Three Amigos, Accountability for Flora Jessop, and the Suffering of Children

First, from FLDS.ws a truly sad tale of a boy who, while being held captive by the Texas CPS, lost his father. Such suffering in children is the direct result of abusing the rights of parents. It is a clear indication that government has far overstepped it's bounds.

Second, there are some interesting results coming out of the Warren Jeffs trial. One is that Flora Jessop is being forced to give a deposition without publicity. The judge clearly takes into account the apparent compulsive desire of Flora to obtain publicity without counting the cost to others in her crusade of self-promotion.

A second part of the depositions in the Jeffs trial comes courtesy of the excellent "I perceive" blog by Kurt Schulzke. He points out that, contrary to the predictions of various posters and bloggers, Texas law enforcement will have to give depositions as well. Little by little, Texas is being held accountable for some of their abuses. It is an encouraging start. The photo below, courtesy of the article, seems quite appropriate.

Utah State Legislature to hold hearing investigating whether Shurtleff acted improperly in not arresting Dan Fischer

There is sworn evidence that Dan Fischer committed child abuse, child abandonment, theft, and lied under oath. Further, Fischer himself confirmed that he was abusive in newspaper reports. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has said he will prosecute crimes related to polygamy. However, Shurtleff has let Fischer off the hook, despite sworn evidence that Fischer has committed felonies.

Normally, this would be considered lax enforcement, at the evidence was presented to a congressional panel. However, Shurtleff has political connections with Fischer. Remember how Shurtleff admitted that inappropriate underage drinking went on at Fischer's "lost boy" parties, but excused the violation? How much has Fischer directly or indirectly contributed to Shurtleff's campaigns? What are the connections between lack of enforcement and political support?

This is clearly a matter for the Utah State Legislature to investigate. I would encourage all citizens of Utah to write your legislator, and call both Shurtleff and Fishcer to account for their deeds. Also, those of you in Salt Lake need to organize a protest around his dental practice. Signs like "Dan Fischer is a child molester," "Dan Fischer steals from his own children," and "Dan Fischer is a fraudster" would be appropriate and accurate. Fischer has done the crime, now he needs to do the time.

I have also thought the FBI should be investigating whether there is political favoritism by the Utah State attorney general's office in prosecuting FLDS but not anti-FLDS figures. Why was Jeffs convicted on flimsey charges, but not Fischer on solid, sworn evidence?

FLDS need to fight for their rights

I have been encouraged to see the FLDS fight for their rights. They have done a wonderful job in slowing the abuses of the state of Texas. It is important for the rights of everyone that they However, I was really disappointed with how few of them registered to vote. This is even more frustrating as they need to register to sit on juries. I have also been disappointed that the FLDS have seemingly not been as active in legal attacks as I think they should be. I think they should be much more agressive.

In the meantime I will try to be agressive in writing my state congressional representatives pushing for more parental rights. As US citizens we must be strong when confronting legalized bigotry.