Interview with Dr. Miller

    This post will be a recap of the interview I conducted, and I will share some interesting and noteworthy pieces of information that I gathered.  I will also evaluate the credibility of the source.
    For this assignment, I interviewed Dr. Timothy Miller, who is a religious studies professor here at the University of Kansas.  I am currently pursuing a minor in religious studies, but I did not know Dr. Miller before this interview, and found him simply by looking at the list of faculty.  His contact information can be found here: http://religiousstudies.ku.edu/timothy-miller.
    In the interview, Dr. Miller said was that he wasn't sure whether Fundamentalist Mormons would live so communally if it were't for the relatively hostile government they are avoiding, which I thought was an interesting point.  He also said Mormons are the quintassential Americans and are upholding ideals that most of the US has moved on from.
    Dr. Miller has not focused any of his research specifically on Fundamentalist Mormons.  He has, however, spent about 50 years researching intentional communities in the United States, and has a Ph. D. in American studies.  He also mentioned that he worked as a reporter for about 15 years, which would allow him insight into how the world of news works and better understand my questions about media coverage.  Although he may not be as qualified as someone who has focused specifically on Mormonism and polygamy, he has an incredible wealth of knowledge on religious studies.
    Miller said that because of their communal nature, he needed to be knowledgable and aware about Mormons in regards to his own research.  When I brought up the topic of media coverage of the Fundamentalist Mormons, Miller admitted to having a limited scope because he relies mostly on newspapers, but was aware of the television shows.  In response, I asked him if he thought the media coverage, and specifically the television shows, accurately portrayed the beliefs of the Fundamentalist Mormons, to which he expressed his doubt.

Fundamentalist Mormons Continue to Appear In Media

• Kristen Cook takes an unusual viewpoint in this article, where she writes "bring on the sister wives".  She laments that even though husbands are nice, having multiple wives or sisters to help with the mom load of driving, cooking, cleaning, and all things relating to children, would be quite nice.
• This article talks about the T.V. show "My Five Wives", and how the showcased family of 30 calls themselves 'progressive polygamists'.  Husband to five wives, Brady Williams says that he's a feminist, and doesn't see himself as head of the family.  The T.V. show has been causing waves with viewers. 
• This article explains how polygamist Winston Blackmore, who was in line to become the next Prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is being prosecuted for his admittance of 10 out of 26 brides being underaged.  The author believes that he admitted to the accusation because martyrdom is highly valued in the Fundamentalist Mormon community

Survey Results Unsurprising- American's Aren't In Favor of Polygamy

  This post will be interpreting the results of a survey that National Geographic Channel conducted to see how American's felt about polygamy.  It was was released on May 14, 2013, a week after the premiere of their show, "Polygamy, USA".  I will also be evaluating the credibility of the survey and the results, which can be found in this article: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-geographic-channel-releases-marriage-survey-results-that-explore-peoples-attitudes-toward-plural-and-traditional-marriage-207427121.html.

  The survey results show that Americans are more accepting of gay marriage than of plural marriage, and that their standpoint stems from the negative connotation polygamy tends to have, especially through the media.

  The only information that is given about the survey is that 1,153 people, ages 18 and older, took the survey online on April 30, 2013.  There is nothing provided about race or ethnicity, religion, geography, economic standing, or level of education.

  The results of this survey are far from shocking; it just puts numbers to the assumptions most people think society has.  Without further information on the respondents, it is hard to determine just how insightful the results truly are to American's minds.

  Despite my best searching efforts, I could not find the actual survey that National Geographic Channel  issued, so I cannot give an example of questions and exact responses.  The responses were released in a sentence format with percentages .

  Again, I do not believe the actual survey was released, just the results, and so I cannot determine the usefulness of the survey based on the questions.

  Because the questions are not available, it is impossible for me to fully determine the credibility and accuracy of this survey.  However, National Geographic is a credible source, and the results of the survey really can't be misconstrued in favor for the channel because it was simply to gage the American people's feelings on polygamy, not their actual show.

 

Justice Served?

