COMMENTARY: ARUBA CAUSED THEIR OWN DEMISE

By Richard, Aruban Boycott Contributor

It's a good time to think about what Aruba was three years ago, and what it is today.


Before Natalee Holloway vanished on the island of Aruba, who gave the place much thought? It was just another Caribbean island that prospered off tourists.

Now the place has become the image of a putrid cesspool, fit only for scorn and contempt.

Who made the change? Aruba itself. Not us, not its average citizen, not its beaches.

Its government and law enforcement have shown themselves to be corrupt, inept, incompetent, liars, deceitful, and worthy of being spit upon, if that.


Quite an accomplishment, Aruba. No wonder that even your Dutch overlords, or some of them, have denounced their Caribbean "jewel." The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are indeed "A Bottomless Cesspool."


And all this because, in three years, the only thing you have shown that you will NOT do is to take effective action in the case of Natalee Holloway. (I won't mention Amy Bradley other than to say that there is reason to believe that she remains alive after her kidnapping from a cruise ship ten years ago. Of course, you do nothing on that case as well.)


We Americans have reason to be outraged that our own government is evidently unwilling to use its leverage to seek justice in this part of the world. Those of us who have followed events over the last three years, however, remain determined to keep possible American visitors to Aruba aware of what has been done ... and what has not.

"No justice for Natalee ... no tourists for Aruba."

Here's a kind of ballad for Natalee that I wrote around Memorial Day last year. The spirit behind it remains unquenched. My thoughts are with Natalee's family on this day ... and my determination is to continue working for justice in this case.

The tune is a kind of hybrid of “John Brown’s Body”
and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Her precious life was taken by those filthy three;
The devil chuckled at the torments they will see.
The angels sobbed with grief … but then joined hands in glee
To welcome Natalee!


(chorus:) Glory, glory Hallelujah!
Glory, glory Hallelujah!
Glory, glory Hallelujah …
HER truth is marching on!


Now our boycott makes Arubans all afraid –
Wretched curs, to cry to those who you betrayed!
Let this message leave you trembling and dismayed;
We’ll fight for Natalee!


(chorus) Fellow Americans, it’s up to me and you.
Sing this message loud to Oduber and crew –
To save your island, this we demand of you,
Justice for Natalee!


(chorus) We’ll stand side by side with Beth forevermore,
Urging people to avoid Aruba’s shore.
Let them whine and moan — on them we’ll slam the door
For love of Natalee!