Deseret News | Kidnap victim freed in Mexico

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Kidnap victim freed in Mexico

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Grateful for saftey | 10:01 p.m. June 17, 2009

Thankfully he's back and safe. That's the important part. My brother served in that LDS mission area and knew Mr. Romney and liked him very much. We are all grateful he has been returned to his family.

Unfortunately | 11:07 p.m. June 17, 2009

kidnapping for ransom seems to be part of the culture lately! There have been over 300 kidnappings in the Phoenix area in the last year or so. Most involve drug dealing or illegal aliens, but the kidnapping of prominent people in Latin America seems to be on the upswing, too.

I am so glad Meredith Romeny is safe. However, the payment of ransom will encourage other kidnappings--a terrible position to be in.

And, yes, many Mexican policemen are extremely affected by the corruption and violence going on in Mexico at the present time. I would not be at all surprised to know that some were involved.

We pray for all the people of Mexico at this time, and expecially for friends and family members who live down there. We have cousins not far from Janos. It's bad!

Isn't Ransom Illegal | 12:04 a.m. June 18, 2009

The only way to put a stop to this is to not pay ransom for kidnap victims. If this were done, there would not be kidnappings.

I thought it was against the law for Americans to pay ransom?

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 12:20 a.m. June 18, 2009

I think they should relocate for their own safety.

Isn't Kidnapping Illegal | 2:20 a.m. June 18, 2009

Easy for you to say, you're not his family. If your child or parent were kidnapped, something tells me you'd be more concerned about their welfare than the possible long-term effect of paying the ransom. At least, I hope so.

Anonymous | 6:39 a.m. June 18, 2009

i know you are not supposed to pay ransom, but if i were in that family's situation, i would have done the same. What family wouldnt?

ktichy | 6:40 a.m. June 18, 2009

Not pay ransom? What would you do if it was your family member in jeopardy? You don't know to what extent these people will go and so you try and save your loved one. Don't be so idealistic. Yes, it would be great if you didn't have to pay ransom just like it would be great if everyone followed the Golden Rule but they don't. Come into the world of the current reality.

Happy he is safe...but... | 7:47 a.m. June 18, 2009

Living in Mexico, I can tell you that until the Mormon Colonies give up on trying to be "American" in Mexico, they will be a constant target. They live a culture that is different from the average Mexican and it is offensive to those living around them. It is patently wrong to continue to live in Mexico and still celebrate the Fourth of July and American heritage.

Nevertheless, I am glad he is safe.

watch out now | 7:48 a.m. June 18, 2009

Unfortunately, all people who are related to Mitt (or anyone with the last name of Romney-who people might assume are related to him) will remember this and will figure Mitt and his very deep pockets will make a very nice target for kidnapping ransoms.

I'm very happy about Bro. Romney and his safe release, but you can't believe this is going to all end now, after those who do this kind of thing saw a willing ransom was quickly paid.

Re: Isn't Ransom Illegal | 7:49 a.m. June 18, 2009

"I thought it was against the law for Americans to pay ransom?"

...he and his family were living in Mexico. Did you not even read the title of this article?

Re: Isn't Ransom Illegal | 8:18 a.m. June 18, 2009

It's been U.S. government policy to not pay ransom, to prevent the kidnapping of U.S. elected or appointed officials.

sg | 8:31 a.m. June 18, 2009

This article was kind of weird with all the temple information tacked on. If Deseret News wanted to do an article on small temples they should just do one instead of throwing it into an article about kidnapping and ransoms.

Anonymous | 8:45 a.m. June 18, 2009

The LeBarons refused to pay a ransom last month when Eric was kidnapped and he was returned a week later unharmed. There has not been another kidnapping from that family. Hopefully paying this ransom will not further endanger the Romney family.

Mexicans Offended? | 8:48 a.m. June 18, 2009

Re: Watch Out Now. I am amazed at your comments that "American Colonists" living in Mexico, as you say, "live a culture that is different from the average Mexican and it is offensive to those living around them. It is patently wrong to continue to live in Mexico and still celebrate the Fourth of July and American heritage." Have you lived in a cave your whole life? Do you think it's offensive for millions of Mexicans to illegally come to America, be coddled by progressives, demand to speak only Spanish, receive free public services (without paying taxes), and celebrate a Mexican holiday ever year (Cinco de Mayo)?

I don't get it | 8:49 a.m. June 18, 2009

Whoever wrote that the Mormon colonist must give up their American heritage must also be offended that American celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo. Ethnic groups should be welcome, along with their efforts to celebrate their heritage.

