Josh & Anna Smuggar: A Series of Unfortunate Events

[3 is enough]

Autumnh: Wishing nothing but good things for you.  Hugs.

[amitville]

This whole thing has disgusted me....especially the sweeping it under the rug, psycho analyzing it etc.

 

 

I am a 49 year old female. My sister is 58. I was sexually abused by my sister from when I was 5 until I was 13. I did not know at that young of an age that it was abnormal....the older I got the more I knew it was not normal....I suffered IMMENSELY and literally tortured myself for years and the only people I talked about it with are the people at RAINN and my therapist. Most people think it is brother on sister/vice versa. I never told a soul. I felt like not one person would ever believe that she who was perfect could be capable of such a horrific act. It changed who I was as a person....I always felt like that even as successful I have been...a great wife/mother/business owner...I felt like she robbed me of this huge part of my life. Growing up back in the day ..and I am sure there are many of us around the same age....we would never speak of it. My 85 year old mom lives with her..my mom has Alzheimers but I cannot speak to her or be within her presence...I will punch her in the face...(i've not seen her in a decade) Talk about a horrible mess. 

 

I don't care how much you claim God has forgiven a person...that is peachy keen...what about the victims who are left to fend for themselves....like me...God didn't help me.  I prayed like the good Catholic girl I was...but here I sit....at 49...still stressed, still angry and furious at the people who defend anyone who commits this heinous crime.

I am at a loss for words at what has happened to you, just know i am sending virtual hugs 

[wanderwoman]

This morning's Washington Post has a quote from Michelle's book "A Love That Multiplies" that could serve as a good response to the fools who are yelling "God has forgiven Josh, so stop being mean to him!":

 

“God can forgive any wrong choices a person is willing to confess and forsake, but there are still painful consequences to be endured.”

From the same book: "the gravity of the sin isn't in the act, it's in the secret" -Michelle

She was talking about holding yourself to sexual and moral purity standards!! !! Allow me to subtext what she was saying, now that we know exactly what sort of shit was going on in that house. "Because my son told us he was struggling with impure thoughts and told us he was molesting our daughters and young children, he's not as guilty as those random strangers that keep it a secret." What?!? But, let's flip that... in a certain light, she's redirecting the CRIME and sin of molestation to the victim because she argues that not telling someone when you've been wronged is tantamount to allowing it to happen to some else. This logic is completely really ridiculous. The Duggar family and other IBLP families, are actually advocating the following:

1. Dressing immodestly can entice men into physical actions.

2. Being sexually abused might be God's way of helping you grow spiritually.

3. Not confessing that you've been abused, makes you complicit in the sin and might jeopardize other people who you have just failed.

4. As long as the abuser admits and confesses the sin, he can be washed clean by the blood of Jesus (is it just me or didn't Michelle make the kids sing multiple songs about redemption through the blood?"

5. Once your abuser has confessed, you MUST forgive him or risk your soul and relationship with God.

That is so messed up. How on earth can you expect a victimised child to give a hug to the person who just sexually molested her?

Just so no one accuses me of putting words in the Duggars' mouths, here are their words...

Page 101- "We believe that a man's physical drive are excited by what he sees and it is DEFRAUDING (their emphasis) for a woman to wear clothing that accents her body...The Bible tells us not to be a stumbling block."

Michelle states, in the 20 and Counting book on page 176, "...all of our children have been in the apologizer's shoes at one time...it is common then for the VICTIM to hug and encourage the brother or sister, accepting the apology; IF THEY DO NOT HUG on their own, we ask them to do so."

On page 179, Michelle says, "Jesus said we need to do something good for the person who has been mean to us...we tell them to invest in their adversary's life."

On page 235, Jim Bob says, "children frequently come to us to talk....this includes feelings and thoughts of a sensual nature...we tell our kids, "The power of the sin is in the secrecy."

Page 268- "Our children's safety and well-being are top priorities for us.

In closing, for those who claim the Duggars don't deserve criticism, let's remember their own words: (p. 112)

"We know HE wanted us to stand for truth and we knew that that would not be well received by everyone....when we are targeted for criticism or condescension, we remember Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount. He said we should feel blessed when "people say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake...bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despise you."

[NEGirl]

I just want to say my heart breaks for all those who have been so brave to share their stories of abuse. I hope and pray you find the peace you all deserve.  Hugs to you all.

[luna70]

So much from posters, and from publications known for not printing the truth (Radar on Line, In Touch, Enquirer, and worse, TLC!)

The duggars are the biggest liars of the group!

