Yet Another FLDS Linkfest
With the completion of the first group of DNA tests, over 100 children taken from the YFZ ranch are being moved into foster care. Testing of the remaining adults and children continues. These tests became necessary when FLDs adults and children gave authorities multiple names and other conflicting information designed to obscure genetic family relationships. Some girls originally claiming to be 18 have been found to be younger. Some accounts are reporting that men from the sect are fleeing the area before charges can be brought against them.
In order to defend itself to the public, the FLDs has set up two new websites:
and
It's worth pointing out two things in regard to these websites- first, they contain extensive photos and footage from the now-famous raid on the YFZ ranch. Reports from the day of the raid told of many FLDs parents videotaping and photographing the event. The fact that these pictures are now posted on an FLDs website shows that no cameras were confiscated and that there has been no attempt to stop the group from publishing the images. (Would the Nazis have allowed Jews to publish photographs of their removal to the death camps? Did Stalin permit his victims to broadcast footage of show trials and executions? I dislike cheap Nazi references, but these are the historical equivalents suggested by FLDs members and their supporters.)
Another detail to reflect on is the line of portraits across the top of the FLDS truth site, depicting their prophets up to the present day. Warren Steed Jeffs, convicted of being an accessory to rape and currently incarcerated, is shown without comment. To be fair, both websites appear to be "under construction" and new information may be posted later.
There is a new website called FLDS News that has a thorough roundup of print and video stories connected to the raid. It's an impressive list of links and I highly recommend it.
Next I would like to present a short collection of audio links culled from NPR's coverage of this group. The newest refer to the recent raid, but others center around Warren Steed Jeffs' trial and conviction as an accessory to rape last year. Here they are, with some brief descriptions:
Court Orders DNA Tests on Polygamist Sect's Kids/4/22/08(Day To Day)- This covers the confusion over the children's identities.
Emerging from the Shadow of Polygamy-4/11/08-(Day to Day)- This is an interview with Elaine Tyler of the HOPE organization, which assists people fleeing polygamy. It describes the challenges faced by the children in the "outside" world.
Document Sheds Light on Fundamentalist Church-9/19/07(Day to Day)- A brief snippet outlining the contents of a document that describes FLDs beliefs. I have searched, but am unable to find the original document. If anyone else locates it I'll be glad to post the link. Just alert me in the comments field.
Courtroom Testimony Opens Window Into Polygamy-11/26/06(Weekend Edition Sunday)- This is taken from tapes of testimony at the Warren Jeffs trial. It describes the realities of FLDs marriages and lifestyle.
Warning: Next Link Contains Material that May Upset Some Listeners.
If you are especially sensitive to emotional issues surrounding child sex abuse, proceed with caution.
Key Witness Testifies in Case Against Polygamist-11/21/06- Taped testimony of Jeffs' accuser. Initial moments are graphic and can be disturbing.
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