The majority of respondents from the United Kingdom defend the actions of the McCann parents, namely leaving their three children in a hotel room alone while they went out to dinner. What is fascinating, indeed incomprehensible, are the reasons given defending the McCanns.
Even the French take better care of their children than the British.
The response to last week's "Freindly Fire" column, "Parents of Kidnapped McCann Child Are to Blame" (go to the "Friendly Fire" section at http:/www.thebulletin.us) was tremendous. The situation in Portugal clearly touched a nerve on both sides of the Atlantic, but nerves of a starkly different kind. The majority of respondents from the United Kingdom defend the actions of the McCann parents, namely leaving their three children in a hotel room alone while they went out to dinner. A small additional fact: the children had a COMBINED age of seven (7).
By a similar margin, Americans agreed with my commentary that the parents are solely to blame for this tragedy for the simple reason that, had the McCanns used just a smidgen of common sense (that is, if they actually played the role of parents by staying with their children) the abductors would not have carried out their kidnapping plot.
What is fascinating, indeed incomprehensible, are the reasons given defending the McCanns. Many in the U.K. stated that the McCann's decision to leave their children alone in a foreign country was a simple "mistake," while others chastised me for not realizing that such actions are merely a difference in cultures.
Just to make sure we're all on the same page, we are talking about leaving children alone to fend for themselves, correct? Because if I didn't know better, it would seem the Europeans were referring to their pets.
Interesting.
Following is a small sample of responses illustrating just how passionate - and widely different - the two cultures are when it comes to parental responsibility:
You are an ass.
MOM
(OK, that one was also sent by Katy in Northern Ireland).
What an utter self-aggrandizing, pompous, not to mention offensive, "expose."
Not content to wildly speculate about the exact layout and makeup of the hotel facilities, the author has decided to condemn the parents for their child's disappearance based on yet more speculation on the parenting skills. Perhaps the parents should also be faulted for not bringing along wrought iron security gates, an alarm system and sniffer dogs on their holiday. ... Please don't tell me that the author sits in their child's bedroom while on holiday (or, for that matter, while in their own home). The parents, for those who can't figure out what 50 metres is, 150 feet or 50 yards away, not halfway across town when their child went missing.
ANNEKE
Ottawa
Where to begin? First, the restaurant was a bit more than 50 metres, and was not within eyesight, contrary to what the British tabloids originally stated. Second, it's not "speculation" about the McCanns' parenting skills. They simply don't have any parenting skills. Third, your sarcasm about security gates and sniffer dogs would actually be funny if the parents weren't so stupid. And lastly, I do not smother my children (I have three), but there is a subtle difference between the Freinds and the McCanns: We actually understand what it means to be parents, and we do not leave our children unattended when we go out to dinner - or out anywhere. "Parenting" - try it some day, Anneke. You might like it.
Paella is a Spanish dish. Sorry, I had to make that correction.
STEVE
New Jersey
Stevie, being that you are from the foreign country of New Jersey, it doesn't surprise me that you are the one that needs correcting. I never stated that it was a Portuguese dish. While many say that Paella is traditionally Spanish in origin, many a Portuguese think differently. Note: Portugal and Spain are next to each other, I think ...
Do you have a favored recipe? Call me!
Finally - Right on target! In Europe, individual responsibility for one's actions no longer exists. This is what you get in the 'nanny state.'
WILLIMA MICHAEL
Honolulu, Hawaii
If only the McCanns had brought a nanny ...
Funny how the comments from people in the UK were attacking the journalist and on this side of the Pond we are left wondering ... WHAT WERE HER PARENTS THINKING???? Leaving 3 children under 4 alone? Couldn't they get room service?
MOM OF 1
Belleville, N.J.
There is still sanity in the People's Republic of New Jersey!
Hello ... is anyone there ... ?? My 7-year-old could have written a better story (and thats all your work is worthy to be called). Maybe you should try going back to college and majoring in flower arrangement or better still knitting ... !!"
NICOLE
England
We speak a common language. Try writing in intelligible English. And lay off the tea leaves, Nicky ...
To quote the author ... 'And for the record, I don't trust baby-sitting services in this or any country. Leaving your children with a total stranger is not only traumatic for the children and selfish on the part of the parents, it's an invitation to disaster.' I think that tells you all you need to know about how ridiculously extreme the writer's views are and how far removed their ideas are from the rest of society.
In addition this report was extremely unbalanced and nasty in tone. I am tempted to feel sorry for the author's child/children who obviously have an overbearing, over protective parent who is likely to be critical of anything they do that is not up to the 'ideal' standard.
Scotland
Hey bloke, thank you for proving my point. If "extreme" is being against child abandonment, then I am indeed an extremist. Additionally, "Commentary" columnists do not report ... they comment. I believe in "truth and accuracy," not "fair and balanced." There's a difference. Lastly, since when is tucking your small children into bed alongside heavy weapons "overbearing and overprotective?"
This is simply a case of chest-thumping sensational journalism designed to get a rise from readers. It is not who we are in this country. We are a compassionate society and most will feel deeply for these parents and would assist if they could.
LH
Denver, Col.
Yes, you exposed me as a chest-thumper. I made up the fact that the McCanns left twin two-year olds in the charge of a three-year-old. You must be an ex-pat from Britain.
Someone FINALLY Speaks The Truth! It's about time people take responsibility for their actions. That little girl is not old enough to be by herself. I can't believe her parents are THAT dumb!
A ANDERSON
Anchorage, Alaska
And the truth shall set you free.
I wholeheartedly agree with Chris Freind - the McCanns need to take RESPONSIBILITY and be held accountable, you do not leave kids unattended, period.
HELENE
Denver, Colorado
CF: Unlike LH above, Helen is a real Coloradan.
The entire situation is a tragedy. As a father of small children I would like to make a few comments. Parents should not leave their children unattended. They probably spent a small fortune for that vacation. I think they could spend an extra $50 for a babysitter or room service. I hope this is a wakeup call to all parents. The ultimate responsibility is YOURS and yours alone to care for your children!
ROBERT MANCINI
Media
You have no idea what pain is,do you? Well,I just hope you never make a simple mistake that costs you so much. Oh,but I forgot - Mr. Perfect doesn't! But you know what? It's not even worth it wasting my time on you-perfect timing to criticize! I DO feel for the parents of this little girl. I can almost feel their pain ... But then ... I am not perfect.
IRENE
London
A "simple mistake"? Putting lemon in the tea before cream is a "simple mistake." Purposely leaving your children? That's criminal.
Once you sift through this sanctimonious, insensitive, shabby piece of "journalism," you'll find that only one person is to blame - the scum that took her. A little compassion & empathy goes a long way - why not try showing some by using your column for something more useful
