His son is far more articulate and heroic than the father could ever be. I wish them peace, success and safety above all.

a son showing his dad what a real man should be

His dad was sentenced to 18 years in prison. I hope the rest of the family can live a little easier for a while. ❤

That son is a true hero. What a courageous, loving young man to help his family escape this abuse. I’m sure he had opportunities to walk away on his own, and he’ll have his share of trauma but they’re all in a better place and I hope they thrive.

*This young man is what NON TOXIC masculinity looks like.* A genuine family man.

That childs realization that his dad was only a dangeorus obstacle is heart breaking.

Doubt is actually a gift, a part of common sense. He's a miracle that he developed an independent mind.

Having known and worked with abusive men with cluster B personality disorders, It was tragically very predictable that Stewart would begin to see his son as a threat to his own status and authority as he got older. I am so proud of this young man for getting out, and I hope he gets the best therapy and gives himself the best self-care and love that he can. He very much deserves a happy, free life!!

For this man to grow up to be an actual contributing member of society and a responsible older brother to his family despite being raised by a narcissistic psychopath is just incredible. Stewart Rhodes could only wish to be a fraction as good as his son. ❤

We're living in an age of narcissism that must be exposed and kept in check. Thank you to all of the people who participated in making this film.

He seems like a good kid. His mom must have done a hell of a job raising him because so often children can't recognize the horrible things that their parent does.

His comment about when people say about a domestic abuse situation "why didn't she just leave"....that was great. Because it shows that he has extrapolated from his own awful experience in a compassionate way . He took what had happened to him, and focused it onto other people's lives with concern about them. That IS actually an inspiring person. Really impressive.

Calling his Dad Stewart instead of Dad, changing his name & becoming the father figure for the family shows just how strong, resilient & unbelievably brave he is!!!

An intelligent, articulate and sensitive young man. Bless you and your family.

Trying to leave an abusive relationship is like trying to defuse a bomb. It requires a lot of patience and planning. I'm glad this family is okay. They are heroes for putting this story out there, and for managing not to drown in Stewart's tsunami of hatred.

“In fact I had a one parent and a dangerous obstacle” Damn that’s heartbreaking to hear.

I love that the son mentioned that it took 2 years of planning to leave. This couldn't be truer as someone formerly in an abusive marriage. You're fearing for your safety, and these aren't people you can just talk to. You have to save, plan, and sometimes even leave when they're not present, so you're essentially sneaking around. Plus, that entire time, you're still dealing with abuse. I'm so glad they got out, and I'm glad they are working through all the trauma. I wish them all the best!

This kid is stronger than most people will ever be, all the best to you and your family Dakota

That young man is gonna be alright. Under enormous circumstances his mother raised a very self effacing, mindful young adult.

This boy turned man is inspiring beyond words. I'm shocked and in awe, Becoming a fire fighter, taking on the roles of head of the household! Much love and respect to you. I shall think of you and how you're doing.

“ I had one parents, and a dangerous obstacle”. This young man truly has gotten it together. He’s a reasonable, articulate young man.

What a remarkable woman. Getting away from a psychopath is a life-threatening choice. It takes tremendous courage, patience, planning, and strength. So happy that this family made it out safely.

Well done young man. Brave, compassionate, thoughtful, intelligent, insightful and articulate. In related news, I have just read that Stewart Rhodes has now been sentenced to 18 years, and in the same week their divorce is now finalised. A good week for the family amongst a lifetime of (to say the least) difficulty.

This man is nothing short of astounding 💜

I totally feel for Tasha. The fact that she has to remind herself that she doesn’t have to worry about how mad he gets anymore really hits home. That’s what it’s like after an abusive relationship, learning that their anger is not going to punish you anymore.

Stuart’s son is a markedly bright and articulate fellow. I hope that over time he can resolve his internal conflicts and reshape his life in a satisfying way.

His wife is so normal, so nice. She and his son knew him so well. I’m sure they’re breathing a sigh of relief that he’s behind bars. What a horrible father figure to grow up with.

