[theophilusscribe]

http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20050617/capt.aru10106172048.aruba_missing_teen_aru101.jpg?x=380&y=248&sig=NmgptedzR.704Fwa6YS5mg--
Boaters pass by the tourist party boat 'Tattoo' off Palm Beach in Aruba, Friday, June 17, 2005. Steve Gregory Croes, 26, who works as a disc jockey on the boat became the fourth person arrested in the case of missing Alabama teen Natalee Holloway, nearly three weeks after her disappearance on this Dutch Caribbean island. (AP Photo/Leslie Mazoch)

[rolling_stone]

The persistence of the family and the Internet is amazing, without both I imagine this incident could have been swept under the rug or left to fade away. The power of the Internet to inform and give news (and rumors) when locals are biased against informing, is fantastic.

The power to boycott and discuss the other problems on the island may help bring a conclusion to the incident and if at all possible a happy one.

Think of how bloggers nailed Dan Rather and his shoddy investigation and attempt to discredit President Bush...pressure put on CBS to end his BS...

I for one am grateful for Free Republic being here and I want to thank Jim Rob and everyone at FR once again for providing this avenue for us to participate and helping us to have a Free Republic in all parts of the world...

I think Aruba is realizing that they must solve this case or face serious repercussions...their slow shoddy start and the way they conduct their investigation is being watched by millions on the Internet.

Someone should give the family some white cowboy hats(good guys always wear white) to wear in front of the media...or President Bush could hold a short news break from his ranch wearing his hat saying we are offering FBI assistance to Aruba, would they like some Texas Rangers too?..slam that cowboy statement right back in their face..
The pen may indeed be mightier than the sword..
rs