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Help me help my friend in DC.
May 19, 2010 3:09 PM Subscribe
A Russian friend of mine may be in a dangerous situation in Washington, DC.
My friend and former student K arrived in DC yesterday, along with a friend. She came over on some kind of travel exchange program put together by a Russian travel agency called 'XXXXX'. They paid about 3K for this program.
The program promised a job offer in advance, but didn't deliver. They said they would send one via email, but failed there, too.
Her contact in the USA barely speaks English, doesn't answer her calls but does answer mine. He has asked her and her friend to meet in NYC tonight around midnight, with promises of hostess work in a lounge. Yes, I know how horrific that sounds- that's why I am working all possible angles here.
She is not going to NYC but I need some help handling and understanding how to handle this- I have a friend helping them with a cheap hotel for the night, but that's all at the moment. I am presently driving to LA and could fly her and her friend to meet me there on Saturday, but couldn't house them indefinitely. I will be monitoring this thread over the next hour.posted by fake to travel & transportation around Washington, DC (243 answers total) 724 users marked this as a favorite
My friend and former student K arrived in DC yesterday, along with a friend. She came over on some kind of travel exchange program put together by a Russian travel agency called 'XXXXX'. They paid about 3K for this program.
The program promised a job offer in advance, but didn't deliver. They said they would send one via email, but failed there, too.
Her contact in the USA barely speaks English, doesn't answer her calls but does answer mine. He has asked her and her friend to meet in NYC tonight around midnight, with promises of hostess work in a lounge. Yes, I know how horrific that sounds- that's why I am working all possible angles here.
She is not going to NYC but I need some help handling and understanding how to handle this- I have a friend helping them with a cheap hotel for the night, but that's all at the moment. I am presently driving to LA and could fly her and her friend to meet me there on Saturday, but couldn't house them indefinitely. I will be monitoring this thread over the next hour.
As in, the Russian consulate? Can you help me find some contact information?
posted by fake at 3:16 PM on May 19, 2010
posted by fake at 3:16 PM on May 19, 2010
Russian Embassy (www.russianembassy.net)
2650 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel:(202) 298-5700
Fax:(202) 298-5735
posted by carmicha at 3:17 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
2650 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel:(202) 298-5700
Fax:(202) 298-5735
posted by carmicha at 3:17 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
He has asked her and her friend to meet in NYC tonight around midnight, with promises of hostess work in a lounge.
For the love of god make sure she does not take him up on this offer.
posted by griphus at 3:17 PM on May 19, 2010 [13 favorites]
For the love of god make sure she does not take him up on this offer.
posted by griphus at 3:17 PM on May 19, 2010 [13 favorites]
I have a generally good impression of Ayuda. They're probably gone for the night, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to call them tomorrow, explain that your friend is in town and worried that she's found herself in a trafficking situation, and ask them who they know who can help.
posted by craichead at 3:19 PM on May 19, 2010
posted by craichead at 3:19 PM on May 19, 2010
Actually, call them now. Maybe someone is still there.
posted by craichead at 3:19 PM on May 19, 2010
posted by craichead at 3:19 PM on May 19, 2010
Ugh. Sorry for triple-posting. Their page on human trafficking says:
posted by craichead at 3:21 PM on May 19, 2010
To get help please call (202) 387-4848 or come to our walk-in hours for victims of human trafficking: Washington DC, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. For directions to our office please click here.
posted by craichead at 3:21 PM on May 19, 2010
I just called the DC Russian Embassy at 202-298-5700; they are still open. Also, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center has a 24-hour phone line at 888-373-7888.
posted by lalex at 3:30 PM on May 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by lalex at 3:30 PM on May 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
this is from the department of justice, so may or may not be useful based upon her legal status in the country - but you could call and see if they could help.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/help/tip.htm
posted by nadawi at 3:31 PM on May 19, 2010
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/help/tip.htm
posted by nadawi at 3:31 PM on May 19, 2010
I am going to make her call the embassy right now.
posted by fake at 3:35 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by fake at 3:35 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
I called the embassy and they were totally unhelpful and suggested calling back for counseling tomorrow- 2029398907. I am going to try to find a hotel or place to stay for her now.
posted by fake at 3:57 PM on May 19, 2010
posted by fake at 3:57 PM on May 19, 2010
I live in DC, let me know if you need any help from someone here. I don't really know about human trafficking scams or anything like that, but if I can help in any way, memail me.
posted by me & my monkey at 3:58 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by me & my monkey at 3:58 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
Do you know if they received work visas (and more important, do they have possession of the paperwork)? If so, I can make a few calls and attempt to find them some employment in DC - if I can manage it (about a 50% chance), it wouldn't pay high-paying, but it would be legitimate and not part of the "entertainment industry." Do they speak good English? Reading and writing skills?
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 4:08 PM on May 19, 2010
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 4:08 PM on May 19, 2010
Dee,
They have j1 visas in their possession... one speaks reasonable english, no idea about the other.
posted by fake at 4:10 PM on May 19, 2010
They have j1 visas in their possession... one speaks reasonable english, no idea about the other.
posted by fake at 4:10 PM on May 19, 2010
Just got off the phone with Kevin from their visa sponsoring agency. He told me that he did not know their contact, that the contact is unaffiliated with the sponsoring agency, and that he did not know that lux lounge served alcohol or occasionally held stripping events. He also did not know about their accommodations being substandard. By the sponsoring agencys rules they are not allowed to work at lux. He has work for them in DC but they were adamant that they needed to meet with the contact.
He called the girls on the bus and spoke with them. In a brutalizing about-face they assured him that everything is fine, that they feel safe, and apologized for the 'problems I am causing'. They insisted on continuing in spite of his asking them not to go.
They have stopped answering my calls and texts and refused to send me bus ticket info. I am fucking sick and wrecked and need to get away from this phone. If you choose to meet them at the station, be prepared for them to want no help. X
posted by fake at 10:49 AM on May 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Sorry for these new questions so late in the game here, but I'm wondering how much do you know about the situation that preceeded their arrival in the US? The reason I ask is I'm wondering if it's possible that they have family already here or back in Russia that could be in danger? And maybe that is the reason behind their determination to follow through with meeting with this guy? With human trafficking, there is likely some threat being held over their head in addition to their own freedom.
Just an FYI, you are very unlikely to get any assistance from the embassy.
posted by Behemoth at 4:19 PM on May 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Behemoth at 4:19 PM on May 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
Kind of seconding what Dee said. They must have arrived here on some type of visa, either a tourist visa (which precludes any type of work in the country) or a work visa which takes quite a bit of effort and time for the (specific) employer to get for them. There are other visas but these are the most common. Sounds like a shady deal. If they came on a tourist visa and some person said they will meet them at midnight to put them to work, I hope they run to the nearest Russian Embassy. They may have a couple of issues with this--if they came here on a tourist visa with the intention of working, US immigration will not be happy with this. If they came here on a tourist visa and have the means to get themselves back to their country (I know, once here, many people are loath to leave but...) they will at least salvage their toruist visa and be able to return again. Should they just stay and work on a tourist visa and get caught, they will be barred from coming back to the US for 10 years (minimum)... It's a complicated mess.
p.s. "Hostess work in a lounge" generally means stripping then prostitution. There is no reason to import someone at great expense to work at a minimum wage job that anyone off the street could do.
posted by MsKim at 4:20 PM on May 19, 2010
p.s. "Hostess work in a lounge" generally means stripping then prostitution. There is no reason to import someone at great expense to work at a minimum wage job that anyone off the street could do.
posted by MsKim at 4:20 PM on May 19, 2010
Late to this, but I'm in Brooklyn and if there's anything I can do let me know.
posted by Skygazer at 9:20 PM on May 21, 2010
posted by Skygazer at 9:20 PM on May 21, 2010
Back on the old Lux Lounge issue, it looks like they have a Facebook page as well as a brand new twitter account. You probably have to be a member of Facebook to access the Facebook page and pic I post below.
For what it's worth, some of the photos on the Facebook page look totally normal, but two of the most recent sets look pretty sketchy -- in a "Bottle Poppin' Friday" set there are alot of young women in micro-mini skirts pictured grinding up on (and in some cases assuming blatant sex positions against) guys in the club. I know that's not weird, but they're bending over for multiple guys the same night. I was personally freaked out but admittedly have not been clubbing in a loooooong time. Maybe someone who goes clubbing alot in NY could say whether that's totally normal? In particular there is one woman there in an animal print super short dress who grinds against while bending over down to the floor for four or five different guys and almost looks like she was really having sex with one of them. The Bottle Poppin pic set and anotherCoyote Ugly Night confirm that there is a pole and that scantily clad women dance on it; in the latter set you can see underwear and garter belts stuffed with dollar bills.
