George (Jug) Twitty Writes Alabama Gov

It's posted at aruba dot com - click here to read.

Twitty calls for co-operation between Aruba and the US and does not support a resolution advising against travel to Aruba.

Comments

[KoG]

Strategically, this was a brilliant move on the Twitty's part.

They are reversing the wedge tactic that has been employed (most likely) to distract watchful eyes from both the Aruban and American side of the fence.

The America vs. Aruba -and vise-versa- sentiment appears a convenient smoke screen; one which too easily baited MSM from both countries.

Citizens from either country were quickly manipulated into defense mode...eager to protect the reputation of their respective nations. As national crime statistics, etc. were scrutinized and disseminated, the scale and scope of the general perspective shifted to become obscuringly grand.

As anti-Aruban, anti-American arguments kicked up dust, the guilty parties were given ample opportunity to operate with stealth in the midst of chaos. They could divert, then re-divert attention from themselves...insuring the tying up of remaining loose ends.

This case has meandered along so many false streams of information. How many witnesses have come along to supposedly "help" in good faith, yet each produced (intentionally or not)the same net effect: to consume resources and attention without advancing the case. *It is almost certain that some the stories and sites were intended diversions...and we KNOW Steve Croes represents one undeniable (non-suspect)prepetuator of false information.*

But now, with this manuever, the Twittys can draw a non-"Aruba-vs-America" line in the sand. The new wedge will be driven between those that fear truth of this case being revealed, and those genuinely wanting justice for Natalee. And for those fearing a credible pursuit of justice...maybe now the thickness of the thread connecting them (and their behaviors) may be PERSONALLY revealing.

Finally, the Twitty letter represents an undisputable expression of appreciation to the helpful Aruban majority. This will help them solidify current support and draw many Arubans from off the fence.

I wish them success in this and their ongoing efforts to find justice for their daughter.

- KoG

[scubajap]

Hello KoG
I don't know if you are around-this is a very interesting comment and a bit scary. I agree with you that the that what should be the real goal of is finding Natalee, who do you suspect are the people impeding this investigation, and how will this letter, specifically accomplish revealing that-what kind of actions in response to this letter would you expect from anyone attempting to hide Natalee's true fate?
What do you think is her true fate?

[FloridaPatty]

Morning SCUBA.

This was an excellent political move for them. Saw the spokesperson last night (Ruben??) and he did remind that there are those on the island dedicated to the search. Boycotts would harm them. Understood. It's a precarious position to be in, while you don't want to punish the good, the leaders who have acted irresponsibly with self preservation as their forethought, should receive some kind of repurcussions for fouling up in such a blatant way. Can't say I feel any safer about going down there.

I am hopeful the people will say enough is enough and come forward bit by bit, to put the puzzle together. Dead or alive these people want their daughter. This isn't going away until they have closure.

[just an observer]

So they suddenly change their position, and all of the media's position, on how terribly bad and horrid the Aruban law enforcement is and the govt. They get thousands to act up on their behalf now they change their position?

"Brilliant move" oh okay. They shouldn't have said all those things 3 months ago. 3 months of bashing the Arubans and their law enforcement etc and now they change midstream? 3 months of hearing them on TV daily bashing the Aruban LE. All those mistakes made the first 10 days or so they said. Who is really lying?

[ev]

just an observer

Well it is true that the Aruban LE did botch the case from the beginning did you forget Van der Straten being friends or than friends with Papa VDS. I can not do this to my friend. Isn't that why he was suddently called back to Holland. Please this has been joke since the beginning. Maybe now with the new Chief and new dutch authorities they can put it together. I think they mended the fences and they are probably seeing progress in the case. Which part in the beginning of this case you did not understand. Hoepfully none of it since there was never a case to begin with. Please give me a break. They want there daughter back I would be willing to play along.

