Elizabeth Smart Thread, 9/26/02 to ???

[stlnative]

NEW THREAD - PING WHOM EVER YOU LIKE - I DON'T PING ANYMORE - SORRY

[sandude]

Has local volunteer activity in this case suddenly come to a standstill?

It is hunting season in Utah. I think the bow hunt is on now and the gun hunt comes very soon. The Smarts have asked hunters to be on the lookout. It is also not a good time for civilians to be traipsing in the woods.

[sandude]

It sounds like you want us to rehash every post that took place over the last 3 months. I've already posted on all of these things and will continue to do so. There are some here who post old articles, one sentence remarks, scathing attacks, but never seem to get around to what you are asking for, building a complete package for their ideas. I'm not sure you're going to get any takers.

[freedox]

Thanks, sandude.....your explanation makes sense. However, in light of the incredible outpouring of community effort in this case, it seems to me that some statement to that effect would have been made by the family. As it stands, the ceasing of the searches appears abrupt and without explanation. Do you know if there are any plans to resume the searches after hunting season is over?

[ChocChipCookie]

Their believing that the police can "tell" when they are lying makes many a person decide to just spill their guts.

I took a polygraph once, and boy, did I ever spill my guts. It was required for a temporary job with DPS. The polygraph-er told me I was probably the most honest person he'd ever tested! LOL

One question was, "Have you ever stolen anything?" Well, as soon as I heard that question, I flashbacked to when I was about 3 years old and stole a piece of candy from a store. My mom marched me right back and made me return it. Apparently, this memory triggered something on the polygraph because he then asked, "Since you turned 18 have you ever stolen anything?"

I also remember being asked if I'd ever taken any drugs. He listed them -- marijuana, cocaine, etc. When he got to heroin, I, of course, said no. Later he said I'd registered positive (or whatever the term is) for heroin and asked me about it. It was obvious that I wasn't a heroin addict nor had I ever been. However! My brother had been and died of a heroin overdose. We talked about this and he told me that sometimes women will register a positive response for drugs because their children had taken them. He said that love is the most powerful emotion and that's the reason for the response on the polygraph.

Even though it was an interesting experience and I had nothing to hide, and I "passed with flying colors", it was still an overwhelmingly emotional hour. I think I went home and cried. :o)

[sandude]

Do you know if there are any plans to resume the searches after hunting season is over?

I have no knowledge one way or the other but winter is coming on and so they may not.

[freedox]

"Sept. 14 was about the time that Ed stopped appearing in public...."

According to a Sept. 26 Deseret News article (post #44), the Smart family press conference on September 17 was the last one, pending new developments in the case. This statement was issued through Smart family spokesman, Chris Thomas. As I indicated in my previous post, it seems strange to me that the family would just discontinue the press conferences and the searches without making a personal statement to those who have remained so diligently involved in this case. As I said, it all seems rather abrupt and impersonal to me.

[sandude]

As I said, it all seems rather abrupt and impersonal to me.

How would you have handled this situation? It seems as if the Smarts are damned if they do and damned if the don't in whatever they seem to do.

[freedox]

"How would you have handled this situation? It seems as if the Smarts are damned if they do and damned if the don't in whatever they seem to do."

In the spirit of fairness, sandude, I admit that I have never been in the Smarts' situation, and I can't say how I would behave. Perhaps I am too questioning at times. My point was that the SLC community has put enormous effort into helping the Smart family for the past several months, and the Smarts have always been very vocal in their appreciation of this overwhelming support. I simply find it strange that the organized searches and press conferences would cease without a personal word from the family. It just seems an abrupt departure from their previous behavior in dealing with those who have stood by them for so long.

[varina davis]

The person who suggested to me that she might have been slumping said if she was, she was doing it b/c she didn't have a bra on at the time, perhaps had her hands crossed in front of her. All speculation, but certainly in the pictures of Elizabeth, she would be wearing a bra if she needed one--

Good Lord! Now your down to discussing Elizabeth's breasts??!! What do you do, post 24/7 just to hear yourself talk?

[Neenah]

....family would just discontinue the press conferences and the searches without making a personal statement to those who have remained so diligently involved in this case.

I would assume that there is not much left to do. With all the searchers out since June, incl. National Guard, etc. I would think they have stopped them.

I know it is hunting season now, at least Bow season, and pretty soon gun season will start. I live in the country, and I would shudder if my kids wanted to go outside! So it is not safe for searhers.

I don't know if the Center is even open now. What else is there to do? Also, maybe it was quite a drain on Lois with all of this plus being called in on or around this time for that long questioning period. It has to be draining on her.

I agree that Mr. Smart could make a statement to those who have been so diligent in the search via the media, even if it is in SLC. The press would then report it to the masses that didn't see it. I am sure they have thanked and over thanked them tho., and it would be wonderfull if they did call a PC to alert the press to this. Although it looks like the media has dropped this until further information is available. so sad. But they can't be reporting on nothing. Maybe the FBI can now step it up.

[varina davis]

Thank you.

[sandude]

I simply find it strange that the organized searches and press conferences would cease without a personal word from the family.

Perhaps after the deer hunt the family may make a statement. Doing so now would have the effect of telling hunters not to look for her. The press conferences have been called off because Spore-Gasm was suffering ill health every time one came on. Seriously, I think that the family is coming to grips with the realization that Elizabeth is probably no longer with us.

[varina davis]

I really think everything stopped because LE knows the answers.

[Neenah]

The press conferences have been called off because Spore-Gasm was suffering ill health every time one came on.

I am disappointed in you for saying this,dude. I thought better of you.

You know spore_gasm asked to be removed from Free Republic because of the constant slams. What an accomplishment for some.

I find it very sad.I also find it sad that you used it. I had better thoughts about your character than that.

[sandude]

S-G and I exchanged several e-mails and while we didn't agree we were on good terms. I think she would have appreciated the joke. It wasn't meant to be mean. Ed's constant appearences before the press irritated S-G. If you are in contact with her please give her my regards and express to her that she should come back.

[Palladin]

The searches have not stopped. While the number of searchers has dwindled, some Smart family members still lead weekend searches for Elizabeth. Members of Forums for Justice.org are involved in these searches, and give of their time and resources every weekend in the hope that Elizabeth may yet be found.

[Palladin]

sandude is incorrect in his assumption that searches have ceased during hunting season. I have two personal acquaintances who join the search for Elizabeth every weekend. I believe Chris Smart is the organizer of the ongoing searches.

[Palladin]

Nice post. sandude and company shoot their mouths off with little knowledge and much bias. I can tell you for a FACT that the searches have NOT been put on hold. sandude's credibility has been shot to pieces today.