Mitt Romney and His Polygamous Persecution History Shapes Who He Is Today
Posted on January 20, 2012 by Alina Darger
Source: http://lovetimesthree.com/mitt-romney-and-his-polygamous-persecution-history-shapes-who-he-is-today/
There was a very insightful column today in the New York Times by David Brooks describing the history of the Romney family. I thought it was well done in that it gives a historical perspective of how his faith, and the exodus of Mormons and specifically his family, helped shaped the man he is today. I recommend the article here.
We see that within our families. The generational impacts of persecution can shape people for years to come. Vicki and Valerie’s mother for example was in the 1953 raid in Short Creek, Arizona. The fear and trauma she suffered, we see today among some of her kids and even passed to grandchildren. There becomes a real fear and mistrust, but also a sincere drive to succeed and prove others wrong.
Hopefully the candidacy of Mitt Romney will be a time for better understanding of the injustices of the past with religious persecutions. Also to show examples of how that faith endured and even thrived not just in spite of those hardships, but possibly because of them. Perhaps too, Mormons can embrace their past without shame and realize they have nothing to hang their heads about. Although there have been some shameful moments in the history of our faith, to be Mormon, or to be Polygamous (past or present), is not inherently shameful.
Today I had an interview by a BBC radio host. He acknowledged, “Who am I to judge” my faith, and then couldn’t help but acknowledge his questions were full of judgement. For him he could not reconcile how I could sexually share myself and allow other women into a relationship, and why that had anything to do with religion. I could only answer that it is my choice and I ask only to be respected in that choice as a capable, adult woman. He is free to differ in belief with me and hold his own values true. Just as it is hard to me to understand what I consider the loose social mores in much of modern society.
In summary, the dialog is good and continues to be healthy. There are usually two types of hate against minority groups in my experience. Those borne from ignorance, and those that are full of bitterness through some experience of their own. They have had a negative interaction with a member of a minority group and blame the entire class; spreading their anger and hurt emotions in a vain attempt to get rid of them. It is my hope to continue to help educate those who simply don’t know and for the people who have felt pain through their associations, continue to show love and patience for healing.
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Plural Wife Speaks Out On The Injustice Of Polygamy Laws
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Vicki Darger
Source: http://lovetimesthree.com/plural-wife-speaks-out-on-the-injustice-of-polygamy-laws/
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!” Martin Luther King, Jr. I think some of the best quotes have come out of challenging times. When I read the ‘injustice’ quote a few days ago it struck a chord with me. We often get asked about the felonious nature of our relationship and are we worried about what action ‘the state’ might take, etc. As a result, we speak about how we would like to see the law changed. However, Dr. Kings words brought new life to our message. It’s not just about what’s good for me, or for my family, but for all freedom loving Americans. If an injustice can happen to me, unchecked, minimalized, excused, disregarded, and because of ignorance or intolerance on the part of the general public, then it can happen to any one of my friends or neighbors or fellow Americans.
Now, I have said in the past, and I will say again, I don’t want to take away anyone’s personal story. However, I don’t want anyone to take away mine. That happens when people make such claims as, ‘All polygamy equals abuse,’ or ‘Children of polygamists don’t have choice’ or ‘All the men are in it for the sex.’ In our case these claims simply are not true. And if just one family proves these statements to be false then we should have protection from the very laws that criminalize us.
There is a certain irony in the logic that I should be criminal…that someone wants to take away my choice, when the crux of that logic is that they want it criminalized because ‘these women do not have choice!‘ Therein lies the injustice. I should have choice.
I choose this way of life because it is my deeply held faith, because it is the people I have chosen to love and include in my family, and because I have found fulfillment in this family that I want to be free to enjoy.
My new quote, “Felonious polygamy is erroneous!” It’s kinda catchy, but I don’t expect it to be at the top of anyone’s list of ‘favorite quotes’.
Dr. King was right, I don’t expect everyone to agree with my choice of family, nor do I agree with the choices of many of my fellow Americans, but I do believe that we all should stand up for justice, even among the most unpopular amongst us.
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Warning...This is my opinion. If I offend anyone, I apologize, but I just feel very strongly about this.
I have a question: Do these two women have the slightest clue what they are talking about and why?
Funny that Vicki mentions Dr Martin Luther King Jr. She IS aware this man (and others like him) paid the ultimate price for their beliefs, isn't she?. Refresh my memory, when has a 20th (or 21st ) century Independent Fundamentalist Mormon made the ultimate sacrifice because of his beliefs? JAIL TIME DOESN'T COUNT! Oh yeah, poor Kody Brown. Instead of fighting the laws in Utah, he runs like a thief (intended) in the night to LAS VEGAS! And then has the unmitigated gall to claim "law enforcement" was after him when it was apparent law enforcement did not give a damn.
When I read Vicki's words "If an injustice can happen to me, unchecked, minimalized, excused, disregarded, and because of ignorance or intolerance on the part of the general public, then it can happen to any one of my friends or neighbors or fellow Americans", I have to shake my head. Vicki, what you are saying is if an injustice can happen to YOU, a WHITE woman, then something is wrong. It sounds to me you think polygamists are entitled in some way. Hey Vicki, I don't remember seeing you or your fellow polygamists marching alongside Dr King, or Mahatma Gandhi, or even Harvey Milk for justice for all people. I didn't see you or your polygamists cronies cry about the deaths of the three little black girls murdered when their church was blown to smithereens by white extremists in 1963. How about Viola Liuzzo, and Emmett Till? Do you even know who Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner were and the ultimate price they paid because of their beliefs? Answer this, would ANY of the people whose lives were lost so others (including YOU) could be free, be welcomed in your homes? In your Church? As your neighbor? A friend? A son or daughter in law?
And adding the cherry on the top, is Alina saying she has an issue with the "...loose social mores..." of modern society when her husband regularly has sex not only with her, but with her twin and a cousin?
Alina, and the rest of your Sister Wives and your husband and the Browns while I'm at it, need to get OFF that 'I'm entitled to be a polygamist because I choose' horse and understand that fighting against discrimination, against prejudice, against laws that you don't like means you have to take an stand. As many have found out, justice in this world doesn't come free. You not only have to fight, you must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for what you believe. So get off the coattails of Gay Rights and only quote Dr. King if you are willing to shake his hand and welcome him AS AN EQUAL, into your community and religion if he were still alive.
If you can't then just crawl back into that hole from whence you came.
Cynical Jinx
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