[POOPS]

True to form, Jug Twitty needs someone to proof read his outstanding letter. "Aruba and its people should NOT TO BE HARMED". What the hell kind of English is that? He should be out there with Dave Holloway getting his hands dirty trying to find Natalee. What a switch!!!! 28 days 'til the release of Joran. Time is running out and the media has several other juicy stories to keep their ratings up. This is a terrible situation, and I do feel for the family, but reality is just around the corner. Those little Surinamese rats need to be grilled. The key is in their hands!! Why were they kicked out of Suriname?

[DennisAOK]

just an observer,

I don't see any inconsistency at all. The letter does not exonerate Aruban law enforcement, which the Twittys and virtually all American legal and police commentators, and some in Aruba, have criticized from the beginning. It does recognize that a boycott might alientate those in Aruba who have been helpful and want justice served without necessarily harming the incompetents. When this is over, the Dutch and Arubans need to do a full scale investigation and review of their polices and procedures.

[jayjay]

just an observer,

They actually have not really changed their position as much as their tact. Beth was still openly critical of the investigation last night. However, now she is getting briefings from the FBI on the progress of the new interrogators from Holland.

Apparently the FBI is encouraged by the new interrogators so Beth seemed more upbeat.

The change in tact I mentioned is the subtle way they are voicing concerns about what the case is doing to the Aruban people. Within the last week they have been dropping these little comments into their interviews. Quite honestly it is a very smart move to now differentiate between the Aruban people and the investigative authority.

Not only does this help endear her to the Aruban people, but it subliminally asks them to put pressure on the authorities to put an end to this fiasco so the family can just go home and things return to normal!!

[jayjay]

Dennis,

You and I should really talk before we post. If we are gonna right the same thing in different words one of us should just sit back while the other types...lol

[seedyrum]

Jug Twitty did what he had to do.
what Aruba wants him(them) to do.
The Dutch Eltist dont care about Aruba now and or even then.

The Dutch Elitist thought they were the smartest pants in the room and I thought the executives of Enron thought they were.
The Dutch Eltist want the innocent to suffer for the Dutch Elitist undoing, manipulation, corruption and cronyism.

Now, the Dutch Elitist want the USA to stop the bad press.

Give me a break.

MSM didnt cause this problem the Dutch Eltist caused their own problem.
MSM didnt cause this problem the Dutch Eltist caused their own problem.
MSM didnt cause this problem the Dutch Eltist caused their own problem.
Why cant the Dutch Eltist accept responsibility for their own actions?

Why do the Dutch Elitist blame others?
To me thats reason enough not to ever visit, revisit, or even think of Aruba, the Dutch Elitist never take responsibility for their actions.
Karin Janssen recuse yourself
People with nothing to hide hide nothing

[KoG]

Scubajap,

I apologize for the lateness of my reply. I check in here only periodically from work.

To point:

I didn't mean to imply that I have any better idea of who the guilty parties are, or the nature/extent of their involvement for that matter.

What I do mean to imply is this:

It would be extremely naive to believe the Twittys are the only persons involved in this case that possess a short learning curve regarding MSM manipulation. While the Twitty approach is more transparent, the "other side" may utilize more clandestine methods.

For example, the guilty surely know that:

1) The 24hr. news hounds are starving for story developments that will augment already robust ratings numbers stemming directly from this case

2) The news outlets are tripping over one another to break the keystone story, and have generally proved willing to pay attention to, and report on, leads [no matter how implausible]

3) The eye of the MSM, in turn, applies pressure on ALE to follow up on those leads; commit attention and resources...again, no matter how implausible the scenario

4) Planting seeds of "exotic" sex-trade rings, drug-cartel involvement stories etc. could [and have] divert attention away from individual and onto reputations of a larger scale (Aruba as a nation)

5) Cultivating Aruba vs. America sentiment (and the reverse) could foster the idea that the Twitty's [voiced] dissaproval of the ALE's handling of the case seems to = an attack on all Arubans/Aruban institutions. [this point is further supported by "Just an Observer's" inability to make the important distinction between attacks on potentially corrupt ALE vs. attacks against the private citizens of Aruba]

6) Beth Twitty's compromised emotional state often shapes her statements in the media...leaving her vulnerable to putting forth unintended messages. [She may come across as Aruba-bashing because the guilty hide behind Aruban institutions/laws. How can you hit one w/o penetrating through the other?]

