An Open Letter To Aruba

I have been nothing but objective, supportive and understanding as regards the tiny island of Aruba as it wrestles with a tremendous problem. As is likely the case with many reasonable Americans and citizens of the world, watching what has been happening on the island of Aruba has called for tremendous patience, understanding and maybe even a certain kindness.

As for the particulars of any investigation, I leave judgment to those far more experienced in such things. As a business person, I understand the need to balance the books with ones public image. But I have also been watching for a week or two now as a very, very troubling development has begun to appear on the island.

Questions have been coming from the island during that period of time, about Natalee Holloway. Fair enough, though I would point out to my Caribbean friends that as things stand, you honestly do have far more questions of a serious nature to answer than to ask just now.

Recently, at least one media outlet has been consistently inquiring as to Natalee's friends. Who are/were her boyfriends? How many were her boyfriends? And today it is my understanding that this media outlet not only asked these questions, but also believes it somehow has a right to demand answers from Natalee Holloway's family. And you broadcast this on the air?

America is kind, Aruba, but she is not naive. There can be only one extremely self serving rationale behind such questions being asked in the public media at this time, especially as all ethical and reliable media can easily validate the honorable truth. Natalee was a high school student and a vibrant, good hearted young woman of more than average or reasonable moral character. Period.

Now, you have your answers, just as many of us already have the pertinent facts, which frankly are far too worthy to be hurled into the middle of this confounding mix.

Might she be capable of a mistake? A misjudgment? I suppose. But then who isn't? And really, who cares? But these troubling questions I and now apparently many others have begun to hear, questions which can only hope to serve one rather pathetic and singular purpose, as they serve no valuable role in this tragedy - they will not give anyone meaningful answers, Aruba. They will only serve to focus the attention of America, and perhaps even a larger portion of the world upon your seeming inability to answer the very many valid questions sitting as yet unanswered and squarely upon your island's beaches today.

My friends in Aruba, America might forgive a certain incompetence, or, God forbid maybe even some corruption as regards this still on going investigation. And Aruba likely would endure the damage to its reputation should it come to be that America and some others in the world conclude that your system of policing needs some attention and possibly refinement, if not outright improvement.

Of course, all this is assuming you wish to continue to be a playground of sorts for the world, and most particularly for that piece of it that is American.

But, be careful, Aruba. In terms of legal issues and public perception, if there is anything America detests more than seeing the guilty go free, it is seeing the innocent dragged down into the mud, in this case the mud of a rock and sand island we really could manage to do fine without, should a significant portion of our population so choose.

I'd suggest you think very carefully as to whether or not you want to make a similar admittedly bold statement as regards America, or more factually her tourist dollars, before you begin asking too many unnecessary questions while America is looking upon you to provide some straightforward and increasingly overdue answers.

Update: For those posting the ridiculous reaction that "all questions are relevant in this case." It would be best if you thought some prior to posting. 1) A caveat of the Dutch system is that investigative information cannot be made public, therefore 2) Any public media attempt to smear the reputation of an apparent victim cannot in any manner be defended as "part" of an invetsigation, and 3) Even if it were so, then why, as stated by P v d Sloot last night, did authorities not even "interrogate" him during his brief detention, but only take a statement?

If you would advocate "interrogating" a young victims reputation publically in a manner that can only be defined as a smear campaign, yet, not complain at the failure of the Aruban police to interrogate a, in their own words, potentenial suspect privately while he is in detention - you either lack wisdom, judgment, or a reasonably clear view of the dynamics of this case.

Lastly, nowhere have I ever advocated that Aruban authorities do "less" in a situation where many are coming to the conclusion that they have been doing far too little far too late thus far. If you cannot distinguish between misguided public relations and an investigation, hopefully you never take up the law, or serious argument around it.

Comments

[Katie]

Aruba: Purveyor of obfuscation and lies!

[Mary]

Well said Dan. Thank you !

[bamaguy11]

Wonderful commentary Dan.

I was stunned when I stumbled upon today's "A Current Affair." I'm sure you have knowledge of their coverage. I hope interest doesn't fade with the MSM (Thank you Fox). Our questions will only be answered if we continue to turn up the "heat" on Aruba.

[Jack G]

Well said indeed.

