Polygamous Community Releases Voter's Guide

November 3, 2008

Hoping to move away from the fringe and regain political influence, Utah's polygamous community has released a voter's guide to help members decide how to vote tomorrow.

A coalition of polygamist groups — Communities in Harmony — asked federal, state, and local candidates about their positions on a wide range of topics that impact the once powerful demographic. Of the 150 candidates questioned, 60 responded and were rated on a scale of one to 10. Neither Obama nor McCain responded, but Libertarian candidate Bob Barr received a total score of 7.5.

Politicians who submitted their answers (to questions such as "Should polygamous people have the same right as other Utah citizens to hold public offices?" or "Should the government spend public safety funds disproportionately to target one group of people?") may see a modest bump in the polls. Out of 2.7 million people living in Utah, 37,000 are polygamists. If you were a politician, how would you answer the group's questions?

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53 Comments

Shadowdamage 4 years 28 weeks

"I dont see where a dude would find the time to hold office in this situation." :ROTFL: I don't think CG was referring to money. ;) I am with Jude on this, its a sticky issue and it has been (especially as of late) tied into the news with the Texas stories as it relates to the treatement of young women and children. Though they practice "polygamy" the bottom line is its not, ever, one woman with loads of men. (Tsk, shame that. :D) 'tis always, always, with these religions espousing (bad pun) such practices to be in the favor of the man - the man having the rights, the freedoms and the dominance under the guise of religious doctrine that still creeps me out to the core. Then there is the whole issue of children, especially young women, in these types of communities. When does a lifestyle for adults become indoctrination of children? Where do the lines lie between religious rights and the law, religious rights and the protection of children? And finally, if we are going to acknowledge Mormon polygamy as a religious and/or lifestyle choice, can we deny them any right that we would extend to the gay community? This is a tough one for me, and I can see my own bias because I am never hesitant to speak out for gay rights, and yet polygamy still gives me the heebie-harem-jeebies. I have to think about this one awhile. :ponder:

Shadowdamage 4 years 28 weeks

"I dont see where a dude would find the time to hold office in this situation.":ROTFL: I don't think CG was referring to money. ;)I am with Jude on this, its a sticky issue and it has been (especially as of late) tied into the news with the Texas stories as it relates to the treatement of young women and children.Though they practice "polygamy" the bottom line is its not, ever, one woman with loads of men. (Tsk, shame that. :D) 'tis always, always, with these religions espousing (bad pun) such practices to be in the favor of the man - the man having the rights, the freedoms and the dominance under the guise of religious doctrine that still creeps me out to the core. Then there is the whole issue of children, especially young women, in these types of communities.When does a lifestyle for adults become indoctrination of children? Where do the lines lie between religious rights and the law, religious rights and the protection of children?And finally, if we are going to acknowledge Mormon polygamy as a religious and/or lifestyle choice, can we deny them any right that we would extend to the gay community? This is a tough one for me, and I can see my own bias because I am never hesitant to speak out for gay rights, and yet polygamy still gives me the heebie-harem-jeebies.I have to think about this one awhile. :ponder:

wackdoodle 4 years 28 weeks

I would think that the Polygamist's voter guide states that a man can have as many votes as he and his creator deem necessary to insure that their will is done. Vote early and often polygamists - early and often.

wackdoodle 4 years 28 weeks

I would think that the Polygamist's voter guide states that a man can have as many votes as he and his creator deem necessary to insure that their will is done.Vote early and often polygamists - early and often.

popgoestheworld 4 years 28 weeks

ITA with everything Jude said, and some others too. I think Obama and McCain stayed away for obvious reasons though. You KNOW there would have been a video out saying that Obama supports polygamy like 5 seconds after he turned that survey in.

popgoestheworld 4 years 28 weeks

ITA with everything Jude said, and some others too. I think Obama and McCain stayed away for obvious reasons though.You KNOW there would have been a video out saying that Obama supports polygamy like 5 seconds after he turned that survey in.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

They look itchy.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

They look itchy.

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

But you can buy it online http://www.fldscrafts.com/index.php?cPath=1 they're really very modern!

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

But you can buy it onlinehttp://www.fldscrafts.com/index.php?cPath=1they're really very modern!

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

If people want to make a moral statement with the fashions of centuries past, I'd so much rather see them in some Victorian frills than that Little House on the Prairie roughspun nonsense ;)

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

or that poofy fringe

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

or that poofy fringe

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

Especially the bonnets!

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

Especially the bonnets!

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

And how to make sure they don't have to wear those appalling outfits...

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

I understand, ceej. Whenever a story about polygamy (especially that Texas story) comes out, I find myself racking my brains trying to figure out how we (as a country) could help to make sure the children aren't too brainwashed, without stepping on the Constitutionally-protected toes of the religion. It's a thorny issue.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

I understand, ceej.Whenever a story about polygamy (especially that Texas story) comes out, I find myself racking my brains trying to figure out how we (as a country) could help to make sure the children aren't too brainwashed, without stepping on the Constitutionally-protected toes of the religion. It's a thorny issue.

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

I believe in religious tolerance, can't stand smug atheists or christians. I do think harm is being done here though, it's insidious and subtle but it's still harm

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

I don't think it should be outlawed, that would drive it even more underground. I'm just venting.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

"And I feel sorry for the snakes in West Virginia too." :ROTFL: Nice one! I do see that the more fundamentalist communities indoctrinate and shelter children to a far greater degree than other religions, but unfortunately (in this case) we as a nation have to be careful not to tread on freedom of expression of religion as long as no overt harm is being done to congregants or others.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

"And I feel sorry for the snakes in West Virginia too.":ROTFL: Nice one!I do see that the more fundamentalist communities indoctrinate and shelter children to a far greater degree than other religions, but unfortunately (in this case) we as a nation have to be careful not to tread on freedom of expression of religion as long as no overt harm is being done to congregants or others.

ceej 4 years 28 weeks

There is more influence because they have little contact with the outside world.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

Yes, but then do you think that, say, emotionally abusive marriages, even when the person abused chooses not to leave, should also not be recognized as marriages under the law? Or that a person should not be allowed to choose their own lifestyle because they were raised in a way that many of us believe to be bad? I do see your points about grooming followers from a young age to accept the inequities and the various negative aspects of the lifestyle, however. But I think that the way for that to be addressed isn't by outlawing the practice of polygamy among consenting parties, but rather stricter policing of the practicing families to make sure that abuse isn't taking place. Unfortunately we also can't decide for others whether what they teach their children (within reason) is right or wrong. Again, I don't agree with the polygamous lifestyle at all, and I do think that it's wrong on many levels based on my personal value system, but I recognize that other belief systems are as valid as mine in the eyes of an impartial law.

Jude C 4 years 28 weeks

Yes, but then do you think that, say, emotionally abusive marriages, even when the person abused chooses not to leave, should also not be recognized as marriages under the law? Or that a person should not be allowed to choose their own lifestyle because they were raised in a way that many of us believe to be bad?I do see your points about grooming followers from a young age to accept the inequities and the various negative aspects of the lifestyle, however. But I think that the way for that to be addressed isn't by outlawing the practice of polygamy among consenting parties, but rather stricter policing of the practicing families to make sure that abuse isn't taking place.Unfortunately we also can't decide for others whether what they teach their children (within reason) is right or wrong. Again, I don't agree with the polygamous lifestyle at all, and I do think that it's wrong on many levels based on my personal value system, but I recognize that other belief systems are as valid as mine in the eyes of an impartial law.

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