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LDS convert speaks out about alleged kidnapping
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Parents | 11:38 a.m. May 14, 2009
Wow! Controlling crazy parents, I'd want out too! They aren't doing
anything to help sterotypes of that area...
Why the lawyer | 11:39 a.m. May 14, 2009
I suppose the lawyer was there to spy on the girl, to see what she told the
police, or perhaps prevent her from saying much of anything, knowing it would
get back to the parents.
The police should have insisted (maybe they did) on questioning her alone.
In any case, this is not a "real" kidnapping. It was done by a family that loved her, though they should let her alone, she is old enough to decide for herself.
The police should have insisted (maybe they did) on questioning her alone.
In any case, this is not a "real" kidnapping. It was done by a family that loved her, though they should let her alone, she is old enough to decide for herself.
JanSan | 11:59 a.m. May 14, 2009
This sounds really fishy to me !!! I don't trust what their lawyer is
saying - it does not add up.
Comments continue below
Cats | 12:18 p.m. May 14, 2009
If this girl was physically dragged out the door and into the car, it is a
"REAL" kidnapping.
I have no doubt she is under incredible pressure right now not to do anything that will incriminate her parents. She's probably scared to death and doesn't want anything that will create a big huge legal situation, but it is pretty clear that she didn't go of her own free will.
These parents have committed a federal crime. Whether they end up serving time in prison for it remains to be seen.
I have no doubt she is under incredible pressure right now not to do anything that will incriminate her parents. She's probably scared to death and doesn't want anything that will create a big huge legal situation, but it is pretty clear that she didn't go of her own free will.
These parents have committed a federal crime. Whether they end up serving time in prison for it remains to be seen.
Huberwasoo | 12:23 p.m. May 14, 2009
I agree with "Why the Lawyer" in one point: she is old enough to
decide for herself and should be left alone. The problem is: will she have the
courage and the opportunity to do just that.
New convert | 12:40 p.m. May 14, 2009
I think that this sounds like it could be a real kidnapping. Danielle might feel
like she has to act like everything is okay. She might feel like she needs to
pretend that she went with her parents voluntarily.
People who are under duress can act like everything is fine.
What needs to be done is for her to be interviewed alone, with the provision made for her to be safely returned to Utah immediately. She has to know that once she leaves that interview room, she will be protected.
Of course, the police need to investigate thoroughly, but the number one priorities need to be Danielle's religious freedom and physical safety.
If you are 18 or older you can choose for yourself which religion to be a member of. Nobody has any right to take that away from Danielle, me, or anybody else.
Stay strong Danielle, and I will pray for you!
People who are under duress can act like everything is fine.
What needs to be done is for her to be interviewed alone, with the provision made for her to be safely returned to Utah immediately. She has to know that once she leaves that interview room, she will be protected.
Of course, the police need to investigate thoroughly, but the number one priorities need to be Danielle's religious freedom and physical safety.
If you are 18 or older you can choose for yourself which religion to be a member of. Nobody has any right to take that away from Danielle, me, or anybody else.
Stay strong Danielle, and I will pray for you!
Anonymous | 1:10 p.m. May 14, 2009
Danielle, if you are reading, it is very important that you tell the police the
truth about what happened -- whatever that may be. You are the only one who can.
Don't be afraid to be honest. No one can hurt you; you have the police to
protect you, if that is necessary. Just be honest. Honesty sometimes takes
courage, but it is still the only right way to go.
Anonymous | 1:55 p.m. May 14, 2009
Unfortunately, by converting to LDS, poor Danielle has replaced one overly
controlling relationship with another...btw, all the above are right to never
believe a word out of Steven Shapiro's mouth.
Wow | 2:08 p.m. May 14, 2009
"Unfortunately, by converting to LDS, poor Danielle has replaced one overly
controlling relationship with another." You have a funny description for a
person that is bound by their integrety to something they believe in. I, for
one, am fine with being "controlled" by my own conscience and belief.
