"If this turns out to be a hoax there will be plenty of time after that is determined for all these comments. If it is not a hoax there will be no way to really take back the nasty comments I have seen on these threads."
We are having fun with the goofy reports. There is no harm in this because she is safe. If she had been found with an air gap between her head and shoulders we wouldn't be making cracks like ten year olds.
I was quite alarmed at her disappearance. A lot of this is out of a sense of relief. It is not nearly as much fun to make smart-ass comments after the entire thing is entirely explained by sober-minded people. In the absence of entirely verifiable information alternative, often silly, explanations rule.
Now give me back my mouse.
I admit the reports are goofy, but has anyone else noticed the source of the goofy information is local law enforcement in a foreign country? Reporters are rushing to get stories out and the fact is so far they have had no reliable sources for facts. If you note, quotes attributed to the Major came via foreign LE.
If posters were only making fun of the goofy reports that would be one thing, but the posts that anger and sadden me are those that directly make fun of the Major. No one knows yet what happened to her, and of course it is possible she did have some sort of issues that caused her disappearance. It is also possible that she indeed was kidnapped and the facts have yet to come out.
I do not think it is harmless to make fun of a military officer; the reputation of anyone in the military is important- especially an officer. I really think much of what is happening is disgraceful because she is a member of the military and there should be a level of respect there that would cause people to wait for the whole story to come out before trashing her reputation.
To me this is all part of support for the military, not that I think military people are perfect and never should be criticized but I do think they deserve the benefit of doubt. I have also been very upset when military members are accused of wrongdoing and freepers are quick to be judge and jury before their stories are out either.
It may just be me, and I do know others feel differently, even some of those who have served in the military. It is how I feel about it, you are of course free to think any way you wish.