I just cancelled my plans for a family vacation there after watching the news this morning.
The lame effort made by the Government spokespeople to inform the World as to what is being done, backed up by the Mothers appeal and, made my decsion a no brainer.
There are too many other places to go.
......... and yes, I know that this can happen anywhere, but perhaps someone other than Bozo is driving the bus.

I think the appearance of a bungling of this matter will do more to deter tourism there than the tragic event itself. They have to come clean and resolve this soon. JM2C

Santa- gosh I dont blame you, I dont think I would want to go there now... not that I thought anything would happen, but for your reasons...

JW - I agree, the way that it is being handled is terrible and its going to really hurt the tourism there... I wonder if we will ever get the truth, or a version that is even close.

Time will tell. I hope so.

What makes you think the Aruban government isn't handling this issue properly? They are following their own laws, and there is no reason to suspect that it would be "handled" any better here in the US. Not all governments require that the media be spoon-fed all the information they think they want. Their laws aren't written to please us. And any parent would want more done, no matter where the location. Do we even remember the Washington DC intern whose body was found in Rock Creek park in 2001 - her killer has never been found and that's the US.

I would not hesitate to travel to Aruba right now - having traveled solo all over the Caribbean for the last 15 years, I think the real lesson is that it isn't the smartest thing to get into a private car with strangers - again, though, this would be good advice in Miami or Chicago, not just the Caribbean.

Tigerhawk - I agree with you to a certain extent. I guess the reason I would really not go right now is because by not being a tourist there it is the only way we can let them know we will not stand for a coverup...And of course I realize the laws there are not to please the US people. I dont really think any of is is that naive to think otherwise.

However, I agree with you about using your head. I lived in the Caribbean for many years ( A few different islands) and have been traveling in the region for 30 years. I think one of the major problems is people assume its paradise so nothing bad will happen, which is where they make a mistake.

I would just hate to find out later that it was a big coverup and that the government was involved. It happens in the islands a lot!

I just wish the best for her family, this whole situation is very upsetting.

For anyone who is interested, the verdict in the Michael Jackson trial will be announced at 4:30.

Let's see whether the American justice system is something we should be proud of.

Since so many were questioning the "wealth and power* influence of one of the male suspects in Aruba, I think our system might also benefit from some scrutiny.

Marion

Marion - thanks , yes I just saw that on CNN.com... geez, could be a big day... we shall see.

Very good point, Marion. The judiciary official is a very very big fish in a teeny wheeny pond. We may be worse when a football star, pop singer or local politician cause waves in the large ocean which is our country. It's almost understandable if deplorable that the Arubans were falling all over themselves over this investigation.

All good points, Tigerhawk, and accepted.
Not in the least intimidated by the circumstances in Aruba, just how it seems to be playing out, in the media and other places makes it my decsion to make a change of venue.
Perhaps it was inappropriate of me to mention it here.

I agree with Santa and jacketwatch. Earlier today, I sent my thoughts to the the PR dept. of the Aruba Tourism Authority.

I was dismayed by the result of the MJ case also, but that's no reason to stop me from expressing my concern about the Aruba situation.

At least MJ's misdeeds made it to a court for 12 people to decide upon his fate. Robert

The two guards were released. Hopefully we are getting somewhere.