Natalee Holloway: Alabama Gov Calls For Boycott

Frankly, as an American, I find this disgraceful. And although I rarely support boycotts of any kind, this is a particularly misguided attempt to flex American economic power which 1) will fail and 2) only makes us look foolish in the eyes of the world.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Gov. Bob Riley is calling for a travel boycott of Aruba until authorities on the Dutch Caribbean island cooperate more fully with the family of a Mountain Brook teenager who has been missing since a graduation trip in May.

In a Tuesday press conference, Riley asked the governors of the other 49 states to join him in urging a boycott of Aruba on behalf of the family of Natalee Holloway. The 18-year-old Mountain Brook High graduate was last seen on the island May 30.

Comments

[Jami]

I think this is the only left for the family to do, I will support it,
No Natalee (answers) NO ARUBA

and my local area is supporting it and it's not Alabama.

[c]

Posted by: boywonder | Nov 8, 2005 7:00:03 PM

have u ever travelled anywhere else other than Alabama before ?

[Amber]

I hope Beth follows her own advice and stops going to Aruba.

[birki's]

Alabama ..
Aruba is a beautiful island, one of the safest island in the carribean actually.
With Cancun out of the picture, it sure will benefit Aruba. They should focus marketing strategy towards NL and EU. Aruba is situated outside the hurricane zone, therefore very attractive to anyone looking for sun, beach and blue water.

[newswatcher]

Governor Riley is an ass. You can tell they are not far from the lynch mob mentality in Alabama so I will boycott that state.

Viva Aruba!

[shelby]

This silly attempt to boycott Aruba will fail,i say Boycott Beth Twitty and Alabama

[Shari]

There are MANY more Americans that would have normally traveled to Aruba and now won't, as opposed to the few Arubans who like to travel and vacation in Alabama. I don't think you'll sell many stickers, but hey. go for it.

[newswatcher]

No wonder the world mostly hates the U.S. - we are showing what true big bullies we can be - totally 100% pathetic. and support that I had remotely left for the parents is now gone - I am now planning on travelling to Aruba - never before wanting to go there - but now I will mainly because to boycott a country over 1 possibly botched investigation is just WRONG!

Posted by: Jan | Nov 8, 2005 7:00:01 PM

Not only that, we are certainly showing how ugly some ugly Americans in Alabama can be...along with the creep Joe Mammana.

[Jami]

Cancun is not out the picture, all damage there to be corrected and all resorts open by nov 15, I am booked to go on Nov 16.

I saw a sign in the neighbors yard today that said:

NO NATALEE NO ARUBA, and I didn't even know they were interested in this case, see them at the store, in the yard, but never spoke of this case. I believe there are many more know one knows of.

[Shari]

We're boycotting the government, not the Aruban citizens. Sadly, it's the Aruban citizens who will suffer in the long run.

[newswatcher]

There are MANY more Americans that would have normally traveled to Aruba and now won't, as opposed to the few Arubans who like to travel and vacation in Alabama. I don't think you'll sell many stickers, but hey. go for it.

Posted by: Shari | Nov 8, 2005 7:13:52 PM

Shari, from what I see, the demographic that can afford to go to Aruba could care less about one missing blonde white chick. Most of the people who say boycott can't afford to leave their own back yards...lol.

[Amber]

Has anyone else noticed that Beth Twitty has gone up several Bra sizes? I just saw her on TV standing behind the governor, and she has definitely grown. I guess some of the contribution money has been put to to good use.

[Shari]

Most of the people who say boycott can't afford to leave their own back yards...lol.

Posted by: newswatcher | Nov 8, 2005 7:16:24 PM

Well, I can't speak for the others, but I can certainly afford the trip. I'll just choose to spend my money elsewhere.

[Alee]

Go Gov. Riley! It's time to get something done.

[birki's]

Jami .. I was there 4 Stan and suffered damages from Katrina & Wilma.
Hope you have a safe trip. Some Hotels have suffered lots of damages in Q Roo.