What I can't figure, is why J.B would take his son to the police? Only if he knew Josh was getting arrested, or, he was trying to sway them away from more serious charges? There is no way he did it because he was being 'holy', because the Duggars do not trust 'regular' persons at all.

As for the 'girls' , I dont know where this came out, and certainly, the family would not report this. Though, women, girls, are a FAR 2nd class citizen with the Gothard Teachings, and when anything happens, it is almost always the fault of the woman/girl . That is why women are to dress very conservatively, and no dancing-all to keep men from getting excited. Goodle 'ex followers' of Gothard-I forgot the names of what they are called. I read one story where a  male around 16, 17 molested, raped his (step?) sisters who were around 4, 5 and they were blamed by religious leaders. Yes, they 'lured' him by being naked. They had taken a bath, and were going from the Bathroom to their bedroom to get dressed. I do not remember how police found out, but they did not 'buy' the religious officials blaming the little girls.

So, if Josh did ANYTHING to his sisters, we would NOT know! Not then, not now, not unless one of them leaves the church and writes a 'tell all', but the other 7 sisters would say 'she is lying'.

Josh would also not believe he did anything wrong, other then he did something before 'marriage' but it was HER fault!  BUT, as for feeling relieved , as some suggest, he probably has not felt any worry, since his father probably told him, and everyone else-'I took care of it, so forget it ever happened'. Remember, they do not read newspapers, watch TV, internet, etc. UNLESS it pretains to GOTHARD, or them. They are naive and/or stupid to many things. I.e. EMAILS once deleted are deleted, court papers sealed means no one will ever talk about them, and probably giving $$ to someone means that it will never be brought up again. They never hear the stories of politicians who have people come forward DECADES later with stories of affairs, stealing, etc.!

I feel bad for ANNA-If she was 2nd best, as in Daddy dearest told Josh to find a wife NOW! I hope she never hears this! She is also pregnant with #4, they do not have insurance anymore, so hopefully, she will be able to have at home birth, where ever HOME is going to be. Home-hopefully they go to florida, not to Arkansas. Imagine Arkansas if Jimbob  blames Josh, which he will for the show being cancelled! Income going away, (the real estate they talk about is under 10 houses and an 'antenna' which does bring $$). Who is going to offer a book contract? Appearances? Hopefully, they saved, because FRUGAL J.B. SPENDS! But, regardless of 'who's fault is it'.. (i.e. J.b. did not handle it right 9 years ago.. and we all know KARMA bites you in the a$$?). It will be JOSH, as in Josh, anna and their kids who are blamed, and if they live in ARK, probably reminded weekly? daily? whose fault it is?

AND.. of course, if there was a girl, teen, 9 years ago, this young woman who might have been raped... hopefully she got therapy, if not then, NOW! and I PRAY she does not have her name exposed.. which often happens even when the case is sealed.. $$ often buys anything.

 

As for Josh's sisters? Nothing is ever  going to happen with the older ones.. I thought, with marriage, escape, but, Jessa (?) marrying Ben, very low incomes, they are jim bob's slaves, Jill, if she encouraged Derrick to use his accounting degree.. they could escape, but, I doubt it, HE TOO, was 'specially chosen' for  JB's daughters..

 

Wow.. if we did not know the family, show, this whole set up for the married daughters, (how they had their husbands chosen, where they live, etc. ) would seem like a total abuse set up.. but, again, with the family, we do not know, and we will never know. The only thing now-with the show(s) in question, the parents might not be able to have th

[autumnh]

I have to say that I ONLY commented after much thought and consideration.

 

My whole point in posting my experience was to show that there is no NORMAL in sexual abuse..it comes without rhyme or reason. It is non discriminatory whether it be gender, race, age or sexuality. You cannot just wave your wand and say "I am healed" that isn't how it works. Most often the abusers are the ones given the attention...the ones who have suffered...the ones who have been stifled or abused themselves..it has created their persona as the abuser. 

 

The victims are rarely mentioned...we are left to pick up the pieces, to try and salvage what we have left as human beings...to try and find out self worth and to see how we can move forward while everyone talks about the abuser. We truly are the left behind. My sister is bipolar...always has been...everyone throughout her life felt bad for her. I was perfectly well aware that if I plopped down in the middle of a family reunion or BBQ and told my story...not one person would believe it...because well....she could never be capable.

 

I probably will never be the person I would have been had this not happened to me..but I do believe that everything happens for a reason and in some way...I became not the person I was born to be..but I person I was meant to be,

 

Thanks for just listening.