7) Once America-vs-Aruba sentiment is established it would be easier to market Deepak, Joran, Satish, etc. as "Aruban sons" and Beth Twitty as a hysterical, selfish outsider bent on revenge. In this manner, an attack on any of the three boys would be an attack on Aruba, and traitorous for Arubans.

One last comment...

Longtime readers here have become intimately aware of the suspects use of the internet to seek out (and manipulate w/ lies) girls of various countries. They are no less familiar w/ blogs or chat rooms than any of us. Deepak WORKS in an internet cafe.

Would it be so outrageous to believe that this medium would supply an avenue for the guilty to plant seeds of doubt concerning their guilt?...a place to "troll" and cultivate breeding grounds of misinformation? With their notorious sub-canine-like reputations, would they not be uniquely qualified to maneuver the "tail to wag the dog"? MSM keeps a lazy eye here...believe.

I suggest that the Twitty letter will help to abate the dust stirred from the Aruba-vs-America (and reverse) bashfest. When the haze clears, MSM from both sides will hopefully bring the scale of perception back down to where it belongs. Instead of profiling nations (which is now pragmatic and pointless in this particular case) maybe MSM will profile and scrutinize the profiles of individuals.

Listen the to loudest voices of protest and opposition to the Twittys. Follow the drumbeat and you will find those few guilty, pretending to defend Aruba when they are likely trying to save their own hides.

KoG -aka Killer of Giants-

[\\\\CroSSBronXXPress////]

Any type of boycott against Aruba would only hurt the hard working families and the children of Aruba . This would have virtually no effect on the high-ranking decision makers and authorities you would think it targets!!

Now that the family is speaking against boycott , all the rest of you "boycotters"(that would never have even gone to Aruba anyway)... will calm down with all that S---!!

......Think about it........???

[Andrea]

In plain speak, if we boycott Aruba, they'll boycott us, thus, no or little cooperation (will they even care) from them in finding the resolution to the Holloway case. Jug was right to send that letter.

[R Nelson]

In my opinion, this was an obvious political move that he felt was necesary. No more no less. I have already cancelled one trip to Aruba and will continue to do so until I'm satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. The world is full of beautiful places. Adios Aruba.

[(CindyLouWho)]

I suggest that the Twitty letter will help to abate the dust stirred from the Aruba-vs-America (and reverse) bashfest. When the haze clears, MSM from both sides will hopefully bring the scale of perception back down to where it belongs. Instead of profiling nations (which is now pragmatic and pointless in this particular case) maybe MSM will profile and scrutinize the profiles of individuals.

Listen the to loudest voices of protest and opposition to the Twittys. Follow the drumbeat and you will find those few guilty, pretending to defend Aruba when they are likely trying to save their own hides.

KoG | August 11, 2005 09:37

I have nothing to add except ....BINGO!!!!!

[FloridaPatty]

Don't misunderstand here...

I do not take the letter from Jug as an admission of error on the part of the Twittys in all actions to gain attention to their daughter.

What I think Jug was addressing was that to have our powers that be pass resolutions in our government to protest and ban travel to Aruba as a collective voice, although supportive, may not send the right message. It harms all. I'm thinking of the street vendors, the women selling their tshirts and trinkets, the families who rely on this and they are on the low totem of the Aruba Pole. I've learned from this board that this caste system exhisting in this country, while as revolting and archaic as we see it, it is their daily experience. Removing tourism as a form of punishment to Aruba would trickle down to these people who had nothing to do with her disappearance and have no voice in her recovery by virtue of their social status.
There are other ways to address the preferential treatment of some to the point of illegal activities.

That Deepak felt threatened...give me a break. What did he think she would do? Tie him up with her Hope For Natalee bracelets????

Deepak, we all saw the video. To file this motion only makes you look like a coward!