That is called self-mastery.
I'm confused | 2:35 p.m. May 14, 2009
I believe that one has the right to NOT be questioned without a lawyer present.
Is that what happened here? It sounds like she elected to have the lawyer
present, but is that the case? I don't think the parents can insist upon
her having a lawyer present (whom they hired) during the questioning. But,
I've seen many many times when the police fail to protect people from
abusers. If she is truly a victim of past abuse, she is likely terrified of
being questioned without her parents' lawyer present, lest she be
victimized again by her parents at a time when the police fail to protect her.
Once charges are filed, she may be able to offer answers in private, or with the
help of her own lawyer.
cbird | 2:48 p.m. May 14, 2009
How about that roommate of hers? She looked and sounded suspicious to me.
Sounds like she is an instagater or their is something more going on with her
relationship with the girl.
cab driver | 3:17 p.m. May 14, 2009
The cab driver, who drove the parents to the apartment, is a prime witness to
the incident.
The cab driver also heard all the conversations between the parents on the way to the apartment and after Danielle was pick-up and riding in the cab.
There are also security cameras in the airports. These cameras can provide additional information about what really took place.
The cab driver also heard all the conversations between the parents on the way to the apartment and after Danielle was pick-up and riding in the cab.
There are also security cameras in the airports. These cameras can provide additional information about what really took place.
Re: Wow | 3:20 p.m. May 14, 2009
The underlying message of Christ was "Control Thyself". The LDS
church is not controlling. We teach people to control themselves just like
Christ did and that is called Self-mastery.
Fishy | 3:28 p.m. May 14, 2009
I don't remember ever feeling enough fear of my own father to call 911.
Funny how he did exactly what she said she feared he'd do, and now
everything is "fine" and just a "misunderstanding" (*cough,
cough* Daddy's attorney present.) What else would we expect her to say,
now that she is in the home of her former abuser? She felt safe enough to tell
police the truth when she was in Utah and he was 1500 miles away in Texas, but
now that he's over her shoulder, the tune has changed in his favor. Fishy.
Anonymous | 3:55 p.m. May 14, 2009
Danielle herself has released a statement asking all of you to mind your own
business, yet all this talk continues! whatever would you people do if you
didn't have everyone else's lives to stick your noses into??
And is this your business?? | 4:01 p.m. May 14, 2009
This is a family matter and in my humble opinion, should be handled as a family
matter.
This girl is an adult and has the free agency to do as she pleases.
No charges for the parents-- a new set of scriptures for her and lets all sit down and have dinner.
Get over it!!!
This girl is an adult and has the free agency to do as she pleases.
No charges for the parents-- a new set of scriptures for her and lets all sit down and have dinner.
Get over it!!!
Danielle's lawyer | 5:14 p.m. May 14, 2009
Where do some of you get your information? Danielle's parents did not hire
the lawyer. Only the newspaper (Marcos Ortiz' article, yesterday) ever
said that, and I cannot imagine where Mr. Ortiz got that information. Shapiro
said otherwise, and I am here to tell the gossip column that he was right. Come
on guys, think about what you say, before you say it.
Anonymous | 5:42 p.m. May 14, 2009
Good for this family. I am gald her parents had the guts to bring her back home.
I wish more people would realize how dangerous the church is.
JC | 7:22 p.m. May 14, 2009
I am happy to see that some Utah people see that this family was looking out for
the best interests of their daughter, although they went about it backwards. I
hope that I have given my daughters the tools to make a rational and educated
decision when faced with pressures that LDS people put on the so called
"non-members". I don't think I would be so drastic as to go get
them and bring them home if they made a poor decision like that, but I sure
would be tempted.
Anonymous | 8:14 p.m. May 14, 2009
Where in the world do you people get your info, youre not even part of the
family. Please keep your opinions to yourself.
Dan M. | 7:54 a.m. May 15, 2009
One thing is for sure in all of this... not all of the facts are being brought
forward by the parties involved. And I'm not talking about private, family
matters.
