Polygamy and patriarchy, Part II

Part two, again, from: St. Helena Star

Last week we delved into that shady world which is known affectionately as “Polygamy.” It seems so quaint — women dressed in gingham and calico, hair pulled back — well mannered and poised. The men — hard working — self-reliant folks who mind their own business. These sects tend live communally, in isolation — not bothering anybody — unless you are a child.

Does our government have any legitimate interest in their activities? Doesn’t the First Amendment guarantee freedom of religion? Who are we to divine the difference between a religion and a cult? (Some think Catholicism is an evil cult).

The Mormon Church disavowed polygamy over a hundred years ago, in 1890. So it’s not about them.

The cult busted in Texas has more in common with Jim Jones, Charlie Manson, David Koresh (and my favorite) Warren Jeffs than Joseph Smith.

There’s a theme here which isn’t confined to American extremists. It stretches from Bangladesh to Baghdad.

It revolves around Messianic leaders who conveniently end up with multiple sex partners — often wives or children of other followers.

It is patriarchy in extremis.