[KoG]

Leave it to R Nelson to stir the dust up yet again.

I suspect that many American "trolls" post here under the guise of being Aruban America-bashers. I believe the same to be true of Arubans "trolls" posing as American boycotter Aruba-bashers.

These posters make unabashedly ignorant statements to make themselves look foolish. Once equiped w/ this new ammunition they reappear (in true form) and use those very statements to attack either Arubans or Americans as dimwits.

Again, these tactics act as mere distractions from the actual case. They do nothing more than draw about uninformed value-judgments.

We can only hope that the common human bonds of compassion and goodwill prove to be superior to ill-derived geo-political ones.

Having a sense of national pride does not require one to be xenophobic Nelson.

[Kat_Gram]

I think that this was a brilliant PR move on Jug's part. I said it before, but not as professionaly : The HT's are on Aruban soil. Natalee is missing. You want co operation. You want inforamtion. You want the prosecutor's office to keep you up to date. You want Natalee.

So, don't go on every available American network and complain about the very people whose co operation you need to obtain the primary goal.. finding Natalee.

It is simple. If you want something from someone, you don't trash them. There has been enough wasted time and effort in this case where the Aruban LE feels that it has to defend itself and explain their judicial system.

The HT's have more resources made available to them than I have ever seen in any case like this. Their appreciation for the assistance from all countries seems to be getting lost.

That the case has not been resolved has not been due to a lack of resources or assistance from
Aruba.

[Susie]

There is already little to no cooperation with the Aruban government and the island authorties. A boycot of the island isnt going to change that. There's apperently worry for the families and children that live there now?? What about the families of not only Natalee, but of others who have "vanished into thin air" in Aruba? And yet the "families and other children" have gone on about their lives as if nothing has ever happened. To think that the people of this island actually care, I think is over kill. They have proven that their ability to care is limited to what the system allows. Take the gardener that was suppose to have seen something. Where is he?? Did he leave Aruba because he got the ball rolling with a lie and now its out of control, or was he removed from that island to shut him up?? At this point, who really knows? He hasnt been incourt to testify yet and already the screams of deportation are as loud as they can be. They have a probable murder on their hands yet, the threat of them actually doing their job has nothing to do with it. At this point, anything would be impressive but do they honestly have to start with imigration and deportation?? And lets not forget Jorans civil right to remain silent!! I just always assumed that was a physical attribute. A legal right?, Absolutely!! A civil right?, I dont know if I would classifiy as that. My thoery on that is, press your upper lip to your lower one and hold!!! How hard it that really?? I say, "You go, Jug Twitty"!!! As a parent, I promise you, his letter was a whole lot nicer than mine would have been. Call it what you may but, Americans are getting a first hand account of what their American dollars mean to the Arubans and an "in yur face" testimonial of just how safe they will be upon any future visits to that little "paradise". If you want to go, than by all means, book you flight today. You have that right but, remember that your safety while on that island and you return to your country is not guarenteed, not promised, and at this point, very much in question. And dont forget the your sunblock!!!

[Bigfish]

Good for Jug. No one is going to stop going to Aruba. People go there from all over the world. The recent publicity regarding the 18year olds being able to drink and gamble there will only make more 18 year olds want to go there. No one is afraid especially those who have been there. Natalee's missing is an anomaly and not the norm like in this country or Mexico.

This boycott bologna is only an impotent threat with polticians and people like Mark Fuhrman wanting to cash in on the Holloway/Twitty families misfortune just like in the Schiavo saga.

Call off these hysterical whiners Jug. You catch more flies with sugar. Threats don't get it.

Bigfish

[DennisAOK]

Kat_Gram,

Methinks you go too far. Even many Aruban commentators, including Arlene, admit major mistakes were made early on, which may result in the case having been irretrievably lost. That significant resources were later put into the case does not negate this. The Aruban authorities certainly picked up the pace in mid-June when Beth became critical of them, so one can certainly make the case that criticism has worked.