No explanation has been given as to why Danielle called 911. No explanation has been given as to why her roommate reported that Danielle had been forced into a car by her parents, other than that it was just "all a big misunderstanding." That is a cop-out and is grossly inadequate. No explanation as to why Danielle went on record with the police in Utah as saying her father was abusive and that she was afraid of him. No explanation as to why Danielle supposedly hired a lawyer.
Now she's in Texas with her parents and a lawyer or two hovering constantly over her, apparently not allowing her to speak alone with police investigators, and we're all supposed to believe everything is fine and dandy.
NOT BUYING IT.
No explanation has been given as to why Danielle called 911. No explanation has been given as to why her roommate reported that Danielle had been forced into a car by her parents, other than that it was just "all a big misunderstanding." That is a cop-out and is grossly inadequate. No explanation as to why Danielle went on record with the police in Utah as saying her father was abusive and that she was afraid of him. No explanation as to why Danielle supposedly hired a lawyer.
Now she's in Texas with her parents and a lawyer or two hovering constantly over her, apparently not allowing her to speak alone with police investigators, and we're all supposed to believe everything is fine and dandy.
NOT BUYING IT.
Anonymous | 8:16 a.m. May 15, 2009
My guess is Danielle is most definitely under undue influence. That's the
only thing that makes any sort of sense, based on the information provided.
The parents, after kidnapping Danielle and taking her to Texas, realizing they are on the wrong side of the law now, tell their daughter that poor Mommmy and Daddy are about to be carted off to jail for the rest of their lives if she doesn't be a good daughter and help them out. So, they tell her, you must hire a lawyer (of course the parents provide the financing), "because you see, my dear, by law the police cannot talk to you about a criminal case in which you're involved without your lawyer present, if you have one. And we think that'd just be for the best. Less complicated. No Mommy and Daddy being hauled off to jail. Do you really want to see your parents go to jail, Danielle? Or do you want to be a good Christian as you claim to be and help them out just a little?"
I hope Danielle eventually has the courage and integrity to tell the truth.
The parents, after kidnapping Danielle and taking her to Texas, realizing they are on the wrong side of the law now, tell their daughter that poor Mommmy and Daddy are about to be carted off to jail for the rest of their lives if she doesn't be a good daughter and help them out. So, they tell her, you must hire a lawyer (of course the parents provide the financing), "because you see, my dear, by law the police cannot talk to you about a criminal case in which you're involved without your lawyer present, if you have one. And we think that'd just be for the best. Less complicated. No Mommy and Daddy being hauled off to jail. Do you really want to see your parents go to jail, Danielle? Or do you want to be a good Christian as you claim to be and help them out just a little?"
I hope Danielle eventually has the courage and integrity to tell the truth.
Mike | 8:18 a.m. May 15, 2009
The right to be questioned with a lawyer present is a right extended to suspects
in criminal investigations. The famous Miranda vs Arizona decision. She is not
a suspect, therefore the cops should have told the lawyer to take a hike while
they talked to her about this incident.
JC | 8:19 a.m. May 15, 2009
Sounds like Danielle is finally realizing the error she made by joining the LDS
church and is also realizing that her parents were just trying to help her. Why
else would she change her story. If her LDS influences had their way the parents
would be in federal prison as an example to the world. For proof of this just
read the advice that is given to Danielle in the above comments.
Re: JC | 8:39 a.m. May 15, 2009
Rarely have I seen such ignorance and bias against the LDS church and people in
print. You do; however, mask it well with polite words.
Just reverse the situation: A Mormon girl was attending college in North Carolina and joined the Baptist church. She wrote and told her parents. The parents called, were abusive on the phone. The scared girl called 911. The Father shows up, grabs his daughter by the hair and drags her off to Utah.
When the police show up she says; "Oh, this is just a misunderstanding. Nothing is wrong!" All the while the girls if escorted by her daddy's attorney.
Sounds fishy to me.
You would be outraged.
