What is Wrong With This Blog?

What is Wrong With This Blog? To be more specific, I mean Aruba Truth.com.

They really don't get it, so allow me to offer some unsolicited advice. When you are in a public relations battle, never spar with an idiot.

There is not and will not be a boycott of Aruba and you need to begin to understand America, Americans and American media. You cannot respond to nonsense like this: From SM: It was also the O’Reilly Factor where Geraldo dropped the sex tape bombshell.

There was no bombshell, just another one of Geraldo Rivera's attention and ratings generating moves which forever seal his reputation as a shill of a journalist cum entertainer dressed up and pinned to a network microphone. There wasn't even a sex tape so far as anyone knows and all Geraldo did was exploit a grieving Mother and execute a disservice to, not only journalism, but also the memory of an all too long lost girl good people continue to endeavor to find, or at least solve the disappearance of.

Americans taken as a group are not haters and they are not dumb, ArubaTruth.com. And, personally, I am sick and tired of some of the hateful, ignorant things I have seen written and heard spouted in this case. For any serious onlooker with an objective point of view, there is no damning evidence to point to any one perpetrator, no grand threads of conspiracy or a cover up - and nothing but tragedy and some few bloviators willing to suckle on it like pigs for a mere few minutes of attention which is now more infamy, than fame.

And THAT is why the overwhelming majority of the American media is not paying attention to the story. They took the time to understand it, to separate fact from fiction and base their decisions on that - not the hyperbolic babbling of a group of would be journalists who are, unfortunately, sliding down the road toward tabloid-ism.

If you want to name your web log the truth, then start telling the truth to the extent that you can and stop playing with dancing monkeys. If you stop long enough to picture Geraldo in a red hat and with an accordion, you'll get a far better picture of what you're fighting with, as opposed to a greater America, which is willing to understand the story in context, however unfortunate it is, and move forward hoping for a solution to what is likely a heinous crime.

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that there is just as good reason to believe that Joran Van der Sloot may well have left Natalee Holloway alone, after which she fell prey to another perpetrator - as there is to believe that he or any of the Kalpoes were involved in the crime. You need to start public relations in the real world and you cannot use those tools to combat a bunch of misunderstandings embraced by the ignorant, or those in denial of all the relevant facts.

For the hatemongers and the ignorant who want to continue to rant about the truth of the Natalee Holloway story - I have a few words for you, too. You want the truth? You can't handle the truth.

And as long as that's the case, then sit down, shut up and let the grown ups try to figure this thing out. None of them, from Aruba to America are any less concerned with solving this case than you are. They just realize that to end up at the truth, you can't continue running and screaming hateful remarks down a road filled with false assumptions, vague innuendo and accusations which are dubious at best, if not pure slander.

You do have issues to deal with ArubaTruth.com. The same unfortunate issues which are infecting many American cities, too. Drug use, petty and significant crime - the way your island treats America and Americans in general as tourists: those are the issues which will ultimately define Aruba's fate as a tourist destination for Americans. Keep your beaches clean so that Americans with time off can wade into your ocean and enjoy the experience and they will come.

Wade into the slop of American tabloid TV if you want to, but I'd advise against rinsing off in public when you're through. That might not be good for tourism.

Comments

[Joyce McNally]

This is the most intelligent commentary I have seen since this case first came to the attention of American media. Now that Dave Holloway has stood up and officially started taking the high road, reason may prevail. (I know - I'm an optimist)

[Bigfish]

Great commentary Dan. Those crazy kids over at Aruba Truth mean well and have been in a bad spot as many others have also. Many people have been verbally attacked, especially Ruben Trapenberg, and IMO, they are just trying to stick up for themselves and their country in the best way they are capable of without damaging any more feelings and yet being firm with MSM. This villification and character assasination is pathetic.

Dave Holloway is there now and maybe things will go better.
Bigfish

[Carry Nation]

HEAR,hear!!!!!!!! Thanks for saying what needed to be said.

[frenchymom]

Nice job Dan. It's nice to see reason prevail over insanity and innuendo

[frank]

Dan,

Well I agree about Arubatruth and others not understanding America and they're transparent and phony name but this I find hard to believe:

"he unfortunate fact of the matter is that there is just as good reason to believe that Joran Van der Sloot may well have left Natalee Holloway alone, after which she fell prey to another perpetrator - as there is to believe that he or any of the Kalpoes were involved in the crime."

