Aruba Update: An Editorial

Seems I've taken some heat as regards my post on Tim Miller.

It's ridiculous for anyone to think that I don't want what's best to bring some type of closure to this tragedy for the family of Natalee Holloway. Or that I create posts simply out of my opinions as regards another web site's actions. As I told one who wrote to me, yes, I would love to go to Aruba to try and help in some way. Unfortunately, that isn't a reality. My work wouldn't allow it and there is little I could do without almost moving there - and even then I doubt I could help in any meaningful way.

This case lies in the hands of the FBI and the Aruban authorities. And I am at least trying to work with someone behind the scenes as regards potentially meaningful details of which some more analysis might actually help people to try and understand what happened, to seem degree.

The notion that an individual, Paul(us) Van der Sloot, a lawyer and until recently active member within the justice department on Aruba is going to allow anyone to enter his property without official authorityu is utterly ridiculous. And simply building American sentiments to a froth with silly nightly non-news stories is not going to do anything to bring Natalee Holloway back. It preys upon the worst of people's emotions, breeding distrust in systems upon which we must rely if there is EVER to be some justice in this case.

I am American and strongly pro-America - but how quick some have forgotten that within a few days of this tragedy coming to light, the Aruban government shut down and gave people the day to assist in a preliminary search. Effective, second stage searching as what is purportedly being done now must be basewd upon intelligence - real intelligence ... not every clown who stumbles by and says, "Oh, go look here." It only serves to use up valuable resources which actually might be applied in the event any REAL information ever does turn up.

Any good information will turn up through thoughtful, persistent investigation and interrogation - not simply fodder being produced for nightly broadcast on Fox News.

Comments

[FloridaPatty]

A good post and great reminder Dan. Thank you.

[michigan mom]

http://www.maxtothemillions.com/index.html

This young man was lost in Aruba in the spring of 2004. The mother still has no clear answer as to what happened to Max. No death certificate, no police report, and no help from the US or Aruban government. He went out on a jet ski with someone from the hotel that they were at, and never came back. Lost at sea.

Another lost person in Aruba. :-(
Michigan Mom

[RealPotential]

Patience can indeed be a virtue. We do need to try to have SOME faith, even if it means blind faith for now.

Thank you again Dan.

[DennisAOK]

I gave money to Texas EquuSearch. I thought Miller's personal story moving, and that the expertise he had gained from past experience in these situations would be invaluable. I still think he is a net plus, but my convidtion is not as strong when I hear him tell a reporter, "There's going to be a funeral in Alabama next week", or he has a bead on where Natalee's body is because he has been working with a psychic.

My next donation is going to Dave Holloway.

[DonHenley]

Mirrors on the ceiling
Pink champagne on ice
And she said
We are all just prisoners here
Of our own device
- - --
Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
Relax said the nightman
We are programed to recieve
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave

[AkekoaHoAlethia]

Dan,

Though I do believe there can be possibly? "some good" done by most who are "truly helping" in some way just because of the multitude of efforts, I certainly am drawn to the underlying sense of your reference, "fodder being produced for nightly broadcast on Fox News."!

I am becomming more disgusted with the "entertainment" side of these "news shows" as opposed to some clear , complete and simple FACTS. They are insulting my intelligence with their "production" teases and games that lead about as far as these "witness" accounts.

I would like to know some facts. If they don't have any they should not waste my time by trying to make me watch it. I have a DVR anyway and MUTE and FFWD buttons are becoming quite worn!!

[Dolores]

http://www.maxtothemillions.com/index.html

This young man was lost in Aruba in the spring of 2004. The mother still has no clear answer as to what happened to Max. No death certificate, no police report, and no help from the US or Aruban government. He went out on a jet ski with someone from the hotel that they were at, and never came back. Lost at sea.

Another lost person in Aruba. :-(
Michigan Mom

Posted by: michigan mom | August 1, 2005 06:46 PM

Michigan mom, excuse me if I am wrong, but is this not the kid who went out to sea on a jetski with his stepdad and drowned"", where later in the US the stepdad got arrested because he had a hand in the kids death? For insurance money?? I strongly believe this is that case....

