Home Message Boards

Topic : 05/02 Missing

Number of Replies: 184
New Messages This Week: 0
Last Reply On:
Created on : Thursday, April 27, 2006, 07:08:59 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1
Dr. Phil shines a light on missing children. Some are taken by strangers, but more frequently a parent is the one to snatch them -- too often with terrifying results. The search for two missing girls takes a Dr. Phil investigator inside a seldom-seen religious community where worshippers live what some call "a simpler way of life." Follow this story of child abduction by a father -- now a fugitive of the law -- who is living on the run with his two daughters, while their mother desperately tries to find them. Then, imagine not seeing your children for 10 years. Your 3-year-old is now 13, your 6-year-old now drives, and your 8-year-old is graduating high school – and you’re missing it all. John Clark is living this nightmare. Find out what happened and why his ex-wife is now wanted by the FBI. Join the discussion.

Find out what happened on the show.

More May 2006 Show Boards.
As of January, 2009, this message board will become "Read Only" and will be closed to further posting. Please join the NEW Dr. Phil Community to continue your discussions, personalize your message board experience, start a blog and meet new friends.

 
kqk1982
User Mood
Good

Message Emote
confused
May 2, 2006, 4:33 pm PDT

abby_35

Quote From: abby_35

It is so easy to generalize.  And usually wrong.  I live in western Canada and work in agriculture.  I work with Hutterites regularly.  "Generally"  they're like you and me.  Depending upon what you and I are like, that leaves the door wide open.  "Generally" the people I work with and know are funny, intelligent, curious, loving people.  There are definitely bad apples.  I would never suggest there aren't.  Pick any social, religious or cultural group and there are bad apples.  I don't agree with all the beliefs held by Hutterites, but, then again, I don't wholly agree with most groups on many topics. We're all allowed to hold our own views and opinions.   

  

I am not surprised by the comments from judyblue.  There are many people who know Hutterites and dislike them, or who think they know Hutterites and dislike them. Just like any other social group that may keep to itself, or, an individual, for that matter.  Many preconceived notions and misconceptions develop and are spread.  I don't know, why, sometimes it's from bad experiences, sometimes misunderstanding of  a different way of life.  I didn't know what to think the first time I went to a colony.  Turns out it wasn't so bad after all.  Warm, welcoming people.  Widely misunderstood.  Far from perfect, but so are you and I. 

  

Please, people, put away your broad brushes when considering your opinion of a group of people.  This is a sad situation for the people involved.  Their children are missing.  Hutterites are no more a "cult" than any other religious denomination.  They're different.  From their perspective, so are you and I. 

 This is about the children not the group that the dad picked....the subject is getting the children back to their mother....what on earth makes one parent think that they have the right to OWN the children when it took two to make them?
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
shelbyk9

Message Emote
angry
May 2, 2006, 4:38 pm PDT

against the law

Quote From: judyrita

       Dr. Phil, please look for the Hari children in Montana also.There are several Hutterite colonies in the area around Havre,Montana,includind Gilford and Chester,Montana.These would be very easy places for Michael to hide these children.Good luck finding these children.My heart aches for their poor mother.
my concern is this does the police know what goes on at these camps and can't they do anything about the poor conditions those 2 little girls were living in? that was enough right there to have taken them from their father....
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
viewer2006
User Mood
Angry

Message Emote
angry
May 2, 2006, 4:40 pm PDT

FBI Raids

Quote From: tinyp32

I certainly do hope these girls are found and the other missing kids that were aired.  There is a very large Hutterite colony in Great Falls Montana.  Which is why I am posting this message.  I certainly do hope that the FBI agent involved is broadening his search this far.  Although they may very well be very good people I don't believe in their beliefs nor the fact that they would harbor parents who have taken their children against court orders or the fact that they would keep any kids in their cult against their will.
Maybe the FBI should conduct raids on all Hutterite communities. These Hutterites must be guilty of something. 
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
lotofshoes
User Mood
Peaceful

Message Emote
blank
May 2, 2006, 4:45 pm PDT

Phaleeessseeeee

Quote From: abby_35

It is so easy to generalize.  And usually wrong.  I live in western Canada and work in agriculture.  I work with Hutterites regularly.  "Generally"  they're like you and me.  Depending upon what you and I are like, that leaves the door wide open.  "Generally" the people I work with and know are funny, intelligent, curious, loving people.  There are definitely bad apples.  I would never suggest there aren't.  Pick any social, religious or cultural group and there are bad apples.  I don't agree with all the beliefs held by Hutterites, but, then again, I don't wholly agree with most groups on many topics. We're all allowed to hold our own views and opinions.   