These two are phenomenal. And as a kid who relied on my brother to get through my childhood, I feel confident in saying that your siblings probably think the world of you.

They were so brave by leaving! Imagine living with a lunatic like this for so many years. It must have been extremely hard. You guys are the true heroes.

The moment that he looked right at the camera and reiterated “TWO years” I realized that this young man has so much potential to do real, good, hard hard, empathetic work with survivors of domestic violence, and I have no doubt in my mind he’ll live up to it. Whether on the micro or the macro. This interview alone is wonderful towards that end.

What an intelligent and thoughtful young man.Very lucky his mother wasn't of the same mindset. Glad they are free of him .

Can’t believe I’m saying it’s heartwarming to see so much good come out of this horrific experience. Any child growing up with this man as their father should be doomed, yet here is a story of hope, courage and love in a time where our country is in desperate need a real hero.

His son is a friggin hero. This young man could have easily chosen to go down his fathers path. He was surrounded by it but he made a stand and did the right thing for his family. He is very intelligent and empathetic. You don’t see men like this these days. A man who stands apart from the crowd.

Has anyone noticed how many of these men have abusive relationships with women and their families. We’d probably prevent a lot of violent crimes by taking violence and intimidation of women very seriously

This was heart wrenching. I really wish the best for this young man and his mother, and we owe them such a debt of gratitude for speaking out honestly, it could not have been easy for them, but it was a great service to our country, thank you.

What this young man was able to and still is doing for his family is very touching and remarkable. I hope his family finds peace and healing

My father was not in a militia, but everything else about Stewart Rhodes is nearly identical to my father in the way he treated his family. My father was a control freak who disciplined me every time I showed any kind of personal initiative, any time I attempted to display my personality & any time he fealt that I disrespected him (which was several times a day). After my father passed away over a year ago I decided that I would release all my anger toward him, to just let it go. That in itself showed me that I can tolerate anyone now & I don't hate anyone, I don't hold grudges & I don't let people anger me. No one will ever hurt me again because I won't allow it. I am strong.

His mum did an incredible job. He seems a good guy.

Says a lot about mom that even in such a shitty abusive situation she was still able to raise such a kind, responsible, brave, and resourceful person. I'm glad they seem to be slowly picking up the pieces and getting back on track. I hope they find happiness and safety again. I think ol' stu being convicted is a big step in the right direction for them. Going to and being caught at the January 6th capital riot was probably the only good thing he's ever done for his family. I hope for his estranged family's sake they lock him up and throw away the key.

What courage it must have took to stand up to a man who so ruthlessly manipulates others. You two are both an inspiration to me.

That guy's something else not only to be denied his childhood; not only to be able to get out of the mess he was in; but to actually help his family out and continue to support them so his little sisters could have what he never did. I'm both incredibly sad for him and incredibly amazed by his fortitude.

Mad respect for this kid. He bounced back from an oppressive situation so hard.

What a good kid. Overcoming that “obstacle” and taking care of his family. He could not have articulated his realities more poignantly. I wish him well.

A harrowing tale. Kudos to that young man and his mother for surviving and escaping. Even now, you can see the stress they still go through. It's an extraordinary act of toughness & grace that Dakota has gotten his head screwed on right and is able to stand in as father for his siblings. May they finally find happiness as a family.

The bravery of this mom and son is absolutely stunning.

I wish you so much happiness in your life Dakota, you’re a decent, honourable man who stepped up for your mother and siblings when they needed you… well done 🇦🇺

She’s brave to come forward and explain all this for us to understand. I hope her and family are getting serious mental health counseling. Sending positive love.

What a courageous young man. He withstood the brainwashing, and saved his family from that maniac. We need to learn from this, to provide better support to such victims as this family, and stop extremism, before it devours us all.

Dakota is a far stronger, braver and more capable man than his father could ever pretend to be. I wish him, his mother and sisters a peaceful recovery of not only surviving this abuse but thriving into their future.

