In Reply to: Let him answer your question himself. I think you'll be surprised. posted by Woodie on June 23, 2003 at 20:30:05:
You're right that Deborah knew the truth about her dad, but I think we have to remind ourselves that he was using all kinds of coercive tactics and mind games against her. She submitted to him because, as much as she hated it, she actually believed that she would have to answer to God if she didn't. The original members of DB's family -- his wife and kids -- were the first to be abused by him.
I read Deborah's book when it first came out, and was very put off by the way she blamed her dad for everything, and assumed almost no responsibility at all for her own actions. Last year in Houston, I had a chance to sit down and talk with her for well over an hour. It was the first time I had seen her since about 1974, and the first time I had ever talked to her without all the old leader/follower protocol to worry about. She and I still differ on some important issues, but overall, I came away with a lot more empathy for her.
The book reflected how she felt when she first left. I believe she would accept a lot more responsibility if she were writing the book today.