[aphexcoil]

Occam's razor states that the simplest explanation is generally the correct one.

a) Natalee has been missing for four weeks. No previous history of running away or high-risk lifestyle. She is most definately and unfortunately dead.

b) Last seen in the car with three guys, one of which appearing to have some sort of sociopathlogical condition. You can bet they know what happened to her. One or all of them are directly involved in her death.

c) If you're innocent, would you make up a story to the police? Would you change your story eight times? People lie to cover something up. JVS is lieing out his teeth. JVS most likely killed Natalee either directly or indirectly

d) Sloot family apparently has connections and knows government officials and high-ranking police officers. This sets the tone for a coverup.

So, there is an extremely high likelyhood that JVS was involved in Natalee's death and that this case will never be solved because there are officials helping the Sloot's with their dirty laundry.

I'm sorry, but releasing three prime suspects for ten days is just stupid (unless they were going to bug the house and monitor them -- but why do that if you're involved in a coverup?)

We all instinctively know what happened, but we're all upset that the guilty are going to most likely walk due to Sloot's connections.

bah ... screw Aruba. I'm going to London this summer instead.

[michele in bham]

Look for the attempt to destroy Natalee's character to intensify.

It started with bogus forum posting from people claiming to be friends of Natalee, stating that she had run away before.

This of course was a complete lie.

Last week Aruba floated the rumor that her parents needed to be investigated, due to their divorce.

They used a retired Aruban police detective to suggest that rumor on Abrams show, along with another rumor, "the Freebrid" scenario.

(The rumor that says Natalee had all this planned and the clue was in her highschool yearbook quote of the song "Freebird.")

Look for things to get worse as this public relations battle heats up.

And don't forget who really controls Aruba, organized crime. They will stop at nothing when it comes to keeping the cash flowing.

[seedyrum]

As with Rape and Murder of a Female

Blame the victim and not the perpetrator

What does her friends, her drinking or social habits have to do with this.

Witnesses have already stated she was last seen alive with Juran and his 2 lemmings.

So intimating that her friends or boyfriend is a reasonable POI (person of interest) is without merit.

If Aruba truly believed that why all the lies , stopped stalled or inactivity with the investigation?

Why would Paulos concocted an "alibi" for the 3?

Why would Paulos jeapardize his caeer or job opportunities to help his son if a boyfriend is involved?

Aruba dont muddied the waters even further by intimating something that doesnt exist.

[cal]

Very good "Open Letter" Dan. I agree w/Aphexcoil - "We all instinctively know what happened, but we're all upset that the guilty are going to most likely walk due to Sloot's connections."

Aruba does have a chem plant, which all chem plants have incinerators @ 3,000F to burn waste products.

Obviously there is a tactic by Aruba to smear Natalee to get their parents off the island so things go back to normal.

It would be good to keep this post as a memorial in the quest to find the answers. Secondly, anyone doing a search for a vacation on Aruba needs to find this web-site with info on the corruption that exists in Aruba with recommended other vacation alternatives.

Can you supply Aruban addresses for mail and the cost of a letter?

regards,
CAL

[Mt. Brook Mom]

This is a WAR OF WORDS...against an innocent victim...a device to cover the truth about Natalee's Disappearance/Kidnapping.

It does seem that they were trying to break down the fundamentals of the case...hacking away piece by piece, PRAISE GOD that Americans are familair technique of blaming a victim, the victims family or associates for a criminal act upon the victim instead upon the perpetrator..America will not fall for this..Arbua needs to wake up...change and implement laws that work and that are not sloopy and fact evasive. Aruba face it...your cover is blown..we know the truth!!!!!!

[Stumped]

aphexcoil - good post, but do you have to have the www to a porn site for midget sex as a cover for your alias? what does that say about you little fella?

[Auburn Tiger]

This makes me terribly sad...the other night Jug told Greta he really didn't care what happened to any of the suspects as long as he got Natalee back. I think they are so drained and have given up on justice being served. Sad to see such desperation...KDW

[Stumped]

bamaguy11 - What happened on current affair?