I am certain that Danielle is being force fed anti-Mormon literature and being shown "The God Makers" at this time without any knowledgeable LDS person present to show her the errors and lies in the material.
Next time you attack the LDS church please have the courage to state your religion so you cannot hide behind total anonymity.
Just reverse the situation: A Mormon girl was attending college in North Carolina and joined the Baptist church. She wrote and told her parents. The parents called, were abusive on the phone. The scared girl called 911. The Father shows up, grabs his daughter by the hair and drags her off to Utah.
When the police show up she says; "Oh, this is just a misunderstanding. Nothing is wrong!" All the while the girls if escorted by her daddy's attorney.
Sounds fishy to me.
You would be outraged.
I am certain that Danielle is being force fed anti-Mormon literature and being shown "The God Makers" at this time without any knowledgeable LDS person present to show her the errors and lies in the material.
Next time you attack the LDS church please have the courage to state your religion so you cannot hide behind total anonymity.
Idaho morman | 8:49 a.m. May 15, 2009
Well a few points here one that needs to be pointed out was a Rental car left
at the Airport, Two the fact that she did call 911 about possible trouble with
her dad about her joining a church other then the one she was raised in
three The Statement of the room mate about her way of leaveing Utah the way it looks like happened
Four While folks claim the the "Mormans are a cult
they are often thinking of the Fundamentalists Mormons, And I do think that break off is a cult and if you look around you can find such in most religons.. Take look at the Harke rishner (spelling is off but cant recall it right now)they are a odd bunch there too .. Anyway thats my take on this and I leave it up to each one to have there own on this artical
three The Statement of the room mate about her way of leaveing Utah the way it looks like happened
Four While folks claim the the "Mormans are a cult
they are often thinking of the Fundamentalists Mormons, And I do think that break off is a cult and if you look around you can find such in most religons.. Take look at the Harke rishner (spelling is off but cant recall it right now)they are a odd bunch there too .. Anyway thats my take on this and I leave it up to each one to have there own on this artical
Anonymous | 8:58 a.m. May 15, 2009
I think its comical how this brings anti-mormons out of the woodwork. Why spend
so much time and energy ripping on a church that teaches nothing but Love and
service? Ripping on ANY church is ridiculous. If everyone lived their lives
the way their church teaches (whatever church that is) this world would be a
much better place. Where do all these negative feelings come from? Just
because people are imperfect doesn't mean churches are bad.
Knowwhat | 9:25 a.m. May 15, 2009
This sounds like a Texas kidnapping, FLDS style. I wonder what Redneck she is
supposed to marry.
curious | 9:38 a.m. May 15, 2009
Why would 2 parents fly from Texas, to Salt Lake, rent a car and then drive to
the girl's apartment, take her into the car, drive to Denver, and then Fly
home?
Why not just send her another ticket if she was willing?
Why drive to Denver instead of just flying back from Salt Lake?
Why not just send her another ticket if she was willing?
Why drive to Denver instead of just flying back from Salt Lake?
Reader | 9:47 a.m. May 15, 2009
Sounds like the parents' attorneys are putting a lot of words in the
girl's mouth in an effort to keep the parents from being arrested. Despite
how they are trying to twist this, it sure sounds like she was taken against her
will.
Mink | 9:55 a.m. May 15, 2009
A lot of taxpayers' money has been expended on this police investigation.
Someone should be charged - either the parent's for their actions or
Danielle for filing a false report. The call to the police before the incident
is the prime reason this is being investigated. If it was all just a "big
misunderstanding", she initiated it, and should be held responsible. If
not, the parents should be charged.
Boise Cougar | 9:55 a.m. May 15, 2009
Innocent until proven guilty. We don't need a trial in the comment pages
of the Deseret News. Let's just pray for each person involved and that
justice will prevail once all of the facts surface. That is Christlike. That is
also American.
