Read Debra Ollivier's story

Sheerly Avni's attempt to rationalize behavior which is unethical, immoral and, I believe, should be criminal, is a weak one. There is no excuse for kidnapping an innocent human being ("blue-haired" and "multi-pierced" or no) from her bed and dragging her away in the night. The idea that such admitted "thuggery" is an acceptable method by which to transform a troubled person into a healthy one is a frightening example of doublethink.

-- Shoshanna Love

OK, so Sheerly Avni gave Karen a "moment." That's great, but according to Avni's own testimony it was a moment which was valuable chiefly to Avni. What Avni's article really proves is that if you separate people from their friends, keep them in a state of uncertainty and angst, and let them know that your terms are the only terms there are, you will often render them capable of achieving amazing feats. The military does this. So do ballet teachers, gymnastics instructors and some coaches. But at least soldiers, dancers, athletes and gymnasts stand some chance of garnering pay and recognition for their deeds. Karen was not in a position to demand either pay or recognition for what she achieved: This is why Avni's recital takes on its aura of charity. But Avni wasn't working for a charity, she was working for a living. I think Karen understood all of this. I also think that's why she retained her skepticism.

-- R. Warner

I was the victim of one of these boot camps. I was abducted from my home two weeks before my 18th birthday for the "crime" of being the only person in my family with my head on straight. I refused to accept the behavior of my alcoholic stepfather and drug-addict mother. See, no one seems to listen to kids. Adults can say whatever they want about you and it's accepted as gospel. I was accused of all sorts of terrible things that "justified" my being sent to this camp by order of the court. I was then held as a prisoner by the state. No crime had been committed, no trial had been conducted.

As far as I am concerned, these therapeutic camps are nothing more than brainwashing facilities. It was absolutely terrifying. My family has since sobered up and apologized for having me locked away, but the damage was already done. I've spent the last six years recovering from the continuous brainwashing I was subjected to. (If you are placed in these camps by the courts, you are expected to admit guilt to be proclaimed "cured." If you do not cooperate you are held prisoner indefinitely.) This, by the way, occurred in Pennsylvania. I still find it hard to believe that this could happen in our country, but it DID happen ... and I must deal with that every day of my life.

-- Jason

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