I’m probably what you’d call a left-liberal. In these days of polarization, it seems only the opinions someone disagrees with identify your political and social leanings.

However, I disagreed with Mr. O’Reilly’s position on the Hornbeck situation, and apparently yours as well.

I was an abused child, who knew something wasn’t right about my father’s interest in me, but still never locked my door at night, because HE told me not to.

I can feel true empathy for the Iraqis, and even the Afghanis for the war we’ve laid on both their doors, all because of the actions of a fraction of their population. [The Iraqis did us no harm] I have never felt the war in Iraq was acceptable, and I’m still trying to position myself regarding Darfur. [Out government is not allowed to use our tax dollars to police the world–not if the Constitution matters. Oh, I forgot, it doesn’t matter–not to today’s liberals and “conservatives.”]

None of this relates to Hornbeck though, who was horribly abused, many times a day, for the first month and more. [Naturally, this has already been PROVEN in a court of law. Left-liberals, like their nanny/police state conservative buddies, don’t really believe in the rules of evidence] I believe this child was conditioned to accept orders from his captor. I also believe he felt his own shame, even without true responsibility, for what happened to him. I believe that is what made escape impossible. [And a phone call–and e-mail; a word to the cops he interacted with? Out of the question according to the tyranny of pop-psychology and reductionism. You “believe”: now that’s a great foundation for a just prosecution.]

I accept that children did and often do amazing things under horrendously stressful situations. I applaud those children. However, I also know it’s wrong to imply that a child who didn’t escape his captor was willingly enjoying his situation.

I didn’t believe my mother when she told me there were such critters as educated idiots!! Personally, to me, either way? Both of the above are idiots with out the brains God gave a piss ant! (Meaning you’re BOTH an Educated Idiot that lacks the Brains God gave a piss ant…- in addition to if you HAD a heart it would be a block of ice, and the blood nothing more than trickles of water from the block of ice melting!)

At least I have a heart and can hurt for that innocent kid that sexual predator took and harmed in so many ways!!! – Then again, Mom always told me that there are SOME people that are Poor White Cracker Trash…you’re their poster child for this year, thank you very much!

1. Regardless of your dexterous use of multi-syllabic words, you clearly do not understand the definition of ‘compassion’ if you think it extends to the victims of AIDS, but not the victims of kidnapping and sexual abuse.

[Some people with AIDS/HIV are responsible for getting infected–in fact, very many are. They infect others too. Some victims could have sought help. Both deserve sympathy, but are not totems immune to criticism.]

2. You must enjoy the thought of a 300 pound sodomite as a bed partner.

I will rethink my self-classification as a liberal [I’m a classical liberal, silly; look it up. It’s a Jeffersonian] from this point forward. Your blog contains the most disturbing ‘mainstream’ content I have ever read.

Marlayna Brown

I agree our society has gone overboard with victimization on some aspects. But when it comes to children, and something like this happens, they truly are VICTIMS. [But I said so; what part of this don’t you get? “Shawn’s poor response to his predicament does nothing to change that he was a victim of a craven criminal.” Why are people incapable of rationally evaluating the wiggle room a teenager has to act as a responsible agent? Shawn was a victim, but this does nothing to change that he could have sought help.—ILANA]

You can’t blame the child for not thinking rationally and logically. They are not adults and don’t think in an adult manner as you know. That’s why we don’t let them drive, we don’t allow them to drink alcohol and we don’t allow them to vote or make important decisions. [But you do all give them cellphones and say, “Call home if you are going to be late.”]

I dare say that Shawn’s ability to think logically was stripped from him by abuse and domination by a stranger. Something you and I cannot fathom because it didn’t happen to us. It’s easy to judge what someone should have done or could have done, when you’re on the outside looking in.

It’s one thing to talk about sticking up for one another; your family actually walks the walk, and for that I salute you all.

[Thanks]

People tell me that I don’t look 53, and I intend to go on fooling ’em as long as possible. 😉 (Just kidding.)

Hey, I think it’s great that you and your daughter stick up for each other. That’s what it really means to be a family, in the best sense of the word. [Well, we’ve been through our share of troubles.]

When I was in sixth grade, I thought I’d end up with a bunch of degrees… the academic world, at that time, was my salvation from a not-so-great home life, and I thought I’d stay there forever (my father, especially, deserved neither love nor respect).

But now, at the ripe old age of 53, I have less and less respect for academia in general, a lot of it because of the ossified twits with Ph.D. (and other advanced) degrees, no principles at all, little real-world experience, and no common sense whatsoever.