JC | 10:05 a.m. May 15, 2009
to: Re: JC | 8:39 a.m. May 15, 2009
The answer to your question is Atheist
You couldn't be more wrong in your analysis. I have lived in Utah many years and I even have a diploma from BYU. I have studied your religion and many others. Many of my close friend are LDS and I do respect their beliefs. I don't know where the "anti-Mormon" accusation comes from? I may be trying to read too much into what I am saying. My main point is that I feel like choices of youth in this area are compromised. I know you disagree with that statement but that is just what I think. I don't need a belief in a deity to make me feel good about my mortality or give me incentive to be a good person. I treat my fellow humans with respect because that is what people should do. To you I am sure you see me as an equivalent to serial killer and your God has reserved a special place in Hell for me. That kind of mentality humors me. And why can't I voice my opinion on this story?
The answer to your question is Atheist
You couldn't be more wrong in your analysis. I have lived in Utah many years and I even have a diploma from BYU. I have studied your religion and many others. Many of my close friend are LDS and I do respect their beliefs. I don't know where the "anti-Mormon" accusation comes from? I may be trying to read too much into what I am saying. My main point is that I feel like choices of youth in this area are compromised. I know you disagree with that statement but that is just what I think. I don't need a belief in a deity to make me feel good about my mortality or give me incentive to be a good person. I treat my fellow humans with respect because that is what people should do. To you I am sure you see me as an equivalent to serial killer and your God has reserved a special place in Hell for me. That kind of mentality humors me. And why can't I voice my opinion on this story?
Stop worrying about her | 10:19 a.m. May 15, 2009
Yes, her story doesn't add up. Yes, she's probably covering for her
Dad.
But hey, she's an adult. If she wants to forgive and forget in order to keep her parents out of prison then that's her right. Maybe they were able to work out their differences with that long talk they had on the way back to Texas.
In any case, I have my own problems to worry about. If she doesn't want to help herself, then there's nothing I can do to help her.
But hey, she's an adult. If she wants to forgive and forget in order to keep her parents out of prison then that's her right. Maybe they were able to work out their differences with that long talk they had on the way back to Texas.
In any case, I have my own problems to worry about. If she doesn't want to help herself, then there's nothing I can do to help her.
To: JC | 10:38 a.m. May 15, 2009
I am a devoted member of the LDS Church and I really can see where the way we
teach our youth can be thought as propaganda techniques. That is not the intent
and ethical LDS put forth a strong effort to make them aware that they have
choices.
Let's Hope This Is The Last ... | 10:40 a.m. May 15, 2009
Hopefully nothing worse happens in the future. Statistics are against that
hope, but there are rare exceptions ...
At the least the father is a master manipulator, since his daughter can't speak without an attorney.
We'll see what the future holds for this family ...
At the least the father is a master manipulator, since his daughter can't speak without an attorney.
We'll see what the future holds for this family ...
anonymous | 10:59 a.m. May 15, 2009
Danielle says she wasn't kidnapped, the parents say they didn't kidnap
her. They've all been questioned and the police still let them go home. The
ONLY evidence that this was a kidnapping, was the ROOMMATE'S call to the
police. Material things left behind! credit cards, they can be canceled,
cellphone, that can be deactivated. If the roommate really "loves"
Danielle she would know the best thing for her is her own family!
To anonymous @ 10:59 | 11:26 a.m. May 15, 2009
Wrong...if I call the police and say that I think John Doe wants to murder me -
that he's tried to harm me in the past, and then I turn up dead, the police
must investigate John Dow. Ms. Alonso called the police and told them she was
under threat. They don't even need the roommate's testimony to have
reason to investigate. What I want to know is how do the police get back the
money spent on investigating this "big misunderstand". If I was an
investigating officer on this, I'd be livid. As a taxpayer, I'm very
angry at this family.
Fredd | 11:29 a.m. May 15, 2009
Unbelievable. You folks won't believe anything except she was kidnapped.
