So, what's up with the 'baloon boy's' family? Was it a hoax?

1. 44

   WaffleCheeseposted 14 years ago

   So,
   
   
   That one family that is clearly unusual ---- did they do it 'for a show?' Or, was it really an accident?
   
   
   I started out of the opinion that it was just a little boy that got into some mischief. In fact, I remember one time I hid from my parents under my bed and then fell asleep. My mom was 8 seconds away from calling the police, so I could sympathize with the family.
   
   However, all of the reality shows the dad has pitched with stations, his wacked-out you tube videos, and pretty much everything he does is weird... the cardboard question box?  hmmm..
   
   
   Seems a smart scientist, might have a whole elaborate plan....
   
   Now the police are expecting charges to be filed?
   
   What do you think?

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2. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   So, the police changed their minds and now think it's a hoax? Last time I heard they didn't.
   
   I tend to believe what the kid said and that it was a hoax. There are too many reality stars out there who got a taste of fame and want it to continue. Maybe they think they'll get their own show out of it.

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3. 60

   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   SNL spoofed it last night.  I hear it was a hoax.

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4. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   Yes, I just heard on the news that the police are now treating it as a hoax.

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      rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      charges are being filed.
      
      http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/us/18 … r=1&hp
      
      the father seemed a little off the loose end anyway... I watched his interview and something didn't seem right. 
      that has to mess up a kid's head. sad for the boy.

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5. 61

   jonmarshposted 14 years ago

   I hope they have more to go on than a six year old's statement about doing it "for a show". It looks like much of what the dad did was "for a show" of one type or another, so releasing a balloon might be for a show, but hiding in the attic may be totally unrelated.
   
   I have a five year old, and I know I would not put a whole lot of stock in many of her statements. Kids that young can work out all kinds of logic that doesn't match reality. She became convinced that a friend at school lived in the house right behind us, even after we explained that we knew the family had no kids and that her friend said she lived in a two-story house, not a one-story.
   
   That's not to say that it is not a hoax, but I hope they have more to go on than the kid's statement and the media pressure. The sheriff seemed to change his mind because of the media pressure.

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   1. 84

      rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I guess we'll see what happens. I understand what you're saying, and yet I've spent many years teaching 4-5 year olds.
      they can't always understand a situation, but generally I would believe a 5 year old above an adult. they are notoriously blunt.

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6. 44

   WaffleCheeseposted 14 years ago

   From what I heard, they are only charging files because he takes his kids with him storm chasing..
   
   
   
   
   Wow, the public is reaaaaaally wanting to prosecute this guy with whatever they can.
   
   
   The crocodile hunter wasn't charged and Bindy wasn't taken away when he took her on a crocodile 'chase'
   
   And, yes, even michael jackson, although scolded, wasn't arrested and had his children taken from him when he dangled blanket off a balcony.

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7. 0

   ralwusposted 14 years ago

   I think it was a hoax. Sure looks that way to me and the law too.

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8. 59

   anime_nanetposted 14 years ago

   yep. The kid confessed

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9. 0

   TMinutposted 14 years ago

   jonmarsh, I totally agree that they need way more than what the little boy said. And who knows what he even meant, maybe he thought he was making his own show.
   
   My grandson shows me little cuts and "owies" and tells me a crocodile ate him. He's three so who knows what he'll come up with when he's five or six?

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10. 60

    lxxyposted 14 years ago

    Very simple,
    
    The family needed to test to see if the balloon would actually fly. The two children were used as scapegoats and nothing tracks a balloon better than a scramble for a little boy's life.
    
    Sweet deal.
    
    You'll note the family here: "Balloon Boy on Wife Swap"

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11. 90

    Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

    Many have said a 'balloon' of this size would not be able to lift the 65 lb  weight of the boy.. This "scientist type" dad should have known this.
    I guess he did, otherwise he might have risked something more dangerous. Once I heard about his other TV appearances and unusual  attention-seeking behavior it began to sound very suspicious.
    
    Apparently, he got his wish for being famous.

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    1. 60

       lxxyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       There's no doubt in my mind it was all a ploy, a nice little stunt. The kid even said "You guys said we did this for the show."
       
       Boooredom, I suppose.

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          rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          like your pic~
          
          their lawyer issued a statement stating they wish to turn themselves in before they are taken into custody in front of their children. hmmmm, perhaps should have thought about this before.

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          1. 90

             Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             ...no doubt.. "Oops, My bad. (don't tell the kids.)"

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             lxxyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Thanks, appreciate it!
             
             I'm not sure what they were thinking..well, actually, it's safe to assume they just weren't.

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    2. 80

       earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Or infamous!

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       1. 90

          Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Unfortunately he got more than his  alotted 15 minutes. For his kids' sake I hope he learned something and doesn't get years.

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12. 61

    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    They just said on the news authorities believe it was a hoax.  They interviewed both parents separately.  Apparently, charges will be filed; but it was said that because they have no criminal record they aren't likely to ever "see the inside of a jail". 
    
    Based on some of the stuff I've seen on YouTube I think - criminal charges or not - they need court-ordered parenting guidance.

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