what on earth do you then suggest parents do in such a horrible, horrible situation? just go home leaving it all to the police? why should these parents be derided and made mockery of, when their child has disappeared, who knows where (apart from the abductor or abductors)? have a bit of heart, for heaven's sake - or can't you empathise with the unspeakable tragedy facing a parent or parents whose child has disappeared. see any mother totally frantic when her child evades her eyes for one second - in the street, at a market, in a department store, etc. this happens not infruquently with all parents. the blessing is that the child suddenly reappears before the parent's/parents' eyes - and the parent feels both guily and grateful forever. what these madeleine mccann's parents need is constructive assistance, not carping nonsense parading as 'clever clever'. that such constructive assistance should be extended to all parents confronted by such a terrible circumstance - the telegenic and not so telegenic - surely cannot mean that those who are telegenic and hence gain an advantage (which is not their 'fault') should be ignored, or be the butt of derision.

Jocelynne,
I'll second that comment. It's a parent's nightmare and a situation that should be treated with the utmost sensitivity on their behalf.

I'll third it. Having been the subject of a witchhunt (albeit on a much less public manner), I sympathise with the McCanns. Of course, there was bound to be talk, especially when they're seeking so much publicity, but this is over the top.

This is an inane article full of cliches without a single original thought.

This article is obscene....

Remember always that in our law a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If nothing else, this rave illustrates how important that principle continues to be.

ellen goodman