Edited May 28, 2015 by autumnh

[SomePity1066]

Autumnh - Sending many hugs and much peace your way - what you've endured is heartbreaking, and I don't blame you a bit - NOT ONE - for your feelings toward your sister and mother. I had a similar situation with my sister and mom, and even though they're both gone now, if they came back the first thing I'd do is scream bloody murder at them and probably give them a full-face smack. 

 

Sometimes forgiveness just isn't possible. Or realistic. Or deserved. And I don't feel that I'm psychologically blocked or damaged because I've chosen to not just "let it go".  Owning my anger and living my life well is empowering - I'm not consumed by it, but it gives me a sense of strength that I was able to go through what I did and come out clean and free on the other end. 

 

If the girls choose not to actually (as opposed to fake TV crap) forgive Josh and that's what's best for them then more power too them. Their path of healing is their own, and whatever route they take I fully support. 

[autumnh]

[snip]

 

Autumnh - Sending many hugs and much peace your way - what you've endured is heartbreaking, and I don't blame you a bit - NOT ONE - for your feelings toward your sister and mother. I had a similar situation with my sister and mom, and even though they're both gone now, if they came back the first thing I'd do is scream bloody murder at them and probably give them a full-face smack. 

 

Sometimes forgiveness just isn't possible. Or realistic. Or deserved. And I don't feel that I'm psychologically blocked or damaged because I've chosen to not just "let it go".  Owning my anger and living my life well is empowering - I'm not consumed by it, but it gives me a sense of strength that I was able to go through what I did and come out clean and free on the other end. 

 

If the girls choose not to actually (as opposed to fake TV crap) forgive Josh and that's what's best for them then more power too them. Their path of healing is their own, and whatever route they take I fully support. 

 

I don't feel blocked either. I just move forward each day as best I can...it is the only option for me.  We're strong women...we always come out on the other side :)  Every day is a good day that I wake up breathing :) lol..it truly is about perspective. hugs!

Edited May 28, 2015 by Rhondinella

[Fuzzysox]

I'm surprised no media outlets are stalking Josh especially now that we all think they are moving out of Maryland.

[truthtalk2014]

Ok now it's starting to make sense why a girl pulled up an ancient post I made on Pickles thanking one of the girls kissing in front of the TTH.

Sorry- not familiar with what happened but I would love it if you would elaborate. 

[autumnh]

Autumnh - Sending many hugs and much peace your way - what you've endured is heartbreaking, and I don't blame you a bit - NOT ONE - for your feelings toward your sister and mother. I had a similar situation with my sister and mom, and even though they're both gone now, if they came back the first thing I'd do is scream bloody murder at them and probably give them a full-face smack. 

 

Sometimes forgiveness just isn't possible. Or realistic. Or deserved. And I don't feel that I'm psychologically blocked or damaged because I've chosen to not just "let it go".  Owning my anger and living my life well is empowering - I'm not consumed by it, but it gives me a sense of strength that I was able to go through what I did and come out clean and free on the other end. 

 

If the girls choose not to actually (as opposed to fake TV crap) forgive Josh and that's what's best for them then more power too them. Their path of healing is their own, and whatever route they take I fully support. 

 

The best I can do is send you many virtual hugs and love and light...and strength <3

[truthtalk2014]

Personally I'm guessing Josh is up to his eyeballs with real manual work - for a change - packing up every stick they own in the Maryland house and attending to moving-out details. Hopefully Anna and the kids are in Florida with her parents, or away from the Duggars in any other state for that matter. I kind of doubt that they are, but I do hope it.

Oh and no more donut hamburgers or WTF ever that was?  No more swinging like a gross monkey from the trapeze in Santa Monica?  I have a feeling that if Joshlester went back to Cali, he would get more than a gross cholesterol sandwich for lunch. I know he didn't eat it there, but he is just gross in general to me.  

 

I hope Boob puts him to work cleaning those toilets that Ben was previously in charge of.  I would pay to see that.

[Missy Vixen]

Autumn, my thoughts are with you and with every other victim that has spoken up on this forum over the past week.

 

Thank you for your trust in us. And I hope that listening brings some small measure of comfort.

[Ljohnson1987]

http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/rick-santorum-sickened-by-josh-duggar-molestation-report/263506

 

Rick Santorum is sickened by this. So is the rest of the world, dude.

Edited May 28, 2015 by Rhondinella
deleted duplication

[Rhondinella]

Thank you for your trust in us. And I hope that listening brings some small measure of comfort.

 

 

I know it has for me.  And I thank all of you for being the loving, sensitive, wonderful people you are who made that possible.  And hearing so many other stories from survivors has been helpful too.  Horrible of course, but in a sense helpful to me because it reminds me I'm not alone, and more importantly that it really, definitely wasn't my fault.