Based on these pictures put up by Lux Lounge itself, I think the club sees behavior that is much more consistent with potential exploitation of immigrant women and/or human trafficking involvement than bingo observed the night he went.
(Fake and INDS and others here, your actions really moved me. Good luck, and thanks.)
posted by onlyconnect at 9:49 PM on May 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
For what it's worth, some of the photos on the Facebook page look totally normal, but two of the most recent sets look pretty sketchy -- in a "Bottle Poppin' Friday" set there are alot of young women in micro-mini skirts pictured grinding up on (and in some cases assuming blatant sex positions against) guys in the club. I know that's not weird, but they're bending over for multiple guys the same night. I was personally freaked out but admittedly have not been clubbing in a loooooong time. Maybe someone who goes clubbing alot in NY could say whether that's totally normal? In particular there is one woman there in an animal print super short dress who grinds against while bending over down to the floor for four or five different guys and almost looks like she was really having sex with one of them. The Bottle Poppin pic set and anotherCoyote Ugly Night confirm that there is a pole and that scantily clad women dance on it; in the latter set you can see underwear and garter belts stuffed with dollar bills.
Based on these pictures put up by Lux Lounge itself, I think the club sees behavior that is much more consistent with potential exploitation of immigrant women and/or human trafficking involvement than bingo observed the night he went.
(Fake and INDS and others here, your actions really moved me. Good luck, and thanks.)
posted by onlyconnect at 9:49 PM on May 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
Outstanding. Simply outstanding. I'm proud to be a part of the MeFi family.
posted by darkstar at 1:32 AM on May 22, 2010
posted by darkstar at 1:32 AM on May 22, 2010
From Mother Jones: MetaFilter Saved My Pals From Sex Traffickers
posted by PenDevil at 2:33 AM on May 22, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by PenDevil at 2:33 AM on May 22, 2010 [3 favorites]
Those without Facebook can see most of the same photo gallery material in this YouTube video. Hookahs at 0:10, tattooed bikini dancing girls at 0:55 on. Tips in the clothes at 2:28.
posted by dhartung at 8:23 AM on May 22, 2010
posted by dhartung at 8:23 AM on May 22, 2010
I made a FPP a while back on the subject of stories about the sex trafficking of Eastern European women called The Price of Sex, which some people might be interested in viewing. (Especially if you're someone convinced that this was much ado about nothing and totally not about trafficking--you'll be able to understand why that's not quite the case and why this got attention quickly.)
posted by autoclavicle at 12:51 PM on May 22, 2010 [7 favorites]
posted by autoclavicle at 12:51 PM on May 22, 2010 [7 favorites]
autoclavicle, thanks -- perhaps crosspost the link into the Metatalk thread, too?
posted by scody at 1:14 PM on May 22, 2010
posted by scody at 1:14 PM on May 22, 2010
It's still not clear who exactly was responsible for this incident, but they'll probably be covering their tracks within this week, so I am making an archive of the websites involved in this.
posted by shii at 2:16 PM on May 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by shii at 2:16 PM on May 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
[please please please take metacommentary, or any commentary really, to the MetaTalk thread and do not comment here. Thank you.]
posted by jessamyn at 6:18 PM on May 22, 2010
posted by jessamyn at 6:18 PM on May 22, 2010
I just read all of this for the first time and I must say, you all are a bunch of amazing people. Reading this and the Newsweek blog made me love humanity a little bit more today. I hope these women remain safe and sound. Amazing jobs, everyone.
posted by Kskomsvold at 9:54 AM on May 23, 2010
posted by Kskomsvold at 9:54 AM on May 23, 2010
My heart weeps with joy. Bless all of you who for caring. Love mefi, this is why its my social network.
posted by dsaelf at 10:22 AM on May 23, 2010
posted by dsaelf at 10:22 AM on May 23, 2010
The outcome of this situation, and a thank-you letter from K and S, is here:
http://metatalk.metafilter.com/19420/Update-on-K-and-S
Thank you, everyone.
posted by fake at 8:27 AM on June 26, 2010 [1 favorite]
http://metatalk.metafilter.com/19420/Update-on-K-and-S
Thank you, everyone.
posted by fake at 8:27 AM on June 26, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thrhttp://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.388274682562.173882.348446397562ead is closed to new comme
June 11, 2010 4:35 PM Subscribe
Update on K & S (and the effects of your support).
First off, I spoke with K & S and they prefer being referred to as "devotchki" (girls). This is a personal preference, a diminuitive distinct from any feminist/mysognist horse corpse you might enjoy beating here. From here on out, they will be called "the girls". It's OK, with them.
I'll start with now: the girls have returned to Moscow. They are safe with their boyfriends and families. This is, in my opinion, the most important thing I can share here. This "end" is a direct result of what happened on MetaFilter. It is the best-of-a-mess-of-bad-outcomes. It is the sum of your, mine, and Kathrine's efforts. It is something we can all be proud of, something worth sharing, worth celebrating. Thank you so much. I will never be able to thank you, and that's not overstating things.
Since the last MeTa thread was closed, a lot has happened. I will try to retell it more or less chronologically, in as much detail as I can without further endangering or identifying anyone who has not explicitly given permission.
1. Many people have contributed since the original threads were closed. This help has come in the form of legal representation, quality advice, resume writing, and even just hanging out and having fun. This was not lost on the girls -- they were deeply impressed at this outpouring of support, and that's not even mentioning me, Kathrine, the girls families, and so on. It was, frankly, beyond belief.
2. Kathrine housed them for the duration. They had a nice, cozy room with internet access. They were safe, had as much privacy and supervision as they could handle, and were generally jazzed about NYC. Plenty to eat, drink, and see while searching for suitable jobs and another place to stay. Lots of fun was had, in between bouts of anxiety about jobs, money, and self-support -- making things work as they'd planned.
3. Many, many people asked friends, family, and coworkers for help in finding work. While no offer ended up working out as we'd hoped, this generous gesture, situated against the background of the destitute job market in NYC, was something really amazing. Not everything needs to work out as planned to be worth more than words.
4. Thanks to the generosity of many MeFites, I was able to visit K & S. I spent the weekend at Kathrine's in their guest bunk (I met Kathrine! She is wonderful!). We didn't announce a meetup publicly because we didn't want the press, or worse, to show up there. There was a super-minimal meetup (Kathrine, her husband, myself, the girls, and a NYC native who helped). There would have been more were it not for the holiday weekend, but that's how things go. I can't even tell you how much this time with K & S meant to me. It was so emotional -- both to see them safe, and to feel that the friendship between K and I had only grown stronger, well, it was amazing after a four-year absence. We (K, S, and I) actually spent most of the weekend walking up and down NYC, just as we had in Russia, talking about everything that happened. The intense sense of camaraderie and friendship, multiplied by the re-awakening of my Russian language (I taught K English, and she taught me Russian) was something really special. While S continued to have language problems, by the end of her stay, K had really reached a new level of English-speaking skill. As her former teacher, I felt a bit of pride over that.
Together, we all saw the Atlantic for the first time on Coney Island. We spent a lot of time sitting in the grass on Chelsea Pier, not saying or doing much, rather, soaking up sun and feeling safe and, for a few hours at least, not having much to stress about.
5. As job offers and housing possibilities began to look more and more remote, the girls decided to return to Moscow. Though this decision was painful for all of us, it, in the end, was the right thing to do. They bought plane tickets with some of the donated money (as their other tickets could not be changed) and spent a last few days enjoying what they could of NYC. We talked a lot on the phone, about the future, about what happened, about the Internet. We had some long goodbyes via sms, over the phone, over email.
I'd say at this point they know what MetaFilter is, and understand what happened here as well as any outsider can. They wrote you a letter, and asked me to put it here:
Спасибо большое.
Мы попали в сложную ситуацию, много с чем пришлось столкнуться.. Одни, в чужой стране, без денег и надежды на завтра. Мы уже готовы были сдаться, вернуться назад, чувствовали себя одинокими в Америке..