  

I am not surprised by the comments from judyblue.  There are many people who know Hutterites and dislike them, or who think they know Hutterites and dislike them. Just like any other social group that may keep to itself, or, an individual, for that matter.  Many preconceived notions and misconceptions develop and are spread.  I don't know, why, sometimes it's from bad experiences, sometimes misunderstanding of  a different way of life.  I didn't know what to think the first time I went to a colony.  Turns out it wasn't so bad after all.  Warm, welcoming people.  Widely misunderstood.  Far from perfect, but so are you and I. 

  

Please, people, put away your broad brushes when considering your opinion of a group of people.  This is a sad situation for the people involved.  Their children are missing.  Hutterites are no more a "cult" than any other religious denomination.  They're different.  From their perspective, so are you and I. 

I would have to say after watching The SHOW....this man seemed to be in control Of his followers....and who in there right mind tells a person...take the Kids away from the Mother if she will not let them practice the religion they choose. She did let them where the special clothes or jewelry....is that worthy of loosing you children...I think NOT!!!!!! 

>>WHAT GAVE HIM THAT RIGHT????if they are all just wonderful people.as you say....why was this man so intent to have His OWN....rights opinion way...PUSHED and demanded on this mother...sure the Lady may have her own problems but is it just to steal her kids from her....would you want this for your own children????..can you imagine the pain that woman is going through is that what THEY do in the name of Releigion....????...Is he not a leader are they accountable to him...I would say they are by the way he spoke....!!!!...He NEEDED to be in control!!!....and Dr.Phil let him know real fast he controlled NOTHING!!!!!!! 
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
jaamjaam
User Mood
Good

Message Emote
blank
May 2, 2006, 4:57 pm PDT

I am praying for all the children missing

Quote From: judyblue22

I live in a rural area of Alberta and there are Hutterite and Mennonite colonies all around this area.  I would encourage anyone who is interested in living in a religious colony to join the Mennonites but the Hutterites are misogynous and refuse to educate their children.  They are powerless and completely under the control of the colony because of their upbringing and lack of education. 

I also live in rural Alberta.  I first want to say that kidnapping children if by parent or not is wrong. It's always sad and usually caused by a parents selfishness and thinking of themselves. I hope that  all the children that are missing be found, and i will continue to pray for the children.For they are the ones that are truly suffering.  Second they are 3 types of hutterite colonies and I think that they should not all be labelled into one group of quacks.  I have heard many rumors about them, but I take the rumors with a grain of salt.  We have many other quacks who are taking children in society that are from any race, religon or culture. so by one colony featured, I hope that people will not judge all the other colonies as weidos.  I know they have some differnt wacky ideas but they are happy and flourishing.  I have been to many hutterite colonies to visit with my children.  we have found it to be wonderful experiences.  I think people are forgetting what the show was about.  It wasn't about different religons but missing children who are greatly missed be their parents, grand parents, siblings and I again pray that they be found.  i wish parents could stop thinking about themselves and think of their children's needs first.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
lotofshoes
User Mood
Peaceful

Message Emote
blank
May 2, 2006, 5:03 pm PDT

HUTTERITE

HUTTERITE....   This is really not the issue....the issue is Children are missing and I think the 

HUTTERITES    are getting a bad rap here ....the problem is in when people take it on themselves to be the judge and jury ...and this guy has placed himself in the position to judge this woman and to deny her of the right to have her children...this may or may not be a doctrine of there's if it is then  they themselves are going against what is taught ....they problem lies with this one person not with the Hutterites...as a Religion.... 

 

 

  

Hutterites accept all 12 points of the Apostle’s Creed as Truth. All members publicly declare their belief in it upon baptism. 

