Dr. Laura Controversy in Salt Lake
The following article from the Salt Lake City Tribune quotes Dr. Laura as saying military wives shouldn't whine.
If that wasn't enough, Deryk Schlessignger's MySpace account has allegedly been taken down following a comment on the Tribune's blog accusing Deryk of homicidal tendencies:
Another reference to his MySpace account with a dead link from another blog:
A citizen stringer provided me with some of the above information and also an example of one of Deryk's MySpace friends retreived before Deryk's page was deleted.
For her part -- Dr. Laura refutes this account and much of the SLC Tribune's blog is devoted to her supporters saying so. Also, to be fair, MySpace pages and profiles can certainly be forged. It will be interesting to see in coming days whether more information comes out on Dr. Laura's comments and her son's alleged drawings...
"He could come back without arms, legs or eyeballs, and you're bitching?" Schlessinger asked before taking the stage at the base theater to host her daily program on ethics, morals and values. "You're not dodging bullets, so I don't want to hear any whining - that's my message to them."
If that wasn't enough, Deryk Schlessignger's MySpace account has allegedly been taken down following a comment on the Tribune's blog accusing Deryk of homicidal tendencies:
daisyblue102: So, when she says that two years of obligatory military training could prevent incidents like the Virginia Tech shooting, she must be saying that because of her son's similar homicidal tendencies to that of the Virginia Tech shooter. How do I know about these tendencies? Go look at her son't myspace profile: www.myspace.com/183888912
Another reference to his MySpace account with a dead link from another blog:
scienceblogs comment: This is Deryk Schlessinger's myspace account. She keeps doing interviews about he is such a hero...more like a homicidal maniac. Look at the disgusting pictures he draws. The government should not be supplying him with guns. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=183888912
A citizen stringer provided me with some of the above information and also an example of one of Deryk's MySpace friends retreived before Deryk's page was deleted.
For her part -- Dr. Laura refutes this account and much of the SLC Tribune's blog is devoted to her supporters saying so. Also, to be fair, MySpace pages and profiles can certainly be forged. It will be interesting to see in coming days whether more information comes out on Dr. Laura's comments and her son's alleged drawings...
posted by Sara De la Guerra | 5/19/2007 05:06:00 PM
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I've already received a link to several images on photobucket that show the alleged drawings...they are too graphic to post and if you really want to find them --- you probably could.
This SLC Tribune article, however, describes what I saw in lurid detail. If he is the one that drew these -- the boy needs some help.
Sara the SLC article ALSO says the website could be a fake—created, not by her son, but by DrL's enemies. It certainly is possible and though I cannot stand her, I say let's be fair and get all the info before we hang her and her kid. ~ Signed "Don't Want Lead the Laura Lynch Party"
"Dr. Laura refutes this account" -- oh really? "refute: overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof. prove to be false or incorrect". "Dr." Laura has done no such thing. As for the idea that the site is forged ... why would anyone goto the trouble of doing that? The idea floated by Schlessinger's spokesman that
it's some terrorist plot is beyond absurd, and no sane honest person could believe it. There is no evidence that the page is forged, other than that some people would like to think that Deryk Schlessinger isn't like this. But he's his mother's son, and her love of violence and basic lack of ethics seems quite logically reflected in her offspring's page.
The thing about the fake Dr. Shlessinger is that she's always whinning and yet she's dismissing those who really do have something to whine about.
Reality for the fake Dr. is that her son will go directly to heaven if he is killed and the fake Dr. will get a bunch of her thoughtfull and caring friends to go on a motorcycle ride. For the "riding for Jesus" camp on the way to Deryk's funeral....it'll be great, afterall they will be considering Deryk will be at the pearly gates and meeting the Lord and all that. It's a win win situation. Son meets the lord and the fake Dr. and freinds go for another motorcycle ride.
I can't help but wonder what it is these motorcycle Jesus freak clubs do when someone comes back from the warzone alive but with their limb and eyes missing. I mean, do they do anything to honor those missing limb and eyeballs or do they just forget about them like the War department and the rest of us "whinning" americans.
BTW did anyone else notice that the righties were really weird this week. I had one evangelical being extra freindly and talking and touching me and another was outwardly trying to save me with scarey stories about primitives killing missionaries in far away tribal communities.......I suspect the weirdness had something to do with the Reverend Falwell's necessary death.
Getting to call our soldiers “Homicidal Maniacs” has been the wet dream of the anti-war crowd in Santa Barbara for quite some time. They’ve been all bottled up and under pressure while this “support the troops” requirement has been the rule. At last, their hatred of Dr. Laura has allowed them to let out the out the heretofore repressed ‘homicidal maniac’ howl and it is really satisfying for them, --and very ugly for our soldiers. No more faking it with such things as that co-opt anti-war masterpiece “Arlington West.” Now the anti-war crowd can get right down to the nitty-gritty basic anti-war position. Yes, they say, volunteer soldiers are homicidal maniacs—just like that killer at Virginia Tech. It’s too hard for them to admire American soldiers.
Dr. Laura was right to mention whining. It’s all around us. Everybody is whining about something. It’s a whiny culture Santa Barbara--full of rich victims and NIMBYS.
Believe it or not, there are people out there who want to kill us-- take it from me the father of a soldier who like Deryk, was in Kandahar, on patrol with the 82nd Airborne. Luckily, we have had, (anyway up to now we have had) some outstanding young men and women who have volunteered to run into the breech and do what they can to delay the gathering storm. What if they don’t volunteer any more? Will you be safer then?
