"WHEN I WAS SEVENTEEN...IT WAS A VERY BAD YEAR..."

**This was posted by "Peacemaker" who commented on VistaArubaBB and was located in its archives.

Peacemaker
Thursday, June 23rd, 2005, 04:54 AM


Joran's mother is very impressive. Everything she says about her son is no different than what we have heard about Natalie. Both great kids according to their parents. Let's wait for the truth.


Please read the entire message before you reply. The idea is to help all of us to think more objectively. The facts may look bad for Joran, this does not make him guilty. However, it does raise much suspicion when considering his character.


Lets look at the simple facts about Joran's character - Is he a good kid? While he may not be a great kid and although he has an irresponsible reputation, this alone does not convict him of any crime. Character, however, is important when determining someone's actions in desperate
situations.

• At the age of 17, Joran drives which is illegal in Dutch law, but his parents say he is a good kid and do not consider him a criminal.
• At the age of 17, Joran drinks alcohol which is illegal in Dutch law, but his parents say is a good kid do not consider him a criminal.
  
• At the age of 17, Joran gambles which is illegal in Dutch law, but his parents say he is a good kid do not consider him a criminal.
  
• At the age of 17, Joran has been forcefully removed from Resorts by security, but his parents say is a good kid.
• At the age of 17, Joran lied to Dutch authorities which is illegal in Dutch law, but his parents say is a good kid do not consider him a criminal.
• At the age of 17, Joran had to attend anger management classes (of some sort) according to his mother, but his parents say he would never harm anyone.
  

When you do something illegal and your arrested/convicted, you are considered a criminal. When you do something illegal and are never arrested/convicted, you are a criminal without conviction.


The mother said her son should be held accountable, if he is guilty. Yet, she has never held him accountable for any of his criminal activities. This is not impressive. It is sad and common of parents delusional of their children. Either they have trouble controlling Joran or they let him do whatever he wants.


Yet, regardless of his unlawful activities, they claim he is a good kid. Joran has broken multiple laws. As parents, like many parents, they need to address these issues. Until then, they are just as guilty of his abhorrent behavior.


Unfortunately for Van der Sloot, he has lied to the police and incriminated himself already. If any of you really care about this family, then tell them to tell the truth about what they know. Until he starts telling the truth (like Bentree said), people will rightfully consider a person of his character very suspicious.


Even more implicative, Joran has consistently lied to authorities about a missing girl, he supposedly cared enough to have relations with. They say the truth will set you free. All of America will be here until we see this truth. If he is innocent, then people will support him. He will have learned the importance character and hopefully begin to live above reproach. Although this is not the way you would wish to learn such things, this may be the wake up call he needed.


Bentrees it is obvious you and some others are somehow close to the Van Der Sloots. Your posts certainly reflect as much, but there is nothing wrong with this. Either way, like everyone we should try to balance our posts. Simply an observation. After all, Joran could be guilty. And if he is guilty of a crime, his own mother wishes Joran be convicted. Like Greta Van Susteren, we need to observe an objective, realistic view until the truth is revealed.


Your comment that Natalee is anything like Joran is simply irrelevant and inaccurate. Natalee is simply a better person than most of us have hoped to become. Her studies and efforts are exemplary. Her volunteer work and devotion to missions that have fed starving children, define her character. Many have missed the reason why this event has captured the worlds attention.


It is not because some underaged kid that attends casinos and bars, desperately chasing girls has possibly acted with criminal intentions. It is not because Aruba is so beautiful nor is it that she is a beautiful, white, blonde. It is simply character. Natalee Holloway, regardless of race, regardless of physical beauty, has character that reflects grace, faith, peace, honor, goodness, kindness, patience, and love.


When you are a person with the character of Natalee Holloway and you are missing, you will get plenty of support and attention.