Now if the 3 had told that story first, maybe but it's too contrived after 10 days, too well thought out by a lawyer and that's why I don't see how you can give it the same weight as these 3 are involved.

Again, it's like saying they threw her in the ocean but the sharks killed her. Can't buy it.

[iwabwu]

I think that most people will handle the truth when they hear it. He may very well have left her on the beach, I believe that story is associated with "sleeping on the beach". I'm not sure what "sleeping on the beach" means, but I don't think its good, if some other perp came along and did her harm, or if she was buried.

I will still look for evidence of "fair and impartial" when it comes to the investigation. The easiest way to end the case is to give back the body, regardless of condition. Someone knows where she is.

[lefty]

Dan,
Good comments. If ArubaTruth is sticking up for liars then they are no better than the 3 jerks plus papa.

[bhm mom too]

Great comments.

[nursemind]

Thanks Dan, we need a voice of reason. Too much narrow minded thinking out there.

[shonane]

Dan, I agree and am so glad you wrote this commentary. I agree with all the points you made - except I am not that familiar with the Aruba Truth website so wouldn't know about the references to it.

So many people keep saying there is a cover up by the PI and I am not convinced. (I think there is a cover up all right, but it is by whoever caused her to disappear, not the Aruba PI who I think wants to solve the case as much as anybody else.) Do people think if you boycott one of our US cities because they have not solved a missing persons case that you are interested in, that it would suddenly result in their being able to figure it out? Especially if it is a case where they have spent a considerable amount of time and energy trying to solve it?

[frank]

Posted by: shonane | Sep 24, 2005 12:26:39 AM

Shonane,

I think the anger comes from perception. You gave the 3 suspects 10 days with a lawyer/judge father to come up with a second story, destroy evidence. I think that actually stinks to alot of people.

The lack of evidence is what is so glaring.

[k.jeanne]

Great, thanks Dan!

[danascully]

Thanks for being the voice of sanity and bringing much needed balance and perspective to this whole scenario.

[jolari]

Thank you Dan, for stating this so well. Nice job.

[FloridaPatty]

What's wrong with the Blog. Well for one thing it is slanted. A quick scan tells you it's pro Aruba and only pro Aruba. Ah well.

I am not going to vacation in Aruba as one of my island destinations and it's not that I have anything against Aruban people, it's that clearly their current sitting government and LE (whom I feel had tied hands) cannot remotely assure their visitors safety. This situation is so simple it's like simple math. One girl, plus one lieing son of a prominent official equals cover-up. I get that. I feel confident after reading months and months of information that the people on this island really and truly don't get it and it isn't their fault. You keep a people ignorant. You oppress them with limited information and plenty of drugs and alcohol. You make them feel that their island is small but "we are happy" and that's suppose to be enough. You don't inform them about things like biohazard materials out in the open from poor sanitation containment. You limit who is allowed to attend the good schools and give special favors in exchange for secrets. Of course I would expect this type of situation. But don't expect me to expose myself and family to this type of risk. There are too many other beautiful places to go on this planet of ours.

[festicles]

Great post Dan!

It is nice to see a voice of reason out there. Too many seem ready (eager!) to render a long distance conviction based on questionable facts and evidence. Not only will that not bring justice for Natalie, it will create an injustice if someone is wrongly convicted. I hope the authorities eventually determine what happened and hold any responsible parties accountable - whomever and wherever they might be.

Thanks again for offering a reasonable and rationale point of view. I would love to see you start a thread to go back to square 1, look at all the possible outcomes that could have happened, and then examine the real, objective, unbiased, known facts and understand which outcomes are still plausable, and which are most probable. Too many people have already made up their minds and get defensive when their viewpoint is questioned in the slightest (often times these are the same people fond of stating "people with nothing to hide, hide nothing). Yet when their beliefs are probed in the slightest, they hide behind attacks and vitriole most commonly seen in a lynch mob and. Too much textbook definition groupthink going on.

Thanks again for providing an objective point of view - your site is a great information resource, in spite of the fact that the threads seem to often get hijacked with people more interested in squelching opposing viewpoints.

I hope you keep doing what you are doing!

[Justice for Natalee]

"Now if the 3 had told that story first, maybe but it's too contrived after 10 days, too well thought out by a lawyer and that's why I don't see how you can give it the same weight as these 3 are involved."

I agree with Frank.

[paul]

Quite high and mighty from someone who benefitted extremely by their participation in the media overload. In fact was mentioned on CNN etc.