[newswatcher]

I am sure she suffers from the guilt over that everyday! Doesn't every parent suffer that whenever *anything* happens to one of their children? She is not responsible for what happened to Natalee. But SOMEONE is.

Why is it so hard for some people to have compassion for this mom, regardless of what anyone thinks about what truly happened to Natalee?

Posted by: new2blogging | Nov 8, 2005 6:50:39 PM

She lost much of my compassion when she started to lie and use the media to twist and sensationalize this case. She further lost my compassion by keeping the company she keeps. Beth Twitty has made this all about herself. In fact, she is obviously totally against reexamination of the Mountain Brook teens and I wonder what she and they are covering up.

I have compassion for Natalee. If her mother is anything like the way she presents herself to the public, it would not surprise me to find out that Natalee is either a runaway or dead of a drug overdose.

[Bitsey]

Are u saying that Beth is more stronger then the Mariotts, Hiltons and other American companies, that are doing business in Aruba.
Posted by: c | Nov 8, 2005 6:39:49 PM

The family certainly had no problem accepting free services from these American entities.
Talk about greedy....

[findnat]

Has anyone else noticed that Beth Twitty has gone up several Bra sizes? I just saw her on TV standing behind the governor, and she has definitely grown. I guess some of the contribution money has been put to to good use.

Posted by: Amber | Nov 8, 2005 7:16:34 PM

Amber,

Beth seems to have lost a lot of weight in the last 5 months..hence you are probably noticing
what you are noticing.

[Jami]

Shari, from what I see, the demographic that can afford to go to Aruba could care less about one missing blonde white chick. Most of the people who say boycott can't afford to leave their own back yards...lol.

Posted by: newswatcher | Nov 8, 2005 7:16:24 PM

That's one comment I disagree with, I have been there and had many friends also go. Were planning a trip with friends, but nolonger to Aruba, I had about thirty friends change plans just recently from Aruba to Hawaii.

[cadali]

I had already decided to boycott Aruba. Why go to an island that has thumbed it's nose at the family of a missing tourist when there are hundreds of other wonderful vacation destinations?

Maybe the boycott will be ineffective--I dunno. The family has performed heroically in trying to achieve justice and have been met with arrogance and derision. The Arubans need to demand people with integrity in their justice system. Maybe this will shake things up--or not. We'll see.

[plhtx]

Most of the people who say boycott can't afford to leave their own back yards...lol.

Posted by: newswatcher | Nov 8, 2005 7:16:24 PM

Hate to tell you, there are a lot of us who have been there and loved it. But I for one will not be going back to that wonderful Hyatt down there. If anything was to happen to my family, I can't believe that the Aruba LE would do anything about it!!! The LE in Aruba has caused this.

[SFBuff]

Amber your head keeps deflating- not Beths tits... Get a life.. Your karma is going to bite you in the buttocks either that or your stupid mouth is going to open just in time for Joran to take care of it... Do us all a favor and go back to your lame blog site. I just can't wait until the truth comes out and you people realize how stupid you were to point judgemental fingers- oh wait many of you did that to Mr. Horowitz and didn't learn... YOU WILL LEARN WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES YOU!

[findnat]

Most of the people who say boycott can't afford to leave their own back yards...lol.

Posted by: newswatcher | Nov 8, 2005 7:16:24 PM

Well if I can't afford to leave my backyard,
I wouldn't be sitting in front of a computer...would I ?

I too will be spending my dollars elsewhere...I have been to 42 states in the great US of A.I will chose to go to Hawaii and make it my 43rd visited state..

[Bitsey]

This blog cannot run from what it has become. It is my opinion that enough actionable libel has occurred on this blog to satisfy the "actual malice" burden that will be neccessary for Public Figures like Dave Holloway and BHT to prove libel.
Boycott Aruba.
Posted by: First Time Long Time | Nov 8, 2005 7:23:12 PM

Opinions expressed on blogs have not financially harmed Dave or his ex-wife.

[Marilyn]

I totally agree. This boycott is nothing less than economic terrorism. Beth Twitty has waged a campaign of disinformation that is going to give this country another black eye.

