The waking nightmare that every parent dreads
"Please continue to pray for Madeleine. She's lovely."
Kate McCann choked as she made her public appeal. Every parent who heard it must have felt their own eyes fill with tears. Every one will have held their own children a little closer. The McCanns are living through a waking nightmare. Such a short time ago they embarked on their holiday, their first abroad with their three children. Just imagine their excitement as they packed for the Mark Warner Ocean Club. It is situated in a traditional Portuguese fishing village and has six children's clubs as well as swimming pools, tennis courts and two restaurants. They were with a group of colleagues and friends. What could be more relaxing?
The children would have attention all day. The evenings would be grown-up time, when Kate and Gerry McCann could eat in peace and enjoy some proper, uninterrupted conversation. It would recharge their batteries and would reaffirm the foundations of the
little family asleep so close by. Madeleine and the twins were as close as if their parents had hired a large villa and eaten in the garden.
Was it negligent to go out to a restaurant? I don't think so. I am not advocating that parents of under-fives should have nights out, leaving their children untended. That isn't what happened here. The McCanns were within a family- friendly complex, in a country that makes children welcome. Their apartment was within sight. Its window shutters were latched and the door was locked. One of their parents checked on the children every half-hour. These were reasonable precautions, which is all any parent can take - and all they should take.
We have all behaved in similar fashion on holiday. I can remember having dinner in a hotel dining room while our baby daughter slept upstairs. The people on reception had a baby monitor. At one point - slightly tipsy, I'm ashamed to say - I went up to check on her. I didn't turn on the light, just tucked her in tight, for the night was cold. As I straightened to leave I patted her head. What I encountered were the plastic soles of her sleep suit. I had buried her head at the bottom of the cot.
Three years later, during a holiday on Mull, we left our two-year- old son with a friend while we climbed a hill at the back of the house. An hour later, on our way back down, we met him on his
way up to us, beside a stream, wearing his father's shoes. The friend was inside enjoying a glass of wine, oblivious.
| Everyone will have held their own children a little closer | |
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Despite their best efforts, all families have near-misses. All parents take calculated risks. As long as they are loving parents - as are the McCanns - it is not only natural but good to do so. It is just real life.
In our case, the freedoms we afforded our children became unnaturally curtailed, courtesy of the child killer Robert Black. He killed 11-year-old Susan Maxwell one summer and five-year-old
Caroline Hogg the next. When Susan went missing on Coldstream Bridge, my brother-in-law's garden was one of the many properties searched. When Caroline went missing from Portobello beach, the park where I took my children to play was searched. It was all very close to home and Black went undetected for some years. It was like living with a lion on the loose.
We know now that throughout that time Black was travelling throughout Britain and across to France. We, meanwhile, were forbidding our children to play outside unsupervised, to visit the shops alone. We were standing between them and the independence they deserved. Instead of supervising their development, we were hindering it in an over-zealous effort to protect them.
It was a natural instinct but, in hindsight, quite wrong. Children need freedom. They need to play out of doors with their friends, to develop their own understanding of the world. It is estimated that in any year seven children out of the UK's 12 million will be killed by a stranger. Cancer is the biggest child killer, yet few of us lie awake at night fretting about it.
Meanwhile, following Madeleine's abduction, I wonder how many parents today will be rethinking their family holiday. How many others will be vowing to spend it glued to their offspring day and night? But if they do spend all of their precious time hovering over their children, will any of them really enjoy the break? Will they return refreshed or scratchy?
Madeleine's abduction immediately brought back to mind the
taking of baby Ben Needham, who was on holiday with his parents on the Greek island of Kos. Like Madeleine, he was an exceptionally attractive child. He was just 21 months old when he disappeared without trace. It is salutary to remind ourselves that if he is still alive, Ben will now be almost
18. Black has been in prison for 15. These incidents are rare, though inevitably they remain fresh in every parent's memory.
It is their very infrequency that attracts huge publicity. We remember them because they tap into our deepest fears. Child abduction is the stuff of folk lore and fairy tale. When Kate and Gerry McCann went to check on their children it was not the threat of kidnap that concerned them, it was to make certain they hadn't fallen out of bed or woken in need of a drink or the bathroom. To live with the fear of kidnap is no more rational than to go about on a daily basis in the expectation and fear that a plane will crash on you. We need to bear in mind that most abused children are abused at home.
Our reaction to these extraordinary events should mirror Margaret Thatcher's response to the Brighton bombing. We take the hit. Then life goes on as normal. It has to be that way. Otherwise we confer power on the mad and the bad, to the detriment of our children.
The McCanns are a particularly good-looking family. You could say eye-catchingly so. When I first saw their family photograph, I thought it was an advertisement. Kate is pretty, Gerry is handsome and the children are beautiful. They have nice clothes, nice things. Their choice of holiday destination demonstrates that they are comfortably off. By the time this is published we may know who took Madeleine and why. We may know if she was kidnapped for a ransom, whether a childless couple took her for themselves or whether the intent was altogether darker.
What looks certain is her abduction was planned. Someone prised open her shutters and took her from between her brother and sister. If that opportunity had not arisen, she could have been taken at another moment when her parents' backs were turned. Jamie Bulger was led away to his death when his mother let go of his hand in a shop. Though she will have blamed herself, she did nothing wrong. The McCanns did nothing wrong. The wrong is done by the abductor. The kidnapper has damaged the life of one child and one family. That's already one too many. We must make sure our fear of it happening again doesn't damage more.
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Posted by: Dina on 10:18pm Mon 7 May 07
As badly as I feel for these parents, I cannot help but think they are partly to blame because any responsible parent would never leave a three year old alone in a room to go out to dinner.
As badly as I feel for these parents, I cannot help but think they are partly to blame because any responsible parent would never leave a three year old alone in a room to go out to dinner.
