Reputation on the Line: The Texas Showdown

Warning: Biased and Controversial Material Ahead

When Texas stormed the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints compound in El Dorado, Texas, many felt that the move was justified. The raid was prompted be a 16 year old girl named "Sarah" claiming she was married at 14 years old to a man who was now abusing her. Although, many believe that the Texas authorities had been waiting for their chance to storm the ranch, as they had been practicing the procedure that would take place had they ever had to go into the compound.

Texas authorities used the Jaws of Life, to open the large gate enclosing the compound, then broke down doors inside the facility to raid. The police had weapons, and shields ready for opposition, but none occurred. The men prayed and some cried while the women and children were being taken away.

The move although dramatic was defended by officials who said it was necessary. But now, officials have come forward to say that the infamous "Sarah" may have in fact been a mentally-ill Colorado woman named Rozita Swinton. According to ABC News, "A phone number used to allege abuse at a polygamist ranch in West Texas is associated with a woman in Colorado who has been accused of making several unrelated false abuse claims in calls to authorities, court documents say."

Uh oh. One has to wonder why this claim was not thoroughly investigated pre-raid? How would a 16 year old with no internet, television, or permission to leave the compound she calls home come across the number to an abuse hot line? With 417 children taken away from their mothers and now being placed in temporary foster homes, many question how this may play out for Texas.

Meanwhile, the mothers of the cult who normally never reach out to society, are begging the media and public for help. A group of mothers allowed themselves to be interviewed for Larry King Live, where they even gave Larry a tour of their compound and adamantly insisted throughout the broadcast that their children were happy there.

While Texas courts deal with the daunting task of the largest child custody case in United States history, one has to ask is this justified? The U.S has always tip-toed around persecuting polygamists (polygamy is illegal in the U.S) because of the separation of church and state. But while a 16 year old girl marrying an older man is illegal (unless permission is provided by her parents) and perceived as morally wrong to most members of society, can we place our morals on these people?

Don't get me wrong I love children, I've been a nanny for years and any sexual abuse should be persecuted. But I present a simple question: If the men were doing the abuse, why were the men not removed? The women and children are the victims right? Why did they have to be uprooted?

Here is my very biased opinion on the situation and what I think should happen: Sexual abuse in one couple should not justify the separation of children and mothers in the whole community. ( To be fair there is more abuse being alleged than just from Sarah, but no abuse has been confirmed yet, other than the marriage of girls under 18). It's just not right to have young children away from their mothers.

Erikson's first step in emotional developement of children is Trust vs. Mistrust where infants must form a tight bond with their mothers. In his own words.. "For a trusting relationship to exist, there must be a consistent relationship". Erikson believes that children who do not form this bond will live their lives in mistrust of others. (Babies who are nursing have been allowed to stay with their mothers, but any other child will be placed in foster care)

I think if the members, men included, could get counseling and agree to open their doors to the government to regulate their marriages and other activities, maybe we can avoid displacing 417 children into a foster care system that would destroy them. If children received a proper education and an understanding that men should not be sexual without their partners consent, maybe we can create a relationship and a dialogue between the group and the government and avoid future raids.

Either way I think the case is sad and that no one wanted to take the kids away from their mothers, but Texas is putting it's reputation on the line and it will be an interesting case to follow.