Is More Really Better?

Looks like polygamy has become vogue, in fashion now with the reality show "Sister Wives" and the TV series, "Big Love" being so accepted into pop culture. Yes, it is illegal to be married to multiple partners. So, why are these people openly breaking the law on TV? I don't know, but it's not unlike folks who appear on TV talking about, or even, smoking pot or snorting coke or even shooting up on camera in reality shows, Dateline, and the like. Polygamy has seems to have taken that route; it's illegal, but we're going to do it openly on TV. The plural marriage on "Sister Wives" was forced to move states for fear of prosecution when state officials finally decided to crack down.

So, what am I doing talking about it? Here's my take. First, I don't believe that one person can truly love multiple spouses. I feel that love is the strongest feeling you have felt for another, and the odds that you feel that same exact level for more than one person is astronomical. So, could be these men are confused about what real love is. Maybe they are fooling themselves and just saying that they love each wife the same so that everyone will feel accepted.

But, just because I don't think it makes for the best of relationships, who am I to judge and say to them they can't do it? Here's the deal: I don't understand the government telling folks that they can't marry more than one person. I know I wouldn't do it. And, like I said, it's not conducive to the best balanced relationships, but does that make it illegal? I know some would argue that it's morally wrong, and others would argue that it goes against their religion. I get that, too, but how do morals and religion make something illegal. Aren't we supposed to be separating Church from State?

If the husband and the wives are all in agreement, if no one is being forced, if no one is being hurt, then why should we govern what couples (or multiples) do to express their love for one another? Of course one could argue that men like Warren Jeffs use polygamy to take advantage of underage girls. Of course, but that could also happen in a monogamous relationship. I don't think polygamy is the cause for sexual assault. There are bad seeds in every walk of life.

I'd like someone to explain to me why polygamy should be illegal. Because, to be perfectly honest, I don't get it. I don't know who it hurts and who it protects. If couples who want to have multiple marriages followed the law, but also followed their hearts, couldn't they still live together, procreate with one another, and live virtually married lives without the ceremony? That would protect them legally, but change nothing. I don't get it. Enlighten me.