Posted by: Krista on 10:38pm Mon 7 May 07
Sorry, I disagree, the McCanns absolutely did something wrong. I went to Bermuda a couple of years ago with my two year old child. My husband and I stayed at one of the best resorts on the island, The Reefs. At night we would have loved to go out, drink at the bar, use the pool, have dinner. But every night, we stayed in because we would never have left our daughter alone in a room unattended. We are not suffocating parents, however, a child of two years old can get into a lot of trouble in a room without her parents. Electrical outlets, ovens, there are many hazards in an unfamiliar place. Simply crying and having no one there to comfort them or tell them that they weren't abandoned. Who tells their child they are leaving? No, forgoing on dinners and what not, without a babysitter, at that age is a must. And the McCanns are most certainly responsible because if they had not let their defenseless, three year old alone in a room, they wouldn't be in this situation. And maybe she would have been taken anyway, but how? Who leaves their three year child alone, under what circumstances? At the pool? No. At the park? No. When and where is it proper to leave your three year old alone? The answer is nowhere, at no time. And I could be wrong, but I'm betting that the McCanns will never make that mistake again. Yes, children need freedom, but there is a difference in letting an eight year old child play in his/her garden and a three year and even younger twins left alone in a room while you go out for dinner. I don't care how safe the hotel is, the only people you can trust with your children are yourselves.
Sorry, I disagree, the McCanns absolutely did something wrong. I went to Bermuda a couple of years ago with my two year old child. My husband and I stayed at one of the best resorts on the island, The Reefs. At night we would have loved to go out, drink at the bar, use the pool, have dinner. But every night, we stayed in because we would never have left our daughter alone in a room unattended. We are not suffocating parents, however, a child of two years old can get into a lot of trouble in a room without her parents. Electrical outlets, ovens, there are many hazards in an unfamiliar place. Simply crying and having no one there to comfort them or tell them that they weren't abandoned. Who tells their child they are leaving? No, forgoing on dinners and what not, without a babysitter, at that age is a must. And the McCanns are most certainly responsible because if they had not let their defenseless, three year old alone in a room, they wouldn't be in this situation. And maybe she would have been taken anyway, but how? Who leaves their three year child alone, under what circumstances? At the pool? No. At the park? No. When and where is it proper to leave your three year old alone? The answer is nowhere, at no time. And I could be wrong, but I'm betting that the McCanns will never make that mistake again. Yes, children need freedom, but there is a difference in letting an eight year old child play in his/her garden and a three year and even younger twins left alone in a room while you go out for dinner. I don't care how safe the hotel is, the only people you can trust with your children are yourselves.
Posted by: Sarah on 10:52pm Mon 7 May 07
I think it is extraordinary reaction to blame the parents. They are not the ones who abducted the child. Why the rush to further victimise the victims? Sometimes I wonder at the inherent bleakness of the human race.
As I child I was abducted. I don't blame my parents (although I am quite sure many people would have rushed in to say they had allowed me to play in an unsafe environment). I escaped via serendipity - an observant member of the public.
The one at fault in all these cases is the abductor or abductors (in my case two male strangers). Please don't rush in to blame the parents - they are as much victims as the child. Please support them. They need it.
I think it is extraordinary reaction to blame the parents. They are not the ones who abducted the child. Why the rush to further victimise the victims? Sometimes I wonder at the inherent bleakness of the human race.
As I child I was abducted. I don't blame my parents (although I am quite sure many people would have rushed in to say they had allowed me to play in an unsafe environment). I escaped via serendipity - an observant member of the public.
The one at fault in all these cases is the abductor or abductors (in my case two male strangers). Please don't rush in to blame the parents - they are as much victims as the child. Please support them. They need it.
Posted by: Maggie on 11:17pm Mon 7 May 07
Some of the author's information is in error. The children weren't locked inside their room--the parents were regularly entering their apartment through the unlocked window to check on them. If there was a kidnapping, the kidnapper almost certainly just followed the parents' example to learn how to enter the apartment.
And anyone who believes it's acceptable to leave toddlers alone in an unfamiliar room in a foreign country behind an unlocked window should probably have their own children removed. Sometimes horrible things happen to otherwise relatively blameless parents because of a moment of inattention, but his is clearly not one of those cases. I think it's important for all of us to make clear, for the sake of anyone who might be persuaded by people like the author of this nutty article, that leaving two- and three-year-olds unattended is criminal behavior and will not be tolerated.
Some of the author's information is in error. The children weren't locked inside their room--the parents were regularly entering their apartment through the unlocked window to check on them. If there was a kidnapping, the kidnapper almost certainly just followed the parents' example to learn how to enter the apartment.
And anyone who believes it's acceptable to leave toddlers alone in an unfamiliar room in a foreign country behind an unlocked window should probably have their own children removed. Sometimes horrible things happen to otherwise relatively blameless parents because of a moment of inattention, but his is clearly not one of those cases. I think it's important for all of us to make clear, for the sake of anyone who might be persuaded by people like the author of this nutty article, that leaving two- and three-year-olds unattended is criminal behavior and will not be tolerated.
Posted by: mc on 2:08am Tue 8 May 07
Sorry, I can't for the life of me picture leaving a baby/toddler alone in a strange hotel room for ANY amount of time! Just because the writer's done it herself makes it ok? And checking every half HOUR?? I'd be checking every five minutes. I just don't get it.
Sorry, I can't for the life of me picture leaving a baby/toddler alone in a strange hotel room for ANY amount of time! Just because the writer's done it herself makes it ok? And checking every half HOUR?? I'd be checking every five minutes. I just don't get it.
Posted by: KAREN BALLANTYNE, glasgow on 2:36am Tue 8 May 07
I have never read such biased reporting in a long time. Of course it was wrong to leave three young kids and go off to the pub to enjoy yourself. Are you daft? Was this article researched at all?
The report is also riddled with inaccuracies. The french doors were unlocked, it was NOT POSSIBLE to see the back of the flats where the kids were sleeping from the pub, as on site reprters tested it out, it was along a main road and around a corner - not like your back garden at all and the most shocking info to come out today was that a Portuguese neighbour watched them go out and leave the kids in alone since the start of the holiday.
Words are cheap. Children are too precious and no truly responsible parent would even contemplate leaving their young children wide open to danger like that.
As for your own rather smug confessions as a mother - NO COMMENT!
I have never read such biased reporting in a long time. Of course it was wrong to leave three young kids and go off to the pub to enjoy yourself. Are you daft? Was this article researched at all?
The report is also riddled with inaccuracies. The french doors were unlocked, it was NOT POSSIBLE to see the back of the flats where the kids were sleeping from the pub, as on site reprters tested it out, it was along a main road and around a corner - not like your back garden at all and the most shocking info to come out today was that a Portuguese neighbour watched them go out and leave the kids in alone since the start of the holiday.
Words are cheap. Children are too precious and no truly responsible parent would even contemplate leaving their young children wide open to danger like that.
As for your own rather smug confessions as a mother - NO COMMENT!
