The Program - A Lesson In What Hides in the Shadows

The Program is a documentary series that primarily centers around "therapeutic boarding schools" and similar programs, often marketed as solutions for troubled youth. The series itself was documented by participants of the programs. This is the key to why the series is so powerful. This is not a secondhand account of events. The Program is directed by primary sources of abuse through powerful testimonies from survivors, "The Program" reveals a disturbing reality hidden in the shadows of unsuspecting communities.

The Program documents physical, emotional, and psychological abuse that was rampant within these institutions. More importantly, it never really is corrected by our leadership in Washington. What will haunt hopefully many who watch is the need for advocacy and oversight to end "The Program.: Places like the Program use techniques like isolation, restraint, and forced confessions were used to break down young people

In order to understand the significance of hiding in the shadows for programs like this, it is important to review the history in our country regarding institutionalized care. Historically, institutionalized care for children often involved large, impersonal facilities like orphanages. These settings, while providing basic needs, however, children were treated as a group, lacking individual attention and meaningful relationships. This provided a marketing opportunity for new models of care. 

Shift Towards Community-Based Care and Marketing To Parents.

Community based care preys on the vulnerability of family stress. New opportunities thanks to community care led to new predatory practices around the theme of Family Preservation. New efforts shifted towards providing support services to address the root causes of family instability 

New Models - Same Problems hidden from the general public.

Three models emerged since deinstitutionalization of programs for youth. 

• Foster Families: Foster families provide a home-like environment for children who cannot live with their biological parents
• Adoption: Permanent, legally-binding arrangements that provide children with a loving, stable family.  
• Small Group Homes: Smaller, more intimate settings offer a more personalized environment for children.
• Residential Facilities of Specialized Care: This setting is the theme of the documentary. Care was privatized under the illusion of improved outcomes for families. 

Challenges in Community-Based Care:

While community-based care offers significant advantages, it also faces challenges:

• Lack of Adequate Resources: Insufficient funding can lead to inadequate support for foster families, group homes, and other community-based programs.  
• Systemic Issues:
  • Overburdened Child Welfare Systems: Caseworkers may be overworked and under-resourced, leading to inadequate assessments and support for families.  
  • Lack of Oversight: Some community-based programs may lack adequate oversight and accountability, potentially leading to substandard care.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Not all programs adequately address the complex trauma experienced by many children in care.

Oversight: Legislators are unqualified to realize the problem. They truly want to believe the transition from institutional care to community-based models represents a significant step forward in child welfare. They do not know how to make ongoing efforts that are crucial to address the systemic challenges that continue to impact the well-being of children in care. The documentary does a great job shining light on this problem. 

Profit Motive  Many of these programs were driven by profit, prioritizing revenue over the well-being of the children. You could never get rich from Institutionalized Care. However, all across this nation we have created a system of predatory caregivers for our most vulnerable citizens and those predators profit from abuse and neglect. 

Wake Up Call: This documentary is  a wake-up call about the dangers of unregulated institutions and the urgent need for reform in how we address youth mental health. What is more concerning to me is there are many other shadow organizations for vulnerable youth. One should consider watching this documentary the plight of children in residential care with intellectual disabilities. The chances of a first hand account of their journey is just as much needed. Until then, they hide in the shadows. 

The Curious Case of Natalie Grace - Looking Into The Window of Abuse and Neglect

Watching "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace" through the lens of trauma, abuse, and neglect is a deeply unsettling experience. For some, it will be a reminder of their own experiences for trauma. For others, it will be a first encounter into the world of extreme trauma. I would encourage anyone who thinks that "trauma" is greatly exaggerated to watch this documentary. Sadly, this may seem like a rare example of abuse and neglect, however I would argue that our society shelters us from the grim realities that exist in our country. It may be hard for some to consider that the world of Natalia is one that exists in many communities in our country. Children are born into situations that may not be exactly like Natalia's, however it can be as extreme. 

