I am more inclined to side with the FLDS on this one. As repugnant as it sounds, 14 with parental consent is legal marriage age in Texas and indeed many states. Brainwashing is in the eye of the beholder and some would say that my Presbyterian upbringing and view of the world is a form of brainwashing though Glenn Meyer may disagree with that (please weigh in Glenn- if you're out there).
An annonymous phone call alluding to anything other than life-theatening situations is not probable cause enough to execute a search or seizure warrant in this or any other state as far as I know. Let's all read the 1st and 4th amendments to the Constitution. Legally, I see no cause for this action even though the trigger for it is indeed repugnant as was the Branch Davidians, still- if you don't like the law, then change the law. Don't go exercising an extralegal action just because you don't like the way those freaky mormons are behaving themselves. Oh- and yes, I understand that these people are not mormons, but everybody is calling them that and they do follow the strictures of the church as was laid out by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.
The Branch Davidians had similar accusations and yes- they were perfectly legal in marrying 14 year olds to 40 and 50 year olds in Texas. They did not have a meth lab as accused on the warrant, and were not committing any known violations of gun laws.
So in this case- the kids weren't burned to death by the Federal Government so that's good. However, there has been a disruption in their families and nothing can prevent them from returning to their compound in three or four years, maybe earlier when the State realizes that they had nothing really legal on them to exercise this action. Then when the fake mormons sue the county, they'll probably win and build another compound elsewhere.
The law protects lots of things that we all find repugnant or strange. It doesn't mean that it is right, but there is no basis for going in and breaking the law to enforce your version of morality. Vote to change the law if it bothers you that much that a girl in Texas can marry at 14 with parental consent and that some parents readily give that consent. To them I suppose it is a way of life, much like my upbringing (or brainwashing) tells me that it is wrong.
It is widely believed that Mary (mother of Jesus) was about 14 when she was married to Joseph who was believed to be much, much older. Hence, the lack of his presence later on in the Gospels. He probably was dead by the time of Jesus' ministry. Are we going to condemn Joseph for marrying Mary, or Mary's parents for consenting to the betrothal?
In fact polygamy is practiced throughout the bible until the Romans came along and outlawed it (how many wives did Jacob, Abraham or even Kings David and Solomon have?), hence, changing our view of what a family is to more conform with the Roman's view as much of Christianity had been altered to be more acceptable to the Romans. Jesus wasn't likely born on December 25th since Shepherds don't keep watch over their flocks in the fields in December, but actually in the spring when they are lambing. The Romans just replaced an existing pagan holiday with one celebrating the birth of Jesus.
If you look hard at your own religion, you will find some strange beliefs in there somewhere and strange is in the eye of the beholder. The FLDS was not breaking any laws yet that I know of. At least it wasn't the Federal Government moving in and killing them, the DPS, Texas Rangers and County Sheriff showed much more concern for life than the feds.