KoG,

It is not xenophobic to expect that a foreign nation, especially one heavily dependent on US tourism, to be extremely meticulous and professional in investigating criminal acts committed against us when we are visitors there. A botched investigation, and possibly a cover up, should not be immune from criticism simply because it is conducted by foreigners on foreign soil. American tourist dollars are not a form of welfare, and people will inevitably begin to turn away from a place that is inadequately or incompetently policed.

[paradise? yeah right!]

i still won't go to aruba. it's a filthy little place.

[Kat_Gram]

Dennis AOK;

The criticism could be done AFTER Nat is found.

Simple Example:

You don't complain about your employer while you need / want a paycheque. After you are no longer dependant on the employer, you can with little consequence.

So, if they have to kiss Aruban ass why not ?
Bashing them isn't working is it.

[KoG]

DennisAOK,

I disagree only with your intro sentence.

If the investigation is corrupted due to a cover-up as you infer, then the average Aruban citizen will be hurt in two ways: First, by being let down by their OWN legal/enforcement systems, and Secondly, by the economic ramifications of a boycott.

No systems, including ours, can function [meticulously and professionally] w/out having honest, ethical individuals filling the vital roles.

His (Nelson's) comment is inherently xenophobic because he assumes isolated cases of ineptitude and/or corruption to be characteristic of the Aruban people as a whole. Otherwise, is it his intention to punish (boycott) the innocent? We've been guilty of electing some pretty corrupt officials to high office in this country. I hope the world does not judge us under such a fine lens.

How often have we been failed by our domestic legal/enforcement institutions? Unethical representatives within our systems can abuse powers of office in terrible ways. It's certainly our job to make sure they are weeded out. But again, this is a pragmatic task...we have few means of removing them UNTIL AFTER they have abused the powers of their office. Let the Arubans tend to their own systems as they will.

The average Aruban has great stake in the outcome of this case, yet is impotent to immediately do more than currently offered. If you witness the Aruban population re-elect any of the (proven) corrupt officials, then maybe your thoughts will have more currency.

How can you ignore the contributions of so many Arubans out of motivation to punish a few?

And, in concern of boycotting, it is every American's right. Still, it is undignified to try to PROMOTE such a thing to others here. Are you concerned that we Americans are also too stupid to think/act for ourselves? It makes it appear as if you have a personal agenda.

[lily bet]

Why did Jug use company letterhead to send out this letter? That is one of the huge no no's taught in professional communications. So, is this Jug's personal opinion or that of an entire company?
He sent this letter for the same reason Focus on the Family type groups called off their Disney boycott. It didn't work and it is embarassing to have the world know that.
This case did not involve someone snatched in broad daylight from a heavily guarded area. It was a single tourist choosing to behave in an unfortunate manner. Adult perogative is NOT the responsibility of any tourist destination.
I do think the investigation got off to a horrendous start, but not because of conspiracy or cover-up. The police simply thought Natalee would return. That opinion is not unique just to Aruban police. There was an MSNBC special on Friday night about American police departments doing the same thing.
Hopefully, Aruban LE will change their policing policies to take descretion out of when to act on a missing person. I fully expect them to do so.

[jayjay]

Kat Gram,

Unfortunately, prior to the criticism, there was no clear and determined effort exhibited by Aruban LE. The unfortunate global exposure to the investigation also did not heighten the sense of urgency to bring a resolution; it only seemed to place a spotlight on what clearly seemed to be a corrupt organization or more fairly corrupt investigation. Look how long it took Holland to bring in seasoned interrogators. I do not think it was coincidence that this "too little, too late" tactic came after public condemnation of the investigators.

We did not see any overt resolve or forward motion until the criticism of the investigators was voiced by the family. I really feel it was important for the family to get in front of this issue and clarify that it is not Aruba or her citizens that the family had a problem with, but the path of the investigation.

I know I am rambling Kat, but I guess my point is; should there be criticism after the case? Sure, and it must also come from the citizens of that country, but for now, SOMEONE must light a fire to bring this thing to fruition.