To I don't get it | 9:11 a.m. June 18, 2009

I live in MEXICO, not the U.S. I LIVE AS A MEXICAN, not as "gabacho!"

Desert Dawg | 9:12 a.m. June 18, 2009

He is home and safe. It is easy for us "Arm Chair QBs" to say the family should or should not have paid the ransom. But the most important goal was accomplished...his safe return. Now we HOPE the authorities will do their duty and catch the kidnappers.

Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. June 18, 2009

Romney is glad these modern-day Gadianton Robbers didn't take his grandson, but his family paid ransom for his release?

Hmmmmmm....Let's see....?

I wonder how long it will take the criminals to figure out that Romney's grandson might just bring the same ransom he did, or even more?

I mean, yes, of course, how difficult to not pay such ransom. If it were my family member, etc., etc.

But, on the other hand, think of the precedent this sets, even in the family.

Kidnapping or Temples | 9:28 a.m. June 18, 2009

How did a kidnapping story get spinned into a story about temples?

re: Happy he is safe...but... | 9:29 a.m. June 18, 2009

Are you serious? Should it be offensive to the US population that Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo?? What a completely ignorant comment.

Anonymous | 9:31 a.m. June 18, 2009

Thank God I don't live in Mexico.

El Gabacho | 9:34 a.m. June 18, 2009

Romney was born in Mexico and, like most of the residents of his community, is a citizen of Mexico, and is, by definition, a Mexican. He does not, to my knowledge, have a U.S. citizenship, and as such is every bit as Mexican as anybody who goes around calling people "gabachos" based solely on, what? Skin color? Religion?

And if you really think that people "trying to be 'American' in Mexico" are going to be "constant targets", would you also say that people "trying to be 'Mexican' in America" should also be "targets"?

Mexicans offended?? | 9:47 a.m. June 18, 2009

I really don't understand how you can say that Americans offend those living in Mexico....HELLO!?!?! Mexicans live in America and are still living their culture as Mexicans and umm does May 5th ring a bell...CINCO DE MAYO...we celebrate that here in America, so I think its quite alright if an American family wants to celebrate the 4th of July while living in Mexico. Maybe you should think before you make a comment...

wow | 9:50 a.m. June 18, 2009

re: Happy he is safe...but... | 7:47 a.m. June 18, 2009
"It is patently wrong to continue to live in Mexico and still celebrate the Fourth of July and American heritage."

Funny: when American say that about Mexicans living in America they are called racists

Ransom | 9:55 a.m. June 18, 2009

It would be tempting to pay a ransom, but doing so just makes kidnapping a viable industry. The same thing is going on in Somalia and the Arab world.

That said, glad he is safe.

wallofvoodoo | 10:12 a.m. June 18, 2009

Hey Happy he is safe...but..., are you serious? Ce;ebrating the fourth in Mexico is only as offensive as Mexicans in the US celebrating Cinco De Mayo & waving Mexican flags at immigration rallies.

God Bless America | 10:44 a.m. June 18, 2009

This is another article that makes me so grateful that I was born and raised an AMERICAN! and I'm so very grateful and proud of it! As the 4th of July draws near, we should all remember that if we could only help those less fortunate and less educated to live as us, particularly those of us in the CHURCH, then most of societies' problems would be solved!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Anonymous | 11:12 a.m. June 18, 2009

What is really funny is americans considering Cinco de Mayo a mexican holiday when in reality May 5 is not a holiday in Mexico at all. Everytime I talk to a mexican about 5 de Mayo, I am corrected. We are supposed to celebrate the fact that both american and mexican armies got together to defeat the french who were trying to take over mexico recently declared independent from Spain. I haven't found out who establish this as a date to celebrate in America. But now you know.

Sacrificial Lamb | 11:21 a.m. June 18, 2009

Having spent many years in the Colonies and having several familiy members still living in the area, it's clear that many posters are not familiar with the way of life there. These American families, most of them, have lived in the area for over 100 years. They love both Mexico and the US. The American's living there are very much citizens of the community. It is a beautiful place with kind people, of all races. I agree in principle that paying a ranson for kidnapping is dangerous. But would you like your father, or family member to be the "sacrificail lamb"? Also, this is a very remote area with little police protection. In the states, we could rely on our local authorities to handle such instances, but there, it is not the case. This is not "tourist Mexico" that American's think of as Mexico. Most people are on their own there, relying on local sheriffs who are usually the American's living in the area.

Anonymous | 11:23 a.m. June 18, 2009

I've wonder if the same people that wear American patriotism on their arms would be good communist if they had been born in China?

