Predators

So, who knows if this nutbag actually killed JonBenet Ramsey, although it's looking more and more like he didn't and he just has a really unhealthy obsession with the case. He's clearly a nutbag and if he didn't molest this child, he almost certainly has molested many others.

Oprah has caught 4 of her 12 molesters by posting them on her website and discussing them on her show. These people are wanted by the FBI/police/authorities and have been on the run from the law, some for 10 years or more.

This is all great that these people were caught. Fantastic. These predators can victimize hundreds of children in a short period of time, so great, get them off the street.

But don't think that kids are safe, or that this is even the worst kind of predator. These are wolves. But even worse are the wolves in sheep's clothing, those that we know and who seem okay. Or maybe they don't, but we ignore that bad feeling. I don't worry about some weirdo breaking in and molesting and killing my kid, ala the Ramseys, I am much more concerned about people we are supposed to trust along the way. How do I know their teachers are safe? Soccer coaches? Parents of friends?

These people are much worse than the stranger out of nowhere. The people that gain their trust not only victimize kids, but create doubt in themselves because they trusted someone they shouldn't have. Or worse, if the predator is someone close, they can no longer sort out love and hurt.

I guess that, once again, the only way to help my kids is to ensure they are secure and confident. Predators leave kids alone if they are not easily victimized; one of their greatest talents is picking out the kid who won't tell. It's the reason that kids who have been victimized once tend to be victimized over and over again. Self-esteem is the cure, the vaccination, the everything.