    The point of this post is to examine and evaluate the three Grand Jury Indictments of Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints leader Warren Jeffs.  My topic is polygamy in Fundamentalist Mormon communities, of which Jeffs was, and as some contest, still is, the Prophet and leader.
    I ultimately found my document on the Texas Attorney General's website, which is where I originally started my search.  However, I did not know where to find what I was looking for, and so I Google searched "Texas v. Warren Jeffs", which led me to the document here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/newspubs/releases/2010/120110indictment_jeffs.pdf.
    The most disturbing part of these documents are the description of Jeffs's crimes, which were sexual assault of a child under 17, and aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14, both of which he was prohibited from marrying or living with by state law, as well as a bigamy charge. In the FLDS world, sex and "celestial marriage" with young girls is not only normal, it is encouraged and highly regarded.
    Although it may at first glance be overlooked, it is interesting to note that the sexual assaults took place two to there and a half years previous to the indictment.  In my opinion, I think it is strange that the incidents were recognized and justice served, due to the usually tight security forces and intense privacy the FLDS community manages to sustain.  It is extremely lucky that this case was discovered and Jeffs apprehended.
    The documents are Grand Jury Indictments directly from the 51st Judicial District Court of Texas, and are therefore as credible as they can get.  Although it is great that the state of Texas finally managed to apprehend Jeffs for these three crimes, there are undoubtedly countless more similar acts that have gone undocumented.  I think that these documents serve as only a mere glimpse into what I'm sure is a life-long history of similar incidents.  Not to mention, Warren Jeffs is only one man.  Because of other research I have done, I know that there were four other men that were also indicted at the same time as Jeffs for similar charges, which makes one wonder just how many Fundamentalist Mormon men are out there sexually exploiting minors.

Unsettling Developments

• This Fox News article briefly explains the plight of one women, Ruby Jessop, who fled the FLDS community and had just gained temporary custody over her children.  Her case sparked a criminal probe of the FLDS communities in AZ and UT, and of the Marshal's Office.
• The Salt Lake Tribune article here tells us that Willie Jessop, former spokesman for the FLDS community who broke off from the sect when Warren Jeffs was arrested, bought Jeffs's compound for $3.6 million.  A tour through the huge house revealed an industrial-sized kitchen and eerily sound-proofed rooms, which are assumed to have been prepared for Jeffs to sexually exploit underage girls in.
• This blog post highlights the financial aspect of the FLDS community, and how millions of tax payer dollars are going to the members of the Fundamentalist Mormon sect through welfare and grants.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/23/26-year-old-arizona-mother-six-escapes-jeffs-polygamous-sect/
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56223239-78/jessop-flds-jeffs-compound.html.csp
http://stoppolygamyincanada.wordpress.com/effect-of-polygamy-on-women-and-the-family/polygamy-tax-dollars-and-gov-funds/

Tax Payers Funding FLDS Communities?

  Because of the nature of the Fundamentalist LDS church, I chose to use their leader, or Prophet, instead of a company for the for-profit organization.

    Despite a life sentence to prison for two counts of sexual assault against underaged girls, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Prophet Warren Jeffs is said to still have a hold over the community.  There are thought to be about 10,000 members of the Church that live mainly in Arizona and Utah, most of whom are women and children.
    While it is difficult to find concrete evidence, it is said that members who work outside the community-boys and young men doing agricultural labor or construction, women as nurses-get their paycheck taken from them by their fathers, who then give it to the church.  Also, most of the young women are technically identified as single mothers by the state, because they are "celestially" married to their husbands, but not legally.
    Because of this, millions of dollars pour into the FLDS communities of Colorado City, AZ, and Hildale, UT a year.  After conducting research, author Stephen Singular wrote that Colorado City residents received "eight times the welfare assistance of comparably sized towns in the area".
    44% of Colorado City residents were receiving food stamps, and Al Herron reported that in 2008, medical insurance for most of the residents in Colorado City was provided by the state, costing around $8 million a year.
    There is no doubt that Warren Jeffs is absolutely a biased source since he is the unofficial leader of the FLDS church, which is also a source that skews viewpoints and lifestyles.  The FLDS have become masters at "bleeding the beast", or sucking as much federal money in as they can, and generate an incredible amount of profit that way.  Donations and paychecks from members also amount to huge sums of money that go straight to the Prophet's hands, to be used at his will.  
     Copies of the FLDS scriptures are available to order and inquires can be made to (702)-686-1180, and the address is Twin City Courier Inc., P.O. Box 840868, Hildale, UT, 84784.  I do not know if this would put you in direct contact with the church, but Hildale is where a large number of community members live.