History repeats | 11:50 a.m. June 18, 2009

Jos de la Cruz Porfirio Daz Mori was the president of Mexico when my family moved to Mexico. These Mormon settlers named their Mormon Colony; Colonia Diaz. Mormon colonist invited Diaz to see their communities. Diaz loved American money.

Jos de la Cruz Porfirio Daz Mori was a dictator. He had gangs of hugs terrorizing Mexicans. It was said, under Jos de la Cruz Porfirio Daz Mori, everyone was safe in Mexico but the Mexican people. My ancestor was William Derby Johnson, the bishop of Colonia Diaz. Sam Donaldsons father ran a store there.

Then the Mexican Revolution came in 1912. Mormons were forced back into American. This is why Sam Donaldson was born in El Paso. My family settled Kanab. They lost their land to their church.

My family still doesnt get it. They dont know why their Mormon settlement was burned to the ground. They refuse to see how insular they were in Mexico and how they failed to see the misery of Mexicans.

Things havent changed much.

John Pack Lambert | 11:53 a.m. June 18, 2009

To the 11:12 commentator,
Your claim that the United States had anything to do with the Mexican victory at Puebla is false.
That said, you do have a good point that Cinco de Mayo is not Dieciseis de Septiembre. That is the true equivalent to the 4th of July.
However, claiming that any actions justify attacks on other people are unwarranted. Since the Colonia Juarez temple will soon have its first Latina Matron in Sister Whetten, the notions of "the Colonists" as a distict people are also overblow. Of couse we can go back way further, and talk about Sister Kimball's Mexican history teacher, Brother Gonzalez, who was married to a lady born in the United States and happens to be the grandfather of Elder Mask of the 70.

Respect the country you live in. | 11:57 a.m. June 18, 2009

I live in LA. I can't tell you how many times I have been cut off, flipped off, and disgusted with events by people who are driving with bumper stickers of flags with other countries. If someone is so proud of their own country that is great. I am happy for them. However, if you are living and using the services of a nation I find it disrespectful to the nation and its citizens for people to parade around with another countries flag. As far as I am concerned if your county is so great go back to it.
As for Mr. Romney it is unfortunate and I am glad he is safe. The service Mr. Romney gives is a wonderful example. The fact is;however, whenever you leave the US there is a possibility of tragic events.

Cats | 12:18 p.m. June 18, 2009

My husband and I were recently in El Paso and were doing business with a Mexican factory owner. We wanted to cross the border but were warned not to. We were told if we crossed over to Ciudad Juarez we would be immediately kidnapped. The man we were doing busines with told us he is so scared of being kidnapped, he doesn't even dare visit his own factory. He also had to shut down his office and change his phone number. He has relocated his office in a house in a residential area in hopes of not attracting any attention. One of his vendors was kidnapped after just leaving his office and he is scared to death.

We were also told a number of horror stories by American citizens who live on the Mexican side. One guy had witnessed the murder of five men on motorcycles right in the public square.

Any American who goes to Mexico in the current cirumstances is really taking their life into their own hands. It's just too risky.

I pray for the Mexican people. I hope they can get past this terrible situation.

Emjay | 12:20 p.m. June 18, 2009

I know that Mr. Romney was born and raised in Mexico, but according to KSL, he is an American Citizen. It is my understanding that most of these Mormon colonists are still American citizens even after several generations. I have known a few people from the colonies and they were all American citizens.

LEAVE MEXICO ALONE! | 12:23 p.m. June 18, 2009

DON'T YOU ALL HAVE THINGS TO DO!!!!

To Happy he is safe | 12:25 p.m. June 18, 2009

To 7:47 a.m. I see your point, but you condemn the Americans for celebrating their culture and holidays?

"They live a culture that is different from the average Mexican and it is offensive to those living around them. It is patently wrong to continue to live in Mexico and still celebrate the Fourth of July and American heritage."

What do you think all the Mexicans do when they celebrate May 5? Is it wrong for them to celebrate their heritage in the U.S. After all, they're Mexican. According to your ridiculous logic, all people in the U.S. celebrating their heritage are wrong and "offensive." Get a clue.

To History Repeats 11:50 | 12:49 p.m. June 18, 2009

You get it! While I am sure the Colonists are good people, they are ethno separatists, either by choice or design.

It was this issue that nearly split the Church in 1936 with the Third Convention. Harold Pratt, a Mexican citizen, who was also from the colonies, but an American at heart, failed to understand the complexities of Mexican culture as mission President. As a result, for 10 years, a sizable group in the interior of country splintered until being reunified under Arwell L. Pierce.