Boycott Aruba.
Do you mean boycott Dutch engineers that are advising on rebuilding levees in New Orleans ?
Or is it boycott the Aruban refineries that US may well need product from?
Or is it boycott trade with Aruba when it is one of the few we have a trade supkus with? Trade is not tourism.

A self serving small minded world view is the key to medai success. i.e. target audience No matter what medium you pontificate upon.
Who will conquer the porcelin next (being enthroned thereon)?
Well the next BHT or NH scoop of whatever will be echoed here ASAP.
Is this another game of publicans and pharisees or is it pots and kettles.

[Dr. Phil's a goof]

I think sites like arubatruth.com are needed to counter-point the likes of Dr. Phil and others.

The fact is, aruba is now dealing with the newly created mythology of Natalee Holloway. So, much that is pure speculation now passes as 'fact' or 'truth' when people discuss Natalee, that it's no wonder that folks either advocate or consider a boycott of the island.

I'm not surprised if Dan has shifted his perspective on this case over the last few months. It's hard to swallow the hypocracy and phony indignation of many of the media talking heads, who discuss this case with their heads up their arse.

[The RealPackerFan]

What is the big deal if Dr. Phil or any show or reporter calls for a boycott of Aruba? Whether ratings cause it or real concern for the family, we know how Mainstream Media works and they can call for it but it is still up to the individual American whether they will go to Aruba or not, and we all differ on that and so will those hearing Dr. Phil's call to boycott, some will listen, others will not care.

It is just as outrageous for people here to jump on those of us who say we will never go there. It is our right to decide where we vacation, where we spend our dollars, where we feel safe, why we will or will not go somewhere, etc. I for one will never visit Aruba unless there is a truthful and satisfactory outcome of this case and even then, I am no longer positive I would after watching how slowly and incorrectly the initial days were handled. It is my RIGHT to decide not to go there as it is anyone else's RIGHT to say they will go there. I have no hatred or intent of punishing the average Aruban citizen but if that is the result of my choice based on what has happened in this case, that is not my fault and is an unfortunate result for the innocent Aruban citizens. Forgetting everything else in this case, I would not go just BASED on a system that would ever allow a crony of the suspects to head up and investigate and continued to involve himself in this case. Does their law not require he recuse himself because of his involvement??????????? That ALONE is enough that I would never go there nor feel safe there.

[Dinosir]

Just wondering if anyone had any information on the so called new "radar" that is supposed to detect human bones. This is a quote from a story on CNN.

"Although the waters have been searched before, the group claims a radar machine invented by an American has detected human bones in the area. The inventor, Joe Walker, came to Aruba to help in the search but is now off the island, Mansur said."

I failed to find anything on the so called radar, or Joe Walker the inventor in a net search. Then again, I have to realize the source of this information was Mansur. Any thoughts?

[frank]

Posted by: Dr. Phil's a goof | Sep 24, 2005 12:05:11 PM

Hard to disagree with that. But the media are reactionary and when they are given crap they add it to their own and you see the output.

But Aruba is still at fault for losing control of the media they had so carefully controlled. The media is a distribution network of images and words and a very powerful medium. They didn't make up the images of Paulus running away or the security guards in handcuffs.

They are not at fault for Ms. Kalpoe saying "everybody lies." Or Anita saying "he only changed his story once."

I think they have been as reporters, very lazy. Greta staying on the story seems like dedication but what did she really bring to the story? She had a chance to meet the VDS's and brought nothing, no interesting questions. With all the attention there still is not a single person who emerged as someone you want to hear from.

[not buying their story]

Well, how many times did Beth change her story? How much potential evidence was destroyed when she commandeered Natalee's room and wore her clothes? How much evidence was destroyed when the cameras and cell phones were heisted? How many more times are we gonna hear about Paulus being a high ranking judge, when he failed training months before MB ever invaded Aruba? Sheesh, people, get a grip.

I am glad that someone is flying in the face of the "boycott Aruba" crowd. If we use the rationale posted by many, I think I will boycott Disney World since two kids dropped dead in the park on rides. Obviously the park is at fault. I may boycott Florida since 45 little kids went missing in 2005 alone. This is the state's fault especially since none have been located.

Really, if Natalee was a different color, creed or a chunky chubster she would have been one paragraph on page 30 of the local paper behind the goat show and sheep herding contest results.

[sunshine]

thanks Dan Great Post !!!

[Jan]

Dan - Best post I have read for a very very long time - on this case - You continue to impress me Dan! continue to fight for the real truth and we will continue to read!