Да нас было настолько удивительно что люди так быстро откликнулись на просьбу о помощи, что мы сначала даже не поверили что это правда. Было пролито много слёз в те дни, но самые "сильные" из них были слёзы благодарности.
В начале мы не хотели оставаться, а теперь не хотим уезжать.. Как же сильно мы не хотим уезжать!!! Мы любим эту страну, людей, каждую часть вашего мира.
Сейчас наши последние часы в Нью-Йорке.. Завтра мы уже будем далеко за океаном и пусть мы не знаем ваших имен, но вашу помощь и поддержку мы не забудем никогда.
Ещё раз огромное спасибо, берегите себя и будьте счастливы.
К и С
Translation (FYI, they were OK with my translation)
Thank you so much.
We got into a difficult situation, it was a lot to face. Alone, in a foreign country, without money or hope for tomorrow. We felt alone in America, were already ready to surrender and go back.
To us it was so surprising that people so quickly responded to the request for helpthat at first we just didn't believe it was true. There were a lot of tears then, but the "strongest" of them were tears of gratitude.
At first, we didn't want to stay, but now, we don't want to leave. How we don't want to leave!!! We love this country, people, every part of your world.
Now are our last few hours in New York. Tomorrow, we'll be far across the ocean and although we don't know your names, we will never forget your help and support.
Once again, thank you so much, take care and be happy.
K and S.
That pretty much says it. The remaining detail was money -- all leftover money was donated to Equality Now and another organization that wishes to stay out of the spotlight. Equality Now is an amazing organization and was a guiding hand throughout. I am so glad we could give a little back to them.
It may seem strange to some of you that many organizations (and their people) involved with this want to remain anonymous, or refuse to speak publicly, but as I learned from the girls' lawyer, for many support organizations, they feel very strongly that interfacing with the press and public is not only a poor use of time, and an abuse of privacy, it endangers the trust they must foster between victims and themselves. Many women do not want their situation broadcast anywhere, for good reason. Many people have asked about what the level of actual danger was -- with all evidence I have, even I believe it was high, and required action, and all agencies and organizations "agreed" with me in the way that they immediately got involved and took action (& continue to take action).
While I wish these agencies would report back to me with what they know, unfortunately that's not how they work. Since the only other way to know "for sure" would be for the girls to be harmed, well... no. To the skeptics: keep in mind, too, the kind of trouble I'd be in if I made this up.
As for me, Kathrine, and all involved, again, thank you. Thank you.posted by fake to MetaFilter-Related at 4:35 PM (257 comments total) 332 users marked this as a favorite
First off, I spoke with K & S and they prefer being referred to as "devotchki" (girls). This is a personal preference, a diminuitive distinct from any feminist/mysognist horse corpse you might enjoy beating here. From here on out, they will be called "the girls". It's OK, with them.
I'll start with now: the girls have returned to Moscow. They are safe with their boyfriends and families. This is, in my opinion, the most important thing I can share here. This "end" is a direct result of what happened on MetaFilter. It is the best-of-a-mess-of-bad-outcomes. It is the sum of your, mine, and Kathrine's efforts. It is something we can all be proud of, something worth sharing, worth celebrating. Thank you so much. I will never be able to thank you, and that's not overstating things.
Since the last MeTa thread was closed, a lot has happened. I will try to retell it more or less chronologically, in as much detail as I can without further endangering or identifying anyone who has not explicitly given permission.
1. Many people have contributed since the original threads were closed. This help has come in the form of legal representation, quality advice, resume writing, and even just hanging out and having fun. This was not lost on the girls -- they were deeply impressed at this outpouring of support, and that's not even mentioning me, Kathrine, the girls families, and so on. It was, frankly, beyond belief.
2. Kathrine housed them for the duration. They had a nice, cozy room with internet access. They were safe, had as much privacy and supervision as they could handle, and were generally jazzed about NYC. Plenty to eat, drink, and see while searching for suitable jobs and another place to stay. Lots of fun was had, in between bouts of anxiety about jobs, money, and self-support -- making things work as they'd planned.
3. Many, many people asked friends, family, and coworkers for help in finding work. While no offer ended up working out as we'd hoped, this generous gesture, situated against the background of the destitute job market in NYC, was something really amazing. Not everything needs to work out as planned to be worth more than words.
4. Thanks to the generosity of many MeFites, I was able to visit K & S. I spent the weekend at Kathrine's in their guest bunk (I met Kathrine! She is wonderful!). We didn't announce a meetup publicly because we didn't want the press, or worse, to show up there. There was a super-minimal meetup (Kathrine, her husband, myself, the girls, and a NYC native who helped). There would have been more were it not for the holiday weekend, but that's how things go. I can't even tell you how much this time with K & S meant to me. It was so emotional -- both to see them safe, and to feel that the friendship between K and I had only grown stronger, well, it was amazing after a four-year absence. We (K, S, and I) actually spent most of the weekend walking up and down NYC, just as we had in Russia, talking about everything that happened. The intense sense of camaraderie and friendship, multiplied by the re-awakening of my Russian language (I taught K English, and she taught me Russian) was something really special. While S continued to have language problems, by the end of her stay, K had really reached a new level of English-speaking skill. As her former teacher, I felt a bit of pride over that.
Together, we all saw the Atlantic for the first time on Coney Island. We spent a lot of time sitting in the grass on Chelsea Pier, not saying or doing much, rather, soaking up sun and feeling safe and, for a few hours at least, not having much to stress about.
5. As job offers and housing possibilities began to look more and more remote, the girls decided to return to Moscow. Though this decision was painful for all of us, it, in the end, was the right thing to do. They bought plane tickets with some of the donated money (as their other tickets could not be changed) and spent a last few days enjoying what they could of NYC. We talked a lot on the phone, about the future, about what happened, about the Internet. We had some long goodbyes via sms, over the phone, over email.
I'd say at this point they know what MetaFilter is, and understand what happened here as well as any outsider can. They wrote you a letter, and asked me to put it here:
Спасибо большое.
Мы попали в сложную ситуацию, много с чем пришлось столкнуться.. Одни, в чужой стране, без денег и надежды на завтра. Мы уже готовы были сдаться, вернуться назад, чувствовали себя одинокими в Америке..
Да нас было настолько удивительно что люди так быстро откликнулись на просьбу о помощи, что мы сначала даже не поверили что это правда. Было пролито много слёз в те дни, но самые "сильные" из них были слёзы благодарности.
В начале мы не хотели оставаться, а теперь не хотим уезжать.. Как же сильно мы не хотим уезжать!!! Мы любим эту страну, людей, каждую часть вашего мира.
Сейчас наши последние часы в Нью-Йорке.. Завтра мы уже будем далеко за океаном и пусть мы не знаем ваших имен, но вашу помощь и поддержку мы не забудем никогда.
Ещё раз огромное спасибо, берегите себя и будьте счастливы.
К и С
Translation (FYI, they were OK with my translation)
Thank you so much.
We got into a difficult situation, it was a lot to face. Alone, in a foreign country, without money or hope for tomorrow. We felt alone in America, were already ready to surrender and go back.
To us it was so surprising that people so quickly responded to the request for helpthat at first we just didn't believe it was true. There were a lot of tears then, but the "strongest" of them were tears of gratitude.
At first, we didn't want to stay, but now, we don't want to leave. How we don't want to leave!!! We love this country, people, every part of your world.
Now are our last few hours in New York. Tomorrow, we'll be far across the ocean and although we don't know your names, we will never forget your help and support.
Once again, thank you so much, take care and be happy.
K and S.
That pretty much says it. The remaining detail was money -- all leftover money was donated to Equality Now and another organization that wishes to stay out of the spotlight. Equality Now is an amazing organization and was a guiding hand throughout. I am so glad we could give a little back to them.
It may seem strange to some of you that many organizations (and their people) involved with this want to remain anonymous, or refuse to speak publicly, but as I learned from the girls' lawyer, for many support organizations, they feel very strongly that interfacing with the press and public is not only a poor use of time, and an abuse of privacy, it endangers the trust they must foster between victims and themselves. Many women do not want their situation broadcast anywhere, for good reason. Many people have asked about what the level of actual danger was -- with all evidence I have, even I believe it was high, and required action, and all agencies and organizations "agreed" with me in the way that they immediately got involved and took action (& continue to take action).
While I wish these agencies would report back to me with what they know, unfortunately that's not how they work. Since the only other way to know "for sure" would be for the girls to be harmed, well... no. To the skeptics: keep in mind, too, the kind of trouble I'd be in if I made this up.
