an email from a lawyer fixing to represent one of thses children from the ranch. He was asking for prayers for these kids because the info already coming from the authorities and what they have encountered while going through the ranch is very disturbing to say the least. This lawyer is disturbed by what he already knows and the abusive nature of the situation these children are living in. I hope Fox newscasters will do some interviews with lawyers and other authorities. I think the information they will be allowed to reveal to the public will be distrubing to all of us. It is hard to believe this matter is happening in the US, much less in my area here in Texas.

I hope and pray that none of us get to see this 16 year old because SHE IS A CHILD and is in danger if she is identified. Who doesn’t get that.

The interview was mesmerizing. I felt embarrassed for the women because I know they can’t realize how bad it looked to us since they probably never see TV. This will definitely be spoofed on SNL. Now to the crux of the matter. These women were pushed in front of the camera to ask for their children back because if they are not in their care — the welfare payments stop. Not a tear was shed. I don’t doubt they miss their children but they and their “husbands” want the payments to continue. What was it with Brian asking how many husbands they had. Does he not get the concept? He asked twice, so I know he doesn’t get it.

One of Fox and Friends best shows. The comments demonstrate the interest in the subject and the content of the interviews. Despite my condescension of Brian’s condescension, his contributions were not as show-stopping as usual (his ignorance is truly enlightening at times). It would behoove Fox and Friends to delve into this subject further, as suggested in many comments. Some may say that the show is making news rather than reporting it, but since Fox long ago quit reporting more than 3-6 news stories a day, there is nothing wrong with a news entertainment show ‘making news’.

Lets first begin by saying that Polygamy is not illegal , bigamy is illegal. So if you are legally married then you have a registered marriage license. Registering another marriage or more while still being legally married, aka, not divorced, is bigamy and that is illegal. So Polygamy is not illegal because they may be registered once and marry again and again within there private sect and not file any marriage licenses. I have no clue if they registered the first marriage, but it would be up to the State or law officials to prove that a person is living with multiple spouses at the same time without legal marriage licenses, which obviously they seem reluctant to do. They must prove they are living as husband and wife. Enough said about that. This is a cult, known about for a long time and should have been monitored more closely for a long time. Maybe if they just made a law saying Polygamy was illegal then we would not have to worry about this in the first place. I guess if I saw a lavish compound sitting alone in the middle of nowhere, the first thing that pops in my mind, hmmm they must be hiding some kind of secret.

I did not get to see these women, but was able listen during the morning commute via Sirius radio. I can only say they sounded like they were all drinking the same mysterious Kool-Aid. They all sounded severely lost some form of bizzaro world culture. They need some shock therapy to help them come back to the real world. We need to find out the techniques these men apply and use them on the terrorist.

I think all of these children need to be taken by the state. People cannot be allowed to use
religion as an excuse for letting their young daughters be raped and abused. Other citizens in this country are not allowed to marry off their young daughters, and religion should be no exception to this rule. I am just disgusted at these parents who let this go on. Every child should be able to count on one person in this world to protect them, their Mom. When she fails, someone has to step in.

Let’s see, they say they are happy but their faces were like stone. They looked like the old tin type pictures from the 1800’s before people realized they could smile for the camera. I think they are all brain washed like so many in cults. Just look back at Waco and also Jim Jones and his Kool-Aid suiciders.

the crew did a GREAT job! very difficult interview I’m sure! This is a cult there ladies are in…nothing short of it! It is hard for us to understand what these women are thinking because they think they are keeping their kids safe when in fact they are endangering them! They can’t see it because they are so deep in it.

Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…

I watched the Waco massacre on TV as the government foolishly played into the hands of religious radicals and innocent children perished. Now I watch Fox News run repeated commercials about being “fair and balanced” and yet the early coverage regarding this compound is full of “opinions” rather than factual reporting. While I do not share the beliefs of these people, I still uphold, and as a service-disabled veteran, defend their right to worship as they see fit. I believe that the children should be protected at all cost but we’ve yet to see any true evidence that child abuse has truly taken place yet these people have been labeled as “nut cases” and their religious freedoms challenged. Under today’s definition, Old Testament Judaism would be labeled a cult and King David and Solomon would be hauled into court for having multiple wives. And, with the average marrying age of only 14 years of age (as was the mother of Jesus when she wed Joseph while pregnant), we who profess to be experts in “Christianity” should study our roots. My great grandmother married at the age of 14 to a man in his mid 20s, my grandmother married at the age of 15 and likewise married a man in his mid 20s, and my mother married at the age of 16 to a man in his early 20s – all the U.S. and no one though anything of it. It is a recent phenomenon and is basically limited to our culture that has stunted the maturity of our young people and suggested that they should remain at home and be supported by their parents until they are into their 30s.

