LYNN CROOK, Richland

Elizabeth Smart spoke at the Women Helping Women benefit luncheon on Oct. 22. Herald staff writer Loretto Hulse reported, "It was the love she shares with her family that allowed her to survive."

Smart's family and her community are to be commended for the support they gave to this young woman. Too often families "just can't believe he would do something like that." Too often communities play judge and jury.

I had expected to walk away with a message of inspiration from this speaker. Perhaps she might have encouraged us to respond to victims as her family did. Perhaps she might have quoted former Miss America Marilyn van Derbur's memorable words from a 1990 speech.

"We must say to every member of our society, 'If you violate your children, they may not speak today, but as we gather our strength and stand beside them, they will one day speak your name. They will speak every ... single ... name."