As for me, Kathrine, and all involved, again, thank you. Thank you.
Oh my, my. Thank you so much, fake.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 4:43 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 4:43 PM on June 11, 2010
fake, thanks for posting.
We miss them a lot now that they're gone, the apartment seems very empty with just the two of us.
And, of course, a million thanks to all of you.
posted by internet fraud detective squad, station number 9 at 4:45 PM on June 11, 2010 [47 favorites]
We miss them a lot now that they're gone, the apartment seems very empty with just the two of us.
And, of course, a million thanks to all of you.
posted by internet fraud detective squad, station number 9 at 4:45 PM on June 11, 2010 [47 favorites]
Cool beans!
posted by five fresh fish at 4:46 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by five fresh fish at 4:46 PM on June 11, 2010
Well, that is just wonderful to hear. And for what it's worth, anytime you and I are in the same place, fake, the jack&cokes are on me.
posted by ApathyGirl at 4:46 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by ApathyGirl at 4:46 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
thank you. You have wine and cigars waiting, should you cross the pond.
posted by _dario at 4:47 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by _dario at 4:47 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Now are our last few hours in New York. Tomorrow, we'll be far across the ocean and although we don't know your names, we will never forget your help and support.
What? Oh, just something in my eye. Plus I have allergies. Seriously.
posted by scody at 4:51 PM on June 11, 2010 [11 favorites]
What? Oh, just something in my eye. Plus I have allergies. Seriously.
posted by scody at 4:51 PM on June 11, 2010 [11 favorites]
Thanks so much for letting us know! I'm glad they are safe and that they feel like they have made the best choice for them, and it's awesome that you got to see them.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:52 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:52 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks for the update! Glad the girls made it home.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:54 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:54 PM on June 11, 2010
Wow. That's fantastic, fake.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 5:00 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 5:00 PM on June 11, 2010
Yay! I'm so happy everything ended the way it did.
posted by lilac girl at 5:01 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by lilac girl at 5:01 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks, fake. So glad to hear that K&S were able to enjoy their time here and get home safely.
posted by EvaDestruction at 5:01 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by EvaDestruction at 5:01 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks for the update, fake.
posted by embrangled at 5:01 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by embrangled at 5:01 PM on June 11, 2010
Well, that is nice indeed. Thank you for posting the update.
posted by SLC Mom at 5:02 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by SLC Mom at 5:02 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks. We were just wondering about this yesterday.
posted by shakespeherian at 5:08 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 5:08 PM on June 11, 2010
So happy to learn they are home safe, and that you got to spend some time with them while they were here. I sent a little bit of money to Kathrine for the girls ... I will now send a little bit more to Equality Now, for the next girls.
posted by headnsouth at 5:09 PM on June 11, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by headnsouth at 5:09 PM on June 11, 2010 [4 favorites]
I really oughta toss another big thanks out here to all my new friends in LA. The support has been tremendous and don't even really know how to deal, frankly.
posted by fake at 5:11 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by fake at 5:11 PM on June 11, 2010
Thank you for the update. I'm so pleased to hear of the positive outcomes for all concerned.
posted by jaruwaan at 5:12 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by jaruwaan at 5:12 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks for the update! And thank you for bringing Equality Now to our attention- it looks like a wonderful organization.
posted by Mouse Army at 5:14 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Mouse Army at 5:14 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
now this is how you use metatalk for updates.
thank you for sharing.
posted by nadawi at 5:23 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
thank you for sharing.
posted by nadawi at 5:23 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
Thanks for the update. You're good people. All of you.
posted by bondcliff at 5:32 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by bondcliff at 5:32 PM on June 11, 2010
What? Oh, just something in my eye. Plus I have allergies. Seriously.
My allergies didn't kick in until, on rereading the post, I realized the links were to photos. Seeing the real people behind this crazy story just made it all so real. Thanks for the update, fake. I had been wondering about the fate of K and S as well.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:38 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
My allergies didn't kick in until, on rereading the post, I realized the links were to photos. Seeing the real people behind this crazy story just made it all so real. Thanks for the update, fake. I had been wondering about the fate of K and S as well.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:38 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Thank you for the update, and I'm so glad to hear that the girls are safe and sound back in Moscow.
posted by spinifex23 at 5:42 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by spinifex23 at 5:42 PM on June 11, 2010
Yay!! Fried chicken, home-made BBQ and "mama slapping" macaroni and cheese if any of you ever come to Atlanta!! I don't cook (at all) but Mr. Pearlybob ROCKS at the Southern thing!!
And beers, we can do beers. And boat rides.
posted by pearlybob at 5:46 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
And beers, we can do beers. And boat rides.
posted by pearlybob at 5:46 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Thanks for the update. Now I have that warm nice feeling in my belly and allergies in my eyes.
posted by Forktine at 5:58 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Forktine at 5:58 PM on June 11, 2010
Hurray!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:59 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:59 PM on June 11, 2010
socdy: What? Oh, just something in my eye. Plus I have allergies. Seriously.
Something about "although we don't know your names" managed to do me in. I'm so glad they're home.
Please, fake, thank them for the letter.
posted by zennie at 5:59 PM on June 11, 2010
Something about "although we don't know your names" managed to do me in. I'm so glad they're home.
Please, fake, thank them for the letter.
posted by zennie at 5:59 PM on June 11, 2010
This is just amazing. Thank you for keeping us posted.
posted by something something at 6:01 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by something something at 6:01 PM on June 11, 2010
Glad this seems to have turned out well. Best wishes to all of you.
posted by Dumsnill at 6:05 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Dumsnill at 6:05 PM on June 11, 2010
YAAAAAAAY! I'm so glad things have concluded well. Hopefully they'll be back in the US again someday soon.
posted by Dandeson Coates, Sec'y at 6:20 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Dandeson Coates, Sec'y at 6:20 PM on June 11, 2010
My account was disabled when the initial thread kicked off a couple of weeks ago, and played no small part in my decision to start commenting again. I'm so glad this worked out well for K, S and yourself. Good on you mate. If you're ever in Edinburgh in the UK, I will buy you a pint.
posted by Happy Dave at 6:20 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Happy Dave at 6:20 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
Thanks so much for this update. I have been thinking of them every day since fake's first post and have been wondering how they are. Since I'm certain there are many MeFites in the same boat, it would be really great if this were side-barred.
posted by marsha56 at 6:21 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by marsha56 at 6:21 PM on June 11, 2010
Best DTMFA ever!
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 6:33 PM on June 11, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 6:33 PM on June 11, 2010 [5 favorites]
Thanks for the update and the pictures. If fake or IFDS are ever in my town, your money won't be any good here.
posted by marxchivist at 6:35 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by marxchivist at 6:35 PM on June 11, 2010
Also, we're going to comp these girls a couple of accounts so they can post LOLcats and ask the Hivemind where to stay next time they come abroad, right?
posted by Happy Dave at 6:41 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Happy Dave at 6:41 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Can this be sidebarred? I don't often check Metatalk, and I would hate to have missed this.
Fake - thanks for posting.
posted by -harlequin- at 6:43 PM on June 11, 2010
Fake - thanks for posting.
posted by -harlequin- at 6:43 PM on June 11, 2010
Best possible outcome, at every turn. I'm humbled by the awesome generosity of those involved in helping take care of them. So glad.
posted by Devils Rancher at 6:45 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Devils Rancher at 6:45 PM on June 11, 2010
Someone should probably link the original post
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 6:45 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 6:45 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
I admit to initially having been mildly suspicious and cynical about the original post, but this is just great and reaffirms what an amazing community this is -- one that I fully enjoy being part of, one that I love, one that infuriates me at times, and most importantly one that always seems to surprise and/or amaze me, and in doing so helps me keep my latent cynicism in check.
Thanks not only to fake, but to all of you reading this.
posted by modernnomad at 6:53 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks not only to fake, but to all of you reading this.
posted by modernnomad at 6:53 PM on June 11, 2010
Thank you for the update, Fake. I've been wondering.
This is one of those kinds of things that you feel proud to be a minuscule part of, however silly that may be. Katherine, Fake, all the other people, Mefite or not, who helped the girls, thank you. I tend towards bitter and cynical, and stuff like this reminds me of just what being human means.