[autumnh]

I know it has for me.  And I thank all of you for being the loving, sensitive, wonderful people you are who made that possible.  And hearing so many other stories from survivors has been helpful too.  Horrible of course, but in a sense helpful to me because it reminds me I'm not alone, and more importantly that it really, definitely wasn't my fault.

 

It was never your fault *hugs*

[Fuzzysox]

Sorry- not familiar with what happened but I would love it if you would elaborate. 

Way back in January I posted this article on Pickles FB page:

 

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2015/01/classmate-slams-michelle-duggar/

 

Someone came  to the page today and pulled up the post and thanked McFerrin. Was she the source for sending info to InTouch? Leaves me wondering.

Edited May 28, 2015 by Fuzzysox

[Missy Vixen]

Someone came  to the page today and pulled up the post and thanked McFerrin. Was she the source for sending info to InTouch? Leaves me wondering.

I hope the person who was responsible never gets outed. If they do, they'll get sued and most likely charged with taking the report out of the police files.

 

The longer that person can remain anonymous, the more likely it will be that there will be more information that mysteriously finds its way into the media's hands.

 

IMHO, of course.

[DangerousMinds]

I won't be watching any TLC anymore. This was the final straw for me.     Every single person decision either way will make a difference sooner or later. It was a huge backlash that got rid of the weekly Kate and 8 show.

         More than anything, I feel TLC leads all networks in terms of child exploitation.   Very young children are performers without a say.  I should of tuned out a long time ago.    Last year I decided no more 600 lb. Life.   What this network and producers had the mostly lower middle class , uneducated people do was off the charts.

They took desperate and very troubled people and exploited the hell out of them.

I have no problem boycotting TLC. I have never entered a Walmart or Hobby Lobby, will never eat at a Chick Fil A again, because of their sickening business practices and beliefs. I will also have no problem boycotting any remaining Duggar advertisers, if they keep the show on the air. There is more than enough to watch on TV; I don't need TLC. In fact, I should really cut down on TV, especially "reality shows" I general. Easy peasy.

I think the reason why it never occurred to Boob and Me-chelle that this would come out is actually quite easily-explained. They are clueless about the real world. And I don't mean this in a snarky "Aren't they just the dumbest hillbillies ever?" way. The isolation in which they have placed themselves and their family, in order to protect themselves from all the world's many and sundry evils, in which they have lived for close to 30 years, is the very thing that also prevented them from learning things that would be good - and valuable - for them to know. The Duggars' whole 'keep away' philosophy throws out the proverbial baby with the bath water.

Yes, the whole family (including Anna, Bin, and Derick) are boring yokels IMO. Even with Josh and Boob/Mechelle, I don't want to see this show stay on the air. Jill and Jessa's boring home life? More babies? Yawn.

[NextIteration]

This whole thing has disgusted me....especially the sweeping it under the rug, psycho analyzing it etc.

 

I am a 49 year old female. My sister is 58. I was sexually abused by my sister from when I was 5 until I was 13. 

 

Oh dear, now I'm bawling, it's a good bawling though because they are all cleansing one way or anther.  Massive hugs. ♥

 

To you and to everyone that else that has shared.

 

There are indeed a lot of people that need to be punched in the face, for all of us.

I have no problem boycotting TLC. I have never entered a Walmart or Hobby Lobby, will never eat at a Chick Fil A again, because of their sickening business practices and beliefs. I will also have no problem boycotting any remaining Duggar advertisers, if they keep the show on the air. There is more than enough to watch on TV; I don't need TLC. In fact, I should really cut down on TV, especially "reality shows" I general. Easy peasy.

 

Me either, I only ever watch this shit accidentally anyways - or in retrospect way after the fact out of morbid curiosity, since the network really circled the drain.  We don't have Hobby Lobby where I live, but I've been mentally boycotting them for quite awhile now, along with Chick Fil-A which just appeared in my state.  Walmart is easy because - Costco and Target, it just gets hard when I'm boycotting Target.

[DangerousMinds]

Haha, I have also been boycotting Target for the past 18 months or so. It can be done!

I feel sure that Anna still has health insurance. Cobra probably.

[HumblePi]

Tonight on EXTRA, sources say that TLC is closer to axing the show. Hulu just announced it will no longer stream “19 Kids." The Duggars, who reportedly make $45K per episode, have launched their own campaign to “save our series,” encouraging fans to inundate sponsors who have jumped ship.

Of course, the mega-family has built their empire on more than just the show. They also make money from book and DVD sales, as well as speaking engagements.

Josh has remained in hiding since In Touch broke the news that he allegedly molested five girls when he was a teen.

