Okay, let's just say that I have a *friend*, who has a family member, whom has a lifestyle very similar to Ron's. Only more upper-middle class, but he does have the blue collar type profession. He supplements his income with dealing. He pays all his bills, owns a house and spoils his children. As far as poo-pooing the negative speculation on Ron because it is not all fact, well, the positive things we are hearing are coming second-hand and therefore speculation also and don't necessarily mean the bad stuff is not taking place. This family member leads a very scary lifestyle with many sketchy friends to say the least. He has two children, whom he adores by all accounts. He even gets up every morning and cooks a full breakfast and even braids his daughters hair! He also has people with very bad backgrounds coming and going from his house all the time, while his children are there. As far as everyone knowing this, most do. As far as reporting something, most don't because they are involved in one way or another. Most also know that he has a stock of guns that David Koresh would envy. He has had CPS called on him by an angry family member in retaliation, but took supplements to clear his system (the complaint was drug usage in the home). CPS gave him a clean bill of health and never went back. The family member that filed the tip, well, I can't say he faired as well... leave it at that. There are two known SOs that are in his inner circle. He feels he can keep his kids safe so it's a non-issue. The business and his pleasure are more of a priority and he thinks the intimidation factor he puts out there will keep the bad and "good" people away from his kids. He has no record other than a few DUI's.
My point is this, unless you see this type of lifestyle first hand, you can't imagine how the "good" and the "bad" can coexist in one household. You can't imagine how many people don't report it and how low DCF's standards are. You also CANNOT imagine the level of intimidation such a violent person- that literally has connection EVERYWHERE, can sustain. It does happen and I see every part of this in RON. I do not know Haleigh's family personally and I do not have my mind made up about who I think is responsible. I do know however, what this lifestyle brings and that opens up all possibilities. And I might add, that no parent, Mother or Father can be overlooked when drugs are involved. If you use or deal or allow such people in your home, your child is simply not your first priority. IMHO