Potential for Abuse: The core of the story revolves around a vulnerable child, an orphan from another country, placed in a new and potentially challenging environment. This immediately raises concerns about potential exploitation and abuse, issues that sadly are not uncommon in adoption cases. This is probably one of the best examples how unprepared parents are to adopt highly traumatized babies from overcrowded orphanages.  The adoption agencies for the most part and the starting point of the injustices as they hide the potential difficult transitions that lie ahead for adoptive parents. The Barnetts' our the first long-term placement for Natalia. They become overwhelmed and engage in psychological manipulation (not able to recognize it) that would have devastating consequences for a Natalia's mental and emotional well-being.

Neglect and Abandonment: Without giving away too much about the documentary, the story focuses on the alleged abandonment of Natalia by the Barnetts, There is not doubt that this is a clear act of neglect and potentially qualifies as child abandonment, a serious crime. This highlights the profound betrayal of trust and the devastating impact it can have on a child's sense of security and safety.  

Trauma of Displacement: Natalia's journey from Ukraine to the United States likely involved

significant trauma. The loss of family, cultural displacement, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment can have long-lasting psychological effects.  Many orphanages are often overburden and overcrowded. A lack of bonding that is critical to attachment leads to a lifetime of pain known as reactive attachment disorder.

Why this documentary important?

Raises Awareness: The series brings to light the complexities of international adoption and the potential for exploitation and abuse within the system. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks, proper support systems for adoptive families, and ongoing monitoring of adopted children's well-being.   

Highlights Child Protection Issues: The case underscores the importance of child protection laws and the need for robust systems to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially vulnerable ones.

Promotes Empathy and Understanding: By immersing viewers in this complex and disturbing story, the series encourages empathy and understanding for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect. It highlights the importance of believing children, providing them with support, and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive.   

This documentary is unique as it has a feel of trauma that is overwhelming with twists and turns that may surprise some who watch it. I would encourage anyone watching this series to take their time and learn about a world foreign to some, hidden from many, and much needed for understanding the world of trauma. 

Lover, Stalker, Killer: A Chilling Tale of Obsession and Justice

"Lover, Stalker, Killer" is a gripping documentary that delves into the disturbing case of a online dating culminating in a shocking act of violence. This film is not just a true-crime story; it's a sobering examination of the complexities of human behavior, the limitations of law enforcement, and the power of relentless investigation. 

What sets this documentary apart is its ability to maintain a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout. The filmmakers skillfully weave together a narrative that is both chilling and captivating. The twists and turns in the case reveal the limitations of traditional investigative methods and highlight the importance of innovative approaches to solving complex crimes. 

One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the portrayal of the investigators' dedication to uncovering the truth. The detectives involved in the case went above and beyond the call of duty, tirelessly pursuing every lead and exploring every possibility. Their relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to the power of human perseverance and the importance of investigative tenacity. Watch this documentary through 2 lenses. The first one is how this story is gripping with many twists and turns. The second one is through the lens of "what if." As in, what if the investigators were not invested in this case. This is a lesson on authenticity. One has to ask, how many crimes go unsolved or the wrong person is convicted when investigators are pressured to resolve a case, verus the dedication given to a case like this one. 

Pay particular attention to the following in the documentary.

Detectives:

• Sergeant Jim Doty and Deputy Ryan Avis: They took over the investigation in 2015 and were determined to find answers. They revisited old evidence, specifically the phone data from 2013, and meticulously combed through it. This persistence led them to uncover crucial details that ultimately linked the crimes together.  
• Other Detectives: While not as prominently featured, the detectives involved in the initial investigations and the various agencies that collaborated were essential in gathering information and sharing resources. Their diligence in pursuing leads and following up on tips contributed to the overall progress of the case.

IT Specialist:

• The IT specialist(s) involved in analyzing the digital evidence: They played a pivotal role in deciphering the complex web of online activity, including emails, social media messages, and phone records. By meticulously examining the digital footprints left behind by the perpetrator, they were able to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and crucial clues that helped narrow down the suspect pool.  

