[TChris]

Since you live in a State that has about 300,000 people total, it may not be apparent to you that bad things happen every day.

LOL!

You're right. Bad things don't happen in Wyoming.

Not all of the things are reported on national news...

As far as I know, child abductions make the news just about anywhere. They're also reported and tracked in crime statistics. Those make it clear that it's still a rare thing.

I can teach independence to my child in many ways that are safer than turning him or her loose alone.

"Turning him or her loose alone" is exactly what a parent must do, eventually. By the time your child grows up, she'll need to know how to walk down the street without being afraid. When do you plan to teach her that, and how?

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I never said bad things didn't happen in Wyoming, you decided that was what I meant. I also didn't say that abductions aren't reported, I said not all incidents of harrasment or attempted abduction are reported. As I said, we have weekly reports on Houston tv news about someone circling a block or actually grabbing at a child - weekly.

Don't worry about my children - I have one in college and one about to start - both are perfectly capable of walking, talking and taking care of themselves.

I will add this to your comments about statistics: Your kids have a 100% greater chance of being abducted, harrassed or harmed walking to school than mine do. As I said before, I hope they never experience anything like that.