So, a Dingo did take her baby?

[Syme]

Originally Posted by jabiru

I wouldn't have gone on an outback camping trip with three kids (including a baby) in a Torana hatchback.

well, those were the days! A Holden (built for Australian conditions) was all you needed to cross the Simpson desert.

Nowadays a megaton SUV is required to take the kids to school and back. It must be those infamous Sydney potholes

[GuanoLad]

Originally Posted by Syme

Nowadays a megaton SUV is required to take the kids to school and back. It must be those infamous Sydney potholes

I work in a tiny sidestreet, which also has a dance studio on it. Every Tuesday it is jam packed with SUVs as they drop off their kids for dance practice. It is an unholy mess every time.

[jabiru]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

Not the Volksie.

You had a Volkswagen wagon (sorry about the tautology) with only two doors?! I've never seen one of those. I assumed you meant a Passat.

[DianaG]

Originally Posted by Princhester

I don't have a problem with that. As stated above, at the time, dingoes really weren't known for cold blooded predation on small children. And for all that Americans like to go on about Australia's deadly critters, leaving aside what we now know of dingoes, it's hard to think of anything in the relevant region of Australia that might carry off a baby. We have nothing comparable to bears or cougars on this continent. For all that you might worry (albeit jokingly) about koalas or wallabies, the fact is that worrying about them as predators is ludicrous.

And continuing in that vein, bear in mind that at the time, many Australians simply didn't believe the Chamberlains because they thought that the idea that a wild animal had taken Azaria was ludicrous. So your view makes Lindy's position impossible. She was a murderer because the idea that an animal had taken Azaria was ludicrous, or alternatively if an animal did take Azaria then Lindy was irresponsible because the idea that an animal would take Azaria was a real possibility.

Well, it's hardly surprising that some people decided that one way or another, it HAS to be the mother's fault. Some people decide that every time something bad happens to a kid. After all, if it's no one's fault, that means it could happen to anyone.

Thing is, this was a total random Shit Happens occurrence. The solution is neither to exterminate dingoes nor to ban camping with children, but there will always be those who scream for one, the other, or both because the world is full of people who simply cannot accept that Shit Happens.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by DianaG

Well, it's hardly surprising that some people decided that one way or another, it HAS to be the mother's fault. Some people decide that every time something bad happens to a kid. After all, if it's no one's fault, that means it could happen to anyone.

Thing is, this was a total random Shit Happens occurrence. The solution is neither to exterminate dingoes nor to ban camping with children, but there will always be those who scream for one, the other, or both because the world is full of people who simply cannot accept that Shit Happens.

Those who won't accept that shit just happens, are the ones who try their hardest to prevent shit from happening in the first place or from happening again.
I am totally opposed to exterminating dingoes. But people ought no to camp in their habitat or take precautions if they do so.


Our opposition leader Tony Abbott although agrees in toto with you.

[GuanoLad]

Originally Posted by Syme

But people ought no to camp in their habitat or take precautions if they do so.

That appears to be potentially 80% of Australia.

[DianaG]

Originally Posted by Syme

Those who won't accept that shit just happens, are the ones who try their hardest to prevent shit from happening in the first place or from happening again.
I am totally opposed to exterminating dingoes. But people ought no to camp in their habitat or take precautions if they do so.


Our opposition leader Tony Abbott although agrees in toto with you.

Don't roll your eyes at me dear. You'll note that I didn't call for a national "Let Your Kid Play With a Dingo" day. I called for not enacting any extreme solutions.

It goes without saying (or it should, anyway) that people should take precautions around wild animals. That's not the same thing as disallowing people into areas where they may encounter wild animals, or eliminating wild animals from anywhere that anyone might decide to pitch a tent.

See that? We pretty much agree, so perhaps you can read for comprehension and stop striking an "everyone except me is an idiot" pose.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by DianaG

Don't roll your eyes at me dear. You'll note that I didn't call for a national "Let Your Kid Play With a Dingo" day. I called for not enacting any extreme solutions.