Disgracefully, back here in Santa Barbara, the consensus party line is that this war is our own damn fault and we should just pull out—it is Bush’s doing that we’re in this mess. “Oh how I hate that imbecile Bush” and “no recruiters CAN”T talk to my sons and daughters.” At the University the recruiters’ table is juxtaposed with a Guantanamo exhibit, complete with hooded writhing students on the pathway in front of the young recruiter who must observe the well-staged mock torture scenes. No, it’s not SPARTA here. There is no honorable Gorgo, wife of Leonidas who only asks how to aid the mission. Here it’s all give peace a chance and the soldier’s are homicidal maniacs, or duped fools, and whine, whine, whine.
It’s hard slogging in Kandahar. And after you’ve lost six men in your platoon, six close battle buddies, you hurt. IEDs are blowing up all around you and you have no idea where the next one is--do you young Deryk Schessinger? No wonder you get spaced on Myspace.
Beware Santa Barbara, when the dogs of war come through town, they won’t ask if you were for or against Bush. They’ll just cut right through that thickheaded neck of yours.
9:18 pm -- I did mention it could be fake.
Donaldo -- hope you meant "inevitable".
don jose -- yes there is a lot of whining out there and military wives are taking the brunt of this war in ways that only parents like yourself can fathom. It's got to be tough but I don't think it requires support of the war...at the same time, I do agree we have to protect ourselves and we owe much to those who serve. I know a few veterans that are for peace and still admire those who serve...it is not an entenable position.
"Don't Want Lead the Laura Lynch Party"
That's almost funny.. I see we forgot the 14 y.o. who did plea not guilty. It's different for Laura's adult son. hmmm... and other internet cases.. some people just "look bad".
Was the look in his eyes with the gun in mouth a fake? Talk to people who knew him in college drop out days. You think this is new? Oh yeah, and not had alcohol and drug problems.
He only wants to "blow".. talks about if he returns to states. He's the kind of guy Laura wants around to prevent Cho type massacres. If schools only had her son training students, we'd all be safe.
Sara de la Guerra: In my case, I learned to support the wars by listening to what the soldiers told me about the wars. My family has paid a heavy price. As a result, I have taken every opportunity to thank the soldiers and ask them what's happening. I have been to many gatherings of soldiers, here, and on their bases. I think I understand what they are saying and I must say, I have learned to believe.
Some here think soldiers are dumber than the regular run of the mill population. I remember my surprise at a BBQ at Fort Bragg where after a few beers they were reciting Beowolf and Henry V's speech on St. Crispin's Day. They would make fine graduate students. What a pleasant surprise that was for me.
Sara: You can't declare yourself against the war and just say no. The other side doesn't really care what you say. Color yourself naive.
Was the reporting here of the alleged DS myspace as fair and as technically correct as the NP reporting about the computer porn? Point by point - what was similar and what was different? There is a lesson in ethical reporting here.
Isn't Laura strict ancient bibical law? Is she a regular church/synague attendee? What about reap what you sow?
Many of military support the troops and oppose continuing invasion. The Afghanistan opium is now a boost to al-Qa'ida. Reasonable people must discuss this and determine new solutions. Whether it's the military or streets who supply Vet's it is "evil" to ignore addicted, afflicted and/or homeless Vet's.
Peace, Alissa
Hey Sara, my son has a myspace site. Here's what he has to say. Seems kind of relevant to our topic. Don't have too much sympathy for me or my family, Dr. Laura bears the burden just as much as my wife and I do. All honor to the American soldier!
"I'm an Army Guy, yep, one of them. Been one about as long as I can remember, which consequently is like five minutes ago. Been around the world a couple of times, and realized there ain't no place like home. Dunno what I plan on doing when my time's up...Might just sign on for a bit more sand in the boots. I can't shake, or shock, it outta my system. Kicking doors and jumpin'...it's in my blood.
All'a you, and I know there's more then a few, when you spit on the war, remember that people like me and the boys we've left bleeding over there gave you the right to be ignorant and hard-hearted. I have no patience for 90% of you. You who cast the word "freedom" around like you do "love". So many people in this world will never know the beauty of a hateless life, or have what you have-the ability to take it totally for granted. Consequently, 99% of you will never know what its like over there. I do, and I know the price of that little word "Freedom". I bear the cost of it with honor. I just don't bear it for you. I believe that John Stewart Mill said it the best, "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
You wonder why I can't get enough of what we do, maybe this will enlighten you as to why "Once a paratrooper, always a paratrooper." For all the pain and anguish that comes along with it, I'll never be filled with enough pride to quit it. Remember, we keep the wolf at the door, that you may rest peaceably at night. 82nd Airborne"
Don Jose:
That was a well written post with the emotional arch of a sermon. It also similarly lacked any logic or grounded reason.
This was particularly laughable:
"Beware Santa Barbara, when the dogs of war come through town, they won’t ask if you were for or against Bush. They’ll just cut right through that thickheaded neck of yours."
They'll need the gate code to get to us. And at any rate, I'll be at my house on the east cost that weekend.
Indeed, if an actual organized army of soldiers dared to invade Santa Barbara, or any other American city, our military would make handy work of the marauders. But alas, if only they weren't all overseas dying in a bogus war of choice, waged by a born-again Christian draft dodger and his pasty puppet masters. It's a shame our army isn't here to defend us.
I agree with anon 9:18- I will wait for evidence before making any judgement on whether DS is the author of the myspace page.
Don Jose- You paint those who oppose this war with a very broad & I am sorry to say, ignorant brushstroke. I have opposed this war from the get go because I spent a lot of time reading the opinions of those who were middle east & military experts- they warned us not to invade & their predicitions have come to pass.
I have two family members who have been involved in this war, one who thankfully god came home safely from one of the most dangerous battles.
Of course we know that there are people who want to kill us- I am tired of being told that by people who think for some reason those opposed to this war are clueless.
By invading Iraq, we have not delayed the storm, we have fed it. This does not take away from the bravery & goodness of those who go to fight but rather point to the manipulation & dishonesty of those who ask them to do so.