Posted by: JamesM on 7:08am Tue 8 May 07
"We have all behaved in similar fashion on holiday." Speak for yourself , madam.
"At one point - slightly tipsy, I'm ashamed to say - I went up to check on her." Obviously not too ashamed. Well, get this. It's an offence to be drunk in charge of a child. What does the law say about being drunk and leaving a child alone? I'm not sure, but I suspect nothing good.
I urge Ms Douglas Home's local social work child protection team to speak to her as soon as possible.
"We have all behaved in similar fashion on holiday." Speak for yourself , madam.
"At one point - slightly tipsy, I'm ashamed to say - I went up to check on her." Obviously not too ashamed. Well, get this. It's an offence to be drunk in charge of a child. What does the law say about being drunk and leaving a child alone? I'm not sure, but I suspect nothing good.
I urge Ms Douglas Home's local social work child protection team to speak to her as soon as possible.
Posted by: j.brunton, Devon on 8:44am Tue 8 May 07
The police seem to be adding to the misery with the changing stories they are releasing. Maybe its deliberate to put the abductor in the frame of mind that they are not on to them.
Yes the parents are responsible for giving the abductor the chance to snatch Maddy from her bed. Why are some people so quick to defend such negligence?Because they have done the same as the reporter admits?????
The police seem to be adding to the misery with the changing stories they are releasing. Maybe its deliberate to put the abductor in the frame of mind that they are not on to them.
Yes the parents are responsible for giving the abductor the chance to snatch Maddy from her bed. Why are some people so quick to defend such negligence?Because they have done the same as the reporter admits?????
Posted by: Kerry, UK on 9:06am Tue 8 May 07
This reporter is nuts!!! My partner and I have a 3 year old son and live in a two storey block of flats on the top. Many times my neighbours have said to me come and have a little drink and bring your baby monitor whilst my son has been asleep. I have never ever thought this was ok in anyway I mean what if he woke up terrified or there was ever a fire. Either myself of my sons dad has always supervised him at all times. What these parents have done in my opinion is a disgrace I just hope that their neglect has not cost this little girl her life. I hope she is found safely.
This reporter is nuts!!! My partner and I have a 3 year old son and live in a two storey block of flats on the top. Many times my neighbours have said to me come and have a little drink and bring your baby monitor whilst my son has been asleep. I have never ever thought this was ok in anyway I mean what if he woke up terrified or there was ever a fire. Either myself of my sons dad has always supervised him at all times. What these parents have done in my opinion is a disgrace I just hope that their neglect has not cost this little girl her life. I hope she is found safely.
Posted by: KAREN BALLANTYNE, Glasgow on 9:12am Tue 8 May 07
Totally agree with JamesM
This Herald reporter's comments -"[bold]We take the hit. Then life goes on as normal[/bold] "- merely highlights her own laissez-faire attitude to parenting. NO LIFE DOES NOT GO ON AS NORMAL - not for the parents or Maddy, even if it is a "happy" ending because of the horrific emotional trauma surrounding this terrible event.
It is really very annoying when such amateurish reporting tries to persuade the readers that "MOST OTHER PARENTS" would or have done the same thing.That is just a way of projecting personal parental irresponsibilty onto others so that they can kid themselves on that its common acceptable practise.
Focusing on just the potential threat of abduction is ridiculous. I would not leave a child so young unsupervised as they may harm themselves in the home accidentally or by attempting to do something dangerous.With no adult there to intervene the consequences could be deadly.
I am surprised at the Herald for allowing such a sloppy piece of disjointed writing to see the light of day .
Totally agree with JamesM
This Herald reporter's comments -"
We take the hit. Then life goes on as normal "- merely highlights her own laissez-faire attitude to parenting. NO LIFE DOES NOT GO ON AS NORMAL - not for the parents or Maddy, even if it is a "happy" ending because of the horrific emotional trauma surrounding this terrible event.
It is really very annoying when such amateurish reporting tries to persuade the readers that "MOST OTHER PARENTS" would or have done the same thing.That is just a way of projecting personal parental irresponsibilty onto others so that they can kid themselves on that its common acceptable practise.
Focusing on just the potential threat of abduction is ridiculous. I would not leave a child so young unsupervised as they may harm themselves in the home accidentally or by attempting to do something dangerous.With no adult there to intervene the consequences could be deadly.
I am surprised at the Herald for allowing such a sloppy piece of disjointed writing to see the light of day .
Posted by: j.brunton, Devon on 9:32am Tue 8 May 07
I agree with Kerry & Karen.
[bold]The reporter must be off her head.[/bold]
Why be a parent if its such a chore?
I agree with Kerry & Karen.
The reporter must be off her head.
Why be a parent if its such a chore?
Posted by: Nicola, West Yorkshire on 10:34am Tue 8 May 07
Put your self in their shoes for a moment.
These parents, a lot like many others, have made a mistake and their daughter may never be seen again.
She may be sold on to another family or she may be sexually abused by numerous individuals until her little body can take no more.
Don’t you think the family are going through enough without the
Insensitive comments of so many ‘Perfect Parents’.
The world is unfortunately full of people like you.
People who are quick to lay the blame on others and not so quick at
Pointing out there own mistakes.
Are you perfect and free from fault? Are you so perfect that you have never made a wrong decision? NO YOUR NOT - YOUR HUMAN!
No one walking on this earth is free from fault but many are full of Hate, self-centredness, Self regard and judgmental attitudes which is shown here on this site.
You have little thought for anyone other than yourselves and your opinions.
I pity you all and the ‘children’ you no doubt have disregarded while you type you hypocritical reviews on this site.
[bold]bold[/bold]
Put your self in their shoes for a moment.
These parents, a lot like many others, have made a mistake and their daughter may never be seen again.
She may be sold on to another family or she may be sexually abused by numerous individuals until her little body can take no more.
Don’t you think the family are going through enough without the
Insensitive comments of so many ‘Perfect Parents’.
The world is unfortunately full of people like you.
People who are quick to lay the blame on others and not so quick at
Pointing out there own mistakes.
Are you perfect and free from fault? Are you so perfect that you have never made a wrong decision? NO YOUR NOT - YOUR HUMAN!
No one walking on this earth is free from fault but many are full of Hate, self-centredness, Self regard and judgmental attitudes which is shown here on this site.
You have little thought for anyone other than yourselves and your opinions.