[Flowers4u]

Dan,

Your open letter was very well said to the other remarks that I have seen recently. I must admit after reading a few comments from other's I didn't appreciate foreigners bashing at us Americans, and we are all entitled to see per each individual's vision. I am glad that it is the media's view, so we have the opportunity to see what is being done that it doesn't get scraped under the rug.

[seedyrum]

Americans, Have we forgot Marriott and Holiday Inn are there?

Surely these American establishements' employees know something. In the cryptic postins and riddles they have both been alluded to.

Perhaps, our efforts will be better served to boycott them for not assisting more in this coverup.

Has either business said anything publicly about the disappearnce of an American?

However, they may not if they themselves are involve with drugs, sex-trade, muder and mayhem?

Holiday Inn and Marriott have to know something.

[bamaguy11]

stumped,

They had a report from aruba stating that the aruban police wanted to question the mbhs students and they were suspicious of their backgrounds.
The reporter stated that there was an "individual" who was a potential suspect.
I guess this is the "jealous ex-boyfriend" theory.

[dj]

There is objective journalism and there is tabloid style news. You cannot hold the last to the same standards as the first. If you use the last to paint a picture of Aruba you are showing people something that is not there among the people of Aruba themselves. You write a story based on something that is untruthfull, and it only incites more hatred.

[Stumped]

bamaguy11 - Thanks!

[brian]

i tend to agree with this and while i still hold onto hope for natalee and her family and keep all possibilities open, its been more than made clear about what kind of stance aruba takes on things. all governments have their problems, so its not even a "were better than you" situation. far from it in fact. mickey johns words on gretas show spoke volumes about aruba, their police, and their government when he called them fools. if you really break it down, lets look at all the inconsistencies that has been made available to us(not to mention all the things we dont know)...

-theyll storm into one mans apt. off the word of three teens who were with her last and arrest him in his boxers but theyll wait 10 days to search the VDS estate because they don't want to come in like cowboys...hmmm...

-imvestigators can't even break a 17, 18, and 21 yr old.

-wont use polygraphs or voice analyzation...unless this changed. this is just complete ignorance.

-i like how PVDS was released one day before mickey john went on camera on gretas show and said PVDS had to do with the cover story. great interrogators they are.

-i also find it interesting that steve croes can't even answer a few simple questions from greta. that guy was lying through his teeth. tell lies for people he doesnt know? puh-lease. i guess that was convincing enough to let him go though.

-equusearch team delayed.

i think you see where im going with this. i know aruba has a low crime rate which means 1 of 2 things...either they simply are not experienced enough to handle this type of investigation and are to proud to admit it or things like this happen all the time and they simply brush it under the rug like they do with drug/sex trades not realizing what a media storm was going to hit them and what determination this family was going to have to recover their daughter.

[legalbeagle32]

Thank you for writing this. So true. I agree wholeheartedly.

[Stumped]

Great post Brian- good night all!

[bamaguy11]

Brian,

My thoughts exactly

[CardinalQ]

I hope that Greta/Fox News does not let the Charles Croes interview go unchallenged. He was in "Save Aruba" and "Poor Little Joran" mode and it became obvious as he could remember "details" that Joran said about Natalee but couldn't get the timeline even close.
I am becoming less and less a fan of Aruba and the Dutch.

[misty]

BRAVO Dan!!!! The title should have been "Warning to Aruba". I can somewhat understand them wanting to know more about the girl. Surely, when doing an investigation you want to rule out those close to the victim, especially when they are on the trip with her. The ex-boyfriend (if there is one) would have left the island before the real investigation started. I can see a need for him being questioned......in the beginning. But, in light of all that has come forward in the past 4 weeks regarding the VDS's it's not necessary at this time. We all know who is responsible, the problem lies with proving it.

[brian]

im thoroughly convinced that if it werent for the media and for natalees family, aruba would have tried the two black security guards. you know what else is extremely disappointing from a law enforcement point of view is that the holloways had to go and track down the VDS's themselves. is this the type of law enforcement that you want protecting YOU? that should of been a red flag right from the onset of this investigation.

