Birmingham News: Boycott Birmingham

The local paper makes some worthwhile points on the call from Alabama Gov Riley to boycott Aruba on behalf of the Holloway family. Perhaps the Governor will find the time to explain how one person from one of the wealthiest suburbs in Alabama is so much more worthy of concern, compassion and action than the 1,000 or so others who remain unaccounted for in his very own state.

She disappeared without a trace six months ago, and her grieving family has gotten no answers from investigators about what happened.

The only way we can show our displeasure with the progress of the investigation is to boycott. Yes, everyone should refuse to visit, to spend money in, to in any way support ... Birmingham.

We're talking not of Natalee Holloway, but of Nancy Lewis, a Children's Hospital cook who disappeared May 18. Then there's Walter Moore, an assistant principal at Hayes High School last heard from on May 22

They are but two of about 1,000 unsolved missing person cases reported by Alabama law enforcement agencies.

Comments

[Jennifer]

One other thing I am thinking about fund raisers in the event of funding a family with a child missing. Wouldn't anyone with above the board intensions, have a complete of who donated what, amounts & how each amount is spent, just to make sure no one can accuse you of taking money for one's own benefit and not the reason it was funded for? The list of discrepences Dan is showing, should not be sconed at, but rather any family reading this site, as well as REAL investigating reporters, would want to challange these & the Twitty/Holloway family & friends, should WANT to set the record straight on each of them. I mean, what have they go to hide BUT the Truth. I just want to see just once, any reporter say on Fox's Greta or Grace shows, (both of them are attorneys) that no one is guilty until a court trail has taken place & the evidence has show them to be guilty? Whatever happedn to our own court system where one is presumed innocent until found guilty. Just think if these three young men & Paul Vande Sloot were YOUR sons or husband, & your whole family had been convicted on American news nightly now for months, with no direct evidence, no matter how many American searche teams or detectives the Beth Twitty fmaily has had in Abruba, beccause as she nighly states, the Abruba police are not capable of doing. What has these American teams found? Zerro, only what they make up for their motnhs of fame on Greta & Nancy shows. I hope if innocent, these fmailies can sue the pants of these infamous stupid so called not reporters or at least appoliguis for putting us all through their nightly dribble. American's would be screaming if Arbuba was treating Americans like some here have been treating the people in Aruba. Yes, Nancy & Greta, lets have a low down on AL crime & missing people.

[Brooke]

"Perhaps the Governor will find the time to explain how one person from one of the wealthiest suburbs in Alabama is so much more worthy of concern, compassion and action than the 1,000 or so others who remain unaccounted for in his very own state"

The pot calling the kettle black, as the saying goes. Look to your own state governor before harassing another country, you and BT&Co have embarrased all Americans! But than what can you expect from those southerners who EXPLOIT Natalee every opportunity they get including the mother.

Of course if Riley doesn't care about the poor in his state and the 1,000 other missing and ONLY cares about ONE PERSON gone missing one can only conclude the millions in donations that ONE (1) missing person family received must have given a hefty DONATION (there's that word again) for his campaign. DONATIONS = EXPLOITING NH!

And all you defenders of the infamous EXPLOITER of her own daughter are just as despicable as she is.

[Brooke]

"Posted by: Jennifer | Nov 13, 2005 7:22:21 AM"

Jennifer even IF they would talk about the millions in donations and could explain away what they spend it on who would ever believe them now that they proven that they are exploting Natalee and allowing others including Greta et al to exploit Natalee?
Not to mention taking tons of their friends for vacations in Aruba (how did having tons of friends there help in finding Natalee?) And buying a teen son an expensive car while collecting donations,
all that would make one suspicious of their accounting for those donations.

Ir would take attorneys or investigators who are well versed in the US laws governing donations for a cause to investigate how the trust was set up.
The devious could figure out how to do that.
FOLLOW THE MONEY!
Especially when one like Beth EXPLOITS her daughter the way she is shamelessly doing.