I don't get it. Do paratroopers ride around with a turret for 27 days? Don't they come from the sky? It is impossible to believe the dishonest. I sure would like her to be clear for once. Is he a paratrooper, a gunner or both? Can anyone explain? Whatever you believe about who did what.. this page is "homicidal maniac". If the Army saw this and merely calls that "repulsive"--- WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM HERE. Why is his friend a "homicidal maniac" and he's still out capturing and killing Afghans? How did the enemy do those pictures? Can someone explain the pictures? Why aren't they published? I can't find anything on photobucket. This is about as horrible as it can get. I don't want to live in fear of soldiers returning from war. Most of all if the Army calls that page "repulsive". We don't need another whitewash. Write letters Congress, DoD and everyone. Where can we see the pictures?
Don Jose -- I think you were trying to make a point and be colorful...but I've received a few comments about "cutting through that thickheaded neck" and whether that goes against blog guidelines.
If it had to do with a person specifically -- I definitely wouldn't have published it. I get where you are coming from perhaps more than most and figure you are just making a point.
I also think it's good if any of us have issues with what is published to say so -- and you are welcome to question these kind of things right here. It, in the long run, should make for better comments overall.
Thanks for your understanding.
I think it was George Orwell who said:
""We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us." It was an eloge.
So dear readers of the blog of Sara de la Guerra, what have you done for the soldiers today?
Instead of getting on Daryk's and Dr. Laura's case, maybe you ought to try to help the mission. What good has it done for City Council to say "THEY" are against the war when their sons and daughters are "IN" the war.
Don Jose asked, "So dear readers of the blog of Sara de la Guerra, what have you done for the soldiers today?"
I am one of many who for years have tried my personal best to do what I can to end this war so that those fighting overseas can come home.
Like many I know, I have used the democratic process & peaceful methods to do my part.
I too have listened to those who have fought in this war & there are many who are not supportive of what our country is doing in Iraq.
Many feel deceived & unsupported by the leaders who sent them to war on false pretenses, without proper equipment & strategies & are not giving them the proper care upon their return.
Since when did opposing the Iraq invasion become equal to opposing war and/or opposing the military?
We need war, we need the military, we need the killers we train, perhaps like Deryk. It's a dangerous world out there.
We did not need to invade Iraq. Containment worked on the Soviet Union without invasion. Those guys were just as evil as Saddam. Containment would have worked fine on Iraq too... remember, Iraq didn't support Al Qaeda one bit.
It's wild and wicked to bludgeon sensible critics of the blunder into Iraq by calling them surrenderers, weaklings, peaceniks, whiners, and hypocrites. Iraq was a bad move, and pointing that out helps our soldiers because eventually we'll do better by facing the honest truth. There has been 4 years of an administration with carte blanche, and we've gotten a mess in Iraq as the deliverable.
Let's be grown-up and allow people to criticize a bad policy (Iraq Invasion) without falsely creating aspersions on our terrific and ferocious soldiers who are caught carrying out that bad policy.
We did need to invade Afganistan; Afganistan was a failed state run by the Taliban and totally supportative of Al Qaeda. The Iraq fiasco has screwed up the Afgan invasion.
And why the heck are we giving $1 billion a year to the Pakis when they've stopped looking for Bin Laden?
--- Smedley Butler, the ghost of that 2-time Medal of Honor winner
Don Jose, as a veteran and a father I understand your pride in your son and your disgust at what you see as the lack of support for him. But I think you and he propose a false choice: support or treason.
I don't support this ill-conceived, horribly managed war of choice. It's among the worst blunders any president has made. And yet I can appreciate the sacrifice people like your son make. The two positions are not mutually exclusive.
As for Deryk Schlessinger, I think you're as wrong to point a finger and say, "See! They hate our soldiers!" as it is for others to say, "See! They're all baby-killing monsters!" It's obvious neither is correct or -- forgive me -- particulary sane. Extremism in the defense of myopia is always a vice.
Your son is doing his job. That's commendable, and you should be proud. But as an American it's also my job to be unafraid to say that I believe he is also being ill-served by this country and its president. I don't believe this war -- in Iraq -- was justified. It took us away from the job at hand in Afghanistan and commited this country to decades of anguish and economic hardship.
Don't call me a traitor just because we disagree.
Sara--- I'm a bit surprised that you would post such detail about a person when there is nothing to substantiate their identity---- sort of akin to what the N-P did to Jerry Roberts........sounds like vulgar, obscene imagery associated to an individual.
shame on you for engaging in the tactics you abhor
My cousin is in Iraq, dispensing meds to soldiers. She says 95% are either on anti-depressants--or need to be. Back at home, I guess we're lucky we don't have stocks or pillories in our community, but the level of unkindness and gleefully triumphant kicking of others when they are down is getting to be a bit much. Citizens who try to hold government to ethical behavior are cowards, those wo try to protect long-cherished traditions on the blocks where they live are hated NIMBYS and now obviously troubled individuals and their families are fodder for ridicule. No one's perfect, not even Dr. Laura, and while I find her, in general, a bit tough to take, I choose not to listen anymore, or read her, either. It's just the meanness, and the posing of enemies that creates a feeling of our own little war right here--and gives little hope for the possibility of lasting peace, even in the neighborhood, much less the world, ever.
Don Jose Noriega, I think your full of it. A chicken hawk. Prove me wrong with something other than purported quotes from a myspace page you can't or won't provide a link to.
One other thing, regarding your crack about cutting necks- Thank god for the second amendment, because the day the current President,or any other for that matter(Dem. or Repub), violates the Posse Comitatus act and sends "the dogs of war" anywhere into this country, I will proudly protect the constitution from people like you or those you purport to speak for.
duplicity watch -- there are a few differences here like one's name placed voluntarily on a MySpace page (although it clearly could be forged -- I said that. Did the staff report name anyone else but Roberts? or the possibility the photos could have been planted? No. I am already ahead on that issue).
