Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: September 29, 2010 04:19PM
Heresy says: "I think these guys are so used to living they way they want, they'll all just move to Canada. But at least it sends a message that we expect them to live by the same basic rules as other Americans."
Are you dissing Canada? If so, I have to patriotically pipe up and say hey, what the heck?
At least we're trying here to get the anti-polygamy laws enforced or at least clarified, in particular with regard to long term consistent allegations and fears of child abuse within fundamentalist polygamous communes. In the Province of British Columbia, where one Mormon fundamentalist community exists (Bountiful) there are many groups advocating for the children's rights to adequate health care, standard education, freedom from abuse, and to make their own choices as appropriate.
There is a lot of publicity in the media about the issues and "activists" who are addressing the situation in many different ways with a view to at least improving the education, social situation and health care for Bountiful's inhabitants.
If you meant to suggest that Fundamentalist Mormon polygamists would get a free ride in Canada, I dispute that. Yeah, the govt is slow to act ('tis the nature of govt, to be sure) but sooner or later they will have to decide the issues one way or another. In the meantime, many dedicated people are trying to assist any residents inside Bountiful, especially the children, who need or request help. One of the most basic interventions that has helped tremendously is to try and open up the society more so as to mainstream things a bit. Since I first became aware of Bountiful and its closed nature, a few yrs ago now, the residents have gone from having zero connections to the outside world to getting access to the Internet, from having sub-standard health care (especially in Obstetrics) to having a clear path to the local non-Mormon-based hospital and other health services (especially Maternity, for obvious reasons), and establishing other connections to mainstream society. Winston Blackmore, their one-time bishop, has even seen the light somewhat and now interacts with the media, giving interviews, where before he was very defensive and closed.
It's amazing the changes that are wrought merely by a person or group knowing that outside eyes are upon them, which is the least action that can be taken while law enforcement and other govt agencies wind through the various processes that can also open up such closed communities and provide services, resources and protection where needed.
If any polygamous leader or groupies think they can cross the border and set up camp in Canada with impunity they're going to want to think again. There are citizens here with loud voices against that and some govt members who are listening, as slow as that process is. And for the kids, the next generation of Bountiful residents and others like them, perhaps these small excursions into mainstream (outside contacts and especially access to the Internet) will help ensure they will one day have the personal freedom to make their own life decisions. Here's hoping that for many that results in more mainstream community-based social circumstances, better (more complete) education, exceptional health care, an abundance of choices and lives as happy and fulfilling as possible. All this is possible, even living in Canada as they do!
Edit to clarify: I don't mean to criticize the obstetrical care the women had formerly received inside Bountiful, as they have had the benefit of well trained, skillful midwives, but the situation has improved in recent years with better access to the community hospital and its nurses and medical staff who understand and help with the unique circumstances the Bountiful women face. I think midwifery is a noble profession and is often more than adequate, and may even be preferable to other options, but absolutely women in childbirth need rapid access to expert medical care if needed and every woman, every time, should have the choice of which resources she prefers. In our health care system, midwives work within the medical system and in cooperation with nursing and medical staff at clinics and hospitals. That is a win-win for everyone as far as I am concerned.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/29/2010 04:27PM by Nightingale.