[Scott]

Brooke,

You’re a lunatic! First of all the money is accounted for and the way it is spent. Every dime. LOL yeah right the Twitty's are going to pay for a "vacation" for their friends to go to ARUBA.. Yeah right..

The funds are set up in two separate trust accounts. One is set up specifically for the reward. NONE of those funds can be touched at all..

The second fund is set up to help aid in the search and support the Twitty's financially in what is "normal" and “Customary" as well as to fund the searches for Natalee. All of those funds are accounted for with the trustee. The Trustee is a fiduciary responsibility for the way and manor those funds are spent and so do the Twitty's. Should they not be spent in the manor that the trust specifies (by they their are specific guidelines set forth on that the Trustee and the Twitty's can be held accountable potentially for fraud if those funds are miss appropriated. There are monthly reports that have to be maintained for both trusts and must be submitted. There is a list of all donors kept unless someone made an Anonymous donation which is highly unusal. They may wish to remain anonymous but even they are still known as all donations are a tax deduction...

This idea that the Twitty's have a huge windfall from the monies donated is ridiculous. In reality, it is apparent that someone wishes to spread a rumor regarding this in hopes it will dry up the funds and the Twitty's and Holloways will run out of money and no longer be able to afford to pursue justice for Natalee on a highly corrupt island. I just wonder who could possibly have that agenda! let me see oh wait could it be ARUBA!

[Scott]

Brooke,

You’re a lunatic! First of all the money is accounted for and the way it is spent. Every dime. LOL yeah right the Twitty's are going to pay for a "vacation" for their friends to go to ARUBA.. Yeah right..

The funds are set up in two separate trust accounts. One is set up specifically for the reward. NONE of those funds can be touched at all..

The second fund is set up to help aid in the search and support the Twitty's financially in what is "normal" and “Customary" as well as to fund the searches for Natalee. All of those funds are accounted for with the trustee. The Trustee is a fiduciary responsibility for the way and manor those funds are spent and so do the Twitty's. Should they not be spent in the manor that the trust specifies (their are specific guidelines set forth regarding how the funds can be spent) the Trustee and the Twitty's are held accountable and potentially could be for fraud if those funds are miss appropriated. There are monthly reports that have to be maintained for both trusts and must be submitted. There is a list of all donors kept unless someone made an Anonymous donation which is highly unusual. They may wish to remain anonymous but even they are still known as all donations are a tax deduction...

This idea that the Twitty's have a huge windfall from the monies donated is ridiculous. In reality, it is apparent that someone wishes to spread a rumor regarding this in hopes it will dry up the funds and the Twitty's and Holloway’s will run out of money and no longer be able to afford to pursue justice for Natalee on a highly corrupt island. I just wonder who could possibly have that agenda! Let me see oh wait could it be ARUBA!

[lsdoone]

After spending some time reading the Alabama newspaper's, I am reassured that the current opinion in Alabama is to put the Holloway case back into some comparative perspective.
The Natalee Holloway case has really brought out the reactionary in many US citizens. The case has crystallised the fact that legal commentary tv panders for ratings, does not include much investigative reporting, or any reporting.
The outrage directed at the Aruban investigators and prosecutor for participating in a 'cover-up'of a judge's son is ironic when considering the Twitty's obvious entitled white, upper middle class, media and governorial love fest.
Vilification of Joran's father for allegedly making the 'no body, no case' statement is ironic because it's only in the recent years that US prosecuters have mounted successful cases here without the corpus delicti.
Unless I'm losing my mind, I read some recent quotes from Dompig where he strongly stated his view that the three boys currently being investigated were 'guilty as hell'. How does a statement like that, which would be rare from a prosecutor here, connect to a cover up?
This case is disturbing. A young woman is probably dead. Her family is obviously distraught and heartbroken. Unfortunately, with all the injustices in our hemisphere, this one should not top the list.
I agree with some past comments that what should be boycotted are the 'news' shows that are spurring on this current frenzy. Now can I practice what I preach? Husband, hide my remote.