http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,265188,265188
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695274843/Congressional-hearings-sought-on-FLDS-government-contracts.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/warren-jeffs-nephews-flds-church-leader-gods-brainwash/story?id=21105965
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/31/us/fundamentalist-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-fast-facts/

FLDS-ruled cities in AZ and UT

• In this Huffington Post article, Derek Penwell shares his eloquently stated thoughts on why arguing against gay marriage because it will surely lead to legalized polygamy is ineffective and unproductive, and that it is really just a distraction from the real issues at hand.
• John Dougherty, in his New Times Phoenix article, explains his rising concern over the Colorado City police force, and the alarming  inclination they seem to have to ignore the law and favor religious rule, specifically when instructed by polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints leader Warren Jeffs.
• This Raw Story news article informs readers of the possibility that Warren Jeffs in still leading the FLDS communities in Colorado City, AZ, and Hildale, UT, from inside jail, where he is serving time for impregnating two underage girls; his 'spiritual wives'.

Holding Out Help: non-profit aid

    Holding Out Help, found here, is a non-profit organization that provides aid for those with a polygamous background, and helps them transition into mainstream life.  HOH currently serves over 250 people and has a waiting list for their services.
    Holding Out Hope has employees, volunteers, and those they provide aid and services to.
    The organization is "100% supported by private individuals and small business…donations, as well as two annual fundraisers."  Their income for the year of 2010, $157,168, came from fundraising, contributions and grants.  Their expenses for the same year were $16,984 in salaries, $1,216 in taxes, $1,441 in advertising, $3,959 in office expenses, $380 in depreciation, $1,078 in insurance, $79,597 in direct client service, and $14,225 in operating expenses.  Their biggest expenses are direct client services, which is exactly what you would want to see from a non-profit.
     HOH employs seven people; Tonia Tewell is the Executive Director, and the others are listed as trustees.  While Part I of the form says that the organization paid out $16,984 in salaries, in Part VII there is no listed compensation.
     I think that Holding Out Help has a very biased view against polygamy, based on the fact that their efforts are put towards helping people leave polygamous relationships and the potential abuse that lifestyle may include.  The information provided by the non-profit will likely only include stories that support their cause; instances where polygamy was emotionally or physically harmful to spouses or children.
     Guidestar.com tells us that Holding Out Help's address is 138 East 12300 South Suite C 193 
Draper, UT, 84020, and they can be contacted on their Help Hotline at 801.548.3492, toll-free at 866.517.3632, and by email at help@holdingouthelp.org. 
   
 http://holdingouthelp.org
http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/263/342/2011-263342386-08e0e7e9-9.pdf  

Rising Publicity of Polygamy Case Continues

• This ABC News video transcript talks about the discussion on polygamy that continues to gain media attention, due to the polygamous family in the T.V. show "Sister Wives" and their quest for freedom from the law
• A young woman tells her story of growing up in a polygamous, Fundamentalist Mormon family in Christianity Today's article, her escape from the 'cult', and her struggles in redefining her life outside of the flds community.
• Jonathan Turley, lead counsel in the "Sister Wives" polygamy case, shares his thoughts in this Washington Post article.  He says that this issue is more about morality than anything else, and how the United States is fighting to keep a grip on an outdated idea simply because of the fear of losing control and changing the status quo.

