Hamas War

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Reflecting on America


Although it seemed like Americans are more devoted to their dogs than children, the news was of murdered and missing children.


Every time I saw TV news, whether in New York or Arizona, they kept talking about the Casey Anthony trial.  I could have been from Pluto.  I had no idea what it was about.  If you don't know, a child was missing.  It seemed pretty obvious that the mother knew of her death, but she claimed ignorance.  Eventually the little girl's body was found, but unlike all the C.S.I. and Law & Order SVU shows, no evidence could be found to prove how she died and who did it. That's why the mother, Casey Anthony was judged innocent.


After that began to quiet down, a little boy disappeared in Brooklyn.  Yes, the Leiby Kletzky tragedy.  He was kidnapped by an acquaintance who murdered him and then chopped up his body.  Yes, this is worse than what you usually see on television.  From the expertise I've gained by watching all these TV shows and reading Michael Connelly books, it seems pretty "obvious" that Levi Aron, who has admitted the murder, most probably has done similar crimes in the past.

America is a very frightening place.

11 comments:

Keli Ata said...

I didn't follow the Casey Anthony case as many Americans did but I understand she waited about a month before reporting that her daughter was missing.

There's a petition online for those who want a Caylee's Law passed to charge parents with a felony if they fail to report a missing child within 24 hours.

I think you're right about the little boy in Brooklyn. I won't be graphic but I read an article that reported that the way Aron dismembered the boy indicates that he has done this before.

Leora said...

The main difference between the U.S. and Israel in regard to child abuse is the U.S. has a louder, more outspoken press.

http://tzedek-tzedek.blogspot.com/search/label/orthodoxchild%20abuse

Batya said...

Keli, for sure there was some sort of neglect/abuse, but it ended up being a "perfect crime," because nothing could be proven.

Leora, it could be because in Israel "everyone knows each other" so it's very personal. We did have a strange similar case, but the police here solved it.

Anonymous said...

It is very wrong and dangerous to think that child abuse only (or mainly) happens over there (wherever "there" is). Sadly it happens everywhere. Isn't the name Rosa enough to start ringing bells. There have been other cases too in Israel, where parents killed their children. I remember one where a woman drowned her son in the bath. Every case is sad and horrific and it doesn't make any difference where it happens. Time we got off of our high horse. Unfortunately we are not any better.

Anonymous said...

Also, in the Anthony case, the defendent was not "judged innocent". She was found "not guilty". It may sound picky but there is a big difference.

Anonymous said...

Oh and that divorced guy who killed his three young children just recently.

The list goes on.

Batya said...

Of course, these things happen all over the world, including Israel. We're not immune.

Anonymous said...

In your own words,

"America is a very frightening place".

The point of your post is that it is much worse in the US. My point is that it is exactly that kind of thinking that allows us to remain unaware of what is happening under our own noses. And it is happening.

Batya said...

a, too many people claim that they won't live in or visit Israel because of "dangers." There are dangers all over, including the USA.

Anonymous said...

Batya, your post was about the terrible child abuse in the US. My point is that it happens here too and the belief that it only/mainly happens elsewhere ignores the problem that we have.

Disagree with me if you must, but could you please stick to the point.

Batya said...

My point was that the two stories dominated the TV news. If that's your only news source, life in America is very scary.