<p>The site's back up, with the comments... but not the original essay by Ms. Leppla. </p>
<p>What a cowardly, sniveling way to deal with what you've created. Put an essay on a op-ed message board that is full of lies, psychobabble and general disparagement to the Navy... and run away from it, rather than face what you've created. </p>
<p>I posted a message there on the Columbia website demanding they put the essay back up there. Made the analogy that it's like emptying out newspaper racks and boxes after you've written something in print. </p>
<p>All that is left now are the comments - some of which are quite angry (deservedly so, in my opinion). Without the context of the essay, the military families look a bit unhinged. Maybe this is the true purpose of the whole thing?</p>
<p>Or... maybe if enough people post comments demanding the original essay, the webmaster/mistress will put it back up in all its glory.</p>
<p>Normally, I'd give the girl a pass, put it off as the silly ramblings of an uninformed hysteric. But this time... nope.</p>
<p>Why? Because she put in lots of details that made the Naval Academy look like it was either </p>
<p>(1) deliberately deceptive [example: that part about the course catalogue containing false or misleading information] or </p>
<p>(2) hyperviolent [example: her description of I-Day, with a "Navy marine shooting off an endless supply of rounds" on a video screen...] uh-uh, didn't happen, didn't exist - hell, I was there in Row 2 on I-Day and there was nothing of the sort or</p>
<p>(3) mind-controlling and brainwashing [example: her depiction of how hard it would be for her brother to tango out... it made USNA sound like the Moonies]</p>
<p>And, she's at least 20 or 21. At her age, I was working my way through school, paying rent and utilities and knew I was damn responsible for my actions.</p>
<p>Apparently some on here trouble understading what I mean when I say 'difference interpretations' of the same article, I didn't think that was a difficult concept to grasp.</p>
<p>One person recently said:
[quote]
....I have the freedom to think she is an idiot. She comes across as self absorbed and stupid.....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>While someone else said....
[quote]
...I thought the article a rather glowing endorsement for USNA. ....
<p>I'm just thankful that my daughter didn't write the article. Fortunately, she's proud of her brother for accepting the challenge as the vast majority of sisters (and brothers) are of their own siblings. My wife isn't too pleased with my son's decision to attend the Academy but she supports him 100% in his decision. </p>
<p>Their website is back up along with the original article, they still contend it was some sort of 'technical' glitch. Whatever the reason, should be interesting to read the next 3 parts of this supposedly 4 part editorial whenever she does write/post them. The article has drawn a huge number of comments on their site.</p>
<p>I'm tempted to see if this brother John actually exists, or if her story is pure sensationalism. She could have written the entire column without mentioning her brother at the academy and putting him into the spotlight. Especially with a last name like that. At least use "Smith or Jones".</p>
<p>On the other hand, I come from a long line of Italians. I could get a hold of John and give some pointers. We have "NO PROBLEM" disowning people. Even family members. Family is extremely important, UNTIL they do us wrong. They they are out. That is my suggestion to John, if he really exists. Surround yourself with good friends. Meet new people. Eventually settle down and start your own family. Give up these other 2. They are self centered and care only about their opinions.</p>
<p>Yes, I am being quite cold and hardcore. But family or not, anyone who puts their opinions and beliefs ahead of of my decisions and risking my future, obviously cares more about themselves than they do me. I can respect that of a stranger. They don't know me or owe me anything. I can't however even forgive that of a family member. Family DOESN'T do that to each other. That is NOT NEGOTIABLE. Our "Family" has already disowned one family member; my sister. She is gone, moved away, no longer part of "The Family". There are no regrets. Of course, we always leave the door open for HER to make amends. 100% for her to fix the problem. </p>
<p>Same here. If that was my sister, she wouldn't be any longer. Not until she wrote a retraction saying how self centered she was. This crap about trying to write a disclaimer that none of her words reflects her brother's opinion, is pure B.S. She could have changed names, used fake names, etc... That's like saying; "I believe in waiting to have sex until marriage. My opinions however do not reflect those of my 15 year old cousin Diane and her 3 kids". The Idris lady is a total idiot. I hope her brother, if there really is one, totally tells her to **** off and not to be part of his life ever again. Along with mom. He has a bright future ahead of him. He doesn't need trash like them. Later... Mike,....</p>
<p>I believe someone did check into that (saw it on a prior post) and there is currenty plebe there now with that last name. Doesn't 'prove' it is him, but at least the last name does match.</p>