[Nelson from New York]

A job well done Dan, finally somebody who does look at the whole aspect of this story and not being biased. Keep it up and hopefully we will get an answer to all the questions, but again how many people are missing and unanswered for.

[shonane]

Shonane,

I think the anger comes from perception. You gave the 3 suspects 10 days with a lawyer/judge father to come up with a second story, destroy evidence. I think that actually stinks to alot of people.

The lack of evidence is what is so glaring.

Posted by: frank | Sep 24, 2005
==================
I know much ado has been made about the 10 days. Fact is, they may not have even been charged or arrested at all, even now, if in the US if the evidence isn't there that they harmed her.

The PI said the answers given when the three suspects were initially interviewed seem OK, that they knew Joran and did not view him as someone that they would suspect as harming her.

Think about the Scott Peterson case. It was months before charges were brought against him. The arrest/detention only occurred AFTER evidence was produced that led them to think he was the person that caused her death. They didn't lock him up on the first night they questioned him, even though they suspected him, and he was living with her.

This 10 day wait seems real reasonable to me. They were also aware that Joran was a graduating senior and they timed his detention with the day he was to attend graduation, which he unfortunately did not get to do. But, he did get to finish the 12th grade and take his tests and graduate. What if he is innocent as they had believed? What if they had caused him to not be able to finish school because they rushed to judgment. I think they timed this just right if they were only holding him as a suspect. They also said they watched all three suspects during this 10 days in case they might lead them to evidence.

Again, I don't agree with the cover up logic related to the 10 day wait.

What about no evidence? They apparently don't have it. Someone a lot more connected than these kids, or even Paul VDS, would have to be involved, probably mafia connections. Or, someone who took her off the island that night before people started looking. Considering all the boats docked out there that night for the music festival. Could have been a lot of people that caused her to disappear besides the three suspects.

[shonane]

Now if the 3 had told that story first, maybe but it's too contrived after 10 days, too well thought out by a lawyer and that's why I don't see how you can give it the same weight as these 3 are involved.

Posted by: frank | Sep 23, 2005
=======================
I understand exactly why they said they dropped her off at the Holiday Inn and she was escorted off by a security guard. There was a whole group of people, including a mad mother and father, who were already accusing them of causing Natalee to disappear. The proper thing for Joran to have done after having been with a female was to drop her off at her motel. He didn't. But, he did early one think she would show up within the next day or two, and I do believe they believed this. So, the best thing to do to get these folks to leave him alone was to say dropped off where she was staying.

Joran also apparently said that very first night that he wanted to help them try to find her. His father told him not to talk - this is what any attorney will tell their client if a group of people are accusing the person of something.

I don't think Joran knows what happened to Natalee.

[Wayne]

Don't you believe their want be a boycott and it doesn't have to be 100% of Americans to make it work. 70% of Aruba's income is from American tourist and we will not go where we are treated like trash. For ten days the suspects were allowed to cover their trails and that is what will be or has been the death nail of this case. Where there is smoke there is fire and the smoke is boiling out of Aruba.

Quite frankly the Arubans caused this themselve when they sluffed off the colonial yoke of the Netherlands in 1996 they decided to keep Dutch Law and military protection neither of which has served them very well apparently. The Law especially is archaic and stunted; it does not grow with new technological advances in crime fighting and is therefore backwards and behind times. It is shrouded in secrecy and the elite judges rule the bench. Remember it is easier to payoff and rent a couple of judges than an entire jury. The handiling of this case was a joke and a disgrace.

[RICK]

I was there at the courthouse when they released the Kalpoe brothers from jail on July 4th. It was exciting!!! Mama Kalpoe and the daughter were in the KFC around the corner talking to reporters telling them that her sons don't lie. "Why you lie to Mama"? It was exciting, but is now losing steam. Too bad. This is a good post by Dan, but I do miss the excitement. The love hate relationship with Beth and Jug, the VDS's, sounds like a disease no one wants, the Kalpoes, Jossy, Arlene, Tito etc., etc. Do you think there is any way to revive the pre-Katrina interest in this case? One would have to find the body, or "something bad" would have to happen to one of the suspects. Hmmm?

[Peggy Smith]

I am a mother and a grandmother and I really feel for Natalie's family. I don't want the world and the news media to forget her and never find out what happened. I have thought about her often and that why I just did a search for an update, because the news never mentions her anymore, which they should, to at least let us know they are still trying to find out something.
Thanks your report was informative.