Robert — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:58:56 GMT

Well, Wendy, where were you and the ACLU during Waco? Or ANY Second Amendment case? The ACLU is VERY selective, and gun owners and anyone who can be slandered as a "cultist" is beneath their care, concern or consideration for the entire history of the so-called ACLU.

Russ — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:05:28 GMT

An excellent commentary about the issues involved. Your participation on Lawyer to Lawyer was compelling. There is a need for more dialogue regarding the violation of the constitutional rights of these people. We are in a society where anything can be claimed with little or no evidence, and the results can be horrible. I anticipate challenges in the Federal courts very soon. It may prove to be the only way these mothers can reclaim their children.

jerry — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:07:12 GMT

<i>unless they’re members of a Mormon fundamentalist sect</i>

But if it's a sect that is obviously breaking the law in terms of polygamy, how does that affect their first amendment rights?

On Coast To Coast last night, a usually pretty lousy show, but it is on at the right hours, was a very interesting guest, <a href="www.irenespencerbooks.com/">Irene Spencer</a>. Spencer is a 71 year old former polygamous wife and she has a really interesting tale.

Certainly of abuse, of slavery really as she calls it, but also some perhaps unexpected insights too. Years and years and years after leaving her "family", she still sees some and she says that she still feels very close to many of the women that helped support each other.

She's relatively okay about what consenting adults do, but adamant about the abuse of the kids, and the basic enslavement of the children and women.

I understand the defense of first amendment rights and other civil liberties, and the concern about what this means to other churches, or as I've alluded to earlier, even what this means to government taking away kids from individual families for other reasons, or taking kids away from a parent (father) even when there is no concern for violence or abuse.

But polygamy IS illegal, so I am not sure what first amendment rights this group has, and maybe you could help me understand what your position is, or what rights they do have, or should have.

(That said, do take a look at the Irene Spencer links, I don't think I have ever recommended to anyone a coast to coast guest, but her interview and story was surprisingly compelling in many ways.)

Defending Mormon Polygamists: The ACLU Squeaks Up