kidnapped kids
 

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before our but is it a new fad to start kidnapping kids and such? Everyday I open the paper, some kid was either kidnapped, kidnapped and killed or just killed. Like this morning, I was reading that in Abilene, TX, a lady's infant child was kidnapped right out of her van while she quickly returned a shopping cart at Walmart. Yesterday there was a story about a 4 year old child kidnapped. What the hell is going on these days???

Re: kidnapped kids
 

We are in the midst of what is known as a "moral panic." Is isn't an epidemic by any means...kids get kidnapped every day. The rate of kidnappings have not risen by any stretch of the imagination. However, the media coverage of kidnappings has risen dramatically. The same thing happened with the "crack epidemic" in 1986. Drug usage was actually down that year, but you would never know, because EVERY media outlet was acting like crack was the end of the world as we know it.

I, too, am appalled by kidnappings, but it is nothing that doesn't happen every day. Because of this, the media can sensationalize it and blow it out of proportion.

While not diminishing the tragedy of anyone's child being kidnapped, I do not place much stock in media coverage. For one, the give a skewed version of reality. Close to 90% of kidnappings are committed by acquaintances of the family or family members, contrary to the new media coverage.

Another issue I have is the lack of coverage of minority kidnappings when compared to their white counterparts. The only minority girls that have been publicized have been the extrordinarily sensational cases.

Sensational kidnapping solved
 

Here's a picture of a kidnapped little tiny baby who was returned:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...168/219q7.html

Statistically Speaking
 

Sad to say, but the rates are the same so far, it's just that law enforcement and the media are getting better about advertizing this tragic crime more quickly.

I just hope this isn't a fad and we keep getting our kids back, they way we have been so far, like that poor baby in TX, and the 4-yr-old in San Diego...

I beleive the increased coverage is due to the Amber law passed by several states where media as well as law enforcement are alerted.

I know one thing, this SICK thrill people are getting from snatching up kids has me straight SHOOK! I don't want to let my 8-yr sister out the house anymore. She's in jazz, gymnastics, cheerleading, and girl scouts' activities. Now I don't know what to do with myself because if she's not with me (or other fam members), I don't want her there. :( I know i can't keep her shacked up 24/7; and knowing this has me feeling helpless against sickos that do it... I was excited, but now I can't even imagine have a baby anymore (not under these conditions!):eek: This is having me stressed out, MAJOR!

Little month old Nancy was so cute. She was sitting there sucking her bottle like nothing had happened. She is so sweet.:D