Without a Trace: "Missing" in New York !?

10 Days, Ten Reasons and Counting...
Okay, so I am trying very hard to wrap my small brain around how 11 exchange students = adults sized, go "missing" in New York - for 10 days from JFK Airport? Such is the story with the 11 exchange students "gone missing" in NYC.

How does this happen that their parents,local and now federal authorities, their Montana hosts, and even the odd new Yorker have not heard anyone cry out, "help, we are lost in NY!”? Anyone with even a few watts still burning would ask for directions or help-in any language. (So sorry,its hot: brownout humor alert)

10 Days, Ten Reasons and Counting...
So when is "missing" not missing? Moreover, in the post-911 era what are we to think or assume? Frankly, I am so shocked that 11 students (possibly in group), can give us the slip like this, I found myself running to the computer... I had to let it out. So below is what's running thru my mind tonight (scary), and some items are not for the feint of heart.

1. They left the airport intentionally - There seems to be no reports of incidents at JFK Airport to alert authorities that they missed the connecting flight.
2. If they snuck away, as kids do, for fun in NY - that plan went terribly wrong so they should notify someone.
3. Are they too frightened to let someone know?
4. We could assume that they have enough smarts to go to college - so how did they get so very... misplaced?
5. One of their colleagues, who did make it to Montana has stated: He can see how they can get lost - "New York is a big city... "
6. Excuse us but it is certainly not bigger than Montana! However will they fair there, wandering about the range?
7. Montana beware. New Yorkers heads up!
8. They never intended to go to the exchange English classes in Montana to begin with. They may now be taking secret flying lessons or buying backpacks at Staples.
9. Have they been kidnapped by... terrorists? [irony]
10. We could even stretch and ask if the CIA or some other Patriot Act-type agency has picked them up, and is maybe, secretly holding them for some security reason? So after 10 days wouldn't this agency let someone know that these people are not "missing" through what ever means (strategically) possible?

All very strange indeed.
It’s so easy to get lost, missing, WHATEVER in NY especially after 10 days have passed...

- Speaking just moments ago to a friend about this issue - he could not believe the students are still nowhere to be found. He's also cancelling his appointment downtown at the end of the week. Perhaps we'll both stay uptown and have a few cocktails.
Welcome to our new world.
(comments welcome).