Your son is the type of person I am so proud of, he also makes me feel we still have hope. I am the oldest of seven with a dad that was kind of the same, but with his own personal reasons, he was never the same after being in a war from what I’ve heard, he would cry a lot, but when he wasn’t crying he was angry, mean, nasty, and very uncaring, thank God we had our mom. I do miss them both, but I feel sure they are in a better place, and neither one of them suffering anymore, what’s left of the rest of us no longer have to suffer because of how things were but we have lingering affects. Your son remembers oatmeal and dried apple slices, I remember watered down cornmeal, I shared mine with my siblings, I remember trying to share with mom because I was old enough to know she would do without so that her babies had something in our bellies. There is a lot I don’t remember and have been told by other family that it’s probably best I don’t. I don’t talk about this past normally, my siblings and I don’t even talk to each other about it our past although we probably should have. I am 65 now and still think about things, not meaning to…the memories just happen. Thank God for our mom, I just wish I would have told her that before her dying, but I guess I thought because she was so strong for so long that maybe and would be here longer, I’m sure she was really tired. I didn’t mean for this a book, I just meant to say I’m happy for you, and also happy your son can talk about things, I know from experience that you should talk about whatever has hurt you, I wish I would have.

This kid grew up to be a man and a father figure that his own father failed to be. He needs to keep his head up especially when he saved his mother and siblings

Fathers like Stewart makes me realize that being Blood doesn’t make a Family, Love is what makes a Family.

Love how he calls his father ‘Stewart’😂 like there is no association!! 👊 proud of the man he has become!!

What a strong young man, in spite of his father. His mother did a great job raising him.

Both he and his mom are very well spoken. They are very courageous with sharing their family story. I can only imagine what they went through all their lives. If I were them though, I'd still be looking over my shoulder... maybe not for roads himself, but the people who shared his philosophy. I pray for their safety and their well-being!

One of the saddest realizations about this story is that it is not unique but one that many others experience, an oppression of abuse. Dakota shines as a father figure in helping his mom and siblings afterwards and rejecting the lies that he had been taught. I was taken by his sacrifice in helping his siblings to have the childhood that he was denied. Truly an inspiring story of giving to others.

All credit to the mom for keeping herself and her children alive, loving and sane in an insane, terrifying home life. She is so incredibly smart and strong. The son is so amazing I can't even find words. This family needs to be studied. Their story is saving more families than their own and will continue to. They give me hope for all the other families living in terror of the patriarchal mentally ill husband and father. How many other families like this are out there right now around the globe? God bless and keep these survivors who are thriving so beautifully. They are examples to us all.

There should be an award for people with this character, commitment and resilience. Amazing human.

That's a brave and sensitive young man that any other father worth the name would be proud to call his own.

That kid and his mom are heroes.

Bless this young man and his family. Looks like intelligence and goodness skipped his father's birth and went straight to his son. 💙😊

For this young man to grow up to be an actual contributing member of society, and responsible older brother to his siblings and mother is remarkable! Young man, you are QUITE the OPPOSITE of your narcissistic father! I wish you, and your family all the very best moving forward. ❤

He was just convicted! Found guilty 40 minutes ago of Seditious Conspiracy. That a serious charge. Respect to this young man and his mother. It’s gotta be hard to get away from him to see half the country is falling into this extremism and far right conspiracies.

Thank you for addressing the issue of domestic violence, and how ridiculous and cruel the "why didn't you just leave?" question is. Victims are most likely to be murdered when they leave and for the next 364 days. It is terrifying when you leave.

The son is well spoken and has a good head of his shoulders. He should give Americans hope.

Every son deserves a great dad. I'm so sorry you didn't have one. I hope you have found a substitute or will soon one day.

This young man and his mother are what REAL courage looks like.

So proud of this young man for stepping away from this horror, very proud of his mother also for finally escaping with her children.

I'm so proud of both of you for being strong and brave, knowing that you could have died at any moment. You are truly an inspiration.

What an extremely courageous mother, son and siblings; so glad they were able to escape, unscathed physically, that savage mad man. :)

Best wishes to that thoughtful and responsible young man who has taken on the duties of his father. May the family be free of him forever!