It goes without saying (or it should, anyway) that people should take precautions around wild animals. That's not the same thing as disallowing people into areas where they may encounter wild animals, or eliminating wild animals from anywhere that anyone might decide to pitch a tent.

See that? We pretty much agree, so perhaps you can read for comprehension and stop striking an "everyone except me is an idiot" pose.

I don't accept 'shit happens", anyone that shrugs her shoulders and leave it at that, is an idiot IMHO. That is defeatist, 'do nothing and accept everything attitude

Do you comprhend ?

[Syme]

Originally Posted by GuanoLad

That appears to be potentially 80% of Australia.

It used to be 100%

[DianaG]

Originally Posted by Syme

I don't accept 'shit happens", anyone that shrugs her shoulders and leave it at that, is an idiot IMHO. That is defeatist, 'do nothing and accept everything attitude

Do you comprhend ?

I comprehend your lack of comprehension just fine. And I suggest that anyone who doesn't accept that sometimes, shit just happens is a control freak who's in for a seriously frustrating life. Good luck with that.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by DianaG

I comprehend your lack of comprehension just fine. And I suggest that anyone who doesn't accept that sometimes, shit just happens is a control freak who's in for a seriously frustrating life. Good luck with that.

Well, maybe the death of that little girl was one of those 'sometimes'. Right?

The question remains how many times is 'sometimes' acceptable. Do you always qualify your "shit happens" with a 'sometimes' ? Just asking

If it eases your mind, let's leave it that.

when "arguments" fails and frustration sets in, insults start flying, and some persons (notice the qualifier 'some") begin to use words not heard in a PG movie.

The above is comrehensible, but unwarranted. Veteran posters ought to know better.

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by DianaG

I comprehend your lack of comprehension just fine.

If I didn't already have the 'Dope's best sig, I'd ask permission to use that.

[Xema]

Originally Posted by Syme

maybe the death of that little girl was one of those 'sometimes'. Right?

Seems about right.

Evidence indicates neither that the parents were behaving irresponsibly nor that dingoes are a serious threat. But sometimes the improbable happens, and analysis doesn't offer much in the way of useful lessons about how to behave differently. You can insulate your kids from the risks that dingoes pose by avoiding camping trips and instead parking then in front of a TV - but that has its own set of risks.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by Xema

Seems about right.

Evidence indicates neither that the parents were behaving irresponsibly nor that dingoes are a serious threat. But sometimes the improbable happens, and analysis doesn't offer much in the way of useful lessons about how to behave differently. You can insulate your kids from the risks that dingoes pose by avoiding camping trips and instead parking then in front of a TV - but that has its own set of risks.

I agree totally.

You can learn lessons though, and not just respond with a "Shit happens" and walk away.

In the specific case of Azaria, the lesson is simple, never ever leave a baby or a child unattended. You can go on camping trips of course, but please, take precautions.

[MsWhatsit]

Originally Posted by Syme

Veteran posters ought to know better.

Harsh words from someone who joined up within the last two weeks.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by MsWhatsit

Harsh words from someone who joined up within the last two weeks.

Harsh is in the mind of the beholder

I maybe a newie or junior here, but when it comes to forums (fora if you are pedantic) I am not.

BTW I was searching for some info and Google took me here. Once I become zzzzzz here I will leave, so be patient, it may not be long

I know, newies, have to tread carefully, take a lot of flak without complain, do not interrupt the 'regulars' when they are talking etc

Bottom line: newies have to "show respect" as Signor Corleone used to say, and behave according to their low rank.

If you don't like what I write, tough. Just ignore me, that's what I do.

my way of telling people they are in 'ignore' mode is simplly this"

Chao

[kambuckta]

Originally Posted by Syme

Harsh is in the mind of the beholder

I maybe a newie or junior here, but when it comes to forums (fora if you are pedantic) I am not.

