No Need to Shield Abducted Girls’ Names

Reading about the two kidnapped teenagers who chose to be interviewed on the “Today” show about their harrowing ordeal (Aug. 8) made me recall my own similar experience in 1968. While delivering newspapers in a small town, I was kidnapped and raped. It was still dark on the early morning when he dragged me into his car, drove me to a remote spot and threatened me into submission. He let me go afterward, and eventually he was convicted on both charges and sent to prison for “life” (in that state at that time, he would have been eligible for parole in 15 years).

I never felt any shame or guilt. I had done nothing wrong. I was doing a job to help support my family when this lowlife took advantage of my physical weakness as a woman.

I would have done anything to save my own life for my children. Likewise, these girls were innocent victims. They have nothing to be ashamed of. The fun of temporary celebrity is the least of what they deserve after what they’ve been through.

Helen Mosbrook

Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

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Steve Lopez is half right (Aug. 6). However, he missed a very important point again. On the one hand, the “Today” show did exploit the situation. But the real point here is the fact that the girls and their parents made a conscious and courageous decision to go public and tell their story. In my opinion, going public will greatly assist them with the healing process and help others who may find themselves in a similar position.

Yes, we must and should continue to protect victims of rape and other violent crimes. However, this situation is unique because their names, faces and ordeal are known nationally. Why hide? I support their decision to go public. They endured a horrific situation and survived. Let’s not judge them, but support them. And may God bless them both.

Larry Mead

Palmdale

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Re “Slain Kidnapper” (letter, Aug. 5), wherein the letter writer applauds Kern County Sheriff Carl Sparks’ comment, “We don’t have to rehabilitate the son of a bitch. This man right here is not going to appeal his case to the Supreme Court”: I, for one, was disturbed by the sheriff’s comments. His stated contempt for the judicial process he is sworn to uphold sends the wrong message to the cops on the beat: that the people they apprehend (no matter how despicable) are not deserving of a fair trial.

David Ryan

La Habra