What is Proof; What is Not Proof?

[Pelicanette]

People, thank God, cannot be arrested because of poor judgement and charged with murder of a child or cover up of the death of a child. Proof is required. Some people do not seem to recognize proof from things that are almost irrelevant.

LEAVING CHILDREN ALONE FOR A WHILE -- The McCanns have admitted they used poor judgement and will have to live with that decision all their lives. But leaving the children alone for a while is not proof of murder or of a cover up of an accidental death. In fact, the children being unattended makes the abduction theory all the more reasonable.

THE PARENTS DRINKING -- Much has been written about the number of bottles of wine consumed at the table that night. Of course, many bottles could be consumed and that would not prove that either of the McCanns drank wine. But let us assume they did have some wine, and may even have been a bit tipsy. Again, that does not prove murder or cover up. In fact, it makes their ability to plan and carry off a murder, cover up, clean up, hiding of the body, etc. less likely. It actually works to support an abduction theory.

SOCIALIZING WITH THEIR FRIENDS -- I do not see the McCanns and their friends as "partying" but simply as having a nice meal together. But even if they were partying, that is not proof of murder or a cover up of any kind. In fact, it seems to make the abduction theory more likely, since the abductor had the time to grab Madeleine when her parents were away and distracted.

DRIVING TO SPAIN OR ELSEWHERE -- The McCanns rented a car. They had a right to go anywhere in it. If the police were suspicious, why didn't they follow them wherever they went? I am sure the McCanns probably considered that they were being followed by police as well as the press. They fact that they drove to Spain or Fatima is not proof of anything at all.

TEARS Or THE ABSENSE OF TEARS -- Some people cry when they are deeply hurt or shocked. Others remain stoic. Some people collapse under the burden of such strain; others remain strong and firm. People behave in different ways. Behavior is not proof of anything when it relates to how the parents grieve and handle the terrible situation in which they find themselves. Tears, anger, shock, sadness, etc....all are ways in which traumatized parents behave.

THE TWINS NEED THEIR PARENTS -- The McCanns have to try to be strong for the sake of the twins. Taking the twins to the zoo was an act of love and courage. The twins need as much normalcy as possible. That act is not proof of anything re the parents, except that they wanted to give the twins some happiness.