This article about the routine kidnapping of small children in China by child traffickers, and the state’s criminal lack of interest in aiding the parents of kidnapped children, is truly alarming.

In America, when the unthinkable crime of child abduction happens, there is at least a general sense that law enforcement will make every effort within their means to find the child. Although they are often unsuccessful, at least child abductions are treated as serious crimes with horrific consequences. Imagine being a parent in China whose child has been abducted, and asking for help from the police, who turn a blind eye.

Here is one woman’s story, excerpted in the article:

Ruicong was gone in an instant. Recalling the abduction, Huidong said a white van slowly drove by while she was just outside her home with her daughter and son. The van stopped and reversed to the Deng household. The doors opened and a man leaned out and grabbed Ruicong. The van then sped off.

“It all happened within seconds; they didn’t even get out of the car.” Video Watch how children are snatched »

Huidong gave chase on foot, screaming. A stranger on a motorcycle offered to help and together they chased the van until they reached a police car.

“I went in that damn police car but after a only a few seconds, they took a sudden turn down another road. I asked why but they just kept silent. I was crying and asking; they simply didn’t reply. Later at the police station, I asked why and he told me he was off duty, so it was some one else’s responsibility to catch the traffickers.”