MySpace friends who reference who you are and link to your page is another -- were they in on the forgery? Could be. These drawings aren't pornography -- they are worse. Read the SLC Tribune article linked to above -- it has a lot more evidence than the staff report! And, again...it could be fake. You decide.
Everyone else -- Don Jose certainly has some strong feelings and has a right to. Let's respect other people's experiences -- I wouldn't want a son in Iraq right now.
SBNP: To our readers is announcing that Dr. Laura is taking some time off...
Honestly I don't beleive the posts by don jose de la guerra y noriega. Too many fishy contradictions. If the comments are real and accurate I still find that perhaps he's too close to the subject matter to be objective.
By the way I have the utmost repsect for those inservice. I beleive that they are being mis-used in a really strange event that still has not completely unfolded.
There are a lot of video postings on websites of soldiers goofing off. Perhaps this is why the military has restricted troop access to certain sites. Regardless, my favorite "soldiers goofing off"
video follows. Its got a great beat. Time to bring them home and send Bush/Cheney to Iraq for justice in an Iraqi style trial.
http://www.vidmax.com/index.php/videos/view/1249
Mr. Mureno gets the award for the most reasoned and polite response and also kudos for his line: "Extremism in the defense of myopia is always a vice." Really Kudos for that!! Where does it come from? I have never heard it before but it has that 'I remember Goldwater' ring to it.
Worker bee who lives in a gated community and is going to be out of town when the dogs of war get here seems like a local.
Peace Activist reminds me of a bumper sticker: "Support the troops, bring them home." I've seen that idea pasted around. My question is what happens after they get home?
While a couple of you are interested in the arguments of what might have been, --containment, more troops, concentrating on Afghanistan (when most of the jihadis are in Iraq), etc., I am more interested in what General Patraeus is thinking--and how we can support him. He seems like a very smart General. And how about that Congress! A unanimous vote for the General. And a vote against the policy he represented almost the next day. That's politics for you!
Let me clear something up. I raise my right hand and swear that the posting from my son's myspace site is his work and his description of himself. You'll have to take my word for it. Look what happened to Deryk when you guys thought you saw his website! Do you think I want that to happen to my son? And besides, wait 'til you see HIS scary drawings.
Robert seems kind of combative. Maybe he'd make a good soldier? (Why do I really doubt this?)
In any case my co-bloggistas, looks like it will all be over soon and we'll all find out together if bringing the troops home was such a good idea. I'd say not yet.
Mr. Mureno: I do think attacking Deryk as an "obvious homicidal maniac" that we read in the original posting was a bit of a stretch even if you don't like Dr. Laura. And let's be clear, I never suggested anything about treason. I think you've made a false dichotomy there--but I understand rhetoric can be fun!
I heard Laura Schlessinger on Friday May 18, 2007. She was advising a woman with a man that carried a gun at work. He was abusive at home. Her advise..
"You have an obligation to protect yourself from danger and
destruction no matter what their job title."
I agree with her. Now go do the right thing, Laura.
Don Jose=== You are confusing. The post that said "homicidal maniac" was someone who saw the website in question. Sara, is presenting things that were unfolding. Did you see the site? Has Laura? It is all that and worse. Like the N-P, it will take time to see what conclusions are determined. It would be good to publish the photographs and people would see how fake, not fake and who it actually is, et al. If it's fun goofing off or what. A picture is worth a thousand words. Laura is tough and use to taking care of these situations. It would open up the conversation. Everyone could see how it is for soldiers. The fake or what it is website will take awhile to conclude.
I heard it was a friend of Deryk's from Hillsdale that reported the MySpace. Someone who must be familar with how he has been for years. That's when good character pays off, like Mr. Roberts. There must be 100's of memories from a variety of people who have experiences to tell. Are the problems only with the Army? Were there internet violations? Or death threats? Homeland security. How serious is this? I don't want to see the cartoons from what I've heard. I do believe we all must see the photogaphs and read what was written. NOT BECAUSE WE KNOW WHO WROTE IT YET. Because we need to know how serious the threats are. You agree the enemy did this? Are they just throwing rocks or is it about guns? I've heard the word blow and both drugs and guns apply. The unknown creates fear.
Don Jose, please stop the fear and help put some light on this. That is best for everyone.
It is not only about Laura and you, a community is uncertain and in fear. If you dominate with your war on a thread about another subject, that's a troll. Sara, has been kind to you, but there comes a time when we need a change.
Don Noriega,
Me? Combative, hell yes. I literally grew up on bases all over the world, and fully support many of my friends, employers and family that have served. I am also a big fan of the US Constitution. In my recent employment I have shipped tactical gear to all kinds of interesting places. I talk to many of the guys and hear what they have to say about their direct experience in Iraq and Afganistan. You might like a website I regularly visit http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/
Check it out. Pat Lang has unimpeachable credentials. I'll see you there.
Don't assume that because we don't support the current administrations goals that it means we don't support the Armed Forces.
Lots of people predicted that jihadis would migrate to Iraq as a consequence of our invasion. Lots of people fought hard to keep us out of Iraq for just that reason.
And the jihadis moved in just as predicted.
Jihadis were not in Iraq before our invasion. Saddam was not a supporter of radical Islam, and he was about as anti-Iranian as they get (a little war in the 1980's, I recall, against Iran).
The invasion of Iraq was a bad idea, and still is a bad idea. Our best move is to dump the whole problem on the international community; if we only have to piss away $70 billion/year to do so instead of the current $100 billion/year then that is a great victory.
Lots of good domestic work can be done for the $30 billion/year difference.
Getting violent young men to work in the interest of the US as soldiers is, was, and will be the right thing to do for as long as the world is a violent place. Good on Deryk and good on don jose etc.'s son. I just wish their lives hadn't been put into danger for something as misbegotten and stupid as the Iraq invasion.
