Apparently, on the side that may be related, one of my forebears spent time in prison, due to polygamy charges.

The sexual, lechesque side of this issue is revolting.

“Bleeding of the beast” is talked about in Krakauers’ book.

One of the things I found most appalling was the “bleeding the beast” thing.
From ABCNEWS.com: ” Ironically, the American taxpayer pays for much of this lifestyle. Recent records show in one year residents here collected more than $8-million from social services ó including food stamps, welfare, health care ó but the entire town paid less than $100,000 in income taxes.

“They are told to go on welfare,” Jessop said. “It’s called, “bleeding the beast.” They find it amusing that Satan is supporting God’s work.”

I’ve long had an interest in this topic–it really pisses me off to know that the situations in Southern Utah are often comparable to the Taliban, and that the powers-that-be in Utah are doing sweet-fuck-all about it. I grew up thinking that the polygs were totally harmless and nice, just misguided and rather gentle–no clue that the girls are often forced to marry against their will, beaten if they disagree, raped in the marriage bed, and subjected to years of abuse.

Here’s some links highlighted at Teresa Nielsen Hayden’s site–you might find it interesting:

http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/004560.html#004560

I support gay marriage because homosexuals don’t choose to be homosexual, and deserve the same right to be married to a partner as heterosexuals.

I don’t support inter-species, or pedophilic marriages because inter-species and pedophilic marriages are marriages between an adult and a person (or animal) who doesn’t have the full capacity to consent to marriage. Finally, I don’t support polygamous marriages because I personally believe marriage should be the legal and spiritual union of two people to the exclusion of all others.

However, unlike “marriages” between adults and children, or adults and animals, I think it’s fine for a bunch of adults to live together as friends, lovers, however they want to define themselves, even call themselves “married” if they like, as long as they are all consenting adults.

on a silly note however, http://www.marryyourpet.com/

That said, I do support granting marriage licenses to gay couples and I guess to other “alternative” relationships as well. But the argument that the sodomy ruling protects polygamists seeking PUBLIC acknowledgment of their union is just illogical.

There is also a thin line between the legalization of marijuana and the legalization of polygamy. Like the police in Humbolt County, the Colorado City cops make a token bust every year or two just to look like they are doing something. I say legalize it, regulate it and tax it.