(1) DOJ press release & court filing about Allison Mack, Keith Raniere, and their obvious pyramid scheme based on serious sexual and psychological abuse of adult women & underage girls. Kudos to the FBI & all LE agencies involved. Pray for the victims. justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/f…
(2) All civilized people are against sexual, psychological, physical and financial abuse but this is an extreme case. Cults are very damaging. When they involve sexual/psychological abuse they are far worse. Clear crimes were committed here & there will prob be more defendants.
(3) Any adult can become victimized by a scam. Yes, even mature, educated, intelligent people. Because the scammers know how to manipulate... spirituality, sex & the threat of public humiliation are extremely powerful tools.
(4) The left has promoted sexual promiscuity for decades. You can look back as far as the Kinsey reports, even Freud for the roots of it. The agenda took off in the 50s and 60s. Personally, I support freedom for consenting adults within the law, but...
(5) There are cases where these values are violated by the lack of consent (including those too young to legally consent), and illegal acts, such as blackmail and threats. The two defendants, if convicted, face a mandatory MINIMUM of 15 years, up to life in prison. Good.
(6) This case is, of course, the tip of the iceberg. Countless child and adult victims of sex trafficking, assault and abuse struggle each day to survive the trauma and lead at least a "normal" life. I have met them as friends or read about them as a policy analyst.
(7) If (& only if) participants in such master-slave games are adults, genuinely & freely consenting at every step, & there is mutual respect, & safety practices are followed, such games are a hobby that some choose to indulge in. HOWEVER, the risk of exploitation is very high.
(8) IMO the risk of exploitation is too high for sensible people to go there. Even if you only play such games at home with just your spouse, he or she could later turn on you & exploit the legal system to ruin your life with false accusations. Some enjoy risk, though.
(9) I'm so lucky that I am constitutionally risk averse in all areas of life. Unnecessary risk does not excite me. I am perfectly happy to keep my sexuality in the private sphere; where it always, by the way, used to be in our society.
The 60s sexual revolution enslaved people.
The 60s sexual revolution enslaved people.
(10) Typically, the left are proud of their beliefs about human sexuality & are resistant to hearing from conservatives, whether Christian or not. IMO, traditional marriage is life-affirming & beneficial for society. Casual sex can entail an unacceptable level of risk.
(11) Reading the details of this case will cause a range of reactions in people: disgust, anger, rage, avoidance of the subject, denial, despondency; & for victims: compassion, love, empathy & support. Remember the roles of different groups in this:
(12) Law enforcement & the justice system are doing an excellent job of ensuring accountability. They don't need our help, unless it's to free victims & give testimony.
The victims need our help. They may need money raised for therapy & the costs of being a witness in court.
The victims need our help. They may need money raised for therapy & the costs of being a witness in court.
(13) Whatever assets the defendants have, the courts will do everything possible to seize for the benefit of victims. But that will take time. Victims, their families and those helping them need cash now. Donate to reputable groups only, not gofundme, which is easily exploited.
(14) If you can, support groups in your area that help victims and survivors, even if they are obnoxiously liberal. There are ways to support those who deserve it without the funds being diverted into activism. We need more groups that are politically neutral & that help men.
(15) There are many families around America and overseas that are suffering the pain of knowing their loved one is caught up in a cult. I always think of the Jonestown massacre & how the families tried so hard to rescue people before Jones had them murdered. Mostly liberals.
(16) Conservatives are people of action. We elected a President who has already freed THOUSANDS of child and adult trafficking survivors, without fanfare. We donate money and time to #EndTrafficking & help survivors heal. We also pray.
Thank you for this.
END
Thank you for this.
END
(17) @threadreaderapp unroll please, thank you.
(19) ADDENDUM: What "trafficking" means.
I used to think trafficking referred mainly to abusers/pimps abducting kids or exploiting illegal immigrants to be prostitutes. It includes that, but so much more.
Trafficking is any kind of forced labor for $ OR other benefit.
I used to think trafficking referred mainly to abusers/pimps abducting kids or exploiting illegal immigrants to be prostitutes. It includes that, but so much more.
Trafficking is any kind of forced labor for $ OR other benefit.
(20) Because trafficking is sexual or non-sexual abuse for profit, it is an even more serious crime than just abuse. Add in any kind of conspiracy to traffic, and the sentences get longer.
In the NIXVM case, both cash & non-cash benefits were involved.
In the NIXVM case, both cash & non-cash benefits were involved.
(21) As the DOJ press release details, victims were fleeced of their financial assets from the start, & threatened with public humiliation of themselves and their loved ones, which would have added to the theft by extortion. They were also forced into sex acts & physical injury.
(22) The psychological damage to survivors will be immense. For some, it will be touch and go whether they survive the urge to suicide. The burden on their loved ones is immense. And the loved ones may not qualify for funds for their own therapy. Donations can help.
(23) Human trafficking can also include:
>people smuggling across borders
>forced labor via under-payment, harsh conditions, lack of job security
>pressuring someone to have sex with a third party
More info at a21.org, the source of this definition:
>people smuggling across borders
>forced labor via under-payment, harsh conditions, lack of job security
>pressuring someone to have sex with a third party
More info at a21.org, the source of this definition:
(24) American conservatives, Republicans, and Christians have always worked to abolish slavery. It seems that in our time, the second big push to free the slaves is underway.
I always find that looking at the big picture helps me "process" an enraging/sad news story. #MAGA
I always find that looking at the big picture helps me "process" an enraging/sad news story. #MAGA
(25) Please call the FBI at the number below if you have any info about the #NIXVM case. Also below is the case reference no. & the names of those working on the case.
If you have info about a case anywhere in the world, your local Police can get the info to any LE agency.
If you have info about a case anywhere in the world, your local Police can get the info to any LE agency.
(26) A 3-tweet thread from the local DOJ office announcing the arrest:
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(27) After writing the above thread I then wrote this one.
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