Unfortunately, the Church keeps most of this under wraps. A good source for material is Lamond Tullis' book "Mormons in Mexico," and the book "From Darkness to Light," by Fernando Rogelio Gomez Paez, both practicing members of the LDS Church.

There is also el Museo de Historia Mormona, across from the temple in Mexico City.

Anonymous | 1:46 p.m. June 18, 2009

The author should check his facts about Denver being the 50th temple and the time table he gave for that dedication, I'm pretty sure it is incorrect.

Upman | 2:02 p.m. June 18, 2009

I don't care whose family he is a member of, paying ransom like that just funded more gang activity, more drugs being smuggled into the United States, more corruption, more oppression of the poor, especially women and children, and more of all kinds of evil!

You self-righteous hypocrites try to send people who view pornography as villians because it supports illegal activities, but then you don't blink an eye when someone pays ransom like this and it supports the same kinds of illegal activities!

To Upman | 2:16 p.m. June 18, 2009

Well we'll see what you have to say about that when your wife or child gets kidnapped. Better to let your loved one die I guess.

Methinks you're the self-righteous one.

Kenneth in Texas | 2:22 p.m. June 18, 2009

What does celebrating the fourth of July in Mexico, or whether Brother Romney is a U.S. Citizen, have to do with his kidnapping and release? About as much as the discussion of mini temples.

callme | 2:38 p.m. June 18, 2009

Thousands of people in Mexico have been kidnapped and a ransom has been paid almost every time. The drug cartel runs Mexico. Govt. officials have been paid off and most of them are corrupt. The soldiers are worthless... and if by chance they DO catch drug runners, kidnappers, killers etc. those people are arrested, put in jail and released within two weeks. Mr. Romney was not the first to be kidnapped where he lives and he certainly won't be the last.
We cannot rely on our Govt. officials to help us out.
we must rely on ourselves and do what we feel best in our own circumstances.
Mr. Romney was born and raised in Mexico.. therefore, he is also a Mexican citizen.... and I might add...he is well respected by members of his church and by the "Mexican" people he lives around.
You will not find a more decent, honest, or a more well respected man than he is.

Jon B. Holbrook | 3:46 p.m. June 18, 2009

It appears that Mexico is becoming too dangerous to live in or to visit. Mexico is slipping towards anarchy. This anarchy has spilled over into the United States. This current situation in Mexico is a threat to the national security of the United States. Unfortunely there is too much money to be made in kidnapping and drug trafficking. Governments on both sides of the border are on the take and totally corrupt to stop it. Both the people of Mexico and the United States can stop it with the Lord's help. The solution is to be found in the Book of Mormon. Will we be humble enough to follow it?

To Mr.Holbrook | 4:04 p.m. June 18, 2009

What is most feared is the government in Mexico. Their atrocities pales compare to those of the cartels. But not all of Mexico is dangerous, just the border (northern area).

Skippy | 6:12 p.m. June 18, 2009

These are the last days!

C.A. | 10:04 p.m. June 18, 2009

SADLY BUT TRULY AS MEXICAN I FEEL REALLY SAD THAT THE SITUATION IN MEXICO IS BECOMING THIS INTENSE AND DANGERUS BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE US GOVERMENT SHOULD PUSH HARDER PRESIDENT CALDERON ABOUT ACCEPTING HELP WITH THE FIGTH AGAINST CRIME

To 7:47 a.m.: | 6:36 a.m. June 19, 2009

Oh. But it's okay for all the legal and illegal Mexicans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Day up here on May 5th. And let's not forget September 16th or Mexican Independence Day which is duley noted and celebrated every flippin' year. But Americans can't fly a flag on July 4th in Mexico? Get a life.

dmoe | 6:53 a.m. June 19, 2009

Since the conversation has spiraled into randomness, I will just say that here in the North East US, Cinco De MAyo is sponsored by Corona beer company and has NOTHING to do with true Mexican heritage- it seems to be like that in many places in the US. Corona holidays and Hallmark Holidays...

missed the point | 7:18 a.m. June 19, 2009

Unfortunately I think the majority of comments that have been posted are racist and have missed the point that a loving husband, father and grandfather has been reunited with his family. I, myself found it interesting to find out more background on M. Romney being involved in the temple building with President Hinckley. It is also a lot easier to judge whether the ransom should have been paid or not when your own family members are not involved. I for one am very pleased he is home safe and well with his family and find it hard to believe that the Romneys are being looked on as the criminals for paying the ransom and that the kidnappers are portrayed as victims.

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