I like the guy who made the analogy of a Mormon becoming Baptist. Where did you
get "dragged by the hair"? Just making stuff up? And the police
can't deny you the right to have a lawyer present. If you are not under
arrest you can refuse to talk to them, talk to them, talk to them with a lawyer
or even your dog present. You would deprive of her civil rights because you all
KNOW she's better off in Utah and Mormon. How much peer pressure was she
under to convert? Why is her teenage roommate interfering with her and her
parents relationship?
Fredd and anonymous... | 12:02 p.m. May 15, 2009
Here's a quote from an earlier article on this incident:
"Zach Tautedi, who lives in the house above the basement apartment and who was there when Danielle Alonso was taken, said Danielle told him the day before that her father threatened to "grab her by her hair and drag her out of the apartment" when he arrived."
So, there's more to it than the roommate's testimony, and no, people aren't just making stuff up. Danielle obvously was telling people around her (including the police) about her "abusive father". This has nothing to do with religion. It's about whether a crime was committed or, if not, how a family acted irresponsibly wasting police time and money.
"Zach Tautedi, who lives in the house above the basement apartment and who was there when Danielle Alonso was taken, said Danielle told him the day before that her father threatened to "grab her by her hair and drag her out of the apartment" when he arrived."
So, there's more to it than the roommate's testimony, and no, people aren't just making stuff up. Danielle obvously was telling people around her (including the police) about her "abusive father". This has nothing to do with religion. It's about whether a crime was committed or, if not, how a family acted irresponsibly wasting police time and money.
Baura Kale | 12:23 p.m. May 15, 2009
Just suppose: A parent comes to the door. The kid is worried that the parent
will do something bad ("Gee, Wally, now we're gonna get yelled at and
stuff"). The parent grabs the kid's arm and takes her to the car to
talk. The parent says, "hey if you want to stay here etc. that's fine
but please at least talk to us." The kid breaks down, cries, confused etc.
agrees to go back with parents. Now technically the parents kidnapped her if it
was after her 18th birthday. But should this really be treated as a crime?
If three of us are across the street from McDonalds and I say, let's go get lunch and you say, no cars are coming, let's just walk across the street rather than going all the way to the corner crosswalk. The three of us say, fine, and we do. Well, we have just committed a felony under the RICO Act since three of us "conspired" to commit a crime--jaywalking.
Do we always want the law to be enforced to the letter?
If three of us are across the street from McDonalds and I say, let's go get lunch and you say, no cars are coming, let's just walk across the street rather than going all the way to the corner crosswalk. The three of us say, fine, and we do. Well, we have just committed a felony under the RICO Act since three of us "conspired" to commit a crime--jaywalking.
Do we always want the law to be enforced to the letter?
Food for thought... | 12:24 p.m. May 15, 2009
Consider this. Let's imagine that a 19-year-old woman tells police and her
neighbors that her parents are upset about her NEW BOYFRIEND, that her dad has
been abusive in the past and that she is afraid that he is coming to forceably
take her back to Texas. When she turns up missing, wouldn't that be a big
story? Of course it would - alleged kidnappings in progress are always big
stories. The police often use the media to help find the missing person. Once
the story's out, further follow-ups and explanations are required.
Religion is tangential to this story. Why do so many comment threads in Utah newspapers have to turn into anti-Mormon vs. pro-Mormon rants? The names of the religions involved in this case have nothing to do with whether or not a crime was committed.
Religion is tangential to this story. Why do so many comment threads in Utah newspapers have to turn into anti-Mormon vs. pro-Mormon rants? The names of the religions involved in this case have nothing to do with whether or not a crime was committed.
Red | 1:04 p.m. May 15, 2009
The extremely important personal items -- driver's license, other ID, keys,
credit cards, etc. -- that she abandoned in her Utah apartment are, for me, the
biggest red flag in the whole situation.
Without one's "plastic," today, you can't even function.
Can't get a job, rent an apartment, enroll in school, vote, or --
hire an attorney.
"Voluntarily" going off with one's "loving" parents isn't consistent with how she left.
