[george wythe]

And what about her family’s reaction – her father’s unconvincing [dry] tears and his all-too-eager willingness to go before media cameras and “live” broadcasts, and, as always, her mother’s “cool” reaction? Even during the first hours and on the first day that Elizabeth came home!

Brian Mitchell is, by any measure, a creep (as is his wife). But Elizabeth Smart clearly was attracted to this creep because he offered her a safe but exciting escape from her stultifying life.

My bet is that she will fit in once more to the Smart household. But when given the chance to escape again, she will fly the coop – with joy – but this time without the entire world speculating, erroneously, on her motives.

Interesting.

It brings to mind the teens I met while giving their rich parents tennis lessons.

[glory]

Yes, I think the socio-economic culture is part of it--having that kind of emotional level-headedness to succeed. However, I have known mormon families. They are more reserved than your average Oprah-sobbing soccer mom and dads. There are unusual aspects to the case, but you know what, even if the girl ran away, this guy was not entitled to aid in her actions and my guess is that even if she went willingly with him, she did NOT sign up for all that was to come! Teenagers do run away, most don't intend to stay away for long so I am feeling pretty confident in that scenario, she was manipulated into staying.