[jayjay]

lily bet,

A couple of questions:

1. Where is the evidence that this girl behaved in an "unfortunate manner" as you state?
You are one of the most vocal proponents of the legalities of innocent until proven guilty here. If it is your contention that we all take a "wait and see" approach as to whether or not Joran and friends can be proven guilty, do we not also owe the same consideration to Natalee? How do we know she was not drugged initially?

2. Comparing this particular case to the policies of American law enforcement is both a blanket statement and inaccurate comparison. My reason for saying that is that once it was determined that she was in fact missing; the investigation took a dangerously blasé direction. I will not get into the laundry list of miscues by the investigators as they have all been beaten into the ground.

You seem very intelligent, but you cannot speak out of both sides of your mouth!!
he ground.

[Alabama the Beautiful]

the only way i will ever go to aruba is if i were sold into sex slavery

my $$$ stays in the USA

[DennisAOK]

Kat Gram,

jayjay above well states my response. Quite simply, “honey” wasn't working; Beth got the ball rolling by suggesting a cover up. I do grant you that there is a danger in appearing ungrateful for the help many Arubans have provided. However, the Twittys have acknowledged that assistance; have not called for economic sanctions, and limited their criticism to law enforcement officials.

KoG,

I have an open mind as to whether or not there has been a cover up, and I certainly think American law enforcement should be held to the same standards as we hold the Arubans to. However, while much has been made of the US also having missing persons and botched cases, the Holloway case seems particularly egregious because the Twittys did much of the groundwork early on and presented the Aruban police with the suspects. In most botched cases, e.g., Ramsey case in Colorado, the police have no suspects.

No, I have no personal agenda and did not call for a boycott. I did say perceptions effect where one chooses to spend his/her tourist dollars, and my guess is the image of Aruba has changed, at least marginally, from “happy little island” to “den of licentiousness”. Personally, the Caribbean has little appeal as a place to visit – I live on the USD East Coast and would prefer, say, western Canada to visit – but this simply reflects my personal taste.

[Justice for Natalee]

"To all Aruban’s:

American wants to encourage you to do all you can to help find Natalee Holloway by stopping the cover up of her kidnapping, gang rape, murder and disposal by Juran Van Der Sloot the Kalpoe brothers and Steve Croe’s.

It’s time you stopped pretending that Paul Van Der Sloot with the help of Jan Ver Der Stratten ( corrupt Police Commissioner) Ben Vocking alias, Ben King ( corrupt prosecutor) and the entire inept, corrupted police force have conspired to cover up crimes committed against Natalee Holloway and for what?
To protect Juran Van Der Sloot the son of a corrupt want to be Judge from going to prison for the rest of his life. Juran is a predator, rapist, murdering, lying coward and why would you let these corrupted Aruban officials cover for him?

Americans now know and understand this will not be easy for you since your government is corrupted to the highest levels of government. We also know the Aruban government has been bought and paid for by the money launderers, gun runners and drug cartels that paid for the political campaigns that put your corrupt officials in office.

If not for America, stop the cover up and prosecute all the above participants in her kidnapping, rape, murder and cover up, before we Americans show our retribution by boycotting Aruba and killing your economy the same way you let Juran and the kalpoe’s kill Natalee.

So take a stand for the good people of Aruba who don’t won’t to pay the economic price of retribution by the Americans for the injustice your country has shown the Holloway’s and us Americans. Believe me the Van Der Sloot’s are not worth the price the Aruban Tourism industry is going to pay for the injustice your government has perpetrated against the Holloway family.

Note: I promise you if the Holloway’s don’t have justice for Natalee’s kidnapping, gang rape, murder and attempted cover up, you and the rest of the corrupt island of Aruba will pay dearly. I will do everything in my power to choke the life out of your tourism industry and watch it die, just like you did to Natalee Holloway.

Also in the event you fail to show some balls and take a stand against the corrupt justice system of Aruba and allow justice to be served to the Holloway’s , I just want to say Fuck you and fuck you to your entire fucking corrupt government.