[Solo Flyer]

Dear Dan Riehl,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saying everything that I have wanted to say but been unable to put into words as kindly or succinctly as you have. You have provided so much information on this case that the Arubans police should hang their heads in shame as you are a country away.
The defense is obviously prepaing it's case and has been for some time. From the statements given by Charles Croes tonight, It is obvious that Joran and Paul had already prepared a handful of lies not realizing that Natalee's mother was in the driveway ready to refute those lies. When Jug confronted them with the lies, they knew the gig was up and became hostile. Suddenly, there was no interest in helping to find Natalee anymore, it was "This is not America you do not have to talk to them" and chest pounding.
The supposed friends of Natalee's that were on the trip that posted the stories of how Natalee never slept in her room and other nonsense, it happens in every high profile case. The defense finds some bored people to post lies in forums and on blogs just to help murderers, I'll never understand why someone would do that but they are probably related to the DJ, Steve Croes who claims to just be a nice guy that lies and goes to jail for people he does not even know but is not nice enough to help look for a missing girl. Maybe he just hates Americans.
Lastly, I just wanted to thank you again for having such an open forum and allowing people to have opinions. I did belong to a forum that at one time was about solving crimes, now it has become more of a springboard for the defense attornies. This case was particularly monitored for those that disagreed with the popular opinion of the moderator and her Aruban friend (a relative of one of the minor suspects). The discussion of any type of cover-up became taboo.

Thanks again and keep the pressure on. All eyes are on Natalee and The Riehl World View. :)

[seedyrum]

Aruban Police want to know more about NH friends and family?

Why?

It seems to me they didnt want to know before they bust like "cowboys" in the home of Mickey John's.

Since they cant pin the crime on the 2 security officer, they need to search for other patsies.

Aruba doesnt want to use polygraph or voice analyzer?

Why?

Not like they are going to do anything with the results. There is already a foul odor from the handling of the case.

It has been reported that 1 or all 3 passed a polygraph. (Sorry for conflicting stories ie, Aruba Police dont like polygraph but yet 1 or more passed.

Where was the test given, what machine was used, who gave the test, what questions were asked, who interpeted the results?

Aruba Coverup Conspiracy, Corruption to the highest level of the Governement.

[seedyrum]

Even if Natalee slept around (which isnt the case), the last persons to see Natalee alive was Juran.

A prostitute doesnt deserve to be murdered nor raped, she would actually give sex away ok sell it.

I dont want Juran on a "silver platter" offered up as a sacrificial lamb to make bad publicity go away.

I want a thorough investigation, I want a confession substantiated by evidence, I want the names of those who conspired to cover this up.

I want those officers who like "cowboys" wenmt to the home of Johns and pulled him out of bed.

I dont want Juran saying it was consensual sex (Natalee may not be here to contest this)

I dont want Juran saying its the way she dressed or act as if the clothing said rape her she wants it but to shy to ask.

I want Juran to take ownership for his repulsive behavior and his parents to take ownership for how they reared him and their willingnes to do what ever it took to protect his vileness.

I want the Aruba Police to admit they are keystone kops at best or worst they conspired to cover and arrest innocent folks.

I want the Prime Minister to admit his part in the coverup, the conspiracy and the corruption.

I want Aruba to stop saying the Island is safe.

No reporting of crime =no investigation
No investigation= why report a crime
If investigation do occur = innocent are charged when that cant happen then sweep it under the rugs. just stall..................

[Not a Hand Wringer.]

Pretending to be a journalist is one thing.

But threats to Aruba is a new low, even for you.

Mind you, those of us who are not American aren't surprised when American impatience with a foreign country turns belligerent.

[annie]

Thank you Dan for your post and I totally agree with you.

Anyone posting negative things about Natalee online, probably isn't even really someone that knows her or could have been jealous of her. Bottom line, her family knows her and they know her friends and acquaintances. I know many of them have been questioned by the family and know whether she was totally out of character or not that night.

I honestly am sad to think about how pathetic the human race has become. I know that greed, corruption, sex scandals, and traffiking are nothing new, but when a supposed judge or officer of the law cares more about "appearances" than doing what is right, it is really a tired world we live in.

I just am thankful the Lord has the ultimate judgment overall in the end.

Now what will really be a "pip" to the VS family is if miraculously the body does show up and all evidence still points to the boys. Won't they be sweating bullets then?

