Polygamists defy Warren Jeffs by re-dedicating controversial monument
 
By Brent Hunsaker
ABC 4 News
New monument for 53 raid

On a hot Wednesday morning along the Arizona strip, about a hundred people gathered in a park in Colorado City for an act of defiance. They unveiled a stone marker to what is known around town as the Short Creek raid of 1953.

The raid was an attempt by Arizona authorities to wipe out polygamy. Law Enforcement officers moved in to arrest the men and send the children off to other communities to be adopted. "My father was 83 years old," said Joe Jessop. Joe had just turned 12 a few days before the raid. "He died (in 1954) just a couple weeks after he got out of jail."

Ultimately, the raid failed in its goal. The families were separated, but only temporarily. Eventually they reunited and returned to their community along the Utah-Arizona border to continue practicing "the principle" that they believe is central to their religion.

So, was this an act of defiance against the government? The modest memorial certainly recalled an event that is perceived by many as a gross abuse of governmental power. But no, the defiance was not directed as much at the government as the fugitive leader of the FLDS church, Warren Jeffs.

There is a small but growing group of people led by Winston Blackmore that sees Warren Jeffs as the greatest current threat to their way of life. They believe Jeffs is sucking both money and people out of Colorado City.

Blackmore said, "He's robbing this place of what really matters. Certainly he's a terrorist."

Blackmore and others long for the days before Jeffs took over control of the largest polygamist church in North America. In those days, they say the community flourished. People were kind and happy. Now they say the city is under siege - from within.

Neighbors pass in silence, businesses are moving out and people are refused service because of their religion. All those are consequences of Warren Jeffs' rule.

Lori Chatwin said, "He's done more damage to the structure of the families here than Governor Pyle ever dreamed of doing."

But how does a monument to defy Warren? Because 3 years ago, another monument was briefly erected to honor those who survived the Short Creek raid. Warren ordered it destroyed and even insisted that the pieces be scattered from the red cliffs overlooking Colorado City. Prior to Wednesday's unveiling, there was concern that "Warrenites" might try to disrupt the ceremony.

The FBI as well as the sheriffs of both Washington and Mohave counties were put on alert. Perhaps because of that, or perhaps because of the size of the group, there was no trouble.

Now, speculation centers on how long the monument will be allowed to stand at the entrance to Cottonwood Park. Warren's local enforcers may have chosen not to challenge 100 people being watched over by outside police, but they may yet take a sledgehammer to the stone at night when no one is looking.

But in the minds of those who came to watch Blackmore unveil his stone monument, the point has been made. A pivotal moment in Colorado City history such as the Short Creek raid must be remembered; Warren Jeffs cannot erase their history, nor can he dictate their every thought and move.

Warren Jeffs remains on the run from law enforcement. He's on the FBI's "10 Most Wanted" list and there is a reward for information leading to his capture.

brent@abc4.com
 
ABC4.com
Originally published July 27, 2006
 
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