I pity you all and the ‘children’ you no doubt have disregarded while you type you hypocritical reviews on this site.
Posted by: Jaq, Ayr on 11:15am Tue 8 May 07
Two of the most tragic words in our language 'If only'. I can only imagine how many times Madeline's parents have said them.
Let's not destroy this mum and dad. I don't think they need to be judged by the public right now. I'm sure they've done that all by themselves.
Two of the most tragic words in our language 'If only'. I can only imagine how many times Madeline's parents have said them.
Let's not destroy this mum and dad. I don't think they need to be judged by the public right now. I'm sure they've done that all by themselves.
Posted by: Steve, Australia on 11:49am Tue 8 May 07
This is not a time for blame.
Only a few people will be able to imagine the pain the family are suffering right now.
Try for one second putting yourself in their shoes and ask is this a time to criticise.
The family need support from every angle.
This is not a time for blame.
Only a few people will be able to imagine the pain the family are suffering right now.
Try for one second putting yourself in their shoes and ask is this a time to criticise.
The family need support from every angle.
Posted by: nexie, kilwinning on 12:02pm Tue 8 May 07
I dont think im a perfect parent but i do try my best. i was horrified by this article. it is certainly not safe to leave 3 such young children in alone. If this had been poor working class family the papers would be having a field day. Poor maddie i hope they find her soon its so sad.
I dont think im a perfect parent but i do try my best. i was horrified by this article. it is certainly not safe to leave 3 such young children in alone. If this had been poor working class family the papers would be having a field day. Poor maddie i hope they find her soon its so sad.
Posted by: Lesley, Glasgow on 1:30pm Tue 8 May 07
While I have sympathy for the parent's, I would never leave my children alone of an evening. Do they do it in the UK? Do they go to the local pub and check on the kids every half hour? We recently came back from a holiday in France with other families with children and we took it in turns to look after the kids. This was one of a number of options open to Maddy's parents. Leaving them alone should not have been. What if one of them had fallen out of bed or been sick or just upset? That alone, without even taking the threat of abduction into account, should be enough to keep a parent with their children. This article is beyond rubbish.
While I have sympathy for the parent's, I would never leave my children alone of an evening. Do they do it in the UK? Do they go to the local pub and check on the kids every half hour? We recently came back from a holiday in France with other families with children and we took it in turns to look after the kids. This was one of a number of options open to Maddy's parents. Leaving them alone should not have been. What if one of them had fallen out of bed or been sick or just upset? That alone, without even taking the threat of abduction into account, should be enough to keep a parent with their children. This article is beyond rubbish.
Posted by: j.brunton, Devon on 2:10pm Tue 8 May 07
Nicola-West Yorkshire
Yet another two faced hypocritcal goody two shoes - get off yer soapbox and get honest [bold]WITH YOURSELF[/bold] . Don't slag off others who have the guts to say what most of the country think.
It doesn't mean we don't think it is terrible but people like you are just used to hearing the sound of their own voice.
Bet youre a "GOOD PERSON" ...
Nicola-West Yorkshire
Yet another two faced hypocritcal goody two shoes - get off yer soapbox and get honest
WITH YOURSELF . Don't slag off others who have the guts to say what most of the country think.
It doesn't mean we don't think it is terrible but people like you are just used to hearing the sound of their own voice.
Bet youre a "GOOD PERSON" ...
Posted by: nicola, West yorks on 2:27pm Tue 8 May 07
j brunton, Devon
No not a good person…I am an honest and companionate person unlike the sick and hate filled excuses on here!
Your so judgmental and in need of a reality check.
The whole world knows they have made a mistake but the likes of you are sure to make sure they are persecuted for it.
Is it not enough that they have lost a child.
Dont you think that’s enough guilt to carry?
You make me sick!
j brunton, Devon
No not a good person…I am an honest and companionate person unlike the sick and hate filled excuses on here!
Your so judgmental and in need of a reality check.
The whole world knows they have made a mistake but the likes of you are sure to make sure they are persecuted for it.
Is it not enough that they have lost a child.
Dont you think that’s enough guilt to carry?
You make me sick!
Posted by: JIM McK, Glasgow on 2:42pm Tue 8 May 07
I think that NICOLA is the one "full of hate" who "judges people" by her comments!
It is a knee jerk reaction and full of venom. It is not the McCanns that people are judging here it is just highlighting the need for parents no to be as complacent as the author of this article has shown herself to be.
Maybe people out there really did think it ok to do what the McCanns did but now they will think twice. Making sweeping statements like you have done is out of order.This is a section for comments so don't get so **** personal.
I hope Maddy is found soon and I have great sympathy for her parents...............but what about Maddy? She could have been spared this if her parents had been responsible and that is the truth. The Portuguses papers are almost 100% in agreement with that it is just our media that is playing it down. It is emotionally dishonest people like yourself that throw red herrings into debates like this.GROW UP!
I think that NICOLA is the one "full of hate" who "judges people" by her comments!
It is a knee jerk reaction and full of venom. It is not the McCanns that people are judging here it is just highlighting the need for parents no to be as complacent as the author of this article has shown herself to be.
Maybe people out there really did think it ok to do what the McCanns did but now they will think twice. Making sweeping statements like you have done is out of order.This is a section for comments so don't get so **** personal.
I hope Maddy is found soon and I have great sympathy for her parents...............but what about Maddy? She could have been spared this if her parents had been responsible and that is the truth. The Portuguses papers are almost 100% in agreement with that it is just our media that is playing it down. It is emotionally dishonest people like yourself that throw red herrings into debates like this.GROW UP!
Posted by: Jim McGinçley, MonteGordo on 3:15pm Tue 8 May 07
The normally quiet town of Montegordo is swarming with police today. Cars are being stopped while helicopters fly by on a regular basis.
Motegordo lies in the south of the Algarve bordering Spain about 200km from where Maddie, was abducted.
The locals here are horrified by Maddie´s abduction and while everything is being done to find her abductor, it seems kidnapping IS a common occurence in Portugal.
A local Portugese bar owner said; "These bastards should be killed. They have been kidnapping young girls for prostitution for years.More has to be done to stop this."
Another Portugese man confirmed that there have been lots of kidnapping in the past.
There are no posters in any of the shops, or bars here yet.
Jim McGinley BA Journalism Sat. in Montegordo
Do you require any more copy? Or statements? Will be here until Thursday.