Yes, sidebar. This was one of those events that creates and shapes community.
posted by QIbHom at 7:04 PM on June 11, 2010
This is one of those kinds of things that you feel proud to be a minuscule part of, however silly that may be. Katherine, Fake, all the other people, Mefite or not, who helped the girls, thank you. I tend towards bitter and cynical, and stuff like this reminds me of just what being human means.
Yes, sidebar. This was one of those events that creates and shapes community.
posted by QIbHom at 7:04 PM on June 11, 2010
*sigh of happiness
And YAY! What a beautiful update. It's heartening and inspiring that you and Kathrine expressed your concern practically, sensibly, sanely, wisely and with patience. Thank you both so much! Thanks to all whose generosity and kindness contributed to this good.
I can only imagine how relieved their families must be that they did not go down that dark road. I wish K and S the best luck in their futures.
posted by nickyskye at 7:08 PM on June 11, 2010
And YAY! What a beautiful update. It's heartening and inspiring that you and Kathrine expressed your concern practically, sensibly, sanely, wisely and with patience. Thank you both so much! Thanks to all whose generosity and kindness contributed to this good.
I can only imagine how relieved their families must be that they did not go down that dark road. I wish K and S the best luck in their futures.
posted by nickyskye at 7:08 PM on June 11, 2010
Hurray! Thank you for the update and the photos, fake.
And an open invitation to you and internet fraud detective squad, station number 9 both/each — if you find yourself in or near Oakland, Pirate-Zombie-Bartender-Monkey and I would love to buy you a beverage of your choice and show you the sights.
posted by Lexica at 7:09 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
And an open invitation to you and internet fraud detective squad, station number 9 both/each — if you find yourself in or near Oakland, Pirate-Zombie-Bartender-Monkey and I would love to buy you a beverage of your choice and show you the sights.
posted by Lexica at 7:09 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Someone should probably link the original post
Thanks!
posted by crossoverman at 7:13 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks!
posted by crossoverman at 7:13 PM on June 11, 2010
I'M NOT CRYING I HAVE SOMETHING IN MY EYE.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 7:19 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 7:19 PM on June 11, 2010
This is excellent! Thanks so much for the update.
i'm not crying it's just been raining on my face.
posted by bewilderbeast at 7:33 PM on June 11, 2010
i'm not crying it's just been raining on my face.
posted by bewilderbeast at 7:33 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks, Fake! This makes me sooo proud to be a mefite, there wasn't anything I was able to do this time, other than worry my rump off, but wow! Even those of us who weren't able to do anything were there thinking and worrying about you. We're still here if you ever need us again. Amazing!
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:41 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:41 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
Great resolution to a dreadful situation. Here's hoping one day nobody needs this kind of rescue.
posted by Space Kitty at 7:47 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Space Kitty at 7:47 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh, and an update on Katherine's job situation? Is she still looking? Does she want to tell us what she's looking for? I'm in NYC and would love to be able to help, if possible.
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:50 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:50 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
I havent chimed in, but I remember refreshing the original thread, and I was amazed. To be honest I was skeptical because I havent seen pictures of the girls, but just now I realised this was very real. Good job gang!
posted by wheelieman at 7:53 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by wheelieman at 7:53 PM on June 11, 2010
This incident will always be one of those moments in Mefi history that illuminate how good people really can be.
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 8:03 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 8:03 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
This is wonderful. Thanks for the update, fake. I got all teary reading that letter from K & S. So great that you got to visit with them.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 8:05 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 8:05 PM on June 11, 2010
Cheers to fake, Katherine, and everyone who helped. If only every person shuffled into illegal work in the US could have a support network like this.
posted by shii at 8:09 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by shii at 8:09 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
fake, thanks so much for the update. I'm glad the devotchki are home safe and sound, although it also would have been great for them to have stayed and worked in good jobs for a couple of months. Anyway, it's a wonderful blessing that they (and we all) could see and experience the outpouring of tangible concern and care, redeeming a bad situation. I believe many more blessings will follow.
posted by LeslieRCLC at 8:11 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by LeslieRCLC at 8:11 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING IN MY EYE, I AM TOTALLY CRYING.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 8:17 PM on June 11, 2010 [27 favorites]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 8:17 PM on June 11, 2010 [27 favorites]
*this is good*
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:23 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:23 PM on June 11, 2010
Thanks for the update and the good news! Sometimes there really are no words that are adequately expressive.
posted by wv kay in ga at 8:25 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by wv kay in ga at 8:25 PM on June 11, 2010
I can't load the photos! I keep getting 404 errors. Fake, are you getting slammed with visitors and that's maybe why? or are they somewhere else?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:48 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:48 PM on June 11, 2010
I can see them, so they seem to be loading fine. Thanks for the update fake, glad things resolved okay.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:51 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:51 PM on June 11, 2010
Tomorrow, we'll be far across the ocean and although we don't know your names, we will never forget your help and support.
Wow. This is fantastic.
posted by davey_darling at 8:52 PM on June 11, 2010
Wow. This is fantastic.
posted by davey_darling at 8:52 PM on June 11, 2010
We all everybody!
posted by special-k at 9:03 PM on June 11, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by special-k at 9:03 PM on June 11, 2010 [5 favorites]
Wetness in my eyes here too. Big internet hugs to the awesome folks who went above and beyond!
Was neat that I randomly was in the area to witness some of these events (Hi Leslie, Katherine!)
When did they visit the Statue of Liberty? I would almost swear that I saw them posing for that picture. (I was there on the 1st).
posted by khedron at 9:04 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Was neat that I randomly was in the area to witness some of these events (Hi Leslie, Katherine!)
When did they visit the Statue of Liberty? I would almost swear that I saw them posing for that picture. (I was there on the 1st).
posted by khedron at 9:04 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
This is why we can have nice things.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 9:12 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 9:12 PM on June 11, 2010 [3 favorites]
What's the opposite of "."? Because I'm just here to do whatever that is as hard as I can.
posted by rollbiz at 9:23 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by rollbiz at 9:23 PM on June 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm glad things turned out well, but just wondering about this:
all leftover money was donated to Equality Now and another organization that wishes to stay out of the spotlight.
It seems very odd to me that an organization that presumably needs money wants to remain anonymous.
posted by amro at 9:35 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
all leftover money was donated to Equality Now and another organization that wishes to stay out of the spotlight.
It seems very odd to me that an organization that presumably needs money wants to remain anonymous.
posted by amro at 9:35 PM on June 11, 2010 [2 favorites]
Thanks for posting this. I'd been wondering. Best wishes to you, K & S, internet fraud detective and everyone else involved.
posted by nangar at 9:45 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by nangar at 9:45 PM on June 11, 2010
I met Kathrine during this situation; she struck me as a pretty extraordinary person. Kudos to everyone involved here.
posted by lalex at 9:46 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by lalex at 9:46 PM on June 11, 2010
:D
posted by not_on_display at 10:48 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by not_on_display at 10:48 PM on June 11, 2010
Glad it worked out. Thanks for the update. Keep up the good work.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:56 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:56 PM on June 11, 2010
Excellent work, people, you've done everything correctly.
posted by Meatbomb at 11:08 PM on June 11, 2010
posted by Meatbomb at 11:08 PM on June 11, 2010
!
posted by freshwater at 12:16 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by freshwater at 12:16 AM on June 12, 2010
Awesome. Many thanks, fake, for the update - I guess we were all wondering where this went, although it had very quickly become clear that it was going in the right direction, thanks to a stirring outpouring of generosity and solidarity. If you or Katherine or IFDSSN9 ever come through Rome, I would feel privileged to take you out for a meal. Or two.
posted by aqsakal at 12:16 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by aqsakal at 12:16 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
Damn you, fake, you got me all choked up before I'd even finished my first coffee of the morning. Well done to everyone involved.
posted by essexjan at 12:19 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by essexjan at 12:19 AM on June 12, 2010
The smiles on their faces in those photos say everything. Thanks, fake, for being a swell person!