Yours truly,
Justice will prevail

[Long John]

"the only way i will ever go to aruba is if i were sold into sex slavery

my $$$ stays in the USA"

Posted by: Alabama the Beautiful |

~~~~

Somehow I doubt you're a candidate for sex slavery.

The only good thing about Alabama is that it isn't Mississippi.

Silver

[R Nelson]

To KoG:

Very amusing that you find my post xenophobic. If any US city were as insignificant and (apparently)corrupt as Aruba, I would avoid it as well. Not out of fear, out of principle!

My statement was in response to posts commenting on the possible effect(s) on tourism, I stated how I personally am choosing to spend my, yes American, dollars. What others do is their business.

By the way, I don't need to lurk behind a silly name, -KILLER OF GIANTS, oh, my. Let me suggest a new pseudonym-SoA, SYCOPHANTS OF ARUBA.

[Long John]

Aruba will be beautiful this winter, as always. And it will a lot more fun without all you hillbillys blocking the roads.

Silver

[usmcmom]

And it will a lot more fun without all you hillbillys blocking the roads.

Silver

Posted by: Long John | August 11, 2005 04:24 PM

No problem Silver, we hillbillies are more than happy to oblige you.

[Anna]

And it will a lot more fun without all you hillbillys blocking the roads.

Silver

Posted by: Long John | August 11, 2005 04:24 PM

No problem Silver, we hillbillies are more than happy to oblige you.

Posted by: usmcmom | August 11, 2005 04:56 PM

Indeed! We are all in agreement, then. We agree that we hillbillies should stay away from Aruba. No problem.

[Anna]

The family of Natalee Holloway has never had anything except the most generous terms of praise for the citizens of Aruba and their support. They have questioned certain means and methods employed by LE. There is a big difference there but to say they have ever said anything negative about the citizens themselves a a whole is just false. Never happened.

But it would seem some are now going to try that approach and claim it was the entire island, etc. about whom the complaints were made as though VStatten were just that, the whole island population instead of one expat.

There was never a boycott for that involves trade and other aspects. It was a VOLUNTARY travel ban. Jug Twitty had nothing to do with this being passed and he cannot call it off. It is not withint his power to do so. Neither can the governor for we do have a legilsative body that passes these things, not the governor.

If they are aware of a destination where a citizen of this state has disappeared without a normal inquiry and response into that disappearance they are under a moral obligation to caution other citizens about this happening. It isn't just about the Twittys or just about Natalee. They are trying to prevent this from happening to another person.

This is a small state in polulation and so I do not think the reprecussions on Aurban tourism will even be noticed. Many have demonstrated and said they do not want Americans anyway. No one owes them their hard earned vacation dollars and each one is free to chose where they spend their vaction. It is not about Aruba but safety. It is voluntary. Each decides for himself. At least this warning has been given.

[WillUSayI'mMad]

This boycott bologna is only an impotent threat with polticians and people like Mark Fuhrman wanting to cash in on the Holloway/Twitty families misfortune just like in the Schiavo saga.

Call off these hysterical whiners Jug. You catch more flies with sugar. Threats don't get it.

Bigfish

Posted by: Bigfish | August 11, 2005 11:59 AM

Finally, somebody said it.

[WillUSayI'mMad]

lily bet wrote:

Why did Jug use company letterhead to send out this letter? That is one of the huge no no's taught in professional communications. So, is this Jug's personal opinion or that of an entire company?

It would be fair to say that neither Jug, nor Beth are the type of people to play by the rules of others, even rules that are commonly laid down. Now I can just hear it before they say it, the BHT diehards all screaming that BHT shouldn't have to follow rules as she is searching for her daughter.

Maybe not. But I still don't think anyone should have the right to tear apart a small foreign island AFTER having had same island draw a halt to life as they had known it, only to call them "corrupt" and "criminals" only a few weeks later. Why does she have this entitlement?

Because Greta likes her? I really pitied Ruben last night, listening to him plea for americans not to punish all of Aruba for the possible actions of a few. He also asked again, as has Arlene representing the Arubans, what more can they possibly do?

[WillUSayI'mMad]