[annie]

Not a Hand Wringer, do you have any children? Do you honestly think it matters what country it is? Yes Americans have seen enough crime to understand a lot of the law. Many court trials are televised anymore, so many are educated in that, not to mention it is a country full of trained legal personnel. But that doesn't make Americans any less patient than someone would be from another country had their child been in a similar situation. If their child had recently graduated from school with a promising future and suddenly disappeared on a school sponsored trip, you can bet that they would be delving into what happened. If they didn't then I would have to wonder how much they care about their child!

If you don't have children, then no wonder you think someone is being impatient. You have clearly no idea what a nightmare this is for any parent and their family members.

[coconut]

Dan Wrote:
I'd suggest you think very carefully as to whether or not you want to make a similar admittedly bold statement as regards America, or more factually her tourist dollars, before you begin asking too many unnecessary questions while America is looking upon you to provide some straightforward and increasingly overdue answers.

At this moment I see nothing of this on Aruba. The tourist are partying like nothing happened. They are even blaming FOX for their out of proportion mediashow. I don't think the tourist dollars will stop pouring in ARUBA. Dan can not stop that.

[seedyrum]

Well said Annie

even if he doesnt have children, suppose he was kidnapped by Al Queda? They are threatening to chop his head off, he would want someone to find his last year..let alone NOW.

Of course, if folks loved him and wanted him back.that is.

Perhaps, he has no family to want him back or even care, so I can see him not relating to impatience.

[coconut]

Dan Wrote:
I'd suggest you think very carefully as to whether or not you want to make a similar admittedly bold statement as regards America, or more factually her tourist dollars, before you begin asking too many unnecessary questions while America is looking upon you to provide some straightforward and increasingly overdue answers.

At this moment I see nothing of this happening on Aruba. The tourist are partying like nothing happened. They are even blaming FOX for their out of proportion mediashow. I don't think the tourist dollars will stop pouring in ARUBA. Dan can not stop that.

[Daniel]

Mr. Riehl, don't be absurd. Obviously when someone disappears, the character, lifestyle and background of that person are VERY relevant and NEED to be considered. They are important parameters to the hundreds of questions that investigators are asking themselves continuously about the likelyhood of the various scenarios ('did she leave C&C with Joran out of her own free will?'; 'could she have been romantically interested'; 'if drugs were involved, must those have been administered against her will or was she open to experiment?'). To suggest that raising such questions is wrong, and to question the ethics of those who do is not just preposterous, it is counter productive. If anything, the fact that these questions are only being asked now that four weeks of painstakenly avoiding them have not produced any solid evidence, is testimony to the discretion that the authorities and media have extended to the victim and her family. This has nothing to do with 'blaming the victim' as suggested here; circumstances surrounding the victim can be every bit as relevant as those surrounding the perpetrators, and some questions that you may consider painful or suggestive simply HAVE to be asked.

[PT]

Just tonight I was rethinking travel. It is not that there are not many dangers in the US, danger, danger, galore. But, not knowing the system of another place in case of a problem, something I never gave enough thought to. So, while absorbed in the news about this story and wondering how many more missing people there are I began to question more and more the way that we are programmed to live. Our children are dropped off at schools that are not so safe anymore. There are shootings, child molesting teachers, and so on. It is hard to find an honest dentist and doctors are operating on body parts often for money unnecessarily, really hard to sort. Tonight I started to go out and get something from the car and decided someone could nab me in the yard. Last night a fence was open that is never used. Early yesterday morning I decided to go check on my elderly parents and realized I left the cell phone at home and turned around for it thinking I could break down and be in danger. Not long ago someone told me that a couple pulled into the mall in a mercedes and the man got out and tried to pull a woman's purse from her in the parking lot. A while back I was told that in the French Quarter in New Orleans a man in charge of a store was raped. A man! My elderly grandmother was raped. It is like almost every week on the news another little child getting sexually harmed or missing. We all continue to be surprised all of this is happening but still not quite snapping to the fact that it all is happening but we are just sort of adapting to it in some kind of way. I am actually surprised to discover the low crime in Aruba and can't imagine one murder and a few rapes a year, if that is really the case. We all see a mother and dad with a missing child and a mother and dad with a child in trouble, maybe guilty and maybe not, and all the horror associated with the situation. I suppose the best news so far is all the people who try to help each other cope and find answers. It is amazing all the various views that people have when given the same information.