Going Above and Beyond:

• Relentless Persistence: The detectives and IT specialist demonstrated unwavering determination and refused to give up on the case, even when faced with challenges and dead ends.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: They meticulously analyzed every piece of evidence, no matter how small, and cross-referenced information from various sources to uncover hidden connections.
• Innovative Thinking: They employed creative problem-solving techniques and utilized advanced technology to break through the complexities of the case and identify the elusive perpetrator.
• Collaborative Approach: They worked closely with each other and with other agencies to share information, pool resources, and leverage expertise.

Overall, the combined efforts of these dedicated individuals, each going above and beyond their roles, were instrumental in bringing justice to the victims and holding the perpetrator accountable

"Lover, Stalker, Killer" is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, psychology, or the criminal justice system. It's a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked obsession and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.

Monsters - The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - A Lesson in DEIB

The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, had been incarcerated for nearly three decades for the gruesome murders of their parents. Their case had captured the nation's attention, with their defense attorneys, Leslie Abramson and Jill Lansing, arguing that the brothers had acted in self-defense after years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.

In recent years, there had been a renewed interest in the case, with many questioning the brothers' conviction and calling for their release. A documentary series had brought their story back into the public consciousness, and a growing number of people were advocating for their freedom.

As the debate rages on, a question arose in my mind: who would advocate for the countless other victims of sexual abuse who had committed violent crimes? While the Menendez brothers had benefited from the support of Hollywood and affluent donors, many others were languishing in prison, their stories largely forgotten. This is the story of why we need to keep DEIB in the forefront of discussions in our country. Especially Belonging. This story needs to be about the silent secret of sexual abuse and the impact it has on our country. We need to be careful not to focus on the silo of one case. 

According to statistics, a significant percentage of individuals who commit violent crimes have a history
of sexual abuse. The connection between these two issues is complex, and there is a growing body of research exploring the psychological impact of sexual trauma. Victims of sexual abuse may experience a range of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulty forming healthy relationships. In some cases, these symptoms can lead to violent behavior.

Despite the clear link between sexual abuse and violent crime, many victims of sexual abuse who commit crimes are treated harshly by the criminal justice system. They may be stigmatized and denied the same opportunities for rehabilitation as other offenders. In addition, the lack of adequate mental health services in prisons can make it difficult for these individuals to address the underlying trauma that contributed to their crimes. 

The case of the Menendez brothers has highlighted the importance of advocacy for victims of sexual abuse who commit crimes. While their story has received significant attention, it is crucial to remember that they are not alone. There are countless others who have suffered similar experiences and who deserve justice.

As the debate over the Menendez brothers continues, it is essential to consider the broader implications of their case. Are they simply two brothers who have been wrongfully convicted, or are they a symbol of a larger systemic issue? By advocating for the release of the Menendez brothers and for the rights of all victims of sexual abuse, we can help to create a more just and compassionate society. That's why we need to focus on equity for all. 

Mission Impossible 7 - Paula Dean - Jason Aldean - AI and The Harbinger Effect

I just saw Mission Impossible 7 last night. Most likely, the last of the series. Packed, and I mean packed full of action. However, that is not why I am writing this review. 

This film as in past films can sneak in a theme without the audience realizing it which can be quite relevant and timely. In this case, it is the dangers of Artificial Intelligence and where it can take us. The question is posed: what if a program could understand human emotional intelligence and predict your next move or moves through an algorithm? 

I say this is timely because of the recent controversy regarding Jason Aldean. Could this be an example

of an already existing algorithm to manipulate distraction and division to control the masses? (I will explain later in the review) Here is my theory. And, it is very similar to the plot of dead reckoning. What if AI could look into our past and find emotional events that distract the populous from reality? This is not anything new. It is called the Harbinger Effect. It is intentionally planted events to distract the common population from events we do not want them to particularly pay attention to via social media. 