[barbedwire]

$45,000 an episode?  Yikes!  No wonder they want this train wreck to keep going.  Jana should try to take her cut and run. 

[anony mouse]

I hope the person who was responsible never gets outed. If they do, they'll get sued and most likely charged with taking the report out of the police files.

The longer that person can remain anonymous, the more likely it will be that there will be more information that mysteriously finds its way into the media's hands.

IMHO, of course.

I actually hope they do get exposed, that way the girls can get some control over this, even if via a lawsuit. We have no idea how they feel about this, but they have a right to privacy that has been blown to smithereens possibly in violation of the law. In my opinion, releasing this report is violating them all over again, and this person needs to be exposed so more information isn't leaked. The public doesn't need to know the dirty details. Edited May 28, 2015 by starving artist

[methinkstoomuch]

Josh confessed his "crimes" to Anna before they were married. I wonder if at anytime it crossed Anna's mind to some how find help for the girls, blow the whistle, let the cat out of the bag, talk to someone about the elephant in the room...I wouldn't be able to sleep at night or live with myself.

[Fuzzysox]

I hope the person who was responsible never gets outed. If they do, they'll get sued and most likely charged with taking the report out of the police files.

The longer that person can remain anonymous, the more likely it will be that there will be more information that mysteriously finds its way into the media's hands.

IMHO, of course.

InTouch used a FOID request to obtain the police report legally. I'm saying someone sent the story into InTouch with details. InTouch must have had a good reason to go further and file a FOID request. I can see it as someone that lives near them they got pissed off if MEchelle said something insulting to that person. As an act of retaluation they wrote to various media outlets about Josh. InTouch must have thought we have to run with this once they got the FOID and whatever the informant said rang/read true. Edited May 28, 2015 by Fuzzysox

[JAYJAY1979]

I do.wonder if this couple will stay together, if child services will want the couple to be monitored, etc.

Interesting comparison..especially interesting since that particular book wouldn't have been on their reading list growing up.

Edited May 30, 2015 by JAYJAY1979

[JoanArc]

Yikes. Apparently the wages of sin are $45k.

[AuntieDiane6]

 

Yikes. Apparently the wages of sin are $45k.

 

Per episode.

 

Plus, they got a lot of things comped:  weddings, trips to talk shows, conferences etc.

 

All that may dry up too.

[JoanArc]

Per episode.

 

Plus, they got a lot of things comped:  weddings, trips to talk shows, conferences etc.

 

All that may dry up too.

I think we'll finally find out what was and was not comped, which is a frequent source of discussion here.

 

I did read an article that said TLC comped Josh&Anna's Tokyo hotel room, which ran $3k/night. (That's about right for Tokyo)

[Honeycocoa]

Adding  my 2 cents to the swarm. I tried to watch the Digging In episode and only lasted 10 minutes. It was just so very creepy .  There’s nothing entertaining about wondering who committed what crime against who when.  As a retired mental health professional I should have a higher tolerance than this, but no one is paying me, so I’m not observing.  I’ve been thinking about this way too much, so in trying to be constructive I made up a treatment plan.

 

Please note this is all very much based on the idea that nothing has happened in the past 12 years and that all crimes were accounted for in the police report.  If it turns out there’s more ( please God, no)  all bets are off.

 

Josh needs to understand that if he ever wants any credibility he needs to seek experienced, professional help from a licensed mental health professional.   Prayer, apology and remodeling just doesn’t cut it in the real world and I think Josh does like living in the real word.   There are therapists who work with offenders.  Local probation officers and domestic violence agencies can refer him. I don’t think he needs an inpatient program at this point. But he needs to commit to some serious treatment.   He needs to commit some form of restitution.  This is how we deal with crimes in this society, is via money.  Funds  should be set up for the victims and Josh  makes regular payments.  The victims can do whatever they want with the money.  Support a charity or go to Vegas, I don’t care.  Something along the lines of property management seems like a good “job “ for Josh. Or a prison ministry.  Clearly fundraising and politics are over.  He and his family need to come up with a policy whereby he never spends the night in a house with women and children other that his immediate family.  If some family visits them, or they travel, he stays in a hotel. No one should ever have to worry about sleeping in the same house with him again.    

  
Anna needs her own therapist.  An experienced, licensed  professional who works with  offender families. She needs someone confidential to talk to who can help her through this crisis. She also needs reliable child care.  It’s not fair to ask Mackenzie to watch the boys while mommy goes in her room to cry for three hours.  And she needs to seriously re-think that "instant obedience " nonsense. That's just setting  your kid up to be abused.