BTW I was searching for some info and Google took me here. Once I become zzzzzz here I will leave, so be patient, it may not be long

I know, newies, have to tread carefully, take a lot of flak without complain, do not interrupt the 'regulars' when they are talking etc

Bottom line: newies have to "show respect" as Signor Corleone used to say, and behave according to their low rank.

If you don't like what I write, tough. Just ignore me, that's what I do.

my way of telling people they are in 'ignore' mode is simplly this"

Chao

Good grief, you're a narcissistic little turd wot.

Have fun playing here, but watch that door on your way out etc etc.

[Eliahna]

I don't look at join dates unless someone's being outrageously stupid or incredibly wise and I don't recognise the name do I reject the idea that newbs are treated differently. IMO, an insightful voice is an insightful voice whether it belongs to member #1 or member #1,000,000, and will be respected as such. Am I naive to think content means more here than duration of membership?

[kambuckta]

Originally Posted by Eliahna

I don't look at join dates unless someone's being outrageously stupid or incredibly wise and I don't recognise the name do I reject the idea that newbs are treated differently. IMO, an insightful voice is an insightful voice whether it belongs to member #1 or member #1,000,000, and will be respected as such. Am I naive to think content means more here than duration of membership?

Content is and has always been the primary consideration for 'valued' membership here at the Dope. That being said, it is always easier for a longer-term member to be a shithead than for a recent arrival, especially when the latter note that their tenure here will be short-term. Sorta like the FIFO folk....wreak havoc upon the countryside, then piss off somewhere else!

Syme seems to feel that he can just blow in, have his erudite opinions taken on board, insult a few longer-standing members, and leave without smears upon his name. And yannow, that's all good, but you and I know that this board has developed a sense of community within its ranks. It's NOT a place where rude behaviour is accepted. It's a place where (for the most part) we tread carefully as newbies, learn the mores, and eventually become part of the groovy, smart, eloquent and enquiring teeming masses.

Meh, it's his loss. I don't give a shit personally.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

Good grief, you're a narcissistic little turd wot.

Have fun playing here, but watch that door on your way out etc etc.

Another 'senior' poster teaching good manners to the insolent 'newbie'. Sort of virtual Royal Millitary College Duntroon, right ?

I think you ought to watch your mouth in the way in etc . Another

Chao

[flodnak]

Originally Posted by Syme

I am totally opposed to exterminating dingoes. But people ought no to camp in their habitat or take precautions if they do so.

The Chamberlain family was not 'way out in the wilderness, miles from anywhere. They were car camping at an organized campsite that was popular with families with young children. Clearly, they did not assume their children would be in danger. Either they didn't think of the campsite as part of "dingo habitat", or they didn't think of dingos as dangerous animals.

They were, of course, wrong, and tragically so. We can see that now. But up until the moment that the dingo entered the tent, the Chamberlains could not see it.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

Content is and has always been the primary consideration for 'valued' membership here at the Dope. That being said, it is always easier for a longer-term member to be a shithead than for a recent arrival, especially when the latter note that their tenure here will be short-term. Sorta like the FIFO folk....wreak havoc upon the countryside, then piss off somewhere else!

Syme seems to feel that he can just blow in, have his erudite opinions taken on board, insult a few longer-standing members, and leave without smears upon his name. And yannow, that's all good, but you and I know that this board has developed a sense of community within its ranks. It's NOT a place where rude behaviour is accepted. It's a place where (for the most part) we tread carefully as newbies, learn the mores, and eventually become part of the groovy, smart, eloquent and enquiring teeming masses.

Meh, it's his loss. I don't give a shit personally.

It is not a place where rude behavior is accepted ????

Look who is talking !!!

This is a place where people such as you insult those newbies who are not part of the 'community' and then close ranks.
Your use of profane insults is right in front of you. You are rude and so is DianaG who took exception to me not accepting that according to her words :" the world is full of people who simply cannot accept that Shit Happens"
Then she backpedalled and said that she had said 'sometimes shit happens'.Yo

This is nothing new: that the some members of the 'community'are bullies and don't accept that newcomers don't show diffidence to them, that they don't accept bullying and insults and profanity. "Newbies have to tread carefully", precisely, bend over and take it, right ?