I discovered the harbinger effect through course studies in the 1990s. If you were a history major, you would learn that governments can lie to the masses through sabotage to encourage the masses to rally behind war or political goals. There is strong evidence that our government sabotaged or created a false event and made it appear that it came from our political enemies. It would then combine with media (Newspapers or TV News) to broadcast an event that would change people to support a war effort or political point of view. For reference, the Gulf of Tonkin incident is one that many felt rallied us to get more in Vietnam.

The next advent of manipulation that was a gold mine for our government and governments around the world was the internet. I remember when the internet was developed, we were told it was an open platform that would rid us of the harbinger effect. This is why it was originally called the world wide web. It was supposed to be an open platform for learning which is dangerous. 

Conveniently, as platforms improved, the advent of social media would change the intentions from a free and open platform to one of manipulation. I truly believe this is when algorithms were developed to manipulate the masses. This might be a bit controversial, this includes not only war, it includes policies that impact the masses along with voter manipulation. 

Social Media can be taken advantage of by foreign adversaries which is the subplot of Mission Impossible 7. All the major countries around the world want the key to an algorithm that makes them the most powerful country in the world. 

The key is quite simple that we currently have in place for an algorithm. When the country needs a distraction, something is put out on social media to distract us from the current state of affairs. One could say that Jason Aldean was put out there to distract Trump supporters while the government rapidly speeds up his indictments to prevent him from running again. Again, just a theory, but it follows an all too familiar formula.

Back in June of 2013, a pattern began to develop that is similar to what we are experiencing today.

Paula Dean was a very popular person due to her cooking talents. She created an empire. Someone looked into her past and found some incriminating information about her Southern upbringing and the use of the N-Word from her past. She even had to do a deposition in court in which she was quite honest that she used the word many years ago. Without context, her entire empire crumbled overnight. The timeliness of this happening was interesting as some suggested it was a distraction from the public's interest in what happened in Libya which was the Benghazi Incident that could take down future presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's chances of getting elected. At the time of Paula Dean, the Obama administration and Clinton were feeling the pressure for misleading the public regarding leaving our US ambassador behind for a terrorist attack in Libya. 

What further complicated this event was Reuters and other emerging news organizations that reported the timeline as being correct while our government initially gave out misinformation. Republicans wanted to of course look into it and along came Paula Dean as a distraction. Coincidence or not, it is an all too familiar pattern. 

The movie magic of Mission Impossible 7 is that it not only validates this could be a plausible theory, it can also be taken further. What if Artificial Intelligence could take down governments through pinpointed espionage? The theory is very plausible, There is currently enough data mining of our personal data from birth to death that sophisticated software could predict the future by studying our emotional intelligence. 

Dead Reckoning is a great title. While intentional or not, it continues the practice of the harbinger theory of the sacrificial lamb. This is why we have sealed documents of such events. The truth is sealed long enough for the current generation of outrage to long forget such incidents. It is left to Historians to discover and by that time, the damage is done. Some sacrificial lambs do not recover from pinpointed social media attacks such as Paula Dean. This is the real danger of Artificial Intelligence. It can destroy a person and structures without emotion. After all, it is just following an algorithm. 

Netflx's Dahmer - The Biggest Injustice Was Given a Pass - Dahmer's MIlitary Timeline

Netflix recently released a series on Jeffrey Dahmer that thoroughly examined what makes someone like Jeffrey commit acts of violence as he did for many years. I thought the story was excellent. It was very thorough including the following topic that impacts human development:

• Prenatal Care 
• Mental Health of the Mother
• Genetics
• Early Childhood Development
• Impact of Alcohol/Addiction

The series also shined a light on social justice. (Spoiler Alert) One can not but help to wonder how many lives could have been saved if the police responded to the numerous calls to Jeffrey's apartment responsibly.  The performances were excellent. I would recommend the story as a window to horrific events that happen to our society. 