[Brooke]

Hmm and you call me a "lunatic"? Look in the mirror oh great defender, Lemming, Cult member of the BT worshippers.

[mommy69]

OK:
Some of you people are trying to speak for all americans, let me give you a little advise. There are several people that are for the boycott of Aruba, and some who are not. Everyone is entitled to there very own opinion. If Aruba would had been forthcoming with all of the evidence than they would had not put THEMSELVES IN THIS PREDICUMENT. I WOULD HOPE THAT IF OUR POLICE FORCE WAS BEING AS CORRUPTIVE AS THERES THEY WOULD BOYCOTT THE USA. Open your minds!!!!!
The only reason Natalee's story is still going is because of Beth and the family. So with that maybe the other families that have missing loved ones should try like hell to persue the investigation. Lots of people give up looking, due to the pain of dealing with the loss.
Get a grip.I would hope that I could be like BETH if my 18yr. old daughter went missing. Another issue is the little brother of Natalee,the purchase of that vehicle is absolutley no ones business beings its been planned for him to get such a nice car for so long.Did any of you complaining pay for it? Just maybe the young man is paying for it himself, or maybe grams or pappa.

[adora]

Here's a link to a particularly heartbreaking Alabama missing person case:

Melinda Wall Mcghee

http://www.dps.state.al.us/public/abi/system/missing/details.asp?id=4955&type=Adult

[Maura]

WELL SAID SCOTT!! Boycott Aruba!

[kathy]

We certainly have missing individuals in the US, however the one person missing in another country is a US citizen. The main suspect also comes from a wealthy family... I think a "judge in waiting" could be referred to as "prominent".
The case of Natalee has certainly brought to the front that all countries should unite in some form to investigate and bring to justice any person that is responsible for a missing tourist in their country, including those visiting America. Cooperation between the two countries involved should also be mandatory. It would be nice to see this butI realize unrealistic!

[LB]

Posted by: Scott | Nov 13, 2005 9:20:26 AM

Scott - Who is the Trustee?

[bizman]

It seems that Alabama has a new tragedy to face this morning.Yes even a more important issue than all of the missing people from Alabama.
When will the suffering end for the folk from Alabama????

***WARNING GRAPHIC DETAILS***

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/ncaa/11/12/lsu.bama.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

[truthbetold]

gawsh beth just makes me want to hurl!!!! nobody from aruba is required to go to alabama and discuss anything just because beth has money to shove their way...If I were aruba investigators I would tell all the poloticians following this scam artist beth to kiss my A%& beccause they don't tell another country how to run an investigation......if they found natalees killer today and it wasn't joran or the kalpoes beth would be calling for some investigation into that!!!! shut her up already

[Marianne]

thanks Dan...At least Save America

[Max]

Of course if Riley doesn't care about the poor in his state and the 1,000 other missing and ONLY cares about ONE PERSON gone missing one can only conclude the millions in donations that ONE (1) missing person family received must have given a hefty DONATION (there's that word again) for his campaign. DONATIONS = EXPLOITING NH!

Posted by: Brooke | Nov 13, 2005 7:27:54 AM

Obviously, Nancy Lewis was not from Beth's part of town (the Redneck Riviera) or her plight would have caught the attention of the governor.

[amber]

Beth Twitty has done a good job turning her daughters dissapearnce into a windfall. I sort of admire the old lady, most of us would just feel bad and help the police but not Beth twitty.

[fiesta819]

Please read Bizman:

That is absolutely idiotic, your postings of the AL-LSU game outcome. Firstly, that program has endured years of adversity, none of which were of the players' making; so coming from a loss with a 9-1 statistic is remarkable; Secondly, and more importantly, football has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with Natalee, a boycott, or Aruba. IMO, Dan has called "open season" on the State of Alabama if these types of comments are allowed here! I would like to know how the disapearance of an Alabama teenager has become the fault of her mother and/or the outcome of a football game? Grow up people! Dan, be more responsible!

