Responsibility?.......

RancheroPaul

This morning, the news media is talking about the actions of the parents of Danielle Van Dam on the evening of her abduction. The news prior reported the Van Dam's Alarm System on their house was indicating a breech. I wondered then why such a thing could occur and the child's parents did nothing or found it to not be suspicious.At the Preliminary Hearing for the accused abductor of Danielle Van Dam, the Mother, Mrs. Van Dam testified she was "high" that night, didn't check on her Child, was "drinking and smoking marijuana.." and so was the Child's father...... Mrs. Van Dam was dancing at a local tavern with "friends" while accepting drinks from the alledged abductor. The father was home with the children......apparently smoking Pot and getting drunk by himself?.....It goes without saying, the abductor had no right to do what he did......but, at what point are the parents "RESPONSIBLE" for the safety of their children? Could they lock the doors? Could they set the Alarm? Could they check on the children by looking at them? (Mrs. Van Dam's own testimony is that she didn't check on the children, just shut off the alarm and close the door......!!!Don't little children have the right to expect their parents to be responsible for aiding to protect them? This really pisses me off!How could anyone be so stupid as to "Party" to the extent of disregarding the safety of their children, their home, and even themselves? "Responsibility,......RESPONSIBILITY....! What A$$holes!!!! Sure I'm Venting....Everyone Should!!!!

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If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!

Mr. Lobo

I agree, but I also feel it is ashamed that these people's private life is being invaded because of some *. My thoughts and prayers go to the friends and family of the Van Dams. PS I check on my dogs when I get home...just to make sure they are ok.[This message has been edited by Mr. Lobo (edited 03-15-2002).]

badboybob

X-ring Ranchero. But the parents don't want to accept responsibiliy. I feel remorse for the child who was brutally murdered by a monster. The parents should both be sterilized to prevent another tradgedy to happen while they decide to get drunk.

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PC=BS

He Dog

I suppose most of us would look a little tarnished if our lives were examined in minute detail, but I agree, very often it seems something terribly strange was going on with the parents. Jon Benet ring any bells? [This message has been edited by He Dog (edited 03-15-2002).]

RancheroPaul

Yes, Jon Benet....another tragic tragedy!! As you said, "we all may appear a little tarnished....," but to turn off the alarm and shut the door......Well, sort of like carrying your gun.....unloaded! Got the stuff to protect yourself, you invested in it, use it!!! But then again, .....Booze, Party, pot, party......who gives a s--t? Unfortunately you don't have to know how to raise and protect a child to have one...too bad! So Sorry for the Children.....!

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If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!

offeror

Keep in mind that nobody's privacy was invaded. Child abuse or neglect is generally accepted to be a matter for law enforcement and investigation is inevitable. If a married couple with kids wants to continue to live like swingin' singles, bring home illegal substances, and generally act immature, it's not only high-risk behavior but the consequences are built in and very predictable. They played the odds and lost. At that point the children's rights as American citizens become paramount. Parents like this can't exactly expect to wrap themselves in the flag and yell invasion of privacy when there's been gross negligence leading to a death.