Shifting Views on Polygamy Rights

• This ABC News article highlights the legal struggles that accompany charges of bigamy.  The T.V. show 'Sister Wives' has sparked a public debate about whether making polygamy illegal is a violation of the First Amendment, or a civil service that will help protect women and children.
• The legal implications of plural marriages are also touched on in the Salt Lake Tribune's article, where the commonly voiced opinion is that polygamy should be legalized; not only in regards to religious freedom, but because some think that the LDS Church will continue to be unsupportive of the practice and will not be effected anyway
• The LDS Church's website page provides background information on Mormon families practicing polygamy in the early years of the Church, as well as how the practice became illegal 

KISS: Polygamy and Fundamentalist Mormons

Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse, especially wife, at one time, according to Dictionary.com.  The crime of marrying while one still has a living spouse, known as bigamy, makes polygamy illegal in all 50 states of America.  Grey areas such as the possibility of treading on religious freedom, as well as the suggestion that polygamous men marry one wife legally and others ‘spiritually’, have caused some discussion on the matter. Though duel marriage is illegal in the United States, there are still some groups of people, such as American Muslims, that believe in the practice and carry it out today.  

The people we will focus on are called Fundamentalist Mormons; they claim to hold holy the Mormon scriptures used today, as well as the teachings from early leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.  Polygamy used to be encouraged and expected in the early years of the Mormon Church, but the state law quickly shifted that instigation to condemnation.  Mainstream Mormons, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are said to reject the practice of plural marriage, and any members of the church found to be in a duel relationship is excommunicated from the church. 

Fundamentalist Mormons, however, claim that God encourages polygamy and that he is the greatest authority there is.  A Shield and Refuge Ministry says that Fundamentalist’s “embrace the doctrine and practice of polygamy…it is a central tenet of Mormon fundamentalism, and is considered a requirement for achieving salvation or "exaltation" which is the highest "degree of glory" in Heaven—godhood.”  There are at least 30,000 Mormon Fundamentalists living in North America, most of them in the Intermountain western states (Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, Nevada).

http://www.shieldandrefuge.org/fund_overview.htm

http://www.apologeticsindex.org/2730-polygamy-in-mormonism

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bigamy?s=t

http://www.polygamy.com/is-polygamy-illegal.html

Real Quick Recap: History of the Mormon Church

The article I am using is “”Sister Wives” explained: A fundamentalist Mormon polygamy primer”, and it can be found here: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/25/sister-wives-explained-a-fundamentalist-mormon-polygamy-primer/.  The article provides a concise history of polygamy in the Mormon Church and highlights one woman, now 72 and widowed, who was part of a dual marriage.

The sight is informational; CNN is a reliable and well-known news provider.  This particular article was posted to the Belief blog, which focuses on religious news and conversations revolving around religion’s role in society. 

Jessica Ravitz authored the piece, and I found her bio here: http://www.gfwc.org/images/gfwc/ravitz%20bio%20web.pdf.  She has extensive experience with long-term research and stories, and writes mostly on religious topics women’s issues.  She received her master’s degree from UC Berkley’s Graduate School of Journalism, joined the CNN staff in 2009, and has won many awards for her work.

“Sister Wives explained…” was published on October 25^th, 2010, and I believe the information is still relevant.  The history of the Church has not changed, nor has the issue of polygamy.   

The article provides accurate, concise, and easily digestible information.  There are no details provided that are out of the blue or unheard of.

The point of view is that of a journalist; it is largely unbiased and does not interfere with the facts of the story.  Had Ravitz wanted to write an opinionated article, she could have included more quotes that supported her view, whatever it may have been, and inflamed diction.  The article provides information about a topic and allows the reader to form their own opinion based on the facts.

The evidence Ravitz provides is mostly the history of the Mormon Church.  She does not provide sources for her information on the church’s influential leaders and journey through changing doctrine in light of state laws and polygamy.  She also has a few quotes from one woman who was involved in polygamy and educates the public about the topic.

As my previous paragraph states, there are no sources provided by the author for the historical information she shares, which could lead to questionable credibility.  However, the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s history can be found online.  Also, she quotes a woman who is well versed and heavily involved in the Church, which is a direct source.

I find that this article is credible and reliable, despite the lack of referenced sources.  Ravitz provides information without a cloying bias or voice, and uses quotes from a woman who is very involved in the topic.  Although she could have included quotes from someone who is on the anti-polygamy side, that view point is the most commonly expressed and not entirely necessary for this article.