Only in Utah.
I've uttered that phrase several times since living in the state of Mormons, salt water taffy and red-rock canyons (that rich white people in their SUVs want to drive all over and build condos on and drill oil from, but that's another rant, entirely).
The people of that Western state don't get up every morning in pursuit of bringing negative attention to themselves and perpetuating wacko-cult stereotypes. But, somehow, it happens. They might think that it's the rest of the world that's ohmyheck-bent on persecuting them. But when there are stories like the following, that grab punchline-worthy headlines...well...we can't help ourselves...
Polygamy no reason to oust Utah judge, his lawyer argues
November 3, 2005
BY JENNIFER DOBNER
PROVO, Utah -- A small-town judge who has three wives should not be removed from the bench because his private behavior has not tarnished the office he holds, the judge's attorney told the Utah Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Judge Walter Steed was found to be a polygamist by the state's Judicial Conduct Commission, and the panel issued an order seeking his removal from the bench in February.
Steed's attorney argued at Wednesday's hearing that while drug abuse, for example, might be grounds for removal, Steed's private behavior in his home should not be.
''The question is whether polygamy rises to a different level of disrepute than something else,'' attorney Rodney Parker said.
But those seeking to remove Steed argue that he shouldn't break the laws he took an oath to uphold.
''Judges are expected to live to a different standard,'' said Colin Winchester, the commission's executive director.
Pioneer-style dress code
Steed has served for 25 years in the southern border town of Hildale, handing down rulings in drunken driving and domestic violence cases. His three wives are biological sisters. He married the first in 1965, the second in 1975, and the third in 1985.
The town and neighboring Colorado City, Ariz., are dominated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a sect that broke away from the Mormon Church and still practices polygamy.
The towns' residents follow a strict pioneer-style dress code of long dresses, high collars and long hair for the women, and plain white shirts and dark trousers for the men.
Bigamy is a felony in Utah, punishable by up to five years in prison. Parker contends the bigamy statute is enforced only in rare cases, such as when someone has been duped into marrying someone who already has a wife.
''As long as I can do my job, why should I [be removed]?'' Steed asked outside the courtroom, with one of his three wives standing by his side.
I've uttered that phrase several times since living in the state of Mormons, salt water taffy and red-rock canyons (that rich white people in their SUVs want to drive all over and build condos on and drill oil from, but that's another rant, entirely).
The people of that Western state don't get up every morning in pursuit of bringing negative attention to themselves and perpetuating wacko-cult stereotypes. But, somehow, it happens. They might think that it's the rest of the world that's ohmyheck-bent on persecuting them. But when there are stories like the following, that grab punchline-worthy headlines...well...we can't help ourselves...
Polygamy no reason to oust Utah judge, his lawyer argues
November 3, 2005
BY JENNIFER DOBNER
PROVO, Utah -- A small-town judge who has three wives should not be removed from the bench because his private behavior has not tarnished the office he holds, the judge's attorney told the Utah Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Judge Walter Steed was found to be a polygamist by the state's Judicial Conduct Commission, and the panel issued an order seeking his removal from the bench in February.
Steed's attorney argued at Wednesday's hearing that while drug abuse, for example, might be grounds for removal, Steed's private behavior in his home should not be.
''The question is whether polygamy rises to a different level of disrepute than something else,'' attorney Rodney Parker said.
But those seeking to remove Steed argue that he shouldn't break the laws he took an oath to uphold.
''Judges are expected to live to a different standard,'' said Colin Winchester, the commission's executive director.
Pioneer-style dress code
Steed has served for 25 years in the southern border town of Hildale, handing down rulings in drunken driving and domestic violence cases. His three wives are biological sisters. He married the first in 1965, the second in 1975, and the third in 1985.
The town and neighboring Colorado City, Ariz., are dominated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a sect that broke away from the Mormon Church and still practices polygamy.
The towns' residents follow a strict pioneer-style dress code of long dresses, high collars and long hair for the women, and plain white shirts and dark trousers for the men.
Bigamy is a felony in Utah, punishable by up to five years in prison. Parker contends the bigamy statute is enforced only in rare cases, such as when someone has been duped into marrying someone who already has a wife.
''As long as I can do my job, why should I [be removed]?'' Steed asked outside the courtroom, with one of his three wives standing by his side.
Comments
Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope everything is going well and that you can find many things to be thankful for.
Peace.