Smedley Butler
...most of the jihadis are in Iraq
And therein lies the problem, Don Jose: The jihadis weren't there till we blew the place up.
Saddam Hussein was indeed a very bad man who did horrendous things to thousands of innocent people. But in some ways Iraq was a vacation destination compared to quite a few countries -- Congo (3 million dead), North Korea (untold dead from starvation), Sudan (genocide in Darfur), Myanmar (the nightmare formerly known as Burma), etc., etc., etc.
Our president and his supporters are fond of saying we "saved" the people of Iraq from a tyrant, therefore the war was just. Does that mean Congo, et al, don't count?
It's clear now that Bush & Co. couldn't wait to thump Iraq, and it had nothing to do with WMD or the liberation of an oppressed people.
As a vet I know war is sometimes necessary. But not Iraq. That is a fuster cluck of our own creation, and our guys -- your son -- is paying the price for it. I hope he gets home safe and whole.
"The Tribune learned of the Web page earlier this week from a former schoolmate of Deryk Schlessinger. Army officials said they were unaware of the site until alerted to its presence by the newspaper Thursday."
from sl Tribune
I was sent the myspace url before the article was written by the former classmate of Deryk's. She wishes to remain anonymous, as you can surely understand why.
The article didn't even describe what, in my opinion, was the worst of the pictures. There was a picture of a woman being forced to "beer bong" the blood of her dead child.
I can guarantee that the web page is his. The article to called in to the SLC Tribune because she felt this man should not be given guns and should get immediate help.
There is evidence that I can give to the validity that it is his page. I am getting angry with Dr. Laura's people saying it is a forgery.
1. One of his blogs mentions an ex girlfriend who he was in a car accident with and who he drove to sleeping with strange men. I knew this girl, I won't say her name, but she was in a coma for 2 months after the accident.
2. The site was linked to different soldiers, who had pictures and comments from Deryk.
I have copies of all the pictures, the sick, sick drawings. I couldn't find them posted anywhere else online, if you guys want i can send you a link.
But I warn you, they are disgusting.
OK. OK. Your all combative, love the military, and ready to go to war North Korea, Sudan, Congo, and the country once known as Burma--just not Iraq, --eventhough it's loaded with nasty jihadis because it's clear they weren't there five years ago. I'm not sure if Afghanistan gets the nod from you guys or not. But thanks for all the interpretations and good wishes for my son.
I remind you I started out this thread on the blog daring to defend Dr. Laura and her son. I remain committed to the worthiness of this goal--even in the face of the undeniable truth that she has dared to write for the News Suppress. Let the politics of personal destruction continue.
My take on the Salt Lake Newspaper story about PhD Laura's son Deryk is that it (myspace site) was being looked into and it could be his site or it could be a forgery. Without more facts it would be unfair for me to make a firm judgment based on that article alone. I admit I am leaning toward thinking it is his site because really, does anyone want to "make it look bad" for his Mother enough to put forth the effort to create a fake site? Maybe - maybe not.
If Deryk were not the son of PHD Laura would this incident have been news? I do think the story may have made the news in part to poke sticks at PHD Laura. There are many people who would be happy to see her taken down a notch or a few hundred.
I find it interesting that this thread has become more about debating pro or con about the war then about Deryk, or if the site really was his or a forgery. What Deryk may or may not have written or drawn doesn’t have anything to do with anyone else serving in the military. He is one guy who happens to be in the military he is not the poster boy for all military personal any more then his Mother is the poster girl for pretend to be morally superior talk show/columnist personalities.
This guy could very well be twisted or an innocent bystander either way once again he is overshadowed...Usually by his Mother, now by the war talk. If the site does turn out to be his handiwork it seems to be a huge cry - Notice ME. If not then he is owed an apology.
FYI. I think in many instances PHD Laura dispenses common sense. I don't agree with the way she chooses to deliver her advice or her do as I say not as I did style. I find much of what I have read or heard her say to be hypocritical. I do think she has every right to say what she wants and I have every right not to listen or support her communication vehicles with my money. As for her not so youthful indiscretions - ignoring history does not make it disappear...At least not on my planet.
And now I’ve done it…is that Deryk standing over there in the deep dark shadows of his Mother’s hugely public persona? My bad.
Let's not lynch anyone until this is processed. Anonymous 1:35a- You are credible to us bc we saw the web page. No one gets it w/o a view. PLEASE SEND LINKS. It sounds like they are out to destroy when "home". I know those here that are scared. We don't get how this is not terrorism. We know he's been this way & that many college and Ft Bragg peers know plenty. Didn't know about the accident. We thought the girl was MNM.
Anonymous 7:47a-You may want to refresh on Jessica Lynch & Kevin Tillman @ recent hearing. As well, the Jose Padilla case. If Deryk was not celebrity recruiter poster family, he'd already be gone and NO lawyer. I don't know the laws. Those that do MUST READ FULL TEXT. It's not enough to trust the Army.
We trust the Tribune is in contact with the courageous person who saw this and others who can document his pattern.
9:03 AM -- I'm not going to publish links to the pictures because they are rather horrific...if a major news outlet chooses to do so, I will. Otherwise, I don't see the need...
don jose wrote "Peace Activist reminds me of a bumper sticker: "Support the troops, bring them home." I've seen that idea pasted around. My question is what happens after they get home?"
If you mean what happens to the individuals I can tell you my own personal story regarding my family member who is now home.
He joined the army after HS & before 9/11. His original plans were to be there for the duration of his career. When we invaded Iraq, he was very supportive of the administration & the war.
He spent a long time in Iraq & was part of a mission into the most dangerous area there (we were not told where he was until he got back- he & his crew all got out safely btw).
Now he has left the army & is not supportive of the administration or the war. The truth of what he witnessed in Iraq is what changed him. In time I'm sure we'll get more details if he is willing & able to tell them. For now he is starting his life over.
Instead of retiring in a few years from the Army (not sure the age he was eligible to do that- but I think he would have had to go back to Iraq) he is starting a new career. He has a wife & kids. He is doing well & we are all overjoyed he has left the Army.
Peace Activist: That's a nice story about your family member. In your story, we have no idea about what happened to your military family member in Iraq and you tell us that whatever it was changed his views on wanting to make the army a career. So we will have to wait to hear what his real story is. However, we can all be thankful that he's doing well and is starting a new career with his wife and kids.
On the contrary my son, liked Iraqis, and what he was doing. In Afghanistan he was particularly in awe of the mountains and landscape. He also discovered what kind of enemy we have. You should hear him talk about it.
In any case, my question about what happens when they come home, really wasn't meant to direct us to think about what we our soldiers do when THEY get home but rather what will the ENEMY do when our soldiers are no longer abroad. It's something to think about. The war won't stop if the troops are brought home. The fighting will just happen here. It's already bubbling up here and there. That appears to me to be the situation.
But like you, I'm hoping for peace.
5/21/07 wonkette
"The 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan shuttered the pages on Friday. The Pentagon managed to immediately cleanse all evidence of the MySpace pages, including whatever copies and cached versions were kept by Google and the Internet Archive."
That's legal?
As a mother I have deep compassion for any mother whose son may be responsible for that website (assuming it is what it appears to be).
On the other hand, Dr. L's comment about raising her son to be a warrior strikes a bizarre chord with me. I know of no other mothers who would make such a claim. Most would say they raised their babies up to be kind, compassionate, honest, men.
Furthermore, it is even more strange that although she is proud of her son, she appears to need to take some of the credit for his choice to enlist.
From reading some of her opinions, she she strikes me as rather stupid and self centered (they often go together because the person can't understand anything or anyone outside their own little bubble).
Why do the some of the most unbalanced people have the loudest whines? She is the queen of whineland. But I digress.
If indeed this is her son's site, Dr. L will have to take credit for that as well. Normally, I would not point a finger at a parent for their grown child's actions but in this case, because of what she has so publically boasted about herself & chastised others for she may indeed have to eat crow.
afghanistan was (is?) a failed state harboring al-qaeda. Good we went there, and maybe we'd have fixed it without our Iraq invasion.
Iraq remains a failed state, but it is ours, and we messed it up worse than it was before. But I'd argue for a world coalition (a la Gulf War 1) to take it over.
As for Korea, Sudan, Congo, Myanmar, Cuba, etc... play them like we played the Soviet Union. In some cases (Cuba) we'd better be super-careful and fair, I don't want our soldiers dying just so some descendants of Batista buddies can become billionaires again. If we can work something out with China, we must be able to do so with Cuba.
Back to Deryk... kinda weird and horrible to have your ill-considered stuff web-available to millions of people. If someone scanned my work at age 20 and posted in on the web I'd be fired for sure. We gotta give young people some space.
OK. I have heard Dr. Laura discuss the interview with Mr. Laplante at the Tribune. I heard Dr. Laura on O'Reilly talking to the world from Santa Barbara. I read what Dr. Laura put on her blog on May 14. I don't see what in all this brou ha ha floating around should amount to making Dr. Laura a horror. I read what Laplante said too. I think this is an example of a bad interview turned to LaPlante's own nefarious purposes. Or as Sara de la Guerra might put it, Mr. Laplante squirreled out of Dr. Laura some "colorful" quotes and used them. In terms of generalities, Dr. Laura tows a hard line when it comes to responsibility. That's what's good about her.
As for Deryk, I am using my sources to find out what's up with that. Having seen a lot of soldiers' MySpace sites over the years, I can vouch for them having some randy and shocking material. You have to remember that Myspace is a meeting place for friends and not journalistic publishing. When a soldier puts up his site, he will get a lot of soldier friends who come on over for a visit. I'd say much of it can be described as "gallows" humor. After all, these guys are in danger and hear the blah blah back home--Oops, I mean "deep intellectual political discourse in a democracy." So between themselves soldiers say some outrageous stuff. It's in the tradition of warriors joking before and after the battle.
However, I have not seen the material yet. And I do know the stress of war, especially an unpopular war, could make a soldier depressed, and even suicidal. The answer though is not counseling and prozac, but more support from home. Dr. Laura is right about that.
Yeah, "gallows humor" and "we'd never understand what it's like in that situation": Cartoons of forcing a kid to do unspeakable acts in front of his mother. Yeah, that's black humor all right. Letting off some steam...
"Saying things between themselves?" Yet myspace has been used many times to affect the sentencing of criminal defendants even here in our town. Putting anything on the internet is different than talking "stuff" with your buddies in your free time. Even the military doesn't buy that if they conduct serious investigations into the situation(Deryk isn't the only incident like this to ever happen).
I don't think the biggest problem is necessarily that the stuff exists (it's technically protected speech except for the fact that it probably violates a Code of Conduct if it's true)... it's that I have no doubt that Physiologist Laura would most definitely be the first to call someone "sick", "unstable", "deviant", [pick another adjective] if she heard of ANYONE else or their child doing the same thing. She does it all the time! That is the problem with sticking your nose into other people's business for a "living" and yet somehow pretending that your own doesn't stink.
The woman doesn't have one ounce of professional credibility to anyone other than her radioland acolytes. She's a fraud and a crass loudmouth who doesn't miss a chance to belittle people (you call that "therapeutic"??) to further her own agenda -- and yes, I'm belittling her here, but she's the one who asks for it with her hypocrisy, fingerpointing and namecalling. That is what the woman does for a living.