I'm from (roughly) the same part of the world, and I can't imagine how anyone over there will ever believe their truly incredible story. It's really magical, when you think about it.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 1:06 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
I'm from (roughly) the same part of the world, and I can't imagine how anyone over there will ever believe their truly incredible story. It's really magical, when you think about it.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 1:06 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
Fantastic. Thanks for the update, fake.
posted by homunculus at 1:21 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by homunculus at 1:21 AM on June 12, 2010
I am so overwhelmed that a bunch of cynical bastards like us can come together and do something very, very *right*. If only to cheer you guys on. I am so pleased that this has a happy ending. *cries* indeed.
posted by the_royal_we at 1:22 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by the_royal_we at 1:22 AM on June 12, 2010
after all the fightin' and cussin of these last few weeks, seeing that this is also what happens here reminds me eerily of a .....(dare I say it).....family!!
well done fake & Katherine and everyone who helped...magical is right Dee Xtrovert! Thanks so much for the update.
posted by Wilder at 1:33 AM on June 12, 2010
well done fake & Katherine and everyone who helped...magical is right Dee Xtrovert! Thanks so much for the update.
posted by Wilder at 1:33 AM on June 12, 2010
\o/
posted by Jofus at 1:57 AM on June 12, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by Jofus at 1:57 AM on June 12, 2010 [4 favorites]
Good job, all.
So, who's for putting together a fund to get the girls back in North America for MeFi 12?
Or at the very least, getting them accounts here?
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 2:19 AM on June 12, 2010
So, who's for putting together a fund to get the girls back in North America for MeFi 12?
Or at the very least, getting them accounts here?
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 2:19 AM on June 12, 2010
This whole story is so fake…
kindness, that warm deluge of unrequited generosity…
just so fake.
Good job, fake.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:27 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
kindness, that warm deluge of unrequited generosity…
just so fake.
Good job, fake.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:27 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
The Benevolent & Protective Order of MeFites strikes again!
Thanks for the update, fake.
posted by Floydd at 3:28 AM on June 12, 2010
Thanks for the update, fake.
posted by Floydd at 3:28 AM on June 12, 2010
!
posted by bardophile at 3:35 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by bardophile at 3:35 AM on June 12, 2010
Such a happy end to a less than happy AskMe, Fake and Kathrine, you two are awesome! Come to England and I'll buy you both a beer!
posted by ellieBOA at 3:51 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by ellieBOA at 3:51 AM on June 12, 2010
!
Epic. Ginormous. Exceptional. Worthwhile. Heart-filling.
Thanks for the update.
God, a happy ending!
posted by From Bklyn at 5:09 AM on June 12, 2010
Epic. Ginormous. Exceptional. Worthwhile. Heart-filling.
Thanks for the update.
God, a happy ending!
posted by From Bklyn at 5:09 AM on June 12, 2010
Hah! My toenails are still poorly nail-polished!
posted by fuq at 5:12 AM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by fuq at 5:12 AM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
That's good to hear, although it's too bad they couldn't have stayed in the U.S.
posted by delmoi at 5:29 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by delmoi at 5:29 AM on June 12, 2010
This is good! And I love the pictures more against the backdrop of the story. They just look like normal vacation snaps, you know?
posted by Pronoiac at 5:58 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by Pronoiac at 5:58 AM on June 12, 2010
Holy crap, I have been buried with work and missed ALL OF THIS until now. How embarrassing. I saw it in passing but did not realize how intense this situation was! Good job, you guys = just doesn't cover it. (And thanks to those who included links to earlier threads. Now I am behind on my work for today. :) )
posted by theredpen at 6:00 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by theredpen at 6:00 AM on June 12, 2010
Great photos and glad their safe and sound! Although I do agree with delmoi - those couple of fun, drunken, sunny, yank-seducing J1 visa summers spent in the US were huge parts of my and my friends' youth, a real rite of passage. So I hope they can find a legitimate group to come back with next year.
posted by jamesonandwater at 6:17 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by jamesonandwater at 6:17 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
This is just awesome. Glad to hear everything worked out okay.
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:19 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:19 AM on June 12, 2010
Do they owe money to anyone in Russia because of this?
AFAIK, no.
posted by fake at 6:35 AM on June 12, 2010
AFAIK, no.
posted by fake at 6:35 AM on June 12, 2010
I'm glad the devotchki are home safe and sound, although it also would have been great for them to have stayed and worked in good jobs for a couple of months.
Leslie, that's exactly how I feel.
posted by fake at 6:44 AM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
sometimes people are awesome, you know?
posted by The Whelk at 7:04 AM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 7:04 AM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yay! This made my morning. I am so glad they were able to make the best of their time here, and got home safely.
fake and ifdss9, I don't know why you'd come to Milwaukee, but fish fries for everyone if you do! Also, to all the people and organizations who helped anonymously; I raise a glass in your honor.
posted by desjardins at 7:37 AM on June 12, 2010
fake and ifdss9, I don't know why you'd come to Milwaukee, but fish fries for everyone if you do! Also, to all the people and organizations who helped anonymously; I raise a glass in your honor.
posted by desjardins at 7:37 AM on June 12, 2010
I'm watching Saturday Morning Cartoons with my kids and crying my eyes out. It's okay though, my kids already know I'm nuts.
posted by TooFewShoes at 8:36 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by TooFewShoes at 8:36 AM on June 12, 2010
Thank you (and the girls!) for the update and that great snapshot. Glad they managed to see he sights proper, yeay Statue of Liberty.
posted by dabitch at 8:37 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by dabitch at 8:37 AM on June 12, 2010
So shine a constellation of good deeds in a weary world.
posted by The White Hat at 8:38 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by The White Hat at 8:38 AM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
Thanks for the update! I've been worried and wondering how it would turn out. I'm sorry they didn't find work, but so happy they are safe and had a good time. You and Katherine, and everyone who helped, did an amazing and wonderful thing.
posted by gofargogo at 9:05 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by gofargogo at 9:05 AM on June 12, 2010
Thank you so much for the update! I've been wondering how everything worked. Fake and IFFDSN9, anytime you come to San Francisco, we're gonna show you all a good time!
posted by jasper411 at 9:35 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by jasper411 at 9:35 AM on June 12, 2010
This is all great!
But, still need to hear from Ashton Kutcher for closure.
posted by found missing at 9:46 AM on June 12, 2010 [3 favorites]
But, still need to hear from Ashton Kutcher for closure.
posted by found missing at 9:46 AM on June 12, 2010 [3 favorites]
As one or two dozen other people have said, thanks for the update.
I was approached by Amnesty International yesterday; they said that Sacramento apparently has high rates of human trafficking. Reading this story and the associated links made it real enough to me that I've started donating to them. Thanks for raising visibility on this issue for me, even if I wasn't able to do anything else.
posted by caphector at 9:50 AM on June 12, 2010
I was approached by Amnesty International yesterday; they said that Sacramento apparently has high rates of human trafficking. Reading this story and the associated links made it real enough to me that I've started donating to them. Thanks for raising visibility on this issue for me, even if I wasn't able to do anything else.
posted by caphector at 9:50 AM on June 12, 2010
Yay! Thanks for the update and awesome photos, fake.
posted by zinfandel at 10:19 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by zinfandel at 10:19 AM on June 12, 2010
Glad to hear everyone is safe and that they managed to have a good time in NYC even though they had to return early. The word community gets thrown around a lot online, but I think this incident really showed what an Internet community can do to come together and help people.
posted by burnmp3s at 10:56 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by burnmp3s at 10:56 AM on June 12, 2010
Will K and S get MetaFilter accounts?
This is incorrect thinking, as is the idea to fly them into a meetup. MetaFilter helped them, but they are not MetaFilter people. That is part of what makes all the effort and selfless action so special.
Let's not try to pull them into our orbit any further. Our work here is done. Rather, let's all be ready to spring into action for the next unknown strangers that are in need of our assistance.
posted by Meatbomb at 11:13 AM on June 12, 2010 [17 favorites]
This is incorrect thinking, as is the idea to fly them into a meetup. MetaFilter helped them, but they are not MetaFilter people. That is part of what makes all the effort and selfless action so special.
Let's not try to pull them into our orbit any further. Our work here is done. Rather, let's all be ready to spring into action for the next unknown strangers that are in need of our assistance.
posted by Meatbomb at 11:13 AM on June 12, 2010 [17 favorites]
Arrrrg! Why can I not see the pictures????
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:17 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:17 AM on June 12, 2010
Yay for everyone involved!
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:32 AM on June 12, 2010
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:32 AM on June 12, 2010
I'm very glad to hear how this situation turned out so well.