Posted by: Max | Nov 8, 2005 6:50:37 PM

Who needs a boycott? The Aruban's have enough bad publicity to chase away vacationer's for the next 10 years.... What's gonna be difficult though is to convince people that Aruba is a safe tourist spot again. It will take more than an end to a boycott...

Posted by: boywonder | Nov 8, 2005 7:00:03 PM

Dream on... Anyone who knows the real facts about Aruba, the safe history, its judicial system, and the wonderful people of that island will NOT support this boycott.

Yes, 70% of their tourists are American, but 40% are repeat visitors which will continue to go, in my opinion. Their 79% occupancy rate is one of the highest in the Caribbean, so they can make up for any loss of Americans and probably be better off for it.

Aruba is much safer than most cities in America and you can bet it is even a safer place now than ever before. WE are the ones getting the black eye...

We are again proving to be the bullies of the world, picking on a country of 100,000 people... an ally of the US ... which happens to be so small that they would make for a full crowd in the Rose Bowl or other large US stadiums! Think about that!

BHT was given information months ago about how to go about filing an official complaint with Holland if she was dissatisfied with the progress or activities of those running the case. That was never done... WHY??? Would that have made too much sense??? Not enough media coverage??? This is sickening to me.

The image of the Ugly American abroad takes another step forward (backward?) in the world. The Arubans will probably be glad to de done with us. Rightly so.

The boycott is reprehensible... Boycott Alabama!

[SFBuff]

Prayers and thoughts with the Natalee's family and friends!

I will boycott Aruba- we don't need the lame to help in our efforts. They are the poor and ignorant who can't afford to go there anyway!!!!

[roy]

never bite the hand that feeds you....

Posted by: whatever | Nov 8, 2005 6:34:34 PM

Unless the hand that feeds you thinks it has the right to harass you.
Or when that hands assumes the arrogance to order you to obey or be beaten.
Then that hand may be put where the sun doesn't shine.

[woebegone]

Do you people think Beth LIKES hurting the average Arubans?
-------------------------

Frankly, yes I do. I think she is enjoying every minute of it.

[Amber]

Sfbuff:

I said her tits are inflating not deflating.

Horowitz????

[Jami]

Frankly, yes I do. I think she is enjoying every minute of it.

Posted by: woebegone | Nov 8, 2005 7:31:07 PM

Did you see her crying today? Obviously not.

[SFBuff]

AMBER- People dont talk to you on your blog don't waste my time... I was using the "opposite" word you used... Do you know what an opposite is "StupidAmber" ? And if you don't know who Dan Horowitz is or what people were posting about him when his wife first died- maybe you need to read more carefully! Or maybe i can even find a posting with you claiming he did it... All ignorant opinions... Use some facts, don't call yourself "stupid," get some self-respect, respect others, and then you might be taken seriously.

PS Do you need a boob job? You are like a self-reflection reading your comments...

[Jami]

I said her tits are inflating not deflating.

Horowitz????

Posted by: Amber | Nov 8, 2005 7:31:33 PM

That is not called called for, can you not discuss without being so crude/rude.

[NHSupporter]

I fully support this boycott! I stand behind Beth and her family all the way. They deserve to know what has happened to their daughter. Let them have some closure!!!!

[Marilyn]

Hate to tell you, there are a lot of us who have been there and loved it. But I for one will not be going back to that wonderful Hyatt down there. If anything was to happen to my family, I can't believe that the Aruba LE would do anything about it!!! The LE in Aruba has caused this.

Posted by: plhtx | Nov 8, 2005 7:24:55 PM

You have been to Aruba and experienced the emphasis on safety of the island and pleasant people and now you won't go back??? Even though you know better from your personal experience? Absurd!

Do you plan on taking your family to an all-inclusive resort with unlimited alcohol? Maybe having some wild nights out at C & C's with a few shots of 151???

Get real... the Aruban LE has not been proven to have done anything wrong, and they are still trying to solve this case. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just a listening to BHT too much and not using their own brain.

My prediction is that this boycott will backfire in a big way. Rightfully so.