Regarding the issue of religion – I have watched about as much as I can stand of the comments from the news people who are suppose to remain objective and report the facts. It is clear that they are each biased and believe that if the religion doesn’t believe and practice what they believe, then it is a cult. By that definition, the Catholics may be shocked to find out that many Protestant believers rank them in the same class as Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses as a cult. When are we going after them?

Before we allow our fear mongering towards those who are different to destroy the lives of more innocent children, let’s decide whether we are going to keep the 1st Amendment in our Constitution and if not, can we please also eliminate the remainder of it…

…or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Hey David and all the other Nazi screamers on here. Proof? How about all the pregnant 12-year olds they took out of that heinous place? As for the “mothers” interviewed this morning – if it were my kid that was being raped and abused, the “man” would have one less body part. These wacko women should be put in jail for condoning the abuse of their children in the name of religion.

Brainwashed? Keep in mind that ever faithless member of the left believes that every person of faith is “brainwashed” and that we brainwash our children when we pass on our faith. Easy with those stones my neighbors living in your glass houses!

-Thanks Chas !!
I didnt see your comment yesterday so I asked again this morning, but now I Know!

Me

The women from the polygamist sect appeared to have some sort of affective disorder. They seemed much like the captive children displayed by Saddam Hussein to show how well they were being treated or maybe like the POWs paraded by North Viet Nam.

Nothing was said about the welfare money that is collected for these women and children. Taxpayers are subsidizing their elicit lifestyle. No one followed up on the so-called spiritual marriages; if they are truly “spiritual” in nature, 418 children are a lot of immaculate conceptions.

Views taken of the living quarters reflect a sterile environment. I didn’t see any toys, books or things normally provided to children.

I was also very impressed with Fox and Friends putting this twist on the story. I appreciate the fact that this news team took that risk to show this side of the story. It is very likely that Polygamist are getting under age girls pregnant. I feel for these women and pray for the safety.
My question is if the men are in control at this ranch, then they should have the *##&% to get in the front of the camera and tell their side. It is obvious to me that the men are the guilty parties and it is even more cowardly of them to place the women in front of the camera like puppets when the men are the culprits.
Sincerely,
John Thomason
….John From Missouri

There’s a simple fix for all this.

Give the children back to their mothers, re-unite the families in their homes, and restore peace and harmony.

If you don’t trust the mothers …

Require the kids to participate in government sponsored and monitored sex education classes, birth control and inhibitor drug programs as we prescribe for our pre-schoolers and middle-schoolers.

If that doesn’t work, and there is suspicion that children are being seduced … or raped, or not being raised as you think they should be, then tear them away, and have them sent to ???? where you think they will be taught in your ways.

If they become pregnant, and don’t want the baby, then direct, or take them yourself, to any legal abortion clinic that is readily available to girls and women of all ages in the general population.

Punish any perpetrators that can be proven guilty of a legal crime.

As for the alleged “undercover” agent(s), the authorities need to fire them, and just wait for an unsubstantiated call on the telephone. Who knows, there may be someone that wants to call concerning what is going on at your house.

Someone may also need to call with allegations about the more dangerous “religious” cults and compounds springing up around us.

At one time, a person could walk into almost any “church” in the country and feel welcomed. Not today.

The best part of this whole affair, is that no shots were fired.

The world is up-side down.

The ladies that were interviewed, seem to me to be reaching for the answers. They would continually ask “what was the question?”, and seemed to have technical problems throughout the intire interview. It seemed to me that they had been coached on what to say and when the questions that they were not ready for, came up, they blamed the equipment. They all seemed to be uncomfortable, and zombie-like maybe even drugged with no expression, animation, etc.

These women are brainwashed. And they sound about as educated as doorknob. I really feel for them though. I know they grew up in the lifestyle and know much of nothing else so its not their fault entirely. I am sure they love their children, but in some sort of wierd way. I mean, why is it now thay they care what happens to them? Seriously though, after listening to ex-LDS members, it seems that they are missing the boat on what being a parent is. It has been mentioned that their children share rooms with other wives’ children of the same age forcing many of the kids to grow up in little family units leading them to not even know who thier real mom is in some instances. Young boys are forced to leave the community at a certain age because there needs to be a certain ratio of men to women there. What kind of mom lets their son be kicked out!?! So its obviously ok for the cult to force a child to leave, but not the state to remove the kids for safety reasons.