Telling war wives that they should stop whining because their families are being torn apart is just plain crude. She might as well be telling them equivalent of: shut your mouths, lie back, and think of England.
And I do know the stress of war, especially an unpopular war, could make a soldier depressed, and even suicidal. The answer though is not counseling and prozac, but more support from home.
Your point is what? Counseling/psychotherapy is a waste of time? Genuinely just curious here -- are you of the generation that believes that counseling is only "For The Crazy"?
Sorry, I just find it incredibly offensive (if not dangerous to the individual in question, and maybe others) to say that counseling is not an answer to suicidal thoughts and major depression.
I guess it is Dr L's word vs Mr. L's word as to whether or not her quote was taken out of context. Unless someone else was present.
Randy? Gallows humor? You are minimizing this issue. There is a lot of racism that is fueling some of the 'warriors' involved in this war.
Related to this issue is a new report on military veterans in the nation's prison system. The data show that 29% of active-duty prisoners were being held in military prisons on rape or sexual assault charges.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/05/veterans_less_l.html
I totally agree with giving young people space, internet, and say the Hump. My heart goes out to young and old in any war, isolation or horrible situation. I can only speak from my perspective of what I and a few others saw or know of this. If people are terrified to speak up, I understand. The Army merely called this "repulsive" and tossed out the "enemy" did it ploy. No verdict on the "forged" or not.
The website was what it was. The preverse cartoons, I looked away. Some photos were regular soldier shots. I have read old internet by Deryk and friends. There is a pattern. This is not that unique from what I know of him. He has guns now and the "warrior" running through his head. The psyche and mother/father issues can't be ignored by any responsible official because they SCREAM for attention. A neglected child. All that can be elaborated in time.
The most alarming is the homicidal/suicidal. More like suicide by cop type. Someone who will take others out with them. And the brotherhood/gang family is in this story. A woman who cheated, he's angry with males not at war. Like his mother, he didn't like more time added to his Afghan tour.
The person who spoke up recognized Deryk should never have a gun, ever. If he wasn't priveleged he'd be labeled a terrorist by now. This would be all over the 24/7 news and he'd be in prison without a lawyer. That's not to say the Army doesn't need gunners and "family values" poster children. I don't have crystal ball or know what they'll do. It is terrorism to me and I want others to see it all. Including past history. War contributed but not the cause.
Anothermother is on about Dr. L's part. They make their $25-50+ million a year by selling a "family values" act. Part of that is controling and repressing et al. The price Deryk pays.
KEYT breaks news blackout on Schlessinger
"If investigators find the allegations to be true, Army officials say discipline could range from a letter of reprimand to a case going to The Court Marshal." (their spell)
They had Jon Moldovan photo, not Schlessinger. Who did that?
KEYT did a story on this tonight. heres a link to a short summary on their website
http://www.keyt.com/news/local/7620096.html
There are many motivations to chose the military life. Soldiers risk the supreme sacrifice when they choose to serve. When a soldier is drafted, or volunteers for noble motives, he or she deserves our respect and support. However, when someone volunteers to particpate in a war of conquest and occupation, not only is he or she risking his or her life, but also risking the very respect and support he or she so deperately desires. "I was only following orders," no longer cuts it. Being drafted is another matter, the draft being involuntary servitude. But every solider serving in Iraq has chosen that path and must accept moral responsibility for whatever is done there in the name of the United States of America.
Please read Bob Kerrey's article on Iraq and terrorism.
http://opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010107
Anonymous (so many anonymous folks here--what courage! my advice, pick a pseudo and stick with it):
I think soldiers join for a variety of reasons too. And you take an oath when you go in. One of the underlying tenets of the oath is NOT, I repeat, NOT "I get to choose my war and the nature of my service." It IS about following orders in the military.
So anonymous, I take it you don't like Iraq because you characterise it as a war of 'conquest and occupation.' Others might disagree and call it a war of 'prevention.' What should a soldier do?
Today consider this, the same soldier might also serve a rotation in Afghanistan--which perhaps might be considered more acceptable by you? So should the soldier obey orders in Afghanistan but not in Iraq? Maybe the soldier doesn't like search and destroy missions? Should they just say no? Should they say yes when a mission involves an apartment building or a hotel but no when it involves a home? I think the military gets a mission and you do it and military success very much depends on that principle unless you're in an unambiguous war crime situation.
Well, what a day yesterday! I have now seen Dr. Laura naked and in compromising pictures from when she was a much younger woman, and have read more venom than I care to. Personal destruction seems the norm these days. Maybe all this is a vast right and left wing conspiracy to bring down the nation. Can it be that the USA is suicidal? We need prozac and flouride in our water system.
If Deryk has an ugly Myspace with some horrible drawings, why does that make everyone gleefully hate Dr. Laura all the more? Check out the beheadings on Islamist websites--maybe you'll find those fun and provoking too.
An update on Dr. Laura's response to the "whining" issue can be found here.
don jose, many of your statements make sense and your point of view is valid
but you loose credibilty when you ascribe emotions or blanket statements to those who have point of views which you disagree with or don't consider valid- such as the 'gleefully hate' comment
best to avoid such generalizations and stick to making your point
btw, how is a fake blog name any more courageous than being anonymous?
Just to get it straight, here is the oath of enlistment. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
dear fake name:
good comment and constructive criticism about the uselessness of blanket statements and characterizations. I'll try to do better.
Here's why I think fake names are better than anonymous. If you participate in a blog, it helps to know the participants. It allows you to characterize and understand better to whom you are actually speaking (oops writing.) Therefore, if for example over time you notice that "fakename" has only constructive comments to make like these kind ones you are making today, it helps me in to shape my responses and the same is true for everybody else who participates. Online friendships and team play can result. Irony is easier.
On the other hand, if everybody is Mr. Anonymous, you can only wonder WHICH anonymous was that?
