# Lost Utah Kid Was an Idiot **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 22, 2005, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435 "2005-06-22T20:52:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/101 "2005-06-23T17:46:25Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > What a completely jackassish thing to say. Are you proud of that post? Do you consider it to be intelligent discourse? Do you know what a total jerk you appear to be by making it? I’m so befuddled I can’t be pissed off. Exactly why are you mad at me? For my disdain of specious media sympathy or for my, admittedly, weak attempt at sarcasm? Or do you just heavily prefer France to Germany? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/102 "2005-06-23T17:56:56Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > What a completely jackassish thing to say. Are you proud of that post? Do you consider it to be intelligent discourse? Do you know what a total jerk you appear to be by making it? Dude, I think you’ve been whooshed. **Pullet** seems to be pointing out the public perception of Mormons. Not that it’s a correct one, but just how a lot of people see it. ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/103 "2005-06-23T18:11:24Z")
> [@Diane](#): > > Cite. > > Either put up or STFU. Right. Her parents are going to air their suspicions that their daughter actually ran away with the guy. It’s right here on the public record. :rolleyes: How about a deal? I’ll shut up about saying she ran away with him when people shut up about saying he kidnapped her. Not like anyone jumps to wrong conclusions in these things. . .just ask Richard Ricci. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/104 "2005-06-23T18:26:39Z")
> [@Trunk](#): > > Right. Her parents are going to air their suspicions that their daughter actually ran away with the guy. > > It’s right here on the public record. :rolleyes: > > How about a deal? I’ll shut up about saying she ran away with him when people shut up about saying he kidnapped her. > > Not like anyone jumps to wrong conclusions in these things. . .just ask Richard Ricci. Just as I thought. You have nothing except the garbage you pulled from your ass. Gotcha. ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/105 "2005-06-23T18:37:14Z")
> [@Jurph](#): > > These are awesome parents. This kid is going to be a total pain in the ass right around fourth grade, when all the other kids are _just realizing_ that they can make decisions for themselves. This one is going to have a head start, and will likely lead a gang of miscreants in a game of “ask the teacher WHY”. > > Good on her, and good on her parents. As I mentioned, she’s now 11. She’s turned out far more normal than anyone could’ve possibly expected. We have no explanation whatsoever for it. The “If _x_ tells you to do _y_” game is a good way to build good judgement skills and can be a lot of fun, if it’s kept silly. Examples: If your friend tells you to call your cousin a “poopy head”, do you do it? Yes is an acceptable answer. If your friend tells you to call your teacher a “poopy head”, do you do it? Correct answer: no. Discuss if necessary. If Aunt Laina tells you that you have to stop what you’re doing and eat lunch, do you do it? Yes. If Aunt Laina tells you to eat worms, do you do it? Only if they’re chocolate-covered. ---
**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/106 "2005-06-23T18:41:32Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Dude, I think you’ve been whooshed. **Pullet** seems to be pointing out the public perception of Mormons. Not that it’s a correct one, but just how a lot of people see it. Thanks, **Guinastasia** , that’s exactly what I was going for. I didn’t think I was being that subtle. Maybe I need to use smillies more. And chocolate covered worms are disgusting and amoral! Worms should only be served sauted with shitake mushrooms. You disgust me. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Dan\_Norder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4af34b/32.png) [@Dan\_Norder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dan_Norder)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/107 "2005-06-23T19:23:23Z")
**Trunk** , I think you got lost while looking for the “ignorant stereotypical completely fucked in the head conspiracy theories to try to insult people of other religious beliefs” messageboard. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/108 "2005-06-23T22:07:59Z")
> [@Trunk](#): > > I wasn’t even familiar with that quote. Then you’re not familiar with the case. What actually happened, I mean, as opposed to what you hear down at the docks. > [@](#): > > She went with him to be one of his wives. AND, her parents and every other Mormon in Utah knew it all along. So that’s why her parents pushed to get so much media attention for her disappearance. That’s why hundreds of people joined in the search for her. 'K, got it now. Oh, and **Diane** , my post about the kid wanting to test his survival skills was just a theory I had early on. I’m not going to back it up! Just something that occurred to me as a possibility. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/109 "2005-06-23T22:08:16Z")
**Trunk** , This is meant as constructive criticism. Whether you actually believe what you said about Elizabeth Smart or you’re just trying to stir things up, saying it makes people step away from you in horror. I’m guessing that you have problems with social relationships and you don’t always understand why. This is one of those times when you need to say, “My head is making me think and say a bad thing, but fortunately it’s been pointed out to me, so I’m going to stop saying it.” ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/110 "2005-06-23T22:16:08Z")
> [@Rilchiam](#): > > Oh, and **Diane** , my post about the kid wanting to test his survival skills was just a theory I had early on. I’m not going to back it up! Just something that occurred to me as a possibility. 🙂 No need to back it up, weirder things have happened. Just look at Elizabeth Smart. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/111 "2005-06-23T22:18:56Z")