[Dan]

Maybe he spends his own money cuz this may be a hobby or he may be very wealthy and just wants people to have a place to discuss world issues or maybe folks who use this site send in checks in support of the site..who knows

Okay, I'll play along, clown. You haven't seen the donation button around here in months, as I only used it to offset phone costs - now mimimal - though I did spend maybe 500 or so of my own in the end over donations. I look at it as my donation to try and get answers - honest ones.

As for the blog, you too can be a happy blogger for free, or for 7 - 14.95 a month with Typepad like I am. Now I realize only "rich folk" like me can afford that, trailer trash... but save your food stamps next month and maybe you can be a blogger, too. Of course, you'll still lack anything intelligent to say. But that hasn't stopped you so far. Have a nice day. : )

[roy]

Incidentally, Dan, you accusing Dr. Phil of being a ratings whore is pretty hypocritical, don't you think?

Posted by: lionhunter | Nov 8, 2005 6:10:48 PM

why do u think it is pretty hypocritical....
where is Dan getting paid for ? can u explain me that ?

Posted by: c | Nov 8, 2005 6:41:54 PM

I know Dan does not need my defense against remarks as made by lowlifes like lionhunter.
As far as I can judge Dan has the most tolerant Blog on the topic.
You don't get banned because you are against Aruba or against Beth.
Both Arubabashers and Bethbashers get reprimanded and warned when they go beyond acceptable limits.

[findnat]

Opinions expressed on blogs have not financially harmed Dave or his ex-wife.

Posted by: Bitsey | Nov 8, 2005 7:27:15 PM

How do you know that?

How about the emotional pain that they are suffering from all of the hatred here..
they not only do not know what happened to their only daughter, but have to endure people saying malicious things about them

BTW, I, for one, believed
all the bad stuff that was being said here about Beth..but after paying more attention realized the truth..

[RdWarrior]

Personally, any American who travels to Aruba now risks their life. You bet the Arubanoids will try to harm Americans

These people who will still visit Aruba need to be aware of it.

Boycott Aruba.....its time

[boywonder]

Aruban's should save their wrath for the priveleged Van der Sloots....

[findnat]

Personally, any American who travels to Aruba now risks their life. You bet the Arubanoids will try to harm Americans

These people who will still visit Aruba need to be aware of it.

Boycott Aruba.....its time

Posted by: RdWarrior | Nov 8, 2005 7:38:44 PM

Yes. What you say can happen. People may be angry at every American...

[Debbie]

If it takes a Boycott...I will vote for it 100% too...

The Natalee Holloway case has become global...It is a wake-up call for the future welfare of mankind...who continue to travel outside the United States...

To the Twitty's and the Hollway's and everyone else who is working so hard from their angle to help find Natalee...I support you 100% too...

The exposure of this case in the public eye...is what everyone needed to see and hear...in order to face and understand...the realities of what could happen to them or their loved ones when traveling to Aruba or any other country...

On the same token...The Twitty's and the Holloway's are setting forth precedence with this case...that will help prevent this same sort of occurrence from happening to anyone else who visits Aruba or other countries...

Knowledge is powerful...And it takes the voice of the people with this knowledge to make a difference for everyone...

And I am thankful that the Twitty's and the Holloway's have the resources that was needed to bring forth this case to the light...

Because if the Natalee Holloway case had stayed in the dark...then any help for anyone in the future would have been useless...

And for the BOYS AND GIRLS of all SCHOOL SYSTEMS in the United States...Your "VOICE" speaking today will make a difference in the future planning of trips outside the U.S. borders...

OUR FUTURE...LIES IN THE HANDS OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS IN ALL SCHOOL SYSTEMS...

BOYS AND GIRLS INSIST THAT YOUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS PUTS WARNINGS IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOKS ABOUT TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES FOR ANY TYPE OF TRIP...

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK IS ONE POSITIVE WAY THAT CAN HELP BRING FORTH AWARENESS TO ALL BOYS AND GIRLS IN ALL SCHOOL SYSTEMS...THE STUDENT HANDBOOK IS GIVEN OUT TO ALL STUDENTS EVERY YEAR...