Not me.

The solution is simple, I just ignore them, Eventually one finds people who don't have their heads up their waste orifices and think they rule the roost.

You can have the last word, the last in a chain of profanity of course
"This is not a place where rude behavior is accepted" Indeed

[kambuckta]

Originally Posted by Syme

Another 'senior' poster teaching good manners to the insolent 'newbie'. Sort of virtual Royal Millitary College Duntroon, right ?

I think you ought to watch your mouth in the way in etc . Another

Chao

Oh for fuck's sake, it's CIAO.

At least you could get the spelling correct, even if the rest of your post is full of shit.

Mate.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by flodnak

The Chamberlain family was not 'way out in the wilderness, miles from anywhere. They were car camping at an organized campsite that was popular with families with young children. Clearly, they did not assume their children would be in danger. Either they didn't think of the campsite as part of "dingo habitat", or they didn't think of dingos as dangerous animals.

They were, of course, wrong, and tragically so. We can see that now. But up until the moment that the dingo entered the tent, the Chamberlains could not see it.

You are right. I couldn't agree more with you.

I don't blame the Chamberlains at all, nor I blame the Rangers because at that point in time no one could have foreseen it.
What angers me is to shrug one's shoulders and do nothing to prevent a similar tragedy from happening, for as some poster so eloquently put it : “Shit Happens". Yes, but if we can't prevent from shit ever happening, which is impossible, we ought to prevent it from happening again.
I remember Tony Abbott’s comment about the death of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan : “Shit happens”. He was mute when asked for a clarification of his colourful comment, and rightly so, for how could he defend such a callous remark? Saying “shit happens” not only means : there is nothing one can do about this sort of incident but also implies: “I couldn’t care less”.

[Syme]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

Oh for fuck's sake, it's CIAO.

At least you could get the spelling correct, even if the rest of your post is full of shit.

Mate.

Only because I am feeling benign, I will suspend my rule of ignoring for all eternity one on whom I bestowed a 'chao". But only this once. This is not a conversation.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/...6#post15169696

Please, kindly refer to my erudite post # 110 and don't forget to read post # 119, it ought to be addressed to you also.

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by Syme

I don't accept 'shit happens", anyone that shrugs her shoulders and leave it at that, is an idiot IMHO. That is defeatist, 'do nothing and accept everything attitude

Do you comprhend ?

A dingo ate your baby as well?

[flodnak]

Originally Posted by Syme

I don't blame the Chamberlains at all, nor I blame the Rangers because at that point in time no one could have foreseen it.
What angers me is to shrug one's shoulders and do nothing to prevent a similar tragedy from happening, for as some poster so eloquently put it : “Shit Happens". Yes, but if we can't prevent from shit ever happening, which is impossible, we ought to prevent it from happening again.

We seem to be interpreting what is being said rather differently.

I see people saying that the Chamberlains shouldn't be blamed because, at the time, people either didn't know there were dingos in the area or didn't realize dingos could be dangerous to small children - maybe both. So those who are saying that even if Lindy Chamberlain didn't kill little Azaria, she was still somehow responsible for letting the dingo get to the baby, are assuming the mother thought the way we think about it now, after the fact, and knew her baby was in danger. Clearly, she didn't.

I don't see people saying that nothing should ever be done again to prevent dingos from killing children. Clearly people need to be aware of the risk of whatever wild animals are in the areas where they live and where they take vacations.

But... well, in about a week we'll be taking a short trip to a seaside cabin. The cabin is on an island, and we know there are adders (venomous snakes) on the island. Now, this cabin has been in my husband's family for over half a century, and during that time, no one has been bitten by a snake. But say this is the year it happens. Does that mean we have to stop visiting the cabin, because we can say "shit happens" the first time but after that if it happens again that's just carelessness? Does it mean we have to start wearing stout rubber boots every time we step outside the cabin? Or does it just mean shit happens, and once every 50 years is just a freak accident?