> [@Diane](#): > > BTW, I probably missed it, but did the media even state that the family is Mormon? I don’t recall hearing one way or another. It maybe hard for you to believe, but not everyone in Utah is Mormon. Larry King interviewed the head of their Ward over the telephone. They’re Mormon. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/112 "2005-06-23T22:49:27Z")
Thanks, Pullet. I wasn’t saying that I prefer France or Germany to Utah. Your posting didn’t strike me as being a joking type of post. I suppose an emoticon or two would’ve helped. Don’t ask me which ones, though, as I’m completely inept when it comes to correct usage of emoticons. Trunk, there’s actual evidence of Ms. Smart being kidnapped and repeatedly raped: there’s testimony that’s been made public. Your posting above essentially has you admitting that you’re making stuff up about the case. That shows, as I believe I mentioned above, that you don’t give a hoot about facts. Hie ye to the main page of this site and check out its “mission statement.” The Straight Dope is about eradicating ignorance. You, on the other hand, are propagating it in massive doses. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/113 "2005-06-23T22:57:31Z")
Forgot something, Pullet. Yep, it’s not the first time I’ve been whooshed on these boards, and probably won’t be the last either. Sorry about the misunderstanding. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/114 "2005-06-23T23:01:18Z")
The Sausage Creature: The head of a ward in our church is a Bishop. A Mormon Bishop is the equivalent of an Episcopal church’s Rector; the Mormon equivalent of an Episcopal Bishop is the Stake President; the Mormon equivalent of a Roman Catholic Cardinal is an Apostle (some would also include members of the Seventy); and the Mormon equivalent of a Pope is our church President. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/115 "2005-06-23T23:01:41Z")
All the Scout outings I’ve ever heard of, been on, tout the “buddy system” ad nauseam. Where was this boy’s buddy? If he has a developemental problem–he needs an adult buddy. And I DO pit the parents–need to give that kid some room to make his own decisions/trust his own instincts etc. Waaaaay too sheltered. I also think he was stupid, then disoriented. I just don’t get the hiding from rescuers bit. Doubt I’ll ever hear an satisfactory explanation. As for E. Smart–while I do not subscribe to the oddness posted here about Grizzly Adams etc–there is something “off” about Elizabeth Smart and HER family. Methinks, with no cites or evidence, that there lies deep pathology within that family. Just an opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/116 "2005-06-23T23:07:43Z")
Is okay, **Monty**. Normally I make lots of exaggerated hand motions and facial expressions when I’m being sarcastic. But those don’t carry well over the internet. And the emoticons all look the same to me, too. Next time, just say why in particular you’re pissed at me and we’ll clear these things up a lot sooner. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/117 "2005-06-23T23:09:03Z")
> [@missbunny](#): > > (I still don’t understand how he was in the middle of a group and somehow wandered off or got so far behind that he didn’t know where to go and couldn’t continue following the trail he had been on and didn’t shout for help or stay put.) From what I’d read, he was at a rock-climbing wall and the last kid with him went back to camp; he went the wrong way on the trail and kept going. Has this story changed? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Highwayman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@The\_Highwayman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Highwayman)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/118 "2005-06-23T23:15:46Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > I’m Mormon and I’ve never heard of a “jumbo Mormon bible.” Care to enlighten me? Or, better yet, care to retract your asinine comment about the kid? The use of this term stems from a debate I was having with an LDS member. When it came to a question on the Bible, he produced his which was quite large as Bibles go. This is because, as I’m sure you know, his Bible included the New and Old Testaments, and The Book of Mormon, and The Pearl of Great Price. Hence “Jumbo Bible”. I will not retract my statement about the kid. He is stupid and probably leads an extremely sheltered existence. I think that if the “run-away bride” has to pay for part of her search effort, this kid’s parents should do likewise. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/119 "2005-06-23T23:25:43Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > The Sausage Creature: The head of a ward in our church is a Bishop. A Mormon Bishop is the equivalent of an Episcopal church’s Rector; the Mormon equivalent of an Episcopal Bishop is the Stake President; the Mormon equivalent of a Roman Catholic Cardinal is an Apostle (some would also include members of the Seventy); and the Mormon equivalent of a Pope is our church President. Thanks. I’ll add that to my mental repository of religious things that I know too much about. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2005, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435/120 "2005-06-23T23:30:51Z")
> [@The Highwayman](#): > > The use of this term stems from a debate I was having with an LDS member. When it came to a question on the Bible, he produced his which was quite large as Bibles go. This is because, as I’m sure you know, his Bible included the New and Old Testaments, and The Book of Mormon, and The Pearl of Great Price. Hence “Jumbo Bible”. Perception isn’t reality. What you saw most likely was the Bible (which is the KJV) and the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price combined in what’s commonly referred to as a Quad. I have one myself and know, for a fact, that the “Mormon Bible” does not include the Book of Mormon. > [@](#): > > I will not retract my statement about the kid. He is stupid and probably leads an extremely sheltered existence. I think that if the “run-away bride” has to pay for part of her search effort, this kid’s parents should do likewise. 'Tain’t the kid being stupid. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-utah-kid-was-an-idiot/309435.md?page=7)