Question for Mormons: "If Brian David Mitchell had been considered a REAL religious leader by the Smarts, and if Ed Smart had givin him permission to have a secret "marriage" with 15-year old Elizabeth Smart and if Elizabeth Smart, although she balked at the idea, gave in because she believed in her Dad and Mitchell, and figured she really had no choice, THEN should Mitchell still go to prison?"

If they say "yes" then say "so you think Joseph Smith was right to be put in prison."

Baura, I normally like your posts, but this is offensive. The girl was kidnapped by knifepoint, threatened with physical violence and daily raped by Mitchell. Mitchell is not a good parallel to Smith.

Smith is a bastard that coerced girls by bribing them and their families as a religious leader. Mitchell forced everything on Elizabeth. There was no choice or consent by any of the Smart family. And using an alternate world version of events that didn't happen is tasteless in the face of what really did happen.

JS may not have been as bad but he was of the same mindset. That it was OK to help himself to others' children. He just took the time to convince the parents and children it was for their best and OK.