Chrishope --
Just came into the Forum a few days ago, and trying hard to read all the previous info I can, so coming in to your post with a belated reply.
IMO I do not consider the Ramseys as having been "rational" people at the time of JB's murder, and this is why I feel that way:
They involved their child in what I see as a form of public entertainment that places children in the role of sometimes highly sexually appearing mature individuals - Toddler Beauty Pageants. There are just too many reasons parents put their children in these productions, which I will not bother to list, and most of them are NOT for the benefit of the child's most beneficial development into adulthood. This, to many, would be considered 'irrational' parenting.
Both of the Ramsey's, IMO, displayed several characteristics of Narcissism. Narcissism produces irrational behaviors as viewed by the 'mainstream' populace. I recognize many of the behaviors they demonstrated to the public after spending many years becoming well-versed in narcissistic behavior through personal experience within our family dynamics. Professional involvement in my experience has been a valued teaching process for several in our family.
This is the most difficult aspect in dealing with a Narcissist to understand: They, themselves, cannot accept that anything other than the way they think or feel is acceptable or to be considered. Their image of self-perfection must be maintained at ALL COSTS.
Their failure at ANYTHING, in their own eyes, is not an acceptable concept to them. I know it may seem unimaginable to some people to think a child could be sacrificed for this personna, but believe me, a true narcissist would find a justification for their behavior, strictly within their own mindset, that would enable them to satisfy their need to present an unflawed outward appearance to the world.
It is not in their capacity to accept anything less than their own perception of perfection for themselves. The atrocity of someone in their family murdering another of their own family would have to be made to make it appear they had no involvement in that action. They cannot accept they could be wrong about anything, and simply would explain any proof to the contrary as there being something 'invalid' with the proof.
And, a Narcissist would be very certain, again in their own mind, that no matter what the circumstances, it would not be them that went to prison. They would be certain they were above the law, or had every means available to them to prevent it. And if something DID backfire in this process, well then, it would be because the people involved in the process were flawed and irresponsible enough to cause them to become imprisoned. Therefore, they would have justified, to themselves, they had been victimized, and in their own minds could exonerate themselves of responsibility.
'Nuff said using my non-professional, but personally experienced, background in relationship matters with Narcissistic people. I can say with a clear mind and heart that I am of the opinion the Ramseys would have staged JB's murder if they knew someone in their own family had murdered their daughter, expecting they would have every answer necessary needed to keep them free of any suspicious involvement.
uke: