Topic : 01/19 Follow-ups

It makes me angry and upset to know that there are laws that protect the criminal more than the victims in Aruba. It is obvious from the Dr. Phil show air date January 19, 2005,  that if you come from a prominent Aruban family, than you can get away with murder. Those kids clamed up and allowed the authorities to protect their freedom. They didn't have to say a word. They seemed to be more interested in down playing this tragedy, and still do! From the begining, whoever was in charge of prosecuting this case, had little knowledge or had little interest in protecting that American tourist. That situation represents how they would have delt with any American tourist should they be in that situation. Aruba judicial seems to be predudice in protecting their own rather than to get to the bottom of this crime. That's enough information for me to stay away from a destination whether it be Aruba or Carnival Cruise lines or whoever comes home with a tragic story. A bad track record for safety in a place where tourists think they are safe, is enough grounds for me to stay away from that destination. I support all the families going through the walls of injustice. Furthermore, I'll take the blame game one step more, it makes me angry that the United States of America has no authority or has little influence in getting this case solved. It’s a shame that Dr. Phil has to step forward to support and seek the answers for Natalie's mom. All because Aruba law does WONDERS for criminals to get away with rape & murder! Bureaucratic mumbo jumbo is what this chase is all about. The almighty tourist dollar and the image is all they care about still to this point.   

I have yet to see anyone question whether she voluntarily disappeared.   

I am from a VERY small town in Canada and a neighbour (guy in his late 20's) disappeared for quite a while.  Officials in both Canada and the US were involved.  There were all kinds of "leads" that amounted to nothing.  He finally notified his family and did eventually return home - I still to this day don't know why he left but it was considered out of character for him as well. 

It is quite possible she decided to disappear - teenagers do it all the time.  Unfortunately few parents really know their kids, especially teenagers. 

I am disgusted that Dr. Phil would encourage a boycott of this or any country.   The Aruban officials can do no more outside of their laws than any official in the US or any other first world country.   

Regardless of why and how she disappeared, this is horrible for her family and I hope they will get answers. 

I am an American, yet I do not consider myself special when I travel.  However, I expect the same high standards abroad that I would expect at home.  I expect the laws, and law enforcement procedures to look for the truth and protect the innocent.  Just my humble opinion. 

I don't care where crime happens, or how many people disappear.  What I do expect is that any investigation and trial will happen in a fair, balanced, and impartial manner.  I expect that the victim, and their family will be treated with respect.  Many judicial systems work well, and can arrive at the same conclusion.  However, there exist a number of things that can cause a problem: 

• conflict of interest
• nepotism
• cronyism

If everything were equal, I'd expect similar results.  We can't go back and change the past, but what is there to prevent the same questions and concerns from being raised when the next American goes missing?   Would the Dutch parents expect anything less than if their daughter went missing on Aruba under these circumstances?  If the Queen's female relative went missing under these circumstances?  Just my opinion. 

Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and I was not going to reply to this until I read the last 2 sentences.  I think "simple and common sense really" is extremely insensitive and appalling.  I don't know anyone who has not made a decision that was later regretted.  It seems to me that you are missing the point of this situation.  A teenage girl is missing.  If you could name some cases where "missing Europeans" are missing and the US government had handled the case in the way the Aruban government has, then I assure you that the people on these boards would be up in arms about that too.  We only ask that Natalee Holloway's family be treated with the respect they deserve.  I will not nor will my family or friends travel to Aruba because of the way this has been handled.   

It seems to me that you are proud to be a citizen of your country.  I am proud to be an American.  This does not mean that I think "we are the best."  Our country has problems like any other, but I would not live anywhere else.  I have greatly enjoyed my visits to European countries.  I found most of the people welcomed me with open and arms and were extremely friendly.  I tried my best to speak the language, be courteous, and respect the views of the country I was in.  Hopefully by doing this, I was not spreading "hatred."  I try my best not to put a label on a group of people and resent when someone does that to me.  America is made up of all people from all different races, countries, religions, etc.  This includes people from your own country.   

I strongly believe the story of the black market sex trade, question is has there ever been anyone who has first hand witnessed this trade or participated in or survived it and is now free ??? and how and why were they involved and can they give any answers.. and the rest of you with your negative reponses on natalies case shame on you , if you don't have anything nice to say or helpful than don't say anything at all.  

As someone who has vacationed yearly since 1988 in Aruba next door to the Holiday Inn where Natalie Holloway went missing there is definitely 2 tales to Aruba. A very good one and a now confirmed very bad one. 

First the island is a great vacation spot with tourism the #1 main income for the island. Americans are the largest group of tourists. Aruba boasts a very low crime rate which has been one of the advantages to travel to the island. Arubans are also known to be educated and friendly. My wife and I never felt threatened on the island and know several local Arubans who have welcomed us into their homes. 

Second and lesser known is the hierarchy of the Aruban government and the favoritism especially to Dutch citizens that goes on within the island. If you are Dutch and in trouble you may have protection that other Aruban citizens do not have. Aruba government keeps favoritism well hidden from tourists but locals know this occurs. This is why for example the 2 Security Guards were first arrested in this case instead of the 3 boys, and because of Paul Van Der Sloot's political background why Joran had up to 9 lawyers to represent him. The charade game that the Aruban Government plays is not surprising having experienced other issues on the island over the years. Their response to controversy has been to evade, avoid, and deny which they have carried out thoroughly. 

Aruba desperately needs tourism income now to continue supporting the local economy. Unfortunately to have this case solved would cost Aruba more money right now short term than to not solve. It would validate American tourist's fears that the island is not as safe as advertised. So this case drags out. Aruba officials are hoping Americans just forget over time. I find it interesting that, when Hurricane Katrina hit, Aruba decided to let the boys go and the media coverage suddenly stopped. It was as if the Aruban officials pulled a fast one when no one was looking- common Aruban strategy. 

There is definitely a cover up from what I know about the island. Remember we're talking about a (then) 17 year old who drives and gambles underage with a line of credit already established plus has his onw website showing a party animal lifestyle including stories of escapades with teen girls. Doesn't help that American teens from Alabama were on the island virtually unchaparoned and drinking without either adult supervision or a buddy system. What were these parents thinking? This was bad planing on their part looking back. 

Was sad I sold all my timeshares last Spring but now am glad I did. Seeing this story unfold doesn't ruin my mostly outstanding memories of Aruba. I just know, for now, I absolutely do not want to return to an island that shows little to no respect for American tourism.  

We SHOULD boycott Aruba for now until this case is resolved and criminals are prosecuted. It's not like we do not know who they are. When this case is finally resolved we can reflect and make a decision on whether or not to return to Aruba. Although unlikely, let's hope the Aruban Government still solves and prosecutes the criminals in this case, and pray for the Holloway family that is still 8 months later living through a terrible nightmare. 

I can't help but wonder if the boys panicked since what they did was "rape".   What if Natalee was screaming and upset, as she should have been after a rape.  

 What if, they called Paulas and instead of actually killing her they took her away somewhere and hid her? 

There was a bank withdrawl that we never hear about around 4am in the morning.  I would want to ask the question as to what that was for and how much.  Was it to get rid of a dead body or to hide someone who would have reported the boys as rapist as we all know they are. 

  I had heard on a show that RAPE in Aruba was even worse of a crime than it is here in America.    With Paulas being a judge, I wonder if he made that decision.  I feel without a doubt, he was involved.  Beth kept saying Natalee had been in their house somehow. 

My last question for now is did they ever get to search Paulas land/house?  He had places in his yard she could have been buried and if he will not let them search, that is where I would believe she was if not alive.