And at our school...the parents and the students have to sign the last page of the student handbook that basically says that we both have read the book and understand the rules...

Just a note....Not everyone watches television, and not everyone reads the newpaper, but all boys and girls in all school systems gets a student handbook...And it goes home with the student...and most parents read the book and have to sign it...

So ultimately the parents are informed also of the warnings when traveling outside U.S. borders...

I am a parent also...And until the Holloway case was brought forth...I did not know of the "goings on" in Aruba...Now that I am aware of some of the things...I will not help sponsor any trip for my children or any other children to go to Aruba...

[new2blogging]

In fact, she is obviously totally against reexamination of the Mountain Brook teens and I wonder what she and they are covering up.

Posted by: newswatcher | Nov 8, 2005 7:21:55 PM

SHOW me where she said this. I am sooo tired of hearing so many assumptions. I specifically heard her say they need to go through proper channels to do this. She never said they should not be reexamined. She also questioned why it was not done in the first place. Oh, I know, they all ran away on the first flight home, right? WHO IN ARUBA ASKED THEM TO STAY FOR QUESTIONING? Who was in charge of the investigation?

I am sorry for you that you cannot feel compassion for this woman, even while disagreeing with her tactics. Says more about you than her, IMO.

[Jami]

BTW, I, for one, believed
all the bad stuff that was being said here about Beth..but after paying more attention realized the truth..

Posted by: findnat | Nov 8, 2005 7:38:32 PM

Findnat,
That's the goal for people to believe what they read here, but most go beyond and read and research past one blog, then they make their own mind up. It's really amazing at the amount of people I have seen change their mind about Beth and Aruba.

The post from so called Aruba posters turn away more visitors to Aruba than the call from Alabama to boycott.

[Brooke]

Well I guess BT will never be allowed in Aruba, after all her gov insists all Alabamans are NOT allowed to go there.

Oh wait that didn't mean her just all the other Alabamans, after all she and her camera crew need more pictures.

I hope Aruba bans all AL from entering Aruba, LOL

BOYCOTT ALABAMA!

[Jami]

Dave and Beth have both made it clear they have no intentions of returning. There is no reason for them too, Aruba isn't doing anything to solve the case of their missing daughter, and they are being mistreated while there. So why would they go bacK?

[Marilyn]

I know Dan does not need my defense against remarks as made by lowlifes like lionhunter.
As far as I can judge Dan has the most tolerant Blog on the topic.
You don't get banned because you are against Aruba or against Beth.
Both Arubabashers and Bethbashers get reprimanded and warned when they go beyond acceptable limits.

Posted by: roy | Nov 8, 2005 7:37:35 PM

Dan also has the class and tolerance not to ban people who bash him unmercifully on his own blog. He has earned my respect for sure.

[usmcdad]

Oh excuse me I meant to say typical DAMN SOUTHERN redneck!

Posted by: Brooke

Brooke, you are so arrogant only YOU have an idea of why the rest of the world is jealous of the US, BTW people are moving to the SOUTH to be with us RED NECKS. NASCAR is also fastest growing sport in US... LOL just ignorant REDNECKS laughing all the way to the bank after taking stupid YANKEE's money.

[ROFLMAO]

...Maybe he spends his own money cuz this may be a hobby or he may be very wealthy and just wants people to have a place to discuss world issues
Posted by: findnat | Nov 8, 2005 6:54:04 PM

Or maybe he's just a totally insane masochistic fool!! LOL

[SFBuff]

Brooke-

You should preview before you post... You are coming across as ignorant as "stupidamber"- if you are going to point the judgemental finger at least have one fact.

I am proud to be an American. I hope that we can all stand beside a fellow citizen and suffering family and show the LOYAL, CARING country we are... We need to take care of our own... Because obviously noone else is!

[Cassanova]

I will be supporting this boycott! I fully support BHT! I hope and pray that she can find out what happened to Natalee. It looks like our family will be going to Hawaii this winter! Aloha!