"There was never a boycott for that involves trade and other aspects. It was a VOLUNTARY travel ban. Jug Twitty had nothing to do with this being passed and he cannot call it off. It is not withint his power to do so. Neither can the governor for we do have a legilsative body that passes these things, not the governor."

How odd that he seems to feel he does have that authority. He and Beth view themselves as being people of critical importance and influence.

"If they are aware of a destination where a citizen of this state has disappeared without a normal inquiry and response into that disappearance they are under a moral obligation to caution other citizens about this happening. It isn't just about the Twittys or just about Natalee. They are trying to prevent this from happening to another person."

Sounds reasonable, but given actual crime stats in Aruba, is not.

"This is a small state in polulation and so I do not think the reprecussions on Aurban tourism will even be noticed. Many have demonstrated and said they do not want Americans anyway. No one owes them their hard earned vacation dollars and each one is free to chose where they spend their vaction. It is not about Aruba but safety. It is voluntary. Each decides for himself. At least this warning has been given."

Posted by: Anna | August 11, 2005 05:54 PM

Of course we don't "owe" them hard earned vacation dollars. And if it is truly "safety" you are concerned about, you might consider fleeing from the US, and fast. We are FAR more likely to be victims of crime here in our own backyard, than on a vacation to Aruba.

One glaring fact remains. The Arubans have been accused over and over of being "incompetent." Might this supposed incompetence be due to the fact that they are simply not accustomed to murder investigatins as we jaded americans? Have you carefully considered their crime stats?

[R Nelson]

Of course we don't "owe" them hard earned vacation dollars. And if it is truly "safety" you are concerned about, you might consider fleeing from the US, and fast. We are FAR more likely to be victims of crime here in our own backyard, than on a vacation to Aruba.

One glaring fact remains. The Arubans have been accused over and over of being "incompetent." Might this supposed incompetence be due to the fact that they are simply not accustomed to murder investigatins as we jaded americans? Have you carefully considered their crime stats?

Posted by: WillUSayI'mMad | August 11, 2005 08:34 PM

There are many dangerous places, the US included, however, it is reasonable to expect that a crime will be properly investigated and prosecuted. Whether it's due to incompetance or corruption, the net effect remains the same. Arguably the US is safer than Aruba considering there is a much greater liklihood of rescue with competant law enforcement.

[Roy]

Finally, the Twitty letter represents an undisputable expression of appreciation to the helpful Aruban majority. This will help them solidify current support and draw many Arubans from off the fence.

I wish them success in this and their ongoing efforts to find justice for their daughter.

- KoG

Posted by: KoG | August 11, 2005 04:46 AM

KoG, I just read your comment. A very wise and analytical comment. It also actually describes what is happening with the people of Aruba.
The Aruba bashing did 'force' many Arubans in a defensive mode. And all of a sudden many Arubans who honestly and sincerely cared for and worried about Natalee and her family became more interested in defending there island than caring about Natalee.
I do agree that united, the way we were before, we stand a better chance to come to a conclusion and closure.

Already much harm has been done. If I have it right, there will be some kind of demonstration tomorrow.
Essence will be, Aruba went very far in accomodating and all it got us were insults and belittling remakrs.
Let's take charge of Aruba ourselves again.
I understand those feelings and I can understand this reaction. but again, this will not help us get any closer to a closure.

[diamondback]

Jug Twitty suddenly realizes all the freebies would stop if they continued their rant against Aruba. Smart move for them! 250,ooo for info, one million for finding Natalee alive. Quite a take home, as well as free hotel, etc. Dave is out there blood sweat and tears. Where is Jug?

[r.b]

To Justice for Natalee,

If we knew where Natalee was, don't u think we would have already brought her back to her family??

[Richard White]

There are no other viable options to get Aruban officials to take this matter as seriously as they should. So, today, my family is cancelling our annual vacation and endorse a travel boycott to Aruba, and as a US citizen, I am joining them in this effort."