And responses to time stamped anonymous responses is just a stop gap measure.
Beside pseudos can be fun as fake name has just showed us. Aw heck, it just makes everything warm and fuzzy on the blog.
All together now, who is Don Jose de la Guerra y Noriega?
de la Guerra..
There are those who are anonymous, like the former schoolmate of Deryk's (see SLTribune). They are anonymous because they have been terrorized. Even before the threats were gunners, Worker Bee pulled a satrical blog on PhD Schlessinger. There are many reasons to use anonymous, what's yours?
I'm anonymous because Wendy McCaw says she controls my freedom of speech. And I'm one of the few journalists left in the newsroom.
SICK of djdlgyn BS
"I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" let us not forget " and domestic " ..
AP news reports from 2004 Deryk (Bishop,aka) Schlessinger at Army reserve and the Salt Lake Tribune reports "telling a crowd of Santa Barbara, Calif., Army reservists gathered for an appearance by his mother that he resented the way Americans criticize the war without recognizing soldiers' sacrifices."
IF his pre-enlistment writings are read the "resentment" will show a theme. IF he wrote the My Space page, that is now under investigation, he and his brothers or gang are not going to let things go "unpunished". The page is not only "resentment" or "repulsive". The gang will be coming "home". There is "resentment" of "cowardly boys that say "I support the troops" and "HOOAH", "resentment" of the "15months" (those responsible) and who else?
What is treason?
The point is, 12:48, choosing "Other" identity is still anonymous. You could type in the name Mickey Mouse. Don Jose is trying to point out that it would help if all comments by "Mickey Mouse" were identifiable, instead of there being 200 "anonymous" comments and not knowing who is who.
I didn't realize this concept was so hard to grasp, but apparently.....
I fully understand the oath of service. That is why someone must think long and hard before taking that oath. The exact point at which one crosses over the line from a clash of warriors to commission of a war crime is often fuzzy and not made clear until a post war trial. But I agree that once you're in, you're in and if you disagree with the war in which you find yourself, the only option is to serve out your enlistment and respectfully resign. I once considered a career in the military and decided against it because while I would have served with pride in WWII, I would not have wanted to participate in Viet-Nam. And I do not believe that the invasion and occupation of Iraq has done anything to protect Americans. In fact I believe our continued presence there has made the world a more dangerous place rather than a safer one.
El Capitan, I've taken issue with some of your missives, but you're right about the "anonymous" folks here. Pick a nom-de-post and stick with it. Just more fun that way, no?
3:12 pm -- think of it less as BS as his opinion and it all might go a bit smoother, no? Fine points though!
Just had another conversation with my son the soldier about MySpace and what's up. He thinks your concern is absurd. And talking to him, I start to feel really "square" as far as my position goes. He wanted to know if I had ever seen a horror movie. Everybody it seems goes to horror movies. Vampires are a current art form of great repute. What about Tarantino? Well I think you get the idea.
This generation is full of this stuff and our soldiers are just well-hewn purveyors of American Culture. See you at the next Santa Barbara International Film Festival and we'll see what you think about the horrors there. Poor Deryk, harassed by all you "squares." And so it goes.
Keytv had the CNN picture of Army Spc. Deryk Schlessinger (right) and Spc. Jon Moldovan (left) with fiancee Megan Moldovan. They cut out Spc. Jon Moldovan's picture and used it on their web AS Deryk Schlessinger. They got phone calls since 5-21-07 by 7:00 pm and knew who each person in the original was and their connections. It took 16-17 hours for KEYT to change screen. They could have put Deryk's picture up but went with a machine. On ch3, they had Laura and laptops. Craig Smith was all about KEYT but zip on his new cyber buddy.
McCaw tosses out locals Barney Brantingham and Starshine Roshell and brings in Dr. Laura and that British royalty guy. What a freak show.
That must be a big relief, Don Jose... the Tarantino... "cool" movie ....
The good news is we can all see all the downloaded web pages now and see what everyone thinks. They need to be in print.
I'd like to know if the "Sweet Little Habib" photo is legal?
"He thinks your concern is absurd."
Of course he does.
I just hope he also realizes that Vampire movies are fantasy and video game shooters are just supposed to be entertainment, not a way to live a real life. Good thing he didn't post a naked nipple or he'd really be in big trouble.
"Dunno what I plan on doing when my time's up...Might just sign on for a bit more sand in the boots. I can't shake, or shock, it outta my system. Kicking doors and jumpin'...it's in my blood."
I hope he gets it out of his blood before he comes home. I'd hate to see him kickin in doors here in Cali.
Then again, maybe we can put all that raging testosterone to good use. Send the 82nd down to East LA (and other places) and have them search and destroy MS13, Crips and Bloods, Da Mafia, crooked politicians and of course dem out of town developers...
In all seriousness, I hope your son comes through this OK, Don Jose. Remind him that right thinking people don't "blame" the individual soldiers. We just refuse to buy into scare tactics and fear mongering. If you think "support the troops" means blindly support insane actions, incredible waste and the decimation of an entire country just so they feel good about themselves, you'll be disappointed forever.
Most troops are just people with a job to do, not heros. It's a shame we've watered down that word to mean just about anybody who doesn't screw things up or get themselves killed in a war.
Yeah... I'm back
SA 1
I hope your not going to any vampire or horror movies and don't like Tarantino.
How come the people here can't imagine that a Myspace site might be full of fantasy too--just as you describe it. "Gallows" humor was my first grab at understanding. My son has expanded the picture.
The 82nd already went to New Orleans, Thank God, and they, finally provided some order. Left directly right from Iraq. Why not take care of those Crips and Bloods and some of those weird South American gangs? Nothing seems to stop them.
Have you been keeping it under control since you got back? Good luck.
All honor to those hard working volunteer soldiers.