 The Apostle's Creed 

1.  I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth.
2.  and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord
3.  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,
4.  suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried:  He descended into Hell:
5.  the third day He rose again from the dead.
6.  He ascended into Heaven,
7.  and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
8.  From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
9.  I believe in the Holy Spirit,
10. one holy Christian Church, the fellowship of saints,
11. the forgiveness of sins,
12. the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
joyjill
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
May 2, 2006, 5:04 pm PDT

05/02 Missing

Did anyone else out there wonder why the father of the 3 missing kids had not seen his former in-laws in 11 years?  (The entire time the kids have been gone).  Seems that if you think your wife could be in contact with her parents you would have asked them in person many times over the course of 11 years.  Maybe the show didn't have time to elaborate. 
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
lotofshoes
User Mood
Peaceful

Message Emote
chillin'
May 2, 2006, 5:05 pm PDT

The Women

What do the women do primarily?
Women on Hutterite colonies are typically housewives, cooks, gardeners, teachers (German, English, and Nursery), seamstress, and secretary for different business.
Work in a Hutterite community is usually done together in large groups. For example, gardens cover a few acres. When hoeing, there are often in excess of a dozen women helping, so large jobs are made small. Cooking is done in weekly rotations, e.g. two women would be the cooks for the week, in addition to the head cook. Also, unmarried ladies often teach school on the colony.  Some have teaching degrees, others take informal training.  Older Hutterite women take care of children in the Kindergarten, teaching them religious songs, prayers and cooperation.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
purplepain

Message Emote
blank
May 2, 2006, 5:16 pm PDT

05/02 Missing

Quote From: Mandylionn

  

    Watching today's show I find it highly distrubing that in the United States of America this take's place.... Just watching that man Hoover? holding that baby in his lap creeped me right out!   something is deadly wrong there!  I wish  Michelle all the best in getting her children back.....  they will need all the help that can get! 

  

My heart went out too John, how hard it must be for him too face is ex-father in law knowing full well he knows where his daughter and grandchildren are, yet stands there and chats like they're long lost buddies asking about John's family......  it would take everything in me not too take that man and shake it until he told me!    

  

I can't wait for the follow up next season on this one hoping for the best!  

I hate to say this, but the freedom of religion allows this kind of thing. The idea of freedom of religion is a good one to a degree but it opens the doors to this kind of cult behavior.

Every religion to a degree brainwashes their members. It's impossible NOT to do that. Religion specifically asks for thinking with out reason or logic. Through this mentality one can justify any behavior including kidnapping.
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
atzd12
User Mood
Stressed

Message Emote
blank
May 2, 2006, 5:26 pm PDT

Beautiful from the outside looking in

Quote From: cangal32

The Hutterites really are a good people, I've spent time at a colony (My husband's step-mother is an ex-hutterite), and I had a wonderful experience. Even though their  culture is very different from our own, I felt incredibly safe and comfortable there. This is not a cult like the Waco Koresh thing. People are free to leave, but I do think that a lack of education often keeps people from leaving, because they aren't sure what's out there. I believe the hutterite (Peter?) when he says he doesn't know where the girls are but he could contact people who might know where they are. The Hutterites don't make trouble and they don't want to get into the middle of trouble. They are a peaceful people, and I embrace their culture. The father of the girls doesn't want to be a Hutterite, he's looking for a way to escape, but the Hutterite colonies will NOT intentionally hide him from the law. He's probably been telling them lies and he will be found out. Hopefully soon.
 

Many of these extreme religions look beautiful to visitors, as long as they have the option to leave.  Like you mentioned, yes, a member can technically leave, but for all intents and purposes, they are stuck.  They lack many skills required to function in the rest of society.  I grew up in an extremely strict religious community.  We were not nearly as isolated as Hutterite communities, in fact I grew up in a large city.  Still, I found it very hard to leave.  I had no friends in the "outside" world, I knew my family would stop speaking to me, and in some ways I was an immigrant in my own city.  I'm sure for young Hutterite girls it would be even harder, since they don't finish school, they don't have money, can't drive, and surely don't venture outside the community by themselves.
Society finds it very easy to label unusual or weird religions as cults, yet finds it very hard to label fundamentalist offshoots of mainstream religions as cults. 
I’m sure the father didn’t do this on his own.  The community is helping him hide those kids.  This is not the first time children have been kidnapped / hidden by religious communities.  I’ve heard of several other stories, the most famous one being a case that happened in the 60’s in NYC.  A boy named Yoselle Schumacher was kidnapped by his grandfather and hidden in a Hasidic Jewish community.  The Israeli version of the FBI, the Mossad, ended up rescuing him and returning him to his mother in Israel.  Of course, not everyone in the community agreed with it, but many did hide the child.   
 
Reply with Quote Read Replies to this Message
Post a Message

First | Prev | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Next | Last