Comments :: Dad says he missed 'red flags' in Harnett child abuse case

Dad says he missed 'red flags' in Harnett child abuse case

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happymom - "He was out of the country... How exactly was he supposed to "see" the abuse from the other side of the planet?"

He was home for a week and did nothing about children who appeared underweight and afraid of their mother, did nothing to replace their beds and did nothing to seek out the source of the smell of feces and urine in their rooms.

That last count alone would have sent me seeking, if for no other reason than to get it clean and get rid of the smell.

Dynol Yn Cael Ei
November 30, 2012 6:22 p.m.

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hedgy_one - "Didn't they ever sit down for a meal together after he came home? I know he was only home for a week when he was arrested, but why hadn't he bought beds for the children during that time? Thrift stores have them at cheap prices! I don't think he should be held accountable for what happened when he wasn't there. How was he to know? But alarms should have begun going off when he returned home & saw the state of things!"

All good comments, every single one.

Dynol Yn Cael Ei
November 30, 2012 6:20 p.m.

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I don't believe him.

Dynol Yn Cael Ei
November 30, 2012 6:20 p.m.

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The mother took her frustrations out on the children, because he was in Afghanistan. The state trusted this couple to take care of these children. This woman was never cut out to be a mother not alone a stay at home mom. The dad seems to be into himself, rather than showing affection and sympathy for the children's ordeal. I don't care if this guy is former military, he needs to be held responsible and accountable. This guy could have been a truck driver for all I care. I would've been ashamed to show my face on T.V for this nonsense. I wonder how much Dr.Phil paid him to appear on his show and if that money is going to the kids in some form.

kj90
November 30, 2012 3:04 p.m.

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Didn't they ever sit down for a meal together after he came home? I know he was only home for a week when he was arrested, but why hadn't he bought beds for the children during that time? Thrift stores have them at cheap prices! I don't think he should be held accountable for what happened when he wasn't there. How was he to know? But alarms should have begun going off when he returned home & saw the state of things!

hedgy_one
November 30, 2012 3:01 p.m.

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I must be missing something. He was out of the country... How exactly was he supposed to "see" the abuse from the other side of the planet?

happymom
November 30, 2012 1:10 p.m.

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Was it adopting Wards of the Court or the unhappy, unloved children he did not pick up on?

itsyoureternalsoul
November 30, 2012 1:08 p.m.

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And this statement: "I will get you back home. It's tough right now, but I love you and you will come home," he said. "I will fight tooth and nail. I will work 10 jobs to pay for a legal defense to get you home."

Again, it's full of "I"s. Brad, this isn't about YOU! - monami

Its just as full of "you"s... Since when is "I love you and will fight for you" a selfish statement?

Pepe Silvia
November 30, 2012 12:37 p.m.

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Sad situation.

nitabitasmith
November 30, 2012 11:21 a.m.

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DSS just doesnt pull children out of a home until they collect facts and feel they have a case. I feel sorry for him if he didnt see ANY red flags. I dont think the children are going to want anything to do with him now or later. A parent should protect their children and he just missed the boat completely. Instead of asking his x-wife questions why didnt he get the children alone and ask them? They were afraid of the woman and they certainly wouldnt say anything in front of her as to the way she treated them. He should be ashamed to show his face in public much less on national tv.