The normally quiet town of Montegordo is swarming with police today. Cars are being stopped while helicopters fly by on a regular basis.
Motegordo lies in the south of the Algarve bordering Spain about 200km from where Maddie, was abducted.
The locals here are horrified by Maddie´s abduction and while everything is being done to find her abductor, it seems kidnapping IS a common occurence in Portugal.
A local Portugese bar owner said; "These bastards should be killed. They have been kidnapping young girls for prostitution for years.More has to be done to stop this."
Another Portugese man confirmed that there have been lots of kidnapping in the past.
There are no posters in any of the shops, or bars here yet.
Jim McGinley BA Journalism Sat. in Montegordo
Do you require any more copy? Or statements? Will be here until Thursday.
Posted by: Amsterham, London on 3:19pm Tue 8 May 07
Now there was me thinking this would be a website offering humanistic editorial insight and reasoned debate on a harrowing subject. However after a quick read through it seems as though it has been hijacked by a whole platoon of the “permanently neurotic, frightened by life, danger round every corner and always correct” army. How perfect you all must be. Friendless, but perfect. It must be tiring every night climbing that ladder to the lofty platform reserved for the moral elite. What should we do? burn them at the stake? Drag them through the streets? Or maybe just a simple stoning as after all they deserve it, dont they? You should be feeling shameful for your vitriolic castigation of two loving parents, with their hearts ripped out, and no end in sight. How on earth do you live yourselves? I suspect the real questions is “how do other people live with you?”, but I am sure you know already know the answer to that!
Now there was me thinking this would be a website offering humanistic editorial insight and reasoned debate on a harrowing subject. However after a quick read through it seems as though it has been hijacked by a whole platoon of the “permanently neurotic, frightened by life, danger round every corner and always correct” army. How perfect you all must be. Friendless, but perfect. It must be tiring every night climbing that ladder to the lofty platform reserved for the moral elite. What should we do? burn them at the stake? Drag them through the streets? Or maybe just a simple stoning as after all they deserve it, dont they? You should be feeling shameful for your vitriolic castigation of two loving parents, with their hearts ripped out, and no end in sight. How on earth do you live yourselves? I suspect the real questions is “how do other people live with you?”, but I am sure you know already know the answer to that!
Posted by: JIM McK, Glasgow on 3:42pm Tue 8 May 07
Amsterham - another hateful reaction by an extremist. Pathetic. Why get so wrapped up in defending the parents? You just show your utter lack of concern for poor wee Maddy - she is the one you should feel sorry for. She was the one requiring protection and didn't receive it.
It is not about crucifying the parents at all. You liberalists would probably try to "understand" the perpetrator ,if he/she is ever caught, and fight for their human rights!
Amsterham - another hateful reaction by an extremist. Pathetic. Why get so wrapped up in defending the parents? You just show your utter lack of concern for poor wee Maddy - she is the one you should feel sorry for. She was the one requiring protection and didn't receive it.
It is not about crucifying the parents at all. You liberalists would probably try to "understand" the perpetrator ,if he/she is ever caught, and fight for their human rights!
Posted by: helen, Paisley on 4:01pm Tue 8 May 07
Lets all hope and pray this little girl is found safe and well.
However it's unbelievable that three young babies were left on their own unattended.
A responsible adult should be within hearing distance of small children at all times. It's not just the danger of abduction. It only takes minutes for a child to have a seizure, choke on something, be sick, fall out of bed and injure themselves.....the list is endless.
It beggars belief that a free babysitting service was available but these two intelligent, middle-class doctors elected to leave their children alone.
Lets all hope and pray this little girl is found safe and well.
However it's unbelievable that three young babies were left on their own unattended.
A responsible adult should be within hearing distance of small children at all times. It's not just the danger of abduction. It only takes minutes for a child to have a seizure, choke on something, be sick, fall out of bed and injure themselves.....the list is endless.
It beggars belief that a free babysitting service was available but these two intelligent, middle-class doctors elected to leave their children alone.
Posted by: Martin J, London on 4:07pm Tue 8 May 07
Im sorry but I completely disagree with comments not holding the parents partly to blame. Those children should never have been left on their own at their age. As a parent myself I would never leave infant children on their own AT NIGHT. I hope like everyone else that the girl is returned safe and well.
Im sorry but I completely disagree with comments not holding the parents partly to blame. Those children should never have been left on their own at their age. As a parent myself I would never leave infant children on their own AT NIGHT. I hope like everyone else that the girl is returned safe and well.
Posted by: Cressingham, Falkirk on 4:15pm Tue 8 May 07
Leaving aside the harrowing events in Portugal for a moment, I was stunned to read such a crass article in the Herald.
I have an 8-year-old, and the furthest he has ever been from me while asleep on holiday is in the next room. I would never cross my mind to leave him unattended. When you take a young child on holiday their needs far outweigh your desire to "eat in peace and enjoy some proper, uninterrupted conversation".
Their needs also outweigh your right to get pished. These are the limitations on your own actions you have to accept if you choose to take young children on holiday. It is, in my opinion, the height of selfishness to do anything else.
Leaving aside the harrowing events in Portugal for a moment, I was stunned to read such a crass article in the Herald.
I have an 8-year-old, and the furthest he has ever been from me while asleep on holiday is in the next room. I would never cross my mind to leave him unattended. When you take a young child on holiday their needs far outweigh your desire to "eat in peace and enjoy some proper, uninterrupted conversation".
Their needs also outweigh your right to get pished. These are the limitations on your own actions you have to accept if you choose to take young children on holiday. It is, in my opinion, the height of selfishness to do anything else.
Posted by: paul fox, east kilbride on 5:21pm Tue 8 May 07
Who or what has given Colette Douglas Home to write on behalf of all parents. To suggest that we have [bold[italic]]all[/italic] [/bold] left our children alone in a strange setting - let alone in our own homes- is simply outrageous and irresponsible in the extreme. I cannot accept that [bold]'reasonable precautions'[/bold] were taken in this case. I do have great sympathy for the situation that the McCanns now find themselves in and like everyone in our country I pray for the safe return of this little child. Ms Douglas Home cannot assume, however, that her own irresponsible behaviour is representative of responsible parents in Scotland. We have 4 children and certainly have never left them alone to afford ourselves the luxury of a quiet meal. I look foward to the Herald printing an apology for this offensive piece.