[Xema]

Originally Posted by Syme

... we ought to prevent it from happening again.

But you may end up concluding that - short of unacceptable/impossible measures like exterminating dingoes or banning camping - you can't. So you end up telling parents to watch their children carefully (as seems to have pretty much been the case with Azaria) and leave it at that - knowing that you haven't prevented (indeed, can't prevent) this from happening again.

IOW "shit happens" can be taken as "Let's not try to learn any lessons" or as "Unfortunately, risks cannot be entirely eliminated."

[Peeta Mellark]

Originally Posted by flodnak

We seem to be interpreting what is being said rather differently.

I see people saying that the Chamberlains shouldn't be blamed because, at the time, people either didn't know there were dingos in the area or didn't realize dingos could be dangerous to small children - maybe both. So those who are saying that even if Lindy Chamberlain didn't kill little Azaria, she was still somehow responsible for letting the dingo get to the baby, are assuming the mother thought the way we think about it now, after the fact, and knew her baby was in danger. Clearly, she didn't.

And had the general consensus at that time been that dingos were a danger to children...ironically, she probably wouldn't have been convicted.

[MsWhatsit]

Originally Posted by Eliahna

I don't look at join dates unless someone's being outrageously stupid or incredibly wise and I don't recognise the name do I reject the idea that newbs are treated differently. IMO, an insightful voice is an insightful voice whether it belongs to member #1 or member #1,000,000, and will be respected as such. Am I naive to think content means more here than duration of membership?

I looked at the join date because Syme made that crack about expecting more from "veteran posters." How would you have any sense of what a veteran poster on this board should behave like when you're brand new here yourself?

Otherwise, I agree.

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by Xema

But you may end up concluding that - short of unacceptable/impossible measures like exterminating dingoes or banning camping - you can't. So you end up telling parents to watch their children carefully (as seems to have pretty much been the case with Azaria) and leave it at that - knowing that you haven't prevented (indeed, can't prevent) this from happening again.

Banning Dingos? What, you arrest and deport any that show up?

I believe the worst case scenario is, since we are speaking of human life, you can't ban, kill, deport, relocate all of them. There may very well be one very hungry one left. So you must still watch your children whether anything is done about dingoes or not.

[Cicero]

One point, and I don't think it has been raised yet, is that the Chamberlains were aware of the danger of local wildlife. They had slept in the car with the children a few nights before for safety (taken from her interview) and they thought no danger existed where they were.

They did take precautions where they thought it necessary.

Obviously they were more comfortable on this night with other campers around.

And a challenge: Wiki gives all the details of the court cases etc, but can anyone find online an accurate description of the events of the night?

[DianaG]

Originally Posted by Syme

If you don't like what I write, tough. Just ignore me, that's what I do.

Reeeeeeeeally?

Originally Posted by Syme

Then she backpedalled and said that she had said 'sometimes shit happens'.Yo

That bolded word? It doesn't mean what you think it means.

For whatever reason, you simply can't see past the phrase "shit happens" to the actual content of my argument. It's unfortunate, but I have better things to do on a lovely afternoon than to let it be my problem.

Adieu.

[twickster]

Originally Posted by Syme

Harsh is in the mind of the beholder

I maybe a newie or junior here, but when it comes to forums (fora if you are pedantic) I am not.

BTW I was searching for some info and Google took me here. Once I become zzzzzz here I will leave, so be patient, it may not be long

I know, newies, have to tread carefully, take a lot of flak without complain, do not interrupt the 'regulars' when they are talking etc

Bottom line: newies have to "show respect" as Signor Corleone used to say, and behave according to their low rank.