 

Kynzie, Marcus and Michael need to be evaluated by a specialist to make sure they are safe. Assuming all is well, some regular play therapy would probably be a good idea for a while, as their parents are extremely stressed.    There should also be a long term check in plan.   

Michelle and Jim Bob need some couples counseling from a specialist on how to care for their family when there has been a crime.   Again, probation officers and Domestic Violence agencies can refer them.  I would love for them to get individual counseling, but I don’t know that they are capable of that.   They need some professional help to assist in their daughters’ recovery.

 

The Dugger daughters. Jana, Jill, Jessa,  Jinger and JoyAnna  all need individual counseling with  experienced licensed therapists who work with abuse survivors. They should each have their own therapists. Springdale Ark lists three pages of female therapist so I think they will each be able to find someone. Again they need confidential,  professional help. They also should also be able to decide when and if they want to see their abuser or the adults who failed to protect them. ( Josh,  Michelle, Jim Bob and Mary) In an ideal world these women would get their own home. ( Jill and Jessa already do, obviously)  I don’t think Jana and Jinger are willing to leave the littles however, so that means Michelle Jim Bob and Mary need to move out.  Take over a rental property or something. They can visit, do Bible time or whatever, but if the older girls want to leave then, they can. This doesn’t have to be permanent, but a good year of recovery time should help enormously.  They will also need additional childcare in the TTH, someone who they know and trust to help with the littles while the older girls are trying to take care of themselves.  Jessa and Ben and Derrick and Jill could most likely use some actual couples counselling too. 

 

The other older sons could probably share a therapist. A couple individual sessions, maybe some group therapy. I’m sure this is a painful time for them too.

 

The smaller kids need to be screened by a professional, again a couple individual sessions and some group ones. No one under the age of ten needs to know exactly what happened, they will have a hard time respecting their sisters’ privacy and just need to know that something bad happened. Regularly scheduled follow ups should be scheduled. 

 

The TLC staff could probably use some professional help. I’m sure they are in shock.  And then they all just need to back off and decide whether to do any follow up specials in 6 months or so.  This is not the time to make these decisions.  They need to see if there were any more crimes and how all these individuals recover.   Sorry for the long post,  hopefully I can stop thinking about this now.

Edited May 29, 2015 by Honeycocoa

[Chai]

This whole thing has disgusted me....especially the sweeping it under the rug, psycho analyzing it etc.

 

 

I am a 49 year old female. My sister is 58. I was sexually abused by my sister from when I was 5 until I was 13. I did not know at that young of an age that it was abnormal....the older I got the more I knew it was not normal....I suffered IMMENSELY and literally tortured myself for years and the only people I talked about it with are the people at RAINN and my therapist. Most people think it is brother on sister/vice versa. I never told a soul. I felt like not one person would ever believe that she who was perfect could be capable of such a horrific act. It changed who I was as a person....I always felt like that even as successful I have been...a great wife/mother/business owner...I felt like she robbed me of this huge part of my life. Growing up back in the day ..and I am sure there are many of us around the same age....we would never speak of it. My 85 year old mom lives with her..my mom has Alzheimers but I cannot speak to her or be within her presence...I will punch her in the face...(i've not seen her in a decade) Talk about a horrible mess. 

 

I don't care how much you claim God has forgiven a person...that is peachy keen...what about the victims who are left to fend for themselves....like me...God didn't help me.  I prayed like the good Catholic girl I was...but here I sit....at 49...still stressed, still angry and furious at the people who defend anyone who commits this heinous crime.

I am so sorry you went through that. No one should have to. 

[skippy]

There is a thread on Free Jinger called "Josh and the M word" all about him molesting his sisters, dated October, 2014.  Has this been a "well-known secret"?  I wonder how many people knew about it, yet said nothing to authorities? How many people in the fundie world kept silent because of their desire to stay on Jim Bob's good side?  How many mandated reporters were aware?

[sometimesy]

I posted on the Jana thread that I believe Josh and Anna, Ben and Jessa and Derrick and Jill should not be featured. They are following closely in JIm Bob's footsteps.. Ben's 'preaching in social media'.. Derrick has lost his balls (or we were misled to think that his education meant he might have some). Any spinoff would be a similar Gothard type crap.

 

If Jana or one of the other girls, or even if multiple kids decide they want to test the waters of a different lifestyle I would watch. TLC wouldn't have to tamper with the storyline. It's the same idea as the kids leaving the amish. Except it wouldn't have to be faked. I would love a series where Jana takes sole custody of her siblings, put's them in public school and gets some education and therapy herself, while the family discovers the world. Jinger interviews a paleontologist? haha? I don't know, but that is the only Duggar show I would want to watch. Maybe TLC couldn't do it though. It might have to be a more reputable documentary channel.