I've been an observer of metafilter for awhile but seeing how amazing this community has been with this has made me leap whole-heartedly into membership. I'm reassured to know that as we move farther into a full digital presence that real community and caring can be foster among relative strangers.
posted by humbleartisan at 12:03 PM on June 12, 2010
I've been an observer of metafilter for awhile but seeing how amazing this community has been with this has made me leap whole-heartedly into membership. I'm reassured to know that as we move farther into a full digital presence that real community and caring can be foster among relative strangers.
posted by humbleartisan at 12:03 PM on June 12, 2010
I love the Internet and the people here So. Much. Thank you for the update, Fake. Thank you for caring, Everyone.
posted by stoneweaver at 12:03 PM on June 12, 2010
posted by stoneweaver at 12:03 PM on June 12, 2010
Go Internet!
posted by odinsdream at 12:47 PM on June 12, 2010
posted by odinsdream at 12:47 PM on June 12, 2010
\o/ !
posted by The Lurkers Support Me in Email at 1:05 PM on June 12, 2010
posted by The Lurkers Support Me in Email at 1:05 PM on June 12, 2010
For the most part, the Internet is a big time-waster, and often a net-negative. Metafilter single-handedly validates it.
Fake, if you're ever in Kentucky and need a place to stay, just say the word.
posted by jbickers at 1:10 PM on June 12, 2010
Fake, if you're ever in Kentucky and need a place to stay, just say the word.
posted by jbickers at 1:10 PM on June 12, 2010
although we don't know your names, we will never forget your help and support.
That's where I burst into tears I didn't even know I'd stored up for the happy ending.
I am so overwhelmed that a bunch of cynical bastards like us can come together and do something very, very *right*.
"Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist." -- George Carlin. But I'm sure not disappointed today.
Also, we're going to comp these girls a couple of accounts so they can post LOLcats and ask the Hivemind where to stay next time they come abroad, right?
If they want, sure, but they probably don't. They've thanked us, and they're home. One day they might find us on their own, but I'd hate for them to feel pressured into joining us if it's not their kind of site.
What a magnificent group of people we are.
posted by tzikeh at 1:43 PM on June 12, 2010
That's where I burst into tears I didn't even know I'd stored up for the happy ending.
I am so overwhelmed that a bunch of cynical bastards like us can come together and do something very, very *right*.
"Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist." -- George Carlin. But I'm sure not disappointed today.
Also, we're going to comp these girls a couple of accounts so they can post LOLcats and ask the Hivemind where to stay next time they come abroad, right?
If they want, sure, but they probably don't. They've thanked us, and they're home. One day they might find us on their own, but I'd hate for them to feel pressured into joining us if it's not their kind of site.
What a magnificent group of people we are.
posted by tzikeh at 1:43 PM on June 12, 2010
Oh, and also -
! \o/ :D
And other opposites of "."
posted by tzikeh at 1:45 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
! \o/ :D
And other opposites of "."
posted by tzikeh at 1:45 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Metafilter: where else can you pay $5 and become and agent of The GlobalFrequency?
Call Warren Ellis. Tell him his future is here, and it's crowdsourced.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 1:58 PM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
Call Warren Ellis. Tell him his future is here, and it's crowdsourced.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 1:58 PM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
Right - so the "heroes" of our story get some free rent and a free overseas trip. The girls are out of pocket several thousand for a few days sightseeing around NYC. The Lux Lounge is still doing just fine and we are told the agencies involved in "investigating" won't give us any information.
If you have donated and are not happy with this outcome but feel you cannot say anything because of the pressure exerted by the Metafilter crowd and moderators, you might wish to look into the National Consumer League Fraud Center before they delete this post.
posted by DirtyCreature at 4:23 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you have donated and are not happy with this outcome but feel you cannot say anything because of the pressure exerted by the Metafilter crowd and moderators, you might wish to look into the National Consumer League Fraud Center before they delete this post.
posted by DirtyCreature at 4:23 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh, good Christ.
posted by rtha at 4:30 PM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by rtha at 4:30 PM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
before they delete this post.
We're not deleting anything. No one was pressured into donating, I said several times it was fine for people to not donate at all, and I'm sure if people feel weird about how the money was spent they can contact kathrineg directly, or me for that matter.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 4:32 PM on June 12, 2010 [6 favorites]
We're not deleting anything. No one was pressured into donating, I said several times it was fine for people to not donate at all, and I'm sure if people feel weird about how the money was spent they can contact kathrineg directly, or me for that matter.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 4:32 PM on June 12, 2010 [6 favorites]
I'm mainly upset because I was promised that at least 10% would be funneled to the Biederberg Group, and instead I have it on good authority that it's just gone to support the reptile people (which is bullshit, because it's not like that "Queen Elizabeth" humanoid needs any more money, amirite).
posted by scody at 4:40 PM on June 12, 2010 [6 favorites]
posted by scody at 4:40 PM on June 12, 2010 [6 favorites]
the Biederbergs being the even more nefarious secret cousins of the Bilderbergs, of course
posted by scody at 4:41 PM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by scody at 4:41 PM on June 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
DirtyCreature, you know, it really really appears that you came back to metfilter solely to be upset that people were helping other people. May I submit that this is probably not a good use of your time? No one is coming to your house or even sending you e-mail to pressure you into donating. And I think if you will actually read the threads, no one pressured anyone to donate. Ever. People asked what they could do to help and then did it because they wanted to.
Maybe you should go back to not hanging out at MetaFilter.
posted by stoneweaver at 5:15 PM on June 12, 2010 [14 favorites]
Maybe you should go back to not hanging out at MetaFilter.
posted by stoneweaver at 5:15 PM on June 12, 2010 [14 favorites]
the "heroes" of our story get some free rent and a free overseas trip. The girls are out of pocket several thousand for a few days sightseeing around NYC. The Lux Lounge is still doing just fine and we are told the agencies involved in "investigating" won't give us any information.
...
The only response I can come up with: what is this I don't even
I'm sure lurkers support you in email, as well. Good gravy. Nobody was pressured into giving money. Do you really believe that agencies involved with investigation of human trafficking tend to conduct chats with people about how those investigations are going? Where are you coming up with these things?
Did you give money? No? Then I guess you weren't as pressured as you seem to think you were. I would have loved to help out financially even a little bit, but I couldn't. So I didn't. I don't feel like I let the side down. What is it, exactly, that you're hoping to get out of being an ass? I'm completely serious. I want to know what it is you hope to achieve with your attitude.
posted by tzikeh at 5:25 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
...
The only response I can come up with: what is this I don't even
I'm sure lurkers support you in email, as well. Good gravy. Nobody was pressured into giving money. Do you really believe that agencies involved with investigation of human trafficking tend to conduct chats with people about how those investigations are going? Where are you coming up with these things?
Did you give money? No? Then I guess you weren't as pressured as you seem to think you were. I would have loved to help out financially even a little bit, but I couldn't. So I didn't. I don't feel like I let the side down. What is it, exactly, that you're hoping to get out of being an ass? I'm completely serious. I want to know what it is you hope to achieve with your attitude.
posted by tzikeh at 5:25 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
I won't be addressing any personal attacks as is typical on this "community" when confronted with uncomfortable insights. This is about two girls who expected to be in the USA for a lot longer than they had and paid the money to be so. This is about some Metafilter users who gained personally from the perhaps naive generosity of some of the readers. This is about the lack of accountability of the story to which they were invited to donate. This is about a possibly legitimate business persecuted to the financial gain of these users. This is about the Metafilter moderators' reluctance to allow dissenting voices to be heard. This is about the Metafilter policy of allowing donations which changes depending on who or what is asking.
This is about potential fraud disguised/manipulated as generosity.
I will not be responding anymore on this thread. Any voice of dissent is too often completely ridiculed by the party faithful and often deleted. So say what you like. Attack the messenger. But this scheme lacks any accountability and prima facie resembles several other fraudulent internet schemes most of us have seen.
posted by DirtyCreature at 5:37 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
This is about potential fraud disguised/manipulated as generosity.
I will not be responding anymore on this thread. Any voice of dissent is too often completely ridiculed by the party faithful and often deleted. So say what you like. Attack the messenger. But this scheme lacks any accountability and prima facie resembles several other fraudulent internet schemes most of us have seen.
posted by DirtyCreature at 5:37 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Let's just clear up one thing for good:
NO ONE ASKED FOR DONATIONS.
No one is attacking you as such. It's more that you're completely and totally misrepresenting a really critical part of this story.
posted by stoneweaver at 5:47 PM on June 12, 2010
NO ONE ASKED FOR DONATIONS.