One cannot help to want to learn more about Jeffrey Dahmer. There are amazing first-hand accounts on YouTube that chronicle his life and the story on Netflix. The story does an injustice in some ways to the victims by not sharing one key component that could have saved more lives than any other event. It was Jeffrey's enrollment in the Army that was considerably more important. Episode 4 for some reason gave this part of his story a pass. A significant one at that. A far greater injustice regarding impact than the Milwaukie police department. 

On military.com, it does confirm that Dahmer served as a military medic. The movie hints that he experimented while learning about prescription drugs. You see a scene where he invites a soldier to have a drink and practices his craft by drugging the drink. It only suggests that he drugged the soldier and had a small fantasy with him while he was unconscious. No graphic harm was shown in the movie which leads us to believe there were issues in the army at that point.  

In all actuality, a complaint was filed by Preston Davis for 2 sexual assaults in October of 1979, Preston was left alone and isolated with Dahmer and he penetrated him while unconscious. Another account while in the military came from Billy Capshaw. He was tortured by Jeffrey during drunken binges. Dahmer would assault him with an iron bar. Worse yet, this was brought to the attention of superiors and it went on for 18 months. Superiors choose to ignore the complaints. The larger irony is their experiences impacted their own evaluations from the military according to accounts that can be found on survivingjeffreydahmer.org. 

The incident was so serious that when Dahmer was convicted in 1991, Germany (West Germany at the time of military service) opened up cold cases of missing men during the time he served in Germany. Dahmer was given an honorable discharge due to his drinking. There is no mention of the crimes that were brought to anyone's attention. 

There are a lot of missed opportunities to explore what impacted Dahmer during this time period. One has to remember that in 1981, boot camp was brutal in the military. Imagined a traumatized young male with tendencies to kill as his first victim died prior to enlisting. Dahmer was most like triggered by the experience. Some evidence that might prove this theory to be true is that he shared and bragged to his fellow enlisted soldiers that he killed a man prior to enlisting in Ohio. Sound familiar? Similar to the police, people in power dismissed the warning signs. Lastly, consistent with Dahmer's story, the two people he raped and attached reported he was racist and when drunk committed very bizarre acts. 

The timeline of these events was considerable when you think about it. The focus on the Milwaukie police would happen much later. If something was done during his time in the military, it could have avoided the deaths before his apartment in Milwaukie. It would have also potentially saved the lives of individuals that were committed at his grandmother's house.

The lesson here is to be careful with bias and learn the facts about cause and effect. By leaving out this crucial detail of Dahmer's life, it is almost like the crimes committed by the Milwaukie Police Department. Silence is what led to tragedy. That's the lesson of Dahmer that could have been dealt with in a responsible manner that was missed in its entirety.
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Untold - The Girfiend Who Didn't Exist

Untold - The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist is the kind of documentary that makes the hair on your skin stand. Most who watch it will feel uncomfortable at some point in the 2-Part Series. It is an intriguing tale of misfortune that is unimaginable, even by today's standards. 

This is the story of Manti Te'o. A Polynesian football player at Notre Dame. He came from a small Hawaiian island. A bit naive, he was catfished online at a time when catfishing was not as frequent as it is today. The deception lasted over 2 years before he was told it was a hoax. 

There is a lot of depth crammed into this 2-hour miniseries. This documentary will leave little doubt that journalistic integrity went out the window many years ago.

Without going into too much detail, this is a story about how easy it is to judge a situation before we have all the facts. It also gives rare insight into how easily we can be manipulated by social and conventional media. I remember this event that happened many years ago, and I honestly was mad at myself as I most likely allowed the media's reporting to impact my own opinion about what really happened.

Overall, this documentary is a warning about where we were, where we are, and where we are heading as a society regarding fact-finding and media manipulation. The old phrase, "Never judge a book by its cover certainly applies to this short series.