I would have more sympathy for the parents if they had ever spoken up about their own lack of responsibility in sending their child on such a foolhardy vacation.
They could be speaking out about the inappropriateness of senior booze/sex vacations, about proms where parents rent hotel rooms and buy booze, and pushing the idea to kids that you can have fun at home (or at least in the same state) and you can take that dream vacation to a party island when you are older and wiser.
Everything they have done abrogates their own responsibility, when they could be accomplishing so much in our crazy society by speaking out.
At first, I questioned Natalee's involvement, and I questioned the parents lifestyle, and so on. That was before so many of the facts came out. Now, the only thing I can blame anyone (except the perps) for is that the chaperones weren't really there to chaperone. Maybe I also blame Natalee's friends who didn't try to step and say, "waitaminnit, buddy, what do you think you're doing here?" to prevent her from leaving. Or at least trying. But even that seems trivial, compared to what these guys did, and evidently still do to other tourist girls.
I would also have a little more sympathy for the parents if they would stop harping on Joran's hanging out in casinos, staying out late and drinking, when that's exactly what their daughter was doing.
Would that put them one iota closer to finding their child? I am sure not a minute goes by that they kill themselves inside for allowing such a trip. Most of us have great hindsight. Do you think by making those feelings public it would really make you say okay now I feel somethng for this family? Why do they need to acknowledge it to you in order to gain your sympathy? I really think the lesson has been learned. Don't you think that by keeping this in the news it is in iteself a reminder of what not to do?
You have made a great point. I agree with anyone who empathizes with Natalee Holloway's parents and their tenacious search for answers. They are in a perfect position, with the media exposure they've received for months, to take the opportunity to send a message to parents of other high school grads.
On second thought, most parents may have already gotten the message. Some though, I fear, need to have it drummed into their heads.