If you don't like what I write, tough. Just ignore me, that's what I do.

my way of telling people they are in 'ignore' mode is simplly this"

Chao

Originally Posted by Syme

It is not a place where rude behavior is accepted ????

Look who is talking !!!

This is a place where people such as you insult those newbies who are not part of the 'community' and then close ranks.
Your use of profane insults is right in front of you. You are rude and so is DianaG who took exception to me not accepting that according to her words :" the world is full of people who simply cannot accept that Shit Happens"
Then she backpedalled and said that she had said 'sometimes shit happens'.Yo

This is nothing new: that the some members of the 'community'are bullies and don't accept that newcomers don't show diffidence to them, that they don't accept bullying and insults and profanity. "Newbies have to tread carefully", precisely, bend over and take it, right ?

Not me.

The solution is simple, I just ignore them, Eventually one finds people who don't have their heads up their waste orifices and think they rule the roost.

You can have the last word, the last in a chain of profanity of course
"This is not a place where rude behavior is accepted" Indeed

Syme, the issue is not newbies vs. old-timers per se -- it's people who are following the rules vs. those who are not. People who have been around for a while tend to have a better idea of what the rules are.

Our bottom line: don't be a jerk.

That includes no direct personal insults of other posters outside the forum known at the Pit.

The Pit is also the only place you're allowed to tell people they're on your ignore list.

I encourage you to read our registration agreement and take a look at our rules and etiquette if you wish to stick around for a while -- which apparently you don't feel strongly about. Your choice.

twickster, MPSIMS moderator

PS: I'd also appreciate a response to my inquiry about why you're posting things here that have appeared elsewhere online under other usernames. check your email.

[Idle Thoughts]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

Good grief, you're a narcissistic little turd wot.

Lay off name calling posts like this unless you're in the Pit, please.

[kayaker]

I have pictures of my kids when hey were toddlers, playing in IIRC the Suwanee River in Florida. We were vacationing. In a very cautiously staged shot, my kids are seen playing in the water with a big BEWARE ALLIGATORS! sign in the foreground.

Any gator deaths in Florida, other than Chihuahuas?

[Syme]

Originally Posted by twickster

Syme, the issue is not newbies vs. old-timers per se -- it's people who are following the rules vs. those who are not. People who have been around for a while tend to have a better idea of what the rules are.

Our bottom line: don't be a jerk.

That includes no direct personal insults of other posters outside the forum known at the Pit.

The Pit is also the only place you're allowed to tell people they're on your ignore list.

I encourage you to read our registration agreement and take a look at our rules and etiquette if you wish to stick around for a while -- which apparently you don't feel strongly about. Your choice.

twickster, MPSIMS moderator

PS: I'd also appreciate a response to my inquiry about why you're posting things here that have appeared elsewhere online under other usernames. check your email.

Twickester

Go to 4forums

http://www.4forums.com/political/forum.php

Section: Suggestions -----> “Looking Good but “ -----> post # 183 (last post)

And don't forget to check this one :

Section: Philosophy Debates -----> “What gives life values “ ----> posts # 34, 36, 38

Chao,

[kayaker]

Twickster,

Go to the corner of Arch and 11th, caddy corner to the bus stop. On the light post directly in front of you there will be an apartment for rent sign.

Read every third word, beginning with "immediately".

Along the bottom of the posted sign is a fringe of phone numbers, all the same except for one. Dial this number, substituting 403 for the listed area code.

You will receive further instructions at this point. Follow them.

Chow.

[Nawth Chucka]

Originally Posted by Syme

Chao,

Originally Posted by kayaker

Chow.

Cho.

[Diceman]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

Heh. Babies are the EASY stuff when going camping...it's the toddlers wandering off towards the river/creek to find the fishies, and the older kids getting up early to start the fire....by siphoning petrol out of the car to get it going with a BANG!!

No time to fret about the wild things out to get ya.

