gitana1
Verified Attorney
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I always wondered the same thing. Most families with a few children and both spouses working, can barely afford to even get by. But because Kody is legally only married to one wife, the others can probably get public assistance of some kind.
I always liked Mary (or Meri) best. I can only think she had very low self esteem to go along with the 'sister wife' thing. And you can see that a lot of bad feelings arise when Kody spends more time with one or another of them. Just an observation.
They are not on public assistance of any kind, to my knowledge. They have stated that they are not and as they are a very public family and it is illegal to receive public assistance (except SSI) under most circumstances when you are residing with the other parent and that other parent works, it is unlikely that they are lying about that.
Three of the original four parents worked prior to their move to Las Vegas. Then, they got the reality show which pays them. They also have been living off Janelle's 401ks to some degree since they moved. Four of them are currently looking for work in Vegas.
It is possible to raise that many kids without public assistance, especially when there are several adults who are able and willing to work. These are frugal people who really watch their pennies.
I was always under the impression that you can only be legally married to one person. So any other marriage after that would be a religious marriage and not a legal one. In that respect, no laws have been broken. So, what's the big deal now?
Personally, I think he's kinda cheesy. Other than that, as long as they aren't hurting anyone, the children are being cared for, and taxes are getting paid, what do I care?
In fact, I applaud them for standing up for what they believe in. Good for them.
Apparently in Utah there is a law that states that if a person cohabits with another in a marriage-like relationship while already married to another, that's bigamy and illegal.
Usually, polygamists in Utah are not public about it and it can be easy to hide what their status is. Also, the authorities tend to look the other way as long as the families do not cause trouble and are properly secretive. But the Browns have been very, very public and critical of the law. Utah likely felt that was a slap in the face so they decided to investigate.
Boytwnmom:
Not sure if this is the blog you were referring to or not:
http://www.lessthanreality.com/2011/06/sister-wives-starting-again-in-vegas.html
It provides a recap of their life in Vegas. One of the things that bothers me about it, though, is the blogger keeps stating that Meri "can't" have more children. I could swear that in an earlier episode (back when Meri and Kody were going away for some "alone"time for their anniversary), they had discussed having another child via IVF. Now, I know that's a lot more complicated than having a child the standard way. Just saying that I'm not sure Meri "can't" have more kids, rather that she "won't" have more kids, if this is what she has to do to do it.
And re: the last part of your post above:
As has been stated by many posts, in Fundamental Mormonism, a woman MUST be married or sealed to a man to get to their heaven, which is a PLANET. On that planet, the man is exalted to the God like being. (I shudder when I say that) If her husband doesn’t call her name, they’ll be no heaven for her, um I mean Planet. Husband taking you to heaven, this is what they don’t want you to think about. And much more - that's why we are looking into the religion.
Do they seriously not realize how ridiculous this sounds?? People have been locked away in mental institutions for thinking less outlandish things....
Meri had the option of IVF but stated that, although she wanted more kids, she is done, unless it happens without fertility treatments of some sort. She kind of said, "What's the point?" We'll see if she holds to that position.
As to their religion, what they believe, with the exception of earthly polygamy, is believed by mainstream Mormons, several of whom are our friends right here on websleuths. Any religion can be criticized and seen as "crazy" by people outside of it. Discussions about why they practice what they do are fair, but I'm uncomfortable discussing the validity of their viewpoints.
I know a lot of Mormons and I find them to be hardworking, honest people who adore their families. As a group, they seem to be great citizens and friends for the most part, seriously willing to lend a hand and help one another to a degree not often seen in other religions.