Wow, I am amazed at the number of people who feel that this family should act in a certain way. I realize we do not have the WHOLE story...in fact, we shouldn't. Facts need to be kept back, after all a trial will happen and already a change of venue will probably be needed.
I can not and will not judge the actions of the family nor of Elizabeth. I sympathize with all they have gone through. I do not feel that they need to put the entire story before the public. It is Elizabeth's story and those that need to know it..will know it. Some of it will come out since it will be needed at the trial.
As for the pregnancy rumour...I have never heard any so repugnant in my life. Talk about a blame the victim mentality. And besides, she was examined in the hospital and I would be that included a rape kit...it would have shown if she had given birth, 'specially if it had happened in the last month or two. And given our media today, there is no way that would have been kept quiet.
As for the father being on TV and chastising the senator about the Amber Alert bill, no I do not find that weird. This is a man that has been working with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children for the last 9 months. They have helped him when needed and he has met, talked with, and assisted other families going through the same thing...having a child missing. I can see why he would want to use this oportunity to remind everyone that while his family has had a happy ending, the majority do not and that a National Amber Alert is missing. After all, he is not the only one who feels that the bill should not be held up, even if the amendments being attached are suppose to be benefitial in the end...it still holds it up now.
I do not think that Elizabeth is "normal"...and I don't think the family does either. Yes, they might say she is "happy", "normal" etc, but that is just for the mass media. I think they know that she is going to need counseling and assistance through this...to me, that is another reason that it is the father in front of the camera. If they family doesn't talk, the media would feel it was a slap in the face with all the exposure, but sure as heck, Elizabeth shouldn't have to face it. So the father does it.
I am also sure their is some denial going on...I don't think many mothers and fathers want to think about their children being sexually abused...and it does seem that might have happened here. We might not know, but I am sure the parents do.
I for one am willing to believe the story of her being kidnapped, being too afraid to say anything (after all, as someone already pointed out, plenty of kids are sexually abused each day and say nothing...even to parents who love them).
I sincerely hope that you all never have to be in the situation where you are a victim and are not believed! This happens everyday across this country with sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harrasment...to me, this is the same type of thing. Poor Elizabeth...I hope she never comes across all these people who think she "should have done something!" Nothing like trying to make her blame herself even more, cause I would bet money, she already does!
Sorry but I really hate the "blame the victim" mentality.