Of course, there has been a lot of misleading information. I would be interested to know what people think about Steve Croes and how he just decided to tell the tale he heard. Does that mean he heard what was said in the internet cafe and belived it for some cultural reason, like people are framed there so he decided to help? He just decided to take a ride down and tell the tale to help someone he didn't know for no reason, so he says basically, or he saw something and decided he was best off not seeing and changed his story and got out. Who knows. In reality for me it is almost easier to believe what isn't true or what he is saying isn't true, so he is saying he just did it for no reason at all.But, every one makes mistakes from time to time. Geeeee I have a hard time relating to that although people who have met him and written on the blog appear to think he was okay so? Next, Jug Twitty described the first night he went to the VDS and Mr. VDS being rude, making his stomach turn, and a slimball. The son was described as arrogant. Tonight I watch the news and Greta interviews a gentleman who said he question the boy that first night himself and he said nothing to indicate the boy or dad were rude in any way. Next. Jug Twitty said he has a friend with a Israeli device to see if people are being truthful, done by there comments. Finally, I hear that the device was used on the comment Mr. VDS said that he believed his son was innocent and he was telling the truth, as I understood. None of this confusion is coming from the investigators but from people coming on and saying things and then conflicting information following. The Twitty's deserve a break if they are irrational through this but the media? Spin, spin, and spin it to the point when really we all want to know the facts but what is being done like we are not watching down to earth people report, really hyper out there on an agenda somewhere. Greta the best, tries to cover bases. At some point I felt to just give up because I don't think I have what it takes to figure this one out for sure. There is a person missing. My final thought, I suppose the best lesson we all hope to learn from this is to get a lot more protective of personal safety and the safety of our loved ones and not feel or be made to feel in any way intimidated for that decision. I mean, maybe even consider a different way of raising families by clanning, more as past history and less counting on organized structured way presented to us to follow. Other than the beauty of Aruba and experience for that reason, there is likely little meaning in the bar fun and party that took place that could have been in any way meaningful for Natalee in hindsight. It might have been more meaningful to spend a few days in a quiet setting with her family before she started college and left the unity she had for so long with them. As Americans, can't speak for other places, I think we take a lot for granted and this type of circumstance brings that reality to the surface. So many people are on anti depressants that you have to wonder if depression is normal or something about our culture leaving people empty? In a history class I remember a professor mentioning the organic theory. The organic theroy, as I remember, everything goes through infancy, child, young adult, adult, middle old age and dies... even government. I think it is possible to forget we are going through a process and this life isn't forever but this life is only temporary and how we live it, even small decisions, deserve more attention...

I could go on. This story have been moving. There are so many aspects. Also, there are so many people out there with missing members and sad circumstances who never get this type of help. In some way I think Natalee's energy and this circumstance is making a lot of us much better and thoughtful people. If everything is really energy then for some reason this has been a very powerful development that has brought us together with other cultures and each other, more knowledge, less innocence, help of some and lack of trust in other ways... Quite a mysterious experience that many have shared together. As Natalee's mother said during a Greta interview, Natalee is amazing. This unfortunate circumstance has been bigger than other news and why? Maybe we are sharing, spiritually, information and thoughts and values that brings forth change for the better, energy that is a part of the change that will take place in the organic theory. There is some reason so many relate to this story. Maybe it is good to argue the points, try to understand, see the sad for all parties and the human in it all and the horror.

Regardless of what happened the night the VDS son and the Holloway daughter left together, due to their attraction of some kind, I feel the VDS and the Holloway's both very devoted parents. I am sad for all of them having the worst kind of nightmares parents could possible have.

[Cindi in PA]

Wonderful letter Dan, very well said.

As far as Dan being able to stop tourist from going to Aruba, you are most likly right. However as a person, we can all start at least trying to stop it. SPEAK UP, let other americans hear what you have to say, at work, standing at the check out line, at the gas pumps.

NEXT letter: Dear GOVERNOUR BUSH, take action now, not after the fact. Florida does not need
JVD living and being educated in your state. LOL

I am sure from an ethical stand, he would go a long with it.