Who or what has given Colette Douglas Home to write on behalf of all parents. To suggest that we have all left our children alone in a strange setting - let alone in our own homes- is simply outrageous and irresponsible in the extreme. I cannot accept that 'reasonable precautions' were taken in this case. I do have great sympathy for the situation that the McCanns now find themselves in and like everyone in our country I pray for the safe return of this little child. Ms Douglas Home cannot assume, however, that her own irresponsible behaviour is representative of responsible parents in Scotland. We have 4 children and certainly have never left them alone to afford ourselves the luxury of a quiet meal. I look foward to the Herald printing an apology for this offensive piece.
Posted by: JamesM on 5:48pm Tue 8 May 07
Perhaps she thinks the law doesn't apply because her surname is Douglas Home. As other have written above, this inane artical is where the venom, if any is directed.
The ludicrous comments of Nicola and Amsterham didn't make me angry - I just thought I might do myself an injury from laughing too much. There are many people, myself included, who have no time for over anxious parents who wrap their chilren in cotton wool. There is a big difference between being over cautious and applying a bit of common sense, as well as adhering to the law.
Perhaps she thinks the law doesn't apply because her surname is Douglas Home. As other have written above, this inane artical is where the venom, if any is directed.
The ludicrous comments of Nicola and Amsterham didn't make me angry - I just thought I might do myself an injury from laughing too much. There are many people, myself included, who have no time for over anxious parents who wrap their chilren in cotton wool. There is a big difference between being over cautious and applying a bit of common sense, as well as adhering to the law.
Posted by: Richard P, UK on 10:27am Wed 9 May 07
Silly and irresponsible reporting. Your children sound like they are your cross, the little pests that almost stop you and your chatty pals having "grown up time" down the La Vida boozer.
I suppose it's unsuprising that such mindless and selfish parenting be defended with pathetic explanations because let's be honest, choosing to leave children locked in a hotel room, out of sight, out of earshot whilst you wine and dine is exactly that, mindless and selfish!
Silly and irresponsible reporting. Your children sound like they are your cross, the little pests that almost stop you and your chatty pals having "grown up time" down the La Vida boozer.
I suppose it's unsuprising that such mindless and selfish parenting be defended with pathetic explanations because let's be honest, choosing to leave children locked in a hotel room, out of sight, out of earshot whilst you wine and dine is exactly that, mindless and selfish!
Posted by: Lindsay, Lowestoft on 10:58am Wed 9 May 07
I do feel extremely sorry for the parents and my heart goes out to them but....how on earth could they have gone out and left three children, all aged under four, in a room on their own? I am also shocked by how many other people say they have done the same. I can't imagine leaving my children unattended in a strange room in a foreign country for ten seconds. Also, children are welcome everywhere in Portugal. If they wanted time on their own they should have taken a nanny with them, or hired a babysitter. When you take children on holiday, you stay with them, and share the holiday with them, end of story.
I do feel extremely sorry for the parents and my heart goes out to them but....how on earth could they have gone out and left three children, all aged under four, in a room on their own? I am also shocked by how many other people say they have done the same. I can't imagine leaving my children unattended in a strange room in a foreign country for ten seconds. Also, children are welcome everywhere in Portugal. If they wanted time on their own they should have taken a nanny with them, or hired a babysitter. When you take children on holiday, you stay with them, and share the holiday with them, end of story.
Posted by: Fiona, Edinburgh on 9:37am Thu 10 May 07
I have three children, aged 21, 19 and 16. The youngest is mentally handicapped, which means he can't be left with an unqualified babysitter, and we have no relatives nearby to help out. My husband and I had not had a meal out together alone for 15 years until last year when my son got respite care. Strangely enough, you can survive without 'adult time' if you have to. It now transpires that these children were left every night of the holiday, after they'd been in the creche during the day. And people like some of those on this forum think that's acceptable and that 'we should not judge'? Nobody deserves what the McCanns have now got. But there is such a thing as acting like and adult and like it or not, those who 'don't judge', when you become a parent, it isn't optional.
I have three children, aged 21, 19 and 16. The youngest is mentally handicapped, which means he can't be left with an unqualified babysitter, and we have no relatives nearby to help out. My husband and I had not had a meal out together alone for 15 years until last year when my son got respite care. Strangely enough, you can survive without 'adult time' if you have to. It now transpires that these children were left every night of the holiday, after they'd been in the creche during the day. And people like some of those on this forum think that's acceptable and that 'we should not judge'? Nobody deserves what the McCanns have now got. But there is such a thing as acting like and adult and like it or not, those who 'don't judge', when you become a parent, it isn't optional.
Posted by: JamesM on 10:44am Thu 10 May 07
I have to agree with Fiona. "Adult time" is when you're loooking after your offspring. Immature time is when you're not.
I have to agree with Fiona. "Adult time" is when you're loooking after your offspring. Immature time is when you're not.
Posted by: Louise, London on 11:20am Thu 10 May 07
I agree that the children should never have been left alone. The family are partly to blame it was a big risk they took leaving them and now they are realising just how big. I feel really sorry for Madeline what a cruel thing to happen to a 3 year old. It is upsetting to think what she could have gone through or still be going through. I can't see this story having a happy ending and I hope this is a warning to other parents. It is a parents responsibility to look after their children and protect them from harm Madelines parent's failed her and I think they should feel ashamed of themselves.
I agree that the children should never have been left alone. The family are partly to blame it was a big risk they took leaving them and now they are realising just how big. I feel really sorry for Madeline what a cruel thing to happen to a 3 year old. It is upsetting to think what she could have gone through or still be going through. I can't see this story having a happy ending and I hope this is a warning to other parents. It is a parents responsibility to look after their children and protect them from harm Madelines parent's failed her and I think they should feel ashamed of themselves.
Posted by: BM, Glasgow on 8:38am Fri 11 May 07
". It is situated in a traditional Portuguese fishing village and has six children's clubs as well as swimming pools, tennis courts and two restaurants. "
This shows how out of touch the writer is. This does not sound like the description of a " traditional Portuguese fishing village" to me more like Butlins!
How can she excuse criminally negligent parents who go out drinking leaving three babies unattended and defenceless?
I'm sure if it had been a single mother from Easterhouse going out for an evening's bingo and leaving three unattended young children she would not have had the same sympathy.
". It is situated in a traditional Portuguese fishing village and has six children's clubs as well as swimming pools, tennis courts and two restaurants. "
This shows how out of touch the writer is. This does not sound like the description of a " traditional Portuguese fishing village" to me more like Butlins!