That young man is exceptional - you can tell he's a brilliant guy. Good to know he got out.

This boy is amazing, to have been through so much and to have come out the other side! I wish him joy

This boy has intelligence and insight. Good for him, and good for his momma for helping him grow up normal.

I will never judge anyone in an abusive relationship for not picking up and leaving. Two years it took this man and his family to get away from Stewart Rhodes. I'm sure if he could have left in a day he would have. I just hope this young man can begin to enjoy his life for the first time- and that goes for his poor mother, as well.

Blessings to the son. He was a victim himself, of an abusive father and he has aspired and committed himself to helping his family heal. I can only hope his life brings him the joy and support and community he deserves in plentiful quantities!

Prayers for this young man and his family. Prayers for anyone going through an ordeal similar to theirs.🙏♥️

Incredible that they came out of this as decent rational people. I wish them all the best. I hope they get to enjoy life and put this behind them.

This kids a hero. What an amazing human he became from such trauma

Dakota represents the truest sense of a patriot, a family man who serves for the greater good. I have no more words to describe a man who can see beyond his upbringing and chose to be a better person. Seriously, what he did is truly a monumental feat. Much much respect.

Let us celebrate the courage & honor of this young man. He should be forever regarded as a son & patriot of this nation.

Way to go young man. You survived and saved the rest of your family. Outstanding.

He is a smart young man, wish him and his family well.

The son is so articulate and knew right from wrong and was able to see the madness his Dad created and was able to get his mom and siblings away from a monster, 👍

Both the mother, son and all the kids are some of the strongest individuals. To be taken hostage by such a monster, who should be ypur husband and father. But be able to overcome and escape it is no easy task by ANY means. And those still entrapped in such a situation, does not mean they are not strong. It is a delicate thing to escape abuse & psychotic people. She's an amazing woman and amazing momma. My heart goes out to her and praying she finds peace and healing. And her son is a hero for their family as well.

The son is so grown-up. So much insight intelligence. Wants to do the right thing for his family himself. Find some purposeful meaning yet there is a sadness there. Good for him escaping the monster.

I feel like it’s very very brave of them to tell their story. I wish them all the best for a happy, normal, rewarding life to reimburse them for the life that Stewart stole from them.

Thanks to this courageous woman and her son, some of her children have a chance to grow up happy, sane, and free. Bless them - and all the others trying to escape from an obsessive violent partners.

My heart is pumping so hard and felt chill on my back just listening to their horrible story . What a horrific experience .

I credit this young man's Mother for helping get through this. Thank goodness they got out.

Dakota is the true patriot and hero. He took care of his family like a real man, and now takes care of his community.

As a 77 year old American I'm impressed by Tasha and Dakota after their years with this now convicted felon. I'm relieved for their whole family and our Country and hope that they can now feel safe and start healing. I wish the same for our Country!

Dakota Rhodes is the flip side of his father: his intelligence is channeled into service for his family & the community. I wish he & his sibs all the best!

This woman and her children are extremely brave. It must have been terrifying living in a home with someone who was dangerous and unstable. May you have the peace and comfort you need.

As a dad, it breaks my heart to see a young man who obviously doesn't feel like he can or wants to refer to his biological father as "dad". I would die, if my kids felt that way.

This young man was the best father the girls ever had.

I'm a 16yr. combat Veteran and I can't even imagine forcing what I was trained to do on my wife and children. Imagine what this guy would have done to people he doesn't supposedly care about if he ever gained a position of power. Edit. His wife and son have my utmost respect.

Dakota is a hero to his Mom and family. I wish a life of peace and happiness for all of them. Im so glad he got multiple years, at least they will sleep st night knowing where he is.

If only America could have the resilience, determination, lucidity and strength to distance itself from the bullsh*t, like this incredible family's done. One can only dream... So deeply wishing the family (and America) the best. 🙏

Wow. Both the son and his mother are incredibly brave. To think what it must have taken for them to flee, with only some guns to sell, having to build an existence for their family from almost nothing… That is so admirable.