[3 is enough]

Honestly, I am sure the FRC will extend their health insurance until after Anna has M4.  It is a "family values" organization, after all, and doesn't need any more bad publicity after hiring Smugs to begin with.

 

When the police officer in South Carolina got fired for shooting the unarmed man the department kept his pregnant wife on the insurance plan until she gave birth.

[farmgal4]

InTouch used a FOID request to obtain the police report legally. I'm saying someone sent the story into InTouch with details. InTouch must have had a good reason to go further and file a FOID request. I can see it as someone that lives near them they got pissed off if MEchelle said something insulting to that person. As an act of retaluation they wrote to various media outlets about Josh. InTouch must have thought we have to run with this once they got the FOID and whatever the informant said rang/read true.

This is the IG of the couple who got the ball rolling: @happy_lil_tantan

[Sew Sumi]

Therapy? Surely you jest! These people don't believe in therapy; they believe any issue can be prayed away and cured (see Mechelle's "bulimia"). 

[Chicklet]

Well surely pretend illnesses can be cured without therapy. I mean I myself had ebola and just by wishing, I was cured, cured I tell you.

[Honeycocoa]

I know they don't . But I'm pretty sure Josh doesn't wan to be a pariah forever. And Michelle and Jim Bob wan the show to keep going n some form. If you want the general public to support you , you need to accept general standards of treatment and behavior This could be an opportunity for some change, who knows?

[JoanArc]

Therapy? Surely you jest! These people don't believe in therapy; they believe any issue can be prayed away and cured (see Mechelle's "bulimia"). 

Let alone intimate exposure to outsiders.

 

 

But I'm pretty sure Josh doesn't wan to be a pariah forever

The next 30 years or so don't look so good for ol' Josh. He'll never do jail time, and never faced 'real' punishment. I'm ok with him renting out crappy properties in Arkansas and living on ramen 3 meals a day. Anna and the kids, not so much.

Edited May 29, 2015 by JoanArc

[Oldernowiser]

Honestly, I am sure the FRC will extend their health insurance until after Anna has M4.  It is a "family values" organization, after all, and doesn't need any more bad publicity after hiring Smugs to begin with.

 

When the police officer in South Carolina got fired for shooting the unarmed man the department kept his pregnant wife on the insurance plan until she gave birth.

Josh could always pay the COBRA insurance premiums until after the baby is born. I'm sure there's enough money around for that.

[abseedee]

Way back in January I posted this article on Pickles FB page:

 

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2015/01/classmate-slams-michelle-duggar/

 

Someone came  to the page today and pulled up the post and thanked McFerrin. Was she the source for sending info to InTouch? Leaves me wondering.

ohhh!  i posted a couple pages back about a gay couple whose kissing picture was taken in front of the duggar compound.  from reading the article sherri was the one who took the picture of her sister and partner.  in that sister's IG it said something like "we did it sis".pertaining to getting the info to inTouch.

 

eta:  it was there this morning but now her IG page no longer available.  https://instagram.com/p/3FP5P5AjGq/?taken-by=happy_lil_tantan

Edited May 29, 2015 by abseedee

[bigskygirl]

Okay, lets end the who spill the beans speculation, and the ole we should or should not find out the person(s) responsible for the scandal coming to light discussion aka this would or would not hurt the victims spiel. The cat is out of the bag, so focus on the information at hand and not play detective to find out who is behind all of this and why they decided to leak the information to the media. Thank you.

[JoanArc]

ohhh!  i posted a couple pages back about a gay couple whose kissing picture was taken in front of the duggar compound.  from reading the article sherri was the one who took the picture of her sister and partner.  in that sister's IG it said something like "we did it sis".pertaining to getting the info to inTouch.

 

eta:  it was there this morning but now her IG page no longer available.  https://instagram.com/p/3FP5P5AjGq/?taken-by=happy_lil_tantan

I don't think we should spread rumors about who released the info. If they want to come forward, great, if not, great. " We did it sis" can mean ANYTHING.

[HumblePi]

Let alone intimate exposure to outsiders.

 

The next 30 years or so don't look so good for ol' Josh. He'll never do jail time, and never faced 'real' punishment. I'm ok with him renting out crappy properties in Arkansas and living on ramen 3 meals a day. Anna and the kids, not so much.

The single most important thing was taken from Josh, his ambition. He aspired to be an influential lobbyist and eventually politician, like his father. I think it's pretty safe to say that's all nothing more than a pipe dream now. I'm sure none of the Duggar's are going to go hungry since they still have money coming in regularly from the sales of their books. videos, DVD's and future revenues from Jess, Jill or Jana if there's ever a 'reality' show based on their adventures.

