Anon wrote:
What you describe as abuse practically mirrors my education in a Catholic boarding school!
I don't mean to be rude, but I have a good number of friends and acquaitances who are recovering from their treatment in the Catholic church and/or school. There are Catholic survivor groups. Have you heard all the press about sexual abuse? Am I hearing you right? If Catholic schools do it, it's okay?
And:
How do you define normal? Most parents wouldn't think of a long term residential school unless things are beyond their control and they want better for their kid.
Wrong ! I'd like to see a poll on this one. I have co-miserated with many a parent whose child was placed as revenge by the other parent and the program colluded with the revengeful parent to limit the child's contact with the "adversarial" parent. The program I have experience with (not WWASP but a well "respected" program in Ga), went to the extent of blatently lying, stating in a letter to the court that I did things I didn't do. They weren't required to "prove" anything. The judge ruled that my son would stay. Try defending yourself against a psych professional whose livelihood is being threatened.
Many kids end up warehoused for VERY minor things. Some simply because their grades are slipping. Some because they became sexually active. Some because their meds didn't work. Some because they talk back to their parents. I remember one participant at this particular facility could not go anywhere without a handful of pencils. Some are there because psych facilities are decreasing in number and the industry is filling that void. And all too often they are there simply because their parents are too busy or self absorbed to be parents. In your defense, I guess it could be said that parenting is "beyond their control".
And:
BREATHE!! It will be okay if you just let it go.
While breathing might benefit spots, letting it go is not going to benefit her grandchild or the others in similar facilities. Spot's caring won't magically undo the brainwashing she will be subjected to, but it will go a long way in terms of her knowing there is at least one person she can trust, who perceived the truth about the situation, and tried her damnedest to stop it. If spots has the time and resource then she should GO FOR IT, not let it go.
My neighbor's son was killed a year ago at a wilderness program. She "let it go" and didn't file a wrongful death lawsuit. Why? As reported by another neighbor, she didn't want to be "a victim of the situation", it was "his karma to die." It turns my stomach (and causes me to hold my breath) everytime I read or think about that. I imagine the truth behind that flimsy new age excuse is that she wants to avoid the wave of guilt that might overcome her if she looked at the truth of the situation.
He was a "victim" of medical neglect...yet SHE doesn't want to feel "like a victim" of the situation? Where is the rationale? How selfish !
Karma is basically cause and effect. What did he do (cause) to justify him loosing his life (effect)? He didn't choose to go to wilderness. He didn't refuse to drink water. He didn't choose to hike in 100* weather, and further than his 200+ pound body could carry him. He didn't choose to take psych meds that caused him to overheat, without exertion. He didn't choose to sit in the sun until he was overcome by heat exhaustion. He didn't neglect to tell his doctor (who cleared him for participation) the nature of program. The physical endurance necessary to survive.
No, all these "causes" were external.
If karma applies to him, then it damn sure should apply to the counselor and program. Their negligence (cause) should result in the counselor and director receiving jail time and the program closing (effect). At the very least none of the 4 involved that day should be allowed more than 100 yds near another child.
We'll see what the good state of Utah does in the upcoming court drama. I say "drama" because while I'm hopeful justice will prevail, I'm afraid it will be yet another dramatic production staged for the benefit of the public- to appear to be taking responsible measures to protect minors in the care of incompetents.
And btw, just curious what vested interest you have in spots "letting it go"? And what causes you to feel so confident that everything will be okay? And about your "advice" to a grieving and angry grandmother... strikes me of the arrogance a brainwashed Catholic might possess. Quick, find yourself a support group and reevaluate all the lies they programmed you with.
Deborah
