Vera,

This tragic story speaks of the inclination of human nature as we know it, i.e., the tendencies of what the Bible calls the natural, unregenerate man.  Left to his/her own device, each person will go after self-serving pursuits, not seeking after that which pleases God.

Bad and tragic as the report of rapes and victimization of the girls on Pitcairn is, I don't quite agree with the author that metropolitan or large city living is the way to go.  While isolationism is not a panacea for evil behavior, the corrupting influence of Western society is greatest in the so-called civilized societies.

Before closing, I have a few questions though: Who conducted the trials on Pitcairn (it's not clear from the Op-Ed)?  If it was by the inhibitants, why did it take so long (presumably, over 40 years) for justice to be rendered to the victims?

- Wilmot

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From: VERA R CROWELL <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 2004/10/29 Fri AM 11:09:31 CDT
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fwd: NYTimes.com Article: Op-Ed Contributor: Island of Lost Girls

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