[onja]

I apologize to everyone. I did not mean to offend you all. i certainly did not mean to imply that you all were dorks. I was just saying that it seemed to me to be a little overblown. I may have seemed harsher than I meant to. I've just noticed that whenever there's a story news stations(CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc.) spend all the time on one issue. Whether it's a hurricane where they'll spend a few days, an election where they'll spend a few weeks, or this case. I seem to have an exquisite skill in accidentally offending people:)

And this time I really will leave and you can say what you want about me.

[xsmommy]

don't go away mad or sad, you learned a lesson and you are forgiven....well, by me anyway : )

[MAWG]

No offense taken, Onja.

A lot of us here see Beth and Jug and pictures of Natalee and immediately see our own families. I am personally angered by the way the Aruban LE has treated these people. I have spent a number of years travelling in the Caribbean and Central America and have noticed all along this undercurrent of resentment and sometimes hate , particularly in El Salvador, that comes from these people toward Americans.To me, Beth,Jug and Natalee represent America. And, I am with them to the bitter end.

[libsl]

I think one has to tread lightly when posting things, and think twice or three times before hitting the "post" button. And it is generally a mistake to post something like like "Why are you guys discussing this?" or "Don't talk about THIS aspect of it, you should be talking about THAT aspect of it."
I think this case attracts attention for a number of reasons. People who are parents feel frightened sympathy for the parents who sent their child on a trip that they thought would be fun but safe. People who travel overseas or people who hang out in clubs and bars feel frightened sympathy for somebody who was seemingly just trying to have a good time and fell upon what looks like foul play.
What interests people who don't know Natalee is how this case connects to relationships and events in our own lives. in my opinion.

[texasbluebell]

No, no offense taken!

Stick around if you're so inclined. Yes, the media does latch on to some stories, it's true, and it's fine to point that out.

I get more than irritated by their constant hurricane blather, but that's just me. Some people are interested in that for their own reasons.

I'm sure if you're one of millions in the path of the next big one, you would want to know about it, and also that will bring in a huge audience.

[Jrabbit]

There is another thread about Natalee on this board. It would probably be more to your liking. Beth and Jug are being raked over the coals and a lot of whining about the media coverage.