[Sue]

Again People have forgot what and who this is all about.. Have we all forgot about Natalee?
Dan startd this blogging for Natalee..
Now it is just a propaganda board..
So much for anyone wanting justice for this young girl.. One could only hope and pray for resolution here for everyone involved.
I am quite sure anyone here would want nothing more then to have natalee found either dead or alive just to give everyone involved closure.
I think everyone here needs to step back and reflect abit of why you started blogging this subject to begin with.. Each and ever one of us needs to just pray for closure...As people have mentioned there are many missing people out there and I agree, That doesnt make Natalee more important, but also doesnt make her less important either.. We can only hope and pray for each and every family to find their love ones.

[flightoffancy]

This idea that the Twitty's have a huge windfall from the monies donated is ridiculous. In reality, it is apparent that someone wishes to spread a rumor regarding this in hopes it will dry up the funds and the Twitty's and Holloways will run out of money and no longer be able to afford to pursue justice for Natalee on a highly corrupt island. I just wonder who could possibly have that agenda! let me see oh wait could it be ARUBA!

Posted by: Scott | Nov 13, 2005 9:20:26 AM

IMO you Scott, are the one with his head in the sand. The Twitty's had the fund set up in the AM South bank where Jar Twitty controls it. This is the same man that got his bank fined the largest fine in American History for money laundering. He is a CROOK and his bank is making tons off the money in the trust fund. He is going to cook the books so Twitty gets whatever she wants and he gets whatever h wants. As far as the vacations for her friends, lets face it they always took a ton of people with them and asked the hotels and restaurants to comp them for everything. If that isn't a free vacation I'll eat my hat. Excuse makers for Beth Twitty are on a loosing course. Alabama has too much dirt in that state to be throwing it at anyone else. Two BLACK missing people about the same time as Natalee, from ALABAMA? Why aren't they getting the same concern from their compassiate Governor? Simple, racism is alive and well in Alabama. He might as well change his name to Governor Wallace.

[Sue]

Like I said everyone has lost site of what this is all about

[Brooke]

" Have we all forgot about Natalee?"
Posted by: Sue | Nov 13, 2005 4:01:14 PM

Nope we haven't the "grieving hootie" has tho and she is also exploiting her daughter.

[Brooke]

"Obviously, Nancy Lewis was not from Beth's part of town (the Redneck Riviera) or her plight would have caught the attention of the governor.

Posted by: Max | Nov 13, 2005 3:12:33 PM"

LMAO "Redneck Riviera" I love it! ;)

[Sue]

Brooke,
I am sure glad your not my mother..

[Brooke]

"Brooke,
I am sure glad your not my mother..

Posted by: Sue | Nov 13, 2005 6:39:36 PM"

As am I

[NSP]

At least the State of AL or the City of Birmingham didn't frame anyone for the disappearances yet.

[kin]

When someone goes missing very often there are no leads. No clues at all. How does a case get solved when there's nothing? LE aren't miracle workers. But when they get those leads and clues (they have that and more in the NH case) almost all of the time they get the job done. Unless it's in Aruba where nobody knows their ass from their elbow.

[Botched]

Unreal.. how low will you all go.
WHAT GARBAGE.
Have you gotton worn out bashing Beth, now you have turned to the state in which she lives and the govenor. Unreal once again. Sick folks.

[punkinhale]

Here's a little geography lesson for Max. The Redneck Riviera is the Alabama Gulf Coast & parts of the Florida panhandle. Birmingham {Mountain Brook} is in central Alabama, about a 41/2 hour drive to the beach. I believe Kenny Stabler gave the coast that nickname because he grew up in South Alabama. The coast is just as beautiful as Aruba ever thought about being. MountainBrookMom state on here weeks ago that she sees Matt Holloway around MB and he's not driving a new car or truck.

