Has anyone heard of Laura Deker?

[comtec]

Long short, she's trying to become the youngest solo sailor to sail around the world.
She's Dutch, but also holds a New Zealand passport because she was born in NZ.
Her parents divorced ans she lives with her dad.
Her mom is completely detached, and her dad taught her to be a sailor.
The story goes she's always had the sea in her blood.

The Dutch government has stopped her from setting out on her journey and even put her into "protective custody", only recently was she allowed to go back home to her dad.

While in 'custody" (read temporary re-placement) she managed to get to the Caribbean where she was managing a deal to get a boat, so she could start sailing.

As far as anyone knows, all of this on her own.

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2009/12/sail_girl_laura_dekker_can_sta.php>

I'm posting this here, because it seems the correct place. And I would honestly like all your takes on this.

If this was my daughter my chest would be bursting with pride. (her dad said something to the effect of, yes im worried... but damn im proud of her)
She has a goal and obviously has worked to the point he trusts her to do this solo.
Second she ESCAPED her confinement, traveled to Curacao and managed to (almost) complete a deal.

I find it sad that in another time, she probably would have become a pirate queen (Baroness of the seas!)! That in this day and age she is expected to stay home and be a good little girl.

If this was a boy, I guarantee you there would have been a fucking naval escort the entire way (which imho they should do for her anyway!!!)

Oh yeah.. the catch is she's 14!

But seems to have more stones than most of this sad, drowned country!

Anyway, I just wanted to post her story here.
I hope she is allowed to continue. I think there are reasonable things the government can do to ensure he safety, a GPS tracking device with a panic button, and local navy's keeping a distant eye on her (because after all this IS a 14/15 y/o we are talking about here!)

But there you have it. Maybe if there was more international interest/pressure they'll let her go with a reasonable compromise that will allow her to live her dream. nothing in life is without risk and she understands her's I believe.

Thoughts?

I'll go back to hiding now.
Thank you for your patience.

[seabeyond]

1. i have listened to all sides of this story adn can only bottom line it: i have 2 boys

and neither would be allowed, lol

i admire people that have the faith and confidence in kid and courage to allow, ... to a point, cause i also dont see the wisdom in it. i also know that the choices i make are not the same for all, and why in the world would i want it to be.

i dont know that they would allow a 14 yr old boy to do it. maybe it wouldnt get the same notice, so would be allowed on the sly, but then if something happened, everyone would be up in arms for allowing. but i can also see and feel a gender issue here to, so i think you are on point.

that is about as much of a position i can give. not much of one. i decide with my child

i see the opportunity of accomplishment and not wanting to repress that. but i would

[comtec]

2. As the parent you have every right to that decision

perhaps this is just a spoiled child.
But I figure a long as her parents are willing to accept that this trip may kill her, that make it their decision NOT one for the state.
thank you for the perspective.
I fear i have been a little blinded by my admiration for the ambition,and bitterness at this government.

in the end it is a child, isn't it?

[ismnotwasm]

3. Yish

I've had a child or two that acted up, male and female (three daughters and one son) but not like this, rather in more destructive ways. Personally, I would lean toward letting her do it, if safety features were in place, as you mentioned.

Interesting point, about a little boy being encouraged--and assisted--while a little girl is chased down and 'protected'.


She'd have got a lot less attention if she decided to go be a prostitute.

[bliss_eternal]

4. The Women's Rights group

get's more traffic, is open to commentary that is pro-woman (but not necessarily feminist, such as you've shared in the past) and may welcome the kind of discussion you seem to enjoy making:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=229

I've seen several "like-minded" guys that post regularly in that area. Just my opinion, but I think you'd find some kindred male cohorts there.

Given your comments about "hiding", clearly prior sentiments expressed here weren't lost on you. (But it's a bit disconcerting to know you've been lurking here--waiting for an opportunity). Despite your comment, I don't get your obsessive need to post here, nor the need to ask the opinions of people who've made it clear they aren't interested in your comments, discussion or definition of feminism.

Personally, I tend to not want to talk to those that aren't interested in talking w/me. I guess it's just a pesky side effect of understanding (and respecting) other's boundaries and having a healthy self-esteem. Go figure.

best,
bliss_e.

[bliss_eternal]

5. Oh and fyi...

...insisting upon making one's presence known, in an environment (of women) where it's been communicated that one is not welcome is akin to communicative assault.

In other words, insistence on sharing, posting, getting the opinions of, joining in discussions, adding to conversations, lurking, waiting for an opportunity, etc., etc. in an environment where women have shared lack of desire to engage in communication with the person doing the insisting (by doing any of the above) is the equivalent of forcing oneself upon others. Sound familiar?

It's communicative rape, imo.