[HumblePi]

I posted on the Jana thread that I believe Josh and Anna, Ben and Jessa and Derrick and Jill should not be featured. They are following closely in JIm Bob's footsteps.. Ben's 'preaching in social media'.. Derrick has lost his balls (or we were misled to think that his education meant he might have some). Any spinoff would be a similar Gothard type crap.

 

If Jana or one of the other girls, or even if multiple kids decide they want to test the waters of a different lifestyle I would watch. TLC wouldn't have to tamper with the storyline. It's the same idea as the kids leaving the amish. Except it wouldn't have to be faked. I would love a series where Jana takes sole custody of her siblings, put's them in public school and gets some education and therapy herself, while the family discovers the world. Jinger interviews a paleontologist? haha? I don't know, but that is the only Duggar show I would want to watch. Maybe TLC couldn't do it though. It might have to be a more reputable documentary channel.

If TLC had really done the vetting properly (investigate (someone) thoroughly, especially in order to ensure that they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loyalty, or trustworthiness) they may not have gone forward with this reality show. If Jill and Derick or Jessa and Ben are even casually considered by TLC for their own shows that would mean the rest of the Duggar clan would most likely be watching it from their Mac laptops and not on the television set. They wouldn't be in it.

 

I can't even imagine how Ben or Derick could possibly be interesting for more than 3 minutes much less a full hour. It would be like sitting watching mildew form on the basement floor, or waiting for mushrooms to release mold spores into the air. They're both duller than a pan of old dishwater and as smart as a bag of hammers.

[dillpickles]

https://fakejoshduggar.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/wpid-wp-1432830096327.jpeg

Uncanny, don't y'all think?

[bencr]

The Duggars, who reportedly make $45K per episode, have launched their own campaign to “save our series,” encouraging fans to inundate sponsors who have jumped ship.

 

If true, this is at odds with the story supposedly leaked by a family associate that the Duggars are focusing on family and faith and not on their television show. 

 

To be honest, I wouldn't blame them if they were rallying behind the scenes to try to save their show. But why do they feel it is necessary to try to spin the general public by telling us that all that matters to them is faith and family?

Edited May 29, 2015 by bencr

[TaxNerd]

The single most important thing was taken from Josh, his ambition. He aspired to be an influential lobbyist and eventually politician, like his father. I think it's pretty safe to say that's all nothing more than a pipe dream now. I'm sure none of the Duggar's are going to go hungry since they still have money coming in regularly from the sales of their books. videos, DVD's and future revenues from Jess, Jill or Jana if there's ever a 'reality' show based on their adventures.

Well he did get his wish! Rick Santorum and Mile Huckabee both have spoken out about him, and both responses were heavily analyzed in context with their presidential political campaigns.

In fact the first 23 minutes of CNN Tonight were dedicated to the scandal and Josh Duggar. I'm honestly amazed this is still such a big national story a week later.

[HumblePi]

If true, this is at odds with the leaked story that the Duggars are focusing on family and faith and not on their television show. 

 

To be honest, I wouldn't blame them if they were rallying behind the sense to try to save their show. But why do they feel it is necessary to try to spin the general public by telling us that all that matters to them is faith and family?

I think we all need to understand where all of this will lead. Other than the Duggar's losing their show, the community that supports them both local, political and internet fan base will never retreat from the Duggar's, conversely they will vehemently support them. I base this opinion solely on the outcome of the investigation into the claims against their mentor Bill Gothard regarding sexually harassment and molestation accusations. Thirty-four women, came forward claiming Bill Gothard molested them, one of the women was only 16 years old at the time. Bill Gothard resigned his post one week after the investigation commenced as he should have. A mere 3 months later, the investigation which was conducted by "outside legal counsel" concluded "no criminal activity was uncovered, but that Bill Gothard had acted in an "inappropriate manner" so "is not permitted to serve in any counseling, leadership, or Board role within the IBLP ministry".  INAPPROPRIATE MANNER!

 

Did Bil Gothard get preferential treatment? Of course he did. Was the so-called investigation slanted and influenced by an 'outside legal counsel' conducting the investigation?  Of course it was. Should Bill Gothard have been sentenced to prison for life for molesting 34 women?  We all know the answer to that.  My point is that the Duggar's as Gothard did, have very influential and wealthy supporters. People that are politically connected and can pretty much get accomplished whatever it is they want to accomplish. They will not allow any witch hunting of the Duggar's. TLC is very aware of this and it's for this reason they are extremely reluctant to pull the show from their lineup.