[$0.02]

Hahahahaahaaaa!!!

The Panhandle as beautiful as Aruba!??? What are you smoking!???

[Boycott Birmingham]

Hell yeah Dan, lets boycott Birmingham! Has this newspaper talked to the mayor to find out why his police force has not done enough to find Nancy Lewis and Walter Moore? The mayor should have to answer questions to why his police force is unable to solve their disappearances. This newspaper cannot have it both ways; it starts with the mayor and then works it way up to the Governor.

[knot]

Boycott B'ham..that is too funny..what did you think?..thousands had scrapped and saved enough money to vacation in B'ham and would be devestated by a boycott..LOL..B'ham could care less if you boycotted them..no one's there on the weekends anyhow...

[homewoodmom]

Don't show your ignorance in comparing the Holloway disappearance to the Lewis or Moore disappearances. Neither Lewis or Moore were in a group who witnessed them leaving with specific persons. These two people vanished without benefit of witnesses who could inform police of their observations. IF the Holloway disappearance had happened in Birmingham, AL. and with the same set of circumstances as in Aruba, I will guarantee you that those three hooligans would have been behind bars a long time ago. By the same token, if Lewis or Moore had vanished in Aruba with the circumtances being what they were in Birmingham, absolutely no effort would have been made to this day to find them.

Everyone knows that crime happens everywhere. The difference lies in how the investigation is handled. The difference also lies with the integrity of the investigators. As I've said before, " CONNECTED IS PROTECTED " in Aruba.

[Scott]

fightoffancy,

sorry dude but Jar Twitty has nothing to do with the trust fund. It is completely sole and seperate..... And it will be audited... His money is not making tons of money off the trust fund. set up the way these types of trusts are structured the bank has no lending ability against those funds. It is not part of their general fund. Sorry your wrong again... As far as being a crook that is a real stretch as to what really happened...If he was that big of a crook he would no longer be in the banking business...

Yeah right Aruba would be a real vacation for the Twitty's and all their friends. I can just imagine how relaxing it must be for them.

Sorry your wrong again they didn't get everything "free" as you have indicated. Far from it.... They certainly did get some but you have greatly over stated it.

Why aren't the two black people getting the same concern??? Surly you jest.. they don't have to worry about the corrupt, incompedant judicial system and a huge cover up in Alabama as they do in Aruba...

[Also_Dutch]

Everyone knows that crime happens everywhere. The difference lies in how the investigation is handled. The difference also lies with the integrity of the investigators. As I've said before, " CONNECTED IS PROTECTED " in Aruba.

Posted by: homewoodmom | Nov 14, 2005 12:06:27 AM

The same thing applies in the US also! But I also think that J2K would have been behind bars in the US. IK don't think you can convict anyone on hearsay and no evidence in the US unless the Jury consists of complete morons and even than an appeals court would throw out the conviction!

J2K spent some three months in jail and the DA couldn't come up with a shread of eveidence to hold them any longer or charge them with something!

[Key West]

They may wish to remain anonymous but even they are still known as all donations are a tax deduction...

the Natalee Fund IS NOT A 501(c) 3.

and not a TAX deduction for anyone..
Beth & Jug are the Trustees .

[homewoodmom]

Dutch, Your last statement is sooooo true. The question is- what happened to the evidence? The three culprits were given approx. 10 days to sanitize, sanitize, sanitize which is exactly what they did. Lest we forget, the two security guards were rousted out of bed at dawn, homes searched and cars impounded immediately. That can't be said for the the three men who Natalee was last seen with. With Papa's and van der Stratten's help, of course, there's no evidence.After all, how could he do that to his best friend's son? That statement alone explains just about everything.

[hockeygirl]

As Am I?!!! Brooke, at least you're good for a laugh.