How can she excuse criminally negligent parents who go out drinking leaving three babies unattended and defenceless?
I'm sure if it had been a single mother from Easterhouse going out for an evening's bingo and leaving three unattended young children she would not have had the same sympathy.
Posted by: Rob, Glasgow on 9:46am Fri 11 May 07
So many righteous comments castigating the parents. Are they, and Maddy, not going through enough? Not one comment against the mindless perpetrators of this crime. Should the unthinkable be the case and she has been abducted for paedophiles or such, why are we as a society not doing more to shut down the websites that peddle such material and punish those behind them as severely as possible. These kidnappers are sick, sick people who have no right to walk this earth.
So many righteous comments castigating the parents. Are they, and Maddy, not going through enough? Not one comment against the mindless perpetrators of this crime. Should the unthinkable be the case and she has been abducted for paedophiles or such, why are we as a society not doing more to shut down the websites that peddle such material and punish those behind them as severely as possible. These kidnappers are sick, sick people who have no right to walk this earth.
Posted by: June, Ireland on 11:12pm Fri 11 May 07
I think this article is offensive to readers, parents and the mc cann family in equal measure.
As a parent you do your best and there's no point in anybody being sanctimonious at this terrible time.
We must have hope. We must trust the police and interpol. We must not lose our hope. We can only pray and be positive of a good outcome. And we must learn lessons. This lesson unfortunately,learnt the hard way.
I think this article is offensive to readers, parents and the mc cann family in equal measure.
As a parent you do your best and there's no point in anybody being sanctimonious at this terrible time.
We must have hope. We must trust the police and interpol. We must not lose our hope. We can only pray and be positive of a good outcome. And we must learn lessons. This lesson unfortunately,learnt the hard way.
Posted by: Susan on 2:17am Sun 13 May 07
The writer of this article is under the impression that all parents neglect their children and leave them alone at some point in time. Ma'am you are wrong, you are dismissing abysmal, if not illegal, behavior. You are doing no one a service by intimating that leaving children alone is "okay" and that "we've all done it." We all have NOT done it, and perhaps it is time you stop excusing yourself and others for doing it.
The writer of this article is under the impression that all parents neglect their children and leave them alone at some point in time. Ma'am you are wrong, you are dismissing abysmal, if not illegal, behavior. You are doing no one a service by intimating that leaving children alone is "okay" and that "we've all done it." We all have NOT done it, and perhaps it is time you stop excusing yourself and others for doing it.
Posted by: Owens, USA on 3:35pm Mon 14 May 07
We certainly haven't all behaved in a similar fashion. Should I be able to leave my doors unlocked at night? Sure. Do I do it? Of course not. You're making excuses when the fact remains that if these parents had not left their babies alone, we wouldn't be having this discussion about a missing girl. The arrogance of the British press and these parents who think that their cultural rules should apply everywhere is revealing.
We certainly haven't all behaved in a similar fashion. Should I be able to leave my doors unlocked at night? Sure. Do I do it? Of course not. You're making excuses when the fact remains that if these parents had not left their babies alone, we wouldn't be having this discussion about a missing girl. The arrogance of the British press and these parents who think that their cultural rules should apply everywhere is revealing.
Posted by: Cindy on 9:12am Wed 16 May 07
Whilst I feel extremely sorry for poor little Madeleine. I'm lacking in sympathy just like many others are for her irresponsible, foolish parents. Had they NOT been so neglectful of their three kids this would never have had happened. Most parents wouldn't leave their teenage children alone in a hotel in a foreign country and here is this couple of doctors leaving 2 year old twins and a 4 year old all alone in a resort hotel for heavens sake, so they could go drinking and having a good time!
Love and care are shown by actions not just mere words. Stupid stupid people.
Whilst I feel extremely sorry for poor little Madeleine. I'm lacking in sympathy just like many others are for her irresponsible, foolish parents. Had they NOT been so neglectful of their three kids this would never have had happened. Most parents wouldn't leave their teenage children alone in a hotel in a foreign country and here is this couple of doctors leaving 2 year old twins and a 4 year old all alone in a resort hotel for heavens sake, so they could go drinking and having a good time!
Love and care are shown by actions not just mere words. Stupid stupid people.
Posted by: chloe stamford on 1:02pm Fri 18 May 07
What nonsense! We do not all leave our children unsupervised as a 'calculated risk'. I don't think the author of this article should present her half arsed childcare as an example of everyone elses.
What nonsense! We do not all leave our children unsupervised as a 'calculated risk'. I don't think the author of this article should present her half arsed childcare as an example of everyone elses.