No one is attacking you as such. It's more that you're completely and totally misrepresenting a really critical part of this story.
posted by stoneweaver at 5:47 PM on June 12, 2010
This is about the Metafilter moderators' reluctance to allow dissenting voices to be heard. This is about the Metafilter policy of allowing donations which changes depending on who or what is asking.
You are tilting at windmills. Your dissenting voice is being heard right now, we have not deleted any dissenting voices from this thread or the other MeTa threads. All the money that came my way was collected and accounted for. If you don't trust any of the members of this community to do what they say they're doing, I'm not sure what sort of information you would trust.
I do not think there is a single MeFite who contributed money who is not comfortable with the way the situation worked out. If there is please feel free to contact me privately if you dont want to post to this thread and we'll work something out.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:50 PM on June 12, 2010
You are tilting at windmills. Your dissenting voice is being heard right now, we have not deleted any dissenting voices from this thread or the other MeTa threads. All the money that came my way was collected and accounted for. If you don't trust any of the members of this community to do what they say they're doing, I'm not sure what sort of information you would trust.
I do not think there is a single MeFite who contributed money who is not comfortable with the way the situation worked out. If there is please feel free to contact me privately if you dont want to post to this thread and we'll work something out.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:50 PM on June 12, 2010
I won't be addressing any personal attacks as is typical on this "community" when confronted with uncomfortable insights.
I have no dog in this fight -- I didn't give, was far too busy to follow this story, and honestly, I really don't care all that much.
But I can't see where people are making "personal attacks" on you. I've read through them three times.
I will not be responding anymore on this thread.
Good, because none of this is about you, even though your statements imply you want this to be a referendum about you.
posted by dw at 5:57 PM on June 12, 2010
I have no dog in this fight -- I didn't give, was far too busy to follow this story, and honestly, I really don't care all that much.
But I can't see where people are making "personal attacks" on you. I've read through them three times.
I will not be responding anymore on this thread.
Good, because none of this is about you, even though your statements imply you want this to be a referendum about you.
posted by dw at 5:57 PM on June 12, 2010
> I will not be responding anymore on this thread.
Good on you.
Now, back to the schmoopy.
posted by _dario at 6:05 PM on June 12, 2010 [3 favorites]
Good on you.
there's this old story, one guy is relaxedly driving his car on the empty highway, it's summer, windows down, he's enjoying the breeze when the radio station suddenly stops the music and goes "we interrupt our programming for a special warning: a car has been spotted entering highway so-and-so" "hey, it's this one!" -thinks our guy- "between Xtown and Yville" "oh, it's exactly where I am!" "IN THE WRONG DIRECTION, I repeat, there's a car driving in the wrong direction on the highway between X and Y" "People are crazy." thinks the guy when he sees a car coming towards him with flashing headlights and a blaring horn, "Oh fuck it's IT! fuckfuckFUCK!" he grips the wheel, swerves to his right and manages to dodge the rogue car "whew, that was close! What's wrong with people?" he thinks while catching his breath, just when another pair of headlights appear in the distance, getting nearer at impossible speed. And another. And another.And, in case you don't get my stories because I write like shit and English is not my first language: yes, the Professional Internet Contrarian is that guy.
Now, back to the schmoopy.
posted by _dario at 6:05 PM on June 12, 2010 [3 favorites]
we have not deleted any dissenting voices from this thread or the other MeTa threads.
My apologies, we did actually delete DirtyCreature's comment from the last monster thread when he said he would not be reading any replies. DC, you're welcome to start up a conversation with us over email. I guess you're welcome to stay here as resident gadfly, but it would be nice if your observations were more relevant to what's actually going on or if you'd stick around to actually discuss any of this with people.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:07 PM on June 12, 2010
My apologies, we did actually delete DirtyCreature's comment from the last monster thread when he said he would not be reading any replies. DC, you're welcome to start up a conversation with us over email. I guess you're welcome to stay here as resident gadfly, but it would be nice if your observations were more relevant to what's actually going on or if you'd stick around to actually discuss any of this with people.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:07 PM on June 12, 2010
I'm heartened by DirtyCreature's concern for my finances. Thanks, man. If I'm ever in Australia, I'll look you up and we can have a good laugh together about how I was hoodwinked.
posted by found missing at 6:07 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by found missing at 6:07 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
I hope you blew my 20 bucks on alcohol.
posted by desjardins at 6:41 PM on June 12, 2010 [8 favorites]
posted by desjardins at 6:41 PM on June 12, 2010 [8 favorites]
Back to our regularly scheduled schmoopy....
Thanks for the update, fake. The kindness of strangers, indeed.
posted by cooker girl at 6:50 PM on June 12, 2010
Thanks for the update, fake. The kindness of strangers, indeed.
posted by cooker girl at 6:50 PM on June 12, 2010
The shepherd was on a remote hill, with the village just barely visible in the valley below, when the stranger arrived. He sat down beside the shepherd and from his bag pulled out his lunch and ate, sullenly, holding the scrap of bread tight to him. "And what brings you here?" asked the shepherd.
"I am looking for a new place to live," said the stranger. "Pray tell me, shepherd, what is that village like, in the valley below?"
"I will tell you of this village, stranger, but first I should like to hear of the place from whence you come."
The strangers face twisted into an ugly mask of contempt. "Thieves! Thieves and liars! Nobody can be trusted there, everyone looking out for themselves. People there find no joy in life except when bringing misery to their neighbors. And now, shepherd, I have met my end of the bargain - tell me of your village? Is it a place worthy of my time?"
"Sadly it is not," replied the shepherd. "Here you will find that the people are much the same."
And the stranger carried on, taking the fork in the path away from the valley and onward into the wastes.
On the very next day, on that same hill, a second man came along and joined the shepherd where he sat. He spread his lunch between himself and the shepherd, and bid him share his dates and wine. After some time the conversation turned to the purpose of the stranger's journey. "I am looking for a home, good shepherd. The town that I am from was a lovely, friendly place, full of honest and hardworking folk, but I felt that surely there must be something new to see in this world. And so I have set out to find new friends and family among strangers. Tell me of your village, shepherd - is it a place that would welcome me?"
"Indeed it is," replied the shepherd. "You will find that people here are much the same as those you left behind. Come, let us walk together, and when we arrive I shall introduce you as my friend."
posted by Meatbomb at 8:11 PM on June 12, 2010 [63 favorites]
"I am looking for a new place to live," said the stranger. "Pray tell me, shepherd, what is that village like, in the valley below?"
"I will tell you of this village, stranger, but first I should like to hear of the place from whence you come."
The strangers face twisted into an ugly mask of contempt. "Thieves! Thieves and liars! Nobody can be trusted there, everyone looking out for themselves. People there find no joy in life except when bringing misery to their neighbors. And now, shepherd, I have met my end of the bargain - tell me of your village? Is it a place worthy of my time?"
"Sadly it is not," replied the shepherd. "Here you will find that the people are much the same."
And the stranger carried on, taking the fork in the path away from the valley and onward into the wastes.
On the very next day, on that same hill, a second man came along and joined the shepherd where he sat. He spread his lunch between himself and the shepherd, and bid him share his dates and wine. After some time the conversation turned to the purpose of the stranger's journey. "I am looking for a home, good shepherd. The town that I am from was a lovely, friendly place, full of honest and hardworking folk, but I felt that surely there must be something new to see in this world. And so I have set out to find new friends and family among strangers. Tell me of your village, shepherd - is it a place that would welcome me?"
"Indeed it is," replied the shepherd. "You will find that people here are much the same as those you left behind. Come, let us walk together, and when we arrive I shall introduce you as my friend."
posted by Meatbomb at 8:11 PM on June 12, 2010 [63 favorites]
we are told the agencies involved in "investigating" won't give us any information.
...So, the authorities regularly update the public on every last detail of their investigations now? They never keep anything confidential until the investigations have concluded? They don't have any fear of loose lips jeopardizing the investigation?
Gee, Dirtycreature, did standard police procedure change and no one tell me?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:17 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
...So, the authorities regularly update the public on every last detail of their investigations now? They never keep anything confidential until the investigations have concluded? They don't have any fear of loose lips jeopardizing the investigation?
Gee, Dirtycreature, did standard police procedure change and no one tell me?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:17 PM on June 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by HuronBob at 3:14 PM on May 19, 2010 [2 favorites]