I am glad the state took their children away. You cannot force or brainwash a child or girl under 18 into believing it is the right thing to do to “spiritually” marry an older man let alone to have sex with him. Those men are sick and need to be locked up for this.

But, everybody is wrong and I can’t imagine what the course of action should be. How do you prosecute those women and men who let this happen? They were brainwashed into thinking what they were doing was the right thing to do. However….did they not know the law? If they did, then they need to be held accountable. Hard to prove though.

And where are the Dad’s? They dont even know who their children are most likely so why should they care. I think they should put all the kids in a line up and have the men pick out their children by name, one-by-one, and if they miss just one then they should be sterilized.

[...] culture, this particular situation appears to be reasonably rooted in law and proper procedures.  Many comments I have seen lament the apparent lack of probable cause to enter into a private residence [...]

I’m simply amazed by those who fail to see the difference between their mother or grandmother’s marriage by her choice to a young age to a man in his 20’s, and these young 12, 13, and 14 year old girls that are FORCED into marrying a 40, 50 or 60 year old man. THERE IS NO COMPARISON. These young girls are being used by these perverted child molesters for their own sexual pleasure under the guise of religion. HELLO – this is child molestation and rape in current day society. This isn’t the dark ages or the 1800’s. And this isn’t happening between consenting adults because these young girls may be mothers but the are not adults.

For further information on what really is happening inside these polygamist colonies I encourage all to become further enlightened with a trip to your local library or bookstore. There is plenty of material, written and video, to choose from. May I suggest Carolyn Jessop’s book – she escaped with her 8 children from Colorado City for starters. She LIVED it and wrote a book about it. She’s also been appearing lately on many of the talk shows. Are you calling her a liar???

The women looked like zommbies, with only one hair stylist on the ranch I could see how that could happen…………………… Seriously though, O Rielly has stated that 75% of all black babies are born out of wedlock, what % of those girls are under age ?? I don’t see anyone or any agency aggressively addressing that issue, or pulling girls out of homes……..
My thought, most Americans don’t distiguish too well between the Mormon sects. This story would definitely make a Mormon vice presidential candidate look very unattractive.. Maybe Texas politics just tore up that ticket, we’ll never know…

How come the men involved in this have not been identified or charged with the rape of children? Why do these women continue to subject themselves to this kind of abuse? It’s obvious they were lying on Larry King when they said they didn’t know about the underage marriages and their men having sex with minors. What kind of mothers are they? Why were there no pictures of the fathers in their children’s photo albums? Why are most of them ugly and have only have one eyebrow across their forehead? We need answers.

I have a few questions. I’d like to know what will happen to the children born at the ranch tomorrow or next month or next year. What will happen to the children who live at the other ranches? Can we assume that these young girls are not getting any pre-natal care? Have there been any unreported deaths as a result of this lack of medical care? Are these issues being addressed?
It seems this is a big can of worms, but sadly we are talking about children who need someone to intervene for them because their mothers cannot.

These women have been brain washed and warned by death in case of disclosure of secrets.I wonder that these things are being happened in a most modern and civilised nation like AMERICA. If this would have been happened in any Islamic country we can understand.This is a most shameful act.It is high time to ban such poligamist and sex oriented cults which practices immorality and fornication in the pretext of religion or faith or ideology.All the leaders of such sects must be brought before justice and all the women and children must be rehabilitated so that they can have life of dignity and honourA nation wide search and raid to be done to findout all such groups of any religion.
WE DON’T WANT ANOTHER JONES TOWN OR WACCO DISASTER.This indeed is a failure on the part of our secret service as well as local administration.Otherwise how could they maintain such a large facility under a falose license.
One lady told that their ranch is heaven on earth but she don;t know it is a livi8ng hell for them.Ifeel extreme sorry for these poor women and children.

The women were obviously quoting memorized lines to the questions. They had a zombie like look and reminded me very much of the Stepford Wives. I thought polygamy was outlawed in every state years ago. Is that not true? How about sex with the underaged? I believe that to be against the law also. In response to “comments from Dan”– so you mean that I can make up my own articles of faith, call it my religion and I am free from ” the Law”? Suppose I believe every person named Dan must be of the devil and must be shot. Would I not be arrested the first time I carried out my religious belief? You can understand that the First Amendment must be interpreted with a bit of intelligence.

I find it appalling that we live in the USA and this sort of disgusting crime is allowed to go on. We are too concerned about other countries and how their children are treated, yet we sit by and let this go on right under our own nose.,and let our children be hurt this way. They can’t hide behind their faith, no God would ever condone this crime, and that is what it is, if it is true and the signs are all there. In this country, there is one wife legally, and to rape and commit such atrosities against women and children is a CRIME!