According to news articles, one of the first things traffickers do to keep their victim helpless is confiscate their passport or other ID.
Another "red flag" that someone is being controlled is that they are never left alone with outsiders or authorities.
I have very deep worries for Danielle.
Without one's "plastic," today, you can't even function.
Can't get a job, rent an apartment, enroll in school, vote, or --
hire an attorney.
"Voluntarily" going off with one's "loving" parents isn't consistent with how she left.
According to news articles, one of the first things traffickers do to keep their victim helpless is confiscate their passport or other ID.
Another "red flag" that someone is being controlled is that they are never left alone with outsiders or authorities.
I have very deep worries for Danielle.
Baura Kale... | 1:51 p.m. May 15, 2009
I think your first point has merit - not everything that technically looks like
kidnapping should be prosecuted as kidnapping. That's were the DA comes
in, and he/she should make sure that the charge fits all the facts (if there is
a charge).
I think your RICO analogy is factually incorrect and minimizes this situation. To be charged with RICO, an individual needs to break 2 or more of 35 specific laws (felonies) within a 10-year period, and the laws broken need to be linked in some way. Jaywalking ain't on the list.
I think your RICO analogy is factually incorrect and minimizes this situation. To be charged with RICO, an individual needs to break 2 or more of 35 specific laws (felonies) within a 10-year period, and the laws broken need to be linked in some way. Jaywalking ain't on the list.
K | 2:36 p.m. May 15, 2009
Then charge the girl for calling police. That's what triggered the police
response.
My guess is she's trying to protect her parents.
My guess is she's trying to protect her parents.
Anonymous | 2:51 p.m. May 15, 2009
If your kid was running off to join a extremist group in Pakistan you would say,
cool it's her life?
SEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! | 5:25 p.m. May 15, 2009
You LDS people always jump out defensively and pick at others you have no claim
to pick on. You are not GODS and therefore should stop judging others. None of
YOU have the right to JUDGE another man or woman.. ONLY GOD HAS THAT RIGHT!
RH | 9:21 a.m. May 16, 2009
Voluntarily? No 19-year-old that I know would call 911 and then leave behind in
her Utah appartment her belongings, wallet and cell phone. Mom and Dad are
certainly controlling the situation with intense pressure, even if from a
distance.
Fern RL | 4:39 p.m. May 16, 2009
I don't know if the Parents are abusive as they were reported to be by
their daughter, but I do know that abusive people are very controlling of their
victims.
I also know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the least controlling of any group I have ever encountered. One of the central tenets of this faith is that everyone should be permitted to exercise their "agency" without any control or compulsion.
I also view the circumstances of her departure from her apartment as highly suspicious--not even packing a bag. There must be a more logical explanation than "It's just a misunderstanding."
I also know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the least controlling of any group I have ever encountered. One of the central tenets of this faith is that everyone should be permitted to exercise their "agency" without any control or compulsion.
I also view the circumstances of her departure from her apartment as highly suspicious--not even packing a bag. There must be a more logical explanation than "It's just a misunderstanding."
Ute Fan | 12:44 p.m. May 17, 2009
First off, I think we all need to cool off and see how this plays out.
Second, to "Seeeee," actually, we all have the right to our opinions. Judgment is a dangerous thing because if we are harsh judges, we will be judged harshly. But that doesn't mean we can't have an opinion.
Third, to "Anonymous" who says the church is dangerous, I must know ... what is the danger? Mind control? Wrong church. This church teaches "following the dictates of our one's own conscience." I'm dying to know where the danger lies. Really, please tell.
Second, to "Seeeee," actually, we all have the right to our opinions. Judgment is a dangerous thing because if we are harsh judges, we will be judged harshly. But that doesn't mean we can't have an opinion.
Third, to "Anonymous" who says the church is dangerous, I must know ... what is the danger? Mind control? Wrong church. This church teaches "following the dictates of our one's own conscience." I'm dying to know where the danger lies. Really, please tell.
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