[Katie]

Dan, before you go off critizing Aruba for questioning the morals of the MB students and even Natalee's you should look in your own backyard.
I have yet to see "any" case in America that doesn't demoralize the victim.The media loves the scandals.
So do you think it is right to post the suspects dirty laundry, when they could be totally innocent? In this case I think unlikely but you never know.

[P in S.E. Asia]

PT,

I have been on here since this saga begun and i think u have proved to be one of the more "open minded" Americans - if i can be so bold to say that - i have seen on here.

Dan has tried to remain unbiased and 'open minded' but lately has succumbed to the frustration of 'lack of progress'.

You are one of the few persons on here who actually see BOTH sets of families - well the main ones - I love ur ending comments, permit me to quote:

"Regardless of what happened the night the VDS son and the Holloway daughter left together, due to their attraction of some kind, I feel the VDS and the Holloway's both very devoted parents. I am sad for all of them having the worst kind of nightmares parents could possible have."

I hope more persons will internalize that statement.

I think it is justifiable for the authorities and possibly the media to investigate both parties - granted Joran is the prime suspect while Natalie is the victim. The need exists - well it existed much more 4 weeks ago - to find out as much about natalie as there is to know. No one should be allowed to smear her or drag her name n charracter in the much but i damn well believe the same applies to Joran as well. yet no one gets upset when he is characterized as some madman with potential to harm even the deadliest of vilans while maintain a smile on his face.

wicked people i tell u, condeming the young man because of his lies but not wanting others to explore the possibility that the young lady could have indeed predisposed herself to whatever befell her.

[DeeDee]

Dan you have an awesome perspective and great site, thank you so much for your hard work here.

I have come to the conclusion that the polic on the island were very familar with the VDS family, knowing Vander Strateen intimately. This should have caused the procecutors office concern but fear of retribution on such a small island would hinder that. I have heard that Vander Strateen will be replaced after this tragedy has settled. Also, of course the VDSloots will move, probably to Curacoa as the governments are related and the work probably available for Paulus. The current judge who ordered his release was a collague from there. It will remain a black eye to the VDS family but if one is willing to live with such guilt then I doubt that life can be a happy, where ever they go. I don't think that Mickey John would be safe on the island after this and probably is not wise in making the statements toward this investigation. He too would be wise to move on because in all likely hood if they were willing to fry him with all the media present, just imagine what they will do him once it's gone. One thing is clear, they were very confident that her body would not be found. So, having foreknowledge that if you do get into a legal delimma while in Aruba fellow American, you will be at the mercy of the highest local official. Since America has obviously made quiet a few enemies in light of this case I doubt things would go well for future Americans there. Traveling to Aruba would be at your own risk but you already know the legal support would not be on your side, American. You are only a statistic on their tourism chart, a percentage and a dollar sign. As Dutch keeps reminding us, an unimportant one. The honor system of not leaving our wounded or dead behind is not practiced in other countries nor can they begin to understand our Patriotism.

[JimmyJoeBillyBob]

You do Aruba a favor with your words here, Dan.

There is a well known sales and marketing fact that for every customer that complains, more than ten others have the same complaint that they have not made the effort to communicate.

It's of key importance that businesses know their customers and their perceptions. That's why I say you just did the Arubans a favor. If Aruban government doesn't want to repel their island's potential customers, being very careful not to drag the victim through the mud is great advice! That sort of strategy would have the OPPOSITE effect of damage control.

[Daniel]

Well Cindi, if you're writing letters, why not send one to Jeb's brother in Washington, too:

"Dear Mr. President:

According to FBI statistics, over 16,500 adults have been reported missing in the US during this past month. Fortunately most of those have turned up again, but 915 are still missing.

As a citizen, I am deeply concerned that our FBI and local and state police can be so corrupt and incompetent. I wish to receive a list of all counties where people are still missing, so that I may avoid these dangerous and backward places in business and travel."

[hanskb]

I think that every possibillity has to be looked at also when its in a direction that nobody likes to look in. Most posts presume that every suspect is lying, what sounds obvious. What I have read a couple of times, don't know if it is true, that NH only slept in the H.I. for 1 night. Then it would be very useful to know where she slept the other nights as that would be the place she would be heading after she was left on the beach. That is where her toothbrush and stuff would be, right? Not in the H.I. If there was a person in the place she was staying with that person could be a major suspect as well. Anyone wants to think about this?