We've never taken him camping, but as the parent of a 2-1/2 year old toddler, I concur that there's nothing particularly difficult about taking an infant anywhere

[kambuckta]

Originally Posted by Diceman

We've never taken him camping, but as the parent of a 2-1/2 year old toddler, I concur that there's nothing particularly difficult about taking an infant anywhere

Oh, you must go camping with a toddler. You can't call yourself a complete parent until you have experienced the sheer terror of being someplace rough and remote, full of creepy crawlies and plants that bite, and being out of mobile-phone range.

You will appreciate civilization all the more when you return, (hopefully) safe and sound.

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by kambuckta

You will appreciate civilization all the more when you return, (hopefully) safe and sound.

Best $400.00 I ever spent.

[Eliahna]

New story: Dingo tries to take teenager in sleeping bag.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/201...71_ntnews.html

I don't know how the doubters can keep denying this could have happened to Azaria Chamberlain.

[kayaker]

Dingo don't give a shit.

[DragonAsh]

Originally Posted by sisu

nah that's crap I am and was friendly with a few 7th day folks, it was just so convenient and that was what stuck in my craw. I don't know I just don't see it.

So the evidence that a dingo did it was just convenient?

[Indian]

Originally Posted by Eliahna

New story: Dingo tries to take teenager in sleeping bag.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/201...71_ntnews.html

I don't know how the doubters can keep denying this could have happened to Azaria Chamberlain.

It was all staged to show Dingos in bad light.

[bengangmo]

Originally Posted by Sampiro

Even if really was The Dingo in the Tent with a Rope, does anybody else have a problem with the fact she took a two month old baby camping in an area with wild animals running around and left it unattended long enough for a dingo to get it? I've never reproduced or been responsible for a baby for any length of time and even I can see the inherent "very bad potential eventualities" possible in that situation. In fact, you'd think "don't leave the babies alone or more than arm's reach away when there are wild animals nearby (and I don't care if wild animals are adorable little koalas wearing sailor hats and riding around on the backs of wallabees, they're still potentially dangerous {and dingos are dogs and dogs are carnivores}) would damned near be tattooed onto our DNA by now.

I don't think so much is wrong with this. She certainly would have been within earshot had she started crying, and you really don't expect a dingo to go into a tent (the tent was also closed wasn't it?)

[bengangmo]

Originally Posted by sisu

Calling someone a bigot is not on when they are clearly not, that is what pissed me off.

I just do not feel that a dingo took the baby, simple as that and I have seen no real evidence to prove it 100%. Citing other dingo attacks as proof is wrong just as citing other human attacks on babies is wrong. It is not proof it is just evidence that it may have occurred. Like I said, I grew up in the middle of this and yes I may well be wrong but meh I am not the judge.

I was kid when this happened,

From what I recall, a lot of the discussion in New Zealand centered not around how "weird" the Chamberlains were (I can't even remember that at all), but rather three things that seemed very unlikely
a) A dingo entering a tent and then carrying off a baby
b) the dingo being able to undress the baby
c) the lack of blood on the clothes.

Since that case - how many other babies have been carried off? Here we can see just a few, very isolated cases in more than 30 years. It seems to underscore the unlikliness more than anything else.

The decision has been made, and a dingo did it - fine, they have far more evidence than us to make the decision so to call it into question is rather churlish to say the least.

For some though, there will always be doubts.

And please remember, camping simply isn't that dangerous. My brother lives there, he takes his toddler camping all the time. It's not a worry.

[bluezooky]

Originally Posted by bengangmo

three things that seemed very unlikely
a) A dingo entering a tent and then carrying off a baby
b) the dingo being able to undress the baby
c) the lack of blood on the clothes.

It's sometimes been suggested locally that the dingo was cross bred from the local aboriginal camp and the local rangers covered up the crime. I'm quite sure a dingo killed the baby but there seems to be some sort of human involvement afterwards.
No doubt the Chamberlains were weird and the supposed evidence of blood in the car boot proved the crime.

[Palo Verde]

Unlikely things happen all the time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unusual_deaths