Posted by: nichola stewart, sunderland on 8:08pm Fri 18 May 07
Such agony and pain for the parents of Madeine such terror for Madeline please let this have a happy ending and some god come from this so lessons are learnt and if ever a child is abducted again
then there will be instant action
I was a babystter for working class parents as I am too who took me away on holiday to mind the children hard up as they were
The friends family and support system
of the M cCann 's and the people they were on holiday with ought to have had a childmiding rota
As working parents the time with their children must be preciouse especially as doctors and consultants who are overworked this was their first holiday abroad with their children did they believe then that they were old enough be left alone was the little girl the substitute babysitter I would think any GP would look down on the type of people who leave children alone I never imagine this scenario
with educated responsible members od society whom I would trust
I think they have grat faith and support to see then through I wish them well and the safe return of their lovely little daughter
Such agony and pain for the parents of Madeine such terror for Madeline please let this have a happy ending and some god come from this so lessons are learnt and if ever a child is abducted again
then there will be instant action
I was a babystter for working class parents as I am too who took me away on holiday to mind the children hard up as they were
The friends family and support system
of the M cCann 's and the people they were on holiday with ought to have had a childmiding rota
As working parents the time with their children must be preciouse especially as doctors and consultants who are overworked this was their first holiday abroad with their children did they believe then that they were old enough be left alone was the little girl the substitute babysitter I would think any GP would look down on the type of people who leave children alone I never imagine this scenario
with educated responsible members od society whom I would trust
I think they have grat faith and support to see then through I wish them well and the safe return of their lovely little daughter
Posted by: Jackie Parker, London on 8:48pm Fri 18 May 07
The terrible event that the McCann family have experienced is a message that there is a force of evil present in any situation
which we are not tuned into until something unforseen happens like the disapperence of Madeline McCann The realiy is so awful that we seek to blame everything and anyone because it scares us this reality holidays are now not the relaxing family event I believe that the parents would not have left Mady alone but thought there was safety in numbers They endured IVF and were blessed with 3 children and that is an ordeal however sucsessful the outcome they were wrong and will never be the same people because of this whatever the outcome I believe that they will give so much back to prevent this occuring again whatever the circumstances My heart goes out to the whole family and wish then strength in the days years ahead If Maddy was abducted I hope that the perpetrator realises that many lives have been destroyed usually marriages suffer I hope this isnt the case with this family
The terrible event that the McCann family have experienced is a message that there is a force of evil present in any situation
which we are not tuned into until something unforseen happens like the disapperence of Madeline McCann The realiy is so awful that we seek to blame everything and anyone because it scares us this reality holidays are now not the relaxing family event I believe that the parents would not have left Mady alone but thought there was safety in numbers They endured IVF and were blessed with 3 children and that is an ordeal however sucsessful the outcome they were wrong and will never be the same people because of this whatever the outcome I believe that they will give so much back to prevent this occuring again whatever the circumstances My heart goes out to the whole family and wish then strength in the days years ahead If Maddy was abducted I hope that the perpetrator realises that many lives have been destroyed usually marriages suffer I hope this isnt the case with this family
Posted by: waichingliu, london on 1:46pm Fri 25 May 07
sorry collette but you are wrong to lump all parents in the same boat. i am not a parent myself and whilst what happened was tragic, the ignorance, not to mention the selfishness of those parents to leave their child unattentive is appalling. mccanns are obviously trying to milk this tragedy for once, and frankly i am sick of reading and hearing about it. what about the millions of kids who go missing throughout the world? don't they deserve a mention too? and why should this case in particular receive not just special coverage by the UK press but for the thousands of brits to pay their respects to this little girl? black, white, asian- whatever their race or background, all kids deserve fair and equal media treatment and so for them to continuously reporting on this tragedy, whilst ignoring and failing to mention the other missing kids in britain and across the world, is not just hypocritical but shameful
sorry collette but you are wrong to lump all parents in the same boat. i am not a parent myself and whilst what happened was tragic, the ignorance, not to mention the selfishness of those parents to leave their child unattentive is appalling. mccanns are obviously trying to milk this tragedy for once, and frankly i am sick of reading and hearing about it. what about the millions of kids who go missing throughout the world? don't they deserve a mention too? and why should this case in particular receive not just special coverage by the UK press but for the thousands of brits to pay their respects to this little girl? black, white, asian- whatever their race or background, all kids deserve fair and equal media treatment and so for them to continuously reporting on this tragedy, whilst ignoring and failing to mention the other missing kids in britain and across the world, is not just hypocritical but shameful
Posted by: Rowan Davidson, England on 3:12am Mon 28 May 07
My sister’s daughter went missing for about a week and a half a number of years ago and not one of us sought attention from the local and national newspapers for financial recompense. We worked closely with the police and my sister who suffers from an incurable illness [ similar to M.S ] scoured the length and breadth of parts of East and North London and so did we the family….. Moreover, we hired a private investigator. We worked in close conjunction with her schools and friends, etc She was eventually found safe by the P.I ….
Not once did my sister behave in the absolutely abhorrent manner in which the McCanns have conducted themselves! My sister was extremely ill and she still went out on the streets to search for her child…
The last thing on our mind was money or ribbons or media attention. Sarah Payne’s parents did not start this same sort of media circus which surrounds the McCanns now and neither did James Bulger’s parents. I think it is hsamleful the wayin which the disappearance of a child has ended up producing a corporation of sorts with a fixationon what appears to be fiancial recompense for their parents’ obvious negligence. Why an earth hasn’t Leicestershire Social Services flown out to Portugal. Are they under the spell which the McCanns seem to have cast over everyone??
My sister’s daughter went missing for about a week and a half a number of years ago and not one of us sought attention from the local and national newspapers for financial recompense. We worked closely with the police and my sister who suffers from an incurable illness scoured the length and breadth of parts of East and North London and so did we the family….. Moreover, we hired a private investigator. We worked in close conjunction with her schools and friends, etc She was eventually found safe by the P.I ….
Not once did my sister behave in the absolutely abhorrent manner in which the McCanns have conducted themselves! My sister was extremely ill and she still went out on the streets to search for her child…
The last thing on our mind was money or ribbons or media attention. Sarah Payne’s parents did not start this same sort of media circus which surrounds the McCanns now and neither did James Bulger’s parents. I think it is hsamleful the wayin which the disappearance of a child has ended up producing a corporation of sorts with a fixationon what appears to be fiancial recompense for their parents’ obvious negligence. Why an earth hasn’t Leicestershire Social Services flown out to Portugal. Are they under the spell which the McCanns seem to have cast over everyone??
Posted by: teen, Cairns , Australia on 4:08am Fri 15 Jun 07
Was it wrong to leave the children unattended? YES...! But it is even more wrong to blame the parents for the abduction of Maddie... They didn't abduct their daughter.... Blame the actual abductor (s) and offer support and sympathy to the parents whose emotional and mental anguish is inconcievable to most of us... I know that I would use any means available to secure the return of any of my kids should we (God forbidding) ever be placed in the same nightmarish position. Our prayers and support to the McCanns for the safe return of their little girl....
Was it wrong to leave the children unattended? YES...! But it is even more wrong to blame the parents for the abduction of Maddie... They didn't abduct their daughter.... Blame the actual abductor (s) and offer support and sympathy to the parents whose emotional and mental anguish is inconcievable to most of us... I know that I would use any means available to secure the return of any of my kids should we (God forbidding) ever be placed in the same nightmarish position. Our prayers and support to the McCanns for the safe return of their little girl....
Posted by: Mary Lowe, kirkintilloch on 12:02pm Tue 11 Sep 07
If there is DNA evidence in the hired car, I presume that the people who hired the car at the time Madeleine disappeared have been questioned?
I thought your article was a breath of fresh air after all we have been reading over the past few days. Anyone who thinks the McCanns had anything to do with the disappearance of their daughter can't possibly have children of their own.
If there is DNA evidence in the hired car, I presume that the people who hired the car at the time Madeleine disappeared have been questioned?
I thought your article was a breath of fresh air after all we have been reading over the past few days. Anyone who thinks the McCanns had anything to do with the disappearance of their daughter can't possibly have children of their own.
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