[P in S.E. Asia]

Thank u Daniel, i was about to 'touch' cindy but u've pretty much done that for me. thanks

[bombs away]

Nuke the freakn' island!

[T_C_Mits]

Dan you are too kind. Aruba police and government deserve more than that!

[bamawings]

Dan, you have made some very good points- could have taken the words right out of my mouth. I live in B'ham but do not know the Twitty's or Natalee. We hear a lot more here as to what happened than what has been on national tv. The kids talk to parents who talk. However, there has been nothing to indicate that Natalee is anything more than an honor student and very good kid. We have heard none of these rumors and in fact most of this stuff conflicts with things that we have heard. Again, we are privy to more interviews from the group on tv because they have been interviewed locally on several occasions. It is very sad that people would make up this stuff about a person who is probably dead. I guess those who know her will just have to take comfort in the type person that she really was but it is sad for the family that people have jumped to all these conclusions about her. People jumped to conclusions about her based on the fact that she got into the care with these three boys. Everyone in her group has indicated that is very our of character for her. We don't know if she was pushed into the car on her way back to the group, thought it was taxi or had been given drugs so that her judgment was impaired. The fact that she on this one occasion may have done something stupid does not in anyway indicate that this was indicative of her character.

As to the boys, I was willing to believe the security guards when that story was floated out there. I did not jump to the conclusions that they were guilty. However, the fact that they ied made me very suspicious. Again, if you had nothing to do with this, why would you make up a story. Everyone said that they were just young and panicked. If what we are hearing is true, Daddy coached them. That makes it look more like this was a concentrated effort to come up with a story involving an adult who helped them come up with it. Shouldn't it have dawned on the dad just to say, guys you did nothing wrong so just tell the truth if they were innocent. Also, if the dad made the statement about the body-not sure where this info is coming from, how would he know that the body would not be found. If he made that statement, that is very odd. If they had no idea where the body was how would they know that it would not show up. Why would this statement have given the boys any comfort unless they thought the body would not be found? Ironically, if the boys had not been caught in these they would not be subject to so much suspdicion. If Joran had truly taken her to the beach and left her and they truly thought that she would show up or even if there was an accident and they had told police to begin with, they might very well have been believable. It is the fact that they have intentionally lied to cover this up that makes them look guilty. The fact that the father was involved in the lies eliminates the theory that they panicked and just thought it would be best to lie.

[Tom]

I still don't understand how a girl of good character could get drunk, hop in the back of a car with 3 guys she just met in the middle of the night and make out with one of them in the middle of the night.

[Caribbean]

Dan-

WELL STATED!!

I have a nagging question of logic.

If the 3 boys were truely innocent, why would PVDSloot have any reason to have a conversation with the 3 boys regarding no body/no case just several days after the incident? Does this not indicate that he knew they were involved, that there was a body, and that he was building a foundation of a "defence" that early in the case? I see no other possible explanation. If you were innocent, why would you not be out searching the island like many other citizens were at that time rather than discussing how to stall the investigation. Perception is reality?

[seedyrum]

That is where her toothbrush and stuff would be, right? Not in the H.I. If there was a person in the place she was staying with that person could be a major suspect as well. Anyone wants to think about this?

Posted by: hanskb | June 30, 2005 07:09 AM

Hanskb,
If she left of her own volition, wouldnt she take her luggage and passport, toiletries( including the toothbrush)

Her choice to leave so therefore she had time to get what belonged to her.

Grehta interviewed Twitty-Holloway (the mother) in the room (coincidentally she is staying in the same room as Natalee) and Beth showed Grehta her possessions.

[SL]

I have a few questions..

QUESTION ONE:
Why were the Kalpoe Brothers washing their car, as seen by their neighbors, at 2 AM the night Natalee disappeared?

QUESTION TWO:
Why were two withdrawals made from "someone" at PaulVDS's Aruba ATM... around 3AM, and later at 3.45
AM, in the wee hours after N's disappearance?

QUESTION THREE:
It is common to read that Joran bragged about sex w/ N. at his school the next AM. Is it true he told quite a few people that she drowned too?

Thx for any responses,
SL