Allison, stories like this need to be kept front and center. Please keep up the postings. Its the only way people can realize how truly disturbing the horror stories are. The children, that’s all that matters. What is being done to them is a crime….and the men are at fault, hiding behind the word “religion”! Why are these men not telling their stories? begging for their families to be together?? grrrrrrrrrr
Anyway, here’s a story with a survivor. I have been angry at the women for letting this continue, but after reading, I think, I’m still not sure, (it is so far out of the realm of thinking for me) i can find sympathy for them. If it is a duplicate, excuse me. I just think these need to be read and read, until we can comprehend what these ungodly people are doing. Hopefully this court proceeding can set precedence, and can help more children!! We as the human race cannot turn out backs on them! We wouldnt tolerate it from another country, why should we tolerate it in America?
http://www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy290.html

This entire scenerio is extremely frieghtening when looking at the facts so far. What is the reason for the totalitarian style of paramilitary raid on these people? The initial accusations have now been found out to be an elaborate hoax but little to no reporting has been made on that fact. I have heard a million accusations thrown at these people but where are the facts to back them up? If there are crimes happening then deal with them on a case by case basis just like we would with any other segment of society.

I would not choose to live in the manner these people do but they do not deserve to be painted with a broad stroke of guilt as child molesters and have their children ripped away in this cruel way.

These people are different and a few might be guilty but there is no excuse for our constitution
to be trampled on in this way. Wake up folks.. This could be you someday.

This only occurred because of risk to children, not adults, therefore I think the right action was taken. When the women were asked “do you believe any abuse occurred in the compound” they answered no probably because to their brain-washed minds this was not abusive but spiritual in some sick way. I believe their behavior, answers and mannerisms are completely suspicious and odd, almost as though they were in a drug-induced trance of some kind. I do hope a GOOD and legal investigation is done into this cult because these so-called spiritual marriages are a nasty excuse for uncontrolled sexual urges, in my opinion.

Whew I sat here for I dont know how long reading all the comments, thougts etc on all this…
First off, as 1 man put it, sorry I cannot recall your name off hand…Polgamy was not illegle until the early 1880’s in this country.. you go back alot of years before that and see how many men had more than 1 wife.. as for the religious aspect of it… anyone check thier Bible.. becouse Moses had more than 1, as did Issac, Abraham and many others who the Lord looked fondly on… so if women want to accept this lifestyle it should be their choice.. I have yet to see anyone really go after the Gays etc and their lifestyle.. as much as I have seen them go after this plural marriage … and to me anyways there is a BIG difference in right and wrong.. it is also listed in the Bible.. homosexuality is a SIN….. Peroid. now as far as kids getting pregnant yes I agree this is dead wrong… BUT why are we not also outraged at all the young girls getting pregnant outside of a compound like this???? I think the child welfare system out there is a bit out of wack.. the only kids who should have been removed were ones in danger… I don’t believe they all were.. I also agree with another comment made about how the women acted… I think also they were kinda “shell shocked”.. by the media and people.. they are not used to this and to me acted quite scared and unsure.. and another thing… not everyone openly shows emotion.. maybe these womem have learned to keep theirs in check.. altho myself I could not do had my child been taken from me under these conditions.. these people should be able to live thier life as they wish, as long as they abide by the laws.. and who said they were actually legally “married”.. I dont know how the system works in texas but I am quite sure the marriages were not recoded.. so there for.. they really are not married… its same as living togeather!!. if children tho are being forced to marry underage and have children at young ages by all means remove them until they are old enough to make their own decisons legally.. I liked how Fox news reported this… and I love the show.. am missing Gretchen tho this week I think shes a doll.. and also Alisyon… my husband and I watch you daily! keep up the great news!! ( cringes.. gezz i hope i didnt sound stupid this is my first reply.. lol )

I think it is very unfair to judge how these grieving mothers {who are not trained TV personalities } should act. How is someone who is grieving or in shock supposed to act ? Isn’t it a little bit more important to worry about why children are being arrested and put through unspeakable terror ?
I think Larry King was a really insensitive clod for asking questions about polygamy to grieving mothers. What on earth does a kidnapped toddler have to do with polygamy ? It is simply not right to be persecuting these people over their sex lives when the whole country is filled with immoral behavior with underage prostitutes, single unwed mothers and abortion patients.

If I was a child I would love to live at that beautiful ranch and eat fresh wholesome foods and play with so many brothers and sisters. Everyone dressed the same in pretty pastel dresses. No crime, homeless or unemployment ….

mothers who kill their babies…

How do you come up with so much material to blog with?…