[LePeau]

Very good post indeed. Would be even better if it would be: "This case lies in the hands of the Aruban authorities." Weather you like it or not, Aruba is not 'Fed country'. People do seem to forget that Aruba asked for assistance. Perhaps in a very (over)relaxed way, but they did ask for assistance. In the Netherlands, that would never be the case.

[MissAruba]

Yep dolores,but the kid isnt dead,they found him in sout america 2 months ago,family are involved...

[mariaK]

Michigan Mom: I read the "Max to the Millions" story and I don't see where anyone from a hotel was involved. The young man was on his own jet ski and went out into the open water. It's tragic, but I don't think it's the fault of Aruba. Oddly, it doesn't say if they found his jet ski or evidence that would point to foul play.
Also, Dan: Thanks for the post about Tim Miller. The man needs to pack up and leave Aruba because he has brought suspicion to any evidence that he may actually find.

[LePeau]

Michigan Mom

Hmm, very sad... Michigan Mom seems eager to put some oil on the fire without even reading the story about Max. Very, very sad!

Well, this does tells me that at least some out here are just in it for some cheap thrills over the back (perhaps I should say: corps) of innocent kids and their families! VERY SAD AND DISGUSTING!!!!

[In Aruba]

Paying it forward: The mother of Max is an Angel that God has given very dificult trials. She lost her husband, then 6 months later her son. Max de Vries broke the heart of Aruba and HE WAS the largest and most extensive and expensive search Aruba had ever done! WE started looking for Max within 45 minutes of his disapearance. The Aruba Search and Rescue Team together with a helicopter searched ALL NIGHT long, risking thier lives at night in the rough sea. The Royal Dutch Marines joined in, their Helecopter, and a Helicopter from Curacao came in to search. He rented a wave runner with a man his mother met at the pool at La Cabana. Aruba did every possible to find Max, but the currents swept him away. The man who sign responsibility for Max on the waverunner swam to shore in a different direction of Max. NEITHER fell off, they decided to swim in even after receiving instructions to NEVER LEAVE YOUR VESSLE - he signed the waver. His waverunner was found within 1/2 hour. You cannot blame Aruba! Aruba will always remember Max!

[Coolbeans]

I think Tim Miller needs to go home.

And more importantly, you hit the nail on the head with this editorial.

Coolbeans

[Dolores]

Michigan mom, where are you now??? YOU STAND CORRECTED..... or hasn't it gotten to you YET?

[WI Mom]

Thanks. Someone needs to point out some people are out of control in this case. Some of these characters appearing on nightly TV are turning this sad tragedy into a circus. While it does appear things should have been handled differently in the beginning, I do believe in individual rights and abiding by the laws of other countries while a visitor in that country just as I expect visitors to do while in the U.S.

[chip]

dan
i worry sometimes about the media if tim miller & fox news are doing this without any respect for the current investigation i think they are dead wrong.i have to hope they have good intentions.
are people thinking of the book deals?ratings? i hope not.there are people suffering because of this.it is not entertainment.
i appreciate this site for the information & comments.many different points of veiw i would hope your readers allow you to comment on your own site!!!
cheers

[In Aruba]

Regarding Max, we held a tearful sunset memorial service where thousands of volunteers who searched and prayed for Max threw flowers into the ocean after 72 hours of searching. Mrs. de Vries had already left the island of Aruba with her daughter. The Vigil wasn't for Max's family who had already left, it wasn't a PR stunt for the media, they WERE NOT here NOT ONE, we did it for Max - a young boy we will never know, but will miss forever!

[FloridaPatty]

FYI I could not find any scam on Max De Vries. The story appears to be genuine, the website is still active with additional information from this young man's principal at school.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dan, some nice things you are posting tonight. Thought provoking considerations.

[Roy]

This young man was lost in Aruba in the spring of 2004. The mother still has no clear answer as to what happened to Max. No death certificate, no police report, and no help from the US or Aruban government. He went out on a jet ski with someone from the hotel that they were at, and never came back. Lost at sea.

Another lost person in Aruba. :-(
Michigan Mom

Posted by: michigan mom | August 1, 2005 06:46 PM

You are one SICK mom. What's your game?

[pearl]

Max and all his family make us look as idiots. He's a live. And the whole story that they make was for money.

[TS]

Excellent points, Dan.

[clintcarter]

Now That's what I'm Talking about!

[Anna2]

Dan,
I agree. Facts have been few and far between but endless speculation and reporting witness accounts without verification has abounded. FNC and other US media have not only questioned Aruba's competence to handle this investigation but even suggested that the US should be given the authority to take over. I realize they've made some mistakes in the investigation, but, hey, we let OJ & MJ get away so they don't have the market cornered on mistakes.
I'm all for cooperation and glad they are working with the FBI but we wouldn't stand for someone coming in and taking over an investigation in this country just because it involved one of their citizens and we should not expect Aruba to feel any differently.
I admit that I am normally a big Fox Fan, but I've been a disappointed Fox Fan lately.

[shonane]

Dan, after reading this posting that you made, I finally realized why I keep returning.

I am not a regular blogger. I need to be in bed right now as have to get up about 7 am for work, but wanted to see what you posted today.

In fact, I haven't been interested in actively participating in a discussion board for awhile, and really don't have time to do this regularly. In the past, I periodically participated in some discussions, primarily policial or gardening. But never returning as much as I have here.

I like the way you present information, the effort you put into this blog site, a light touch on the discussion board when helpful or when needed for control of negatives. And most of all, I like your balance of perspective.

For example, you point out that of course PVS isn't going to let unauthorized people on his property. While the masses assume he has something to hide, you understand that it does not. I cannot understand why all the folks interviewed don't understand.

The mob mentality of this case and people who are convinced they know all the answers, without the evidence, is scary. No one seems to mind that they may destroy people who may possibly not have harmed Natalie. I am not convinced either way yet. Your perspective is very helpful to counter the Nancy Graces. If people are convinced they already know the answers, then why look, and can they ever really find them then?

Don't know how blog sites work or how you get paid for this. But, you are doing a good thing here. I wish I could meet you sometime as I know you are someone I would like and respect. My guess is a lot of other folks think the same way, as they are showing up and coming back.

I do want to know though - Were you serious when you said "Dick Chaney for President?" Gasp! I would definitely be on the opposite end of the political spectrum from you if the answer is yes.

[clintcarter]

Gawd Da*n Dan! Shonane thinks you might be a Librul!

[shonane]

Shonane thinks you might be a Librul!

Posted by: clintcarter
====================================
I assume he is not if he is posting "Dick Cheney for President."

[clintcarter]

Go back and look at the link. Dick Cheney had been served up. Don't you dang Libruls got a sense of humor?

[friend of max]

hearing you all talk about Max DeVries like this has made me sick. i stumbled across this when i was looking up maxtothemillions.com Max was one of my good friends i went to middle school with him. and someone says it is a money making scandel and he is alive! i can not belive someone had the nerve to say that. Max is still missing and was persumed lost at see on May 12, 2004. im absoutly diguested that people can talk about it being a scam without knowing or talking to the family. im not sure if anyone will read this but i thought i should let people know that is it not a scam

[knew max]

I was looing up maxtothemillions and i came across this, Max and I grew up togther and were friend. He was my neighbor. For you people who dont know anything about this and to say it was for money you are wrong. IF this is true then WHERE IS HE? how come he isnt at Brighton High School or at home with his family? i think that the athorities in Aruba were no good to tell you the truth..what a long search they put up with. If you dont belive the story go to www.wxyz.com (channel 7 news) and click on inverstigations...his story is under there.

[Dominique]

all of you guys are being super mean about this whole thing this is dominqiue maxs sister so you no this was in no way a scam im at school wowo what a way to ruin my day i cant belive some of you people would tink of this in that way it makes me sick. you peopole need to get a life.... and like that person said above me if hes still alive then where is he.. bring him here then kayy cool thanks stop being dumb and get your own life THANKKS =D

[Tony]

Good. I'm glad to see that the fools who spoke badly about Michigan Mom and Max shut their mouths after reading from the people who loved Max. Dominique, I know you don't know me but I knew your mom many years ago. It broke my heart when I heard the news, and hoped for his safe return somehow. It's a very good thing what your Mom is doing in his memory now, and helping so many more families. You should be proud of her.
It would be real nice if some of the people who were posting such hurtful things earlier would be strong enough to apologize to these friends and family who had to read such painful things from you....