Crimewatch - Madeleine McCann

[SueEllen]

I wonder how old some of the other kids in the appartment block were; at least one was 12 years old, maybe some were older and people expected they'd keep an eye on the younger kids too, or maybe asked them to do that.

I don't think they were asked as the older kid would have been in the apartment.

[d000hg]

Exactly the bloody same.

They shouldn't have left the kids alone in an apartment they could not see from where they were - why is that so difficult to accept?

So if they're in the apartment but they can't see their kid it's OK?

[b0redom]

What I'm most surprised about is not the fact that they left a 3 year old on her own (although that is pretty dumb - I've woken up in the middle of the night to discover our 3 year old has got up and is wandering around downstairs), but the fact that they left their two younger kids too, who by definition can't be more than 2.

It's not like the Mediterranean isn't kid friendly. Mrs b0redom and I always take the kids to the restaurant etc when we're on holiday. It's awful what happened, but really so many things could have gone wrong even without an abductor.

[MaryPoppins]

who probably smother their own children in cotton wool

or keep them alive - aye, it's swings and roundabouts.

[Hairy]

There's one definite here. One clear and ever present definite. If the Mcanns had not left her alone, this discussion wouldn't be happening.

That's pretty irrefutable.

So, logically, if they'd have acted differently, by staying, would they have changed things?

If the answer is yes, then them being away from their kid, allowed her to be abducted

[Churchill]

So if they're in the apartment but they can't see their kid it's OK?

What do you think?

[russell]

So if they're in the apartment but they can't see their kid it's OK?

Are you really that thick? Here is a little quiz.

If someone breaks in to your apartment where are you most likely to hear it.

A) 300m away in a noisy restaurant
B) Inside said apartment
C) Inside the core of the Earth

[cailin maith]

So if they're in the apartment but they can't see their kid it's OK?

Now I'm really hoping you are just being argumentative.

Of course it is ok - if they are in the apartment, the children are in bed, they are doing everything they can to ensure a safe environment for their children. Fact is leaving them in an unlocked apartment, which they cannot see from where they are is totally irresponsible.

What I'm most surprised about is not the fact that they left a 3 year old on her own (although that is pretty dumb - I've woken up in the middle of the night to discover our 3 year old has got up and is wandering around downstairs), but the fact that they left their two younger kids too, who by definition can't be more than 2.

It's not like the Mediterranean isn't kid friendly. Mrs b0redom and I always take the kids to the restaurant etc when we're on holiday. It's awful what happened, but really so many things could have gone wrong even without an abductor.

WHS

[MyUserName]

The kidnapping was the fault of the kidnapper - no one is arguing this.
The child being alone and therefore vulnerable was the fault of the parents.

Do they deserve this to happen? Of course not - no one is arguing this either.

[DodgyAgent]

Have I at any point actually said that they only have themselves to blame?

No.

I have said that they made a decision that was in my opinion, a stupid one which led to something happening to one of their children. Not that they are to blame.

I think most of us would agree that leaving the building is slightly different to going to sleep.

Thank goodness some of you haven't chosen to breed.

Their decision did not lead to anything of the sort. By saying that their decision led to the childs abduction is the same as saying a girl wearing a miniskirt and getting raped is asking for it -you are doing it again- blaming the victim. OK had they stayed with the children all night then the child would not have been abducted, which is like saying if you accompany your child to school you will ensure they are not bullied, they will work hard and they wont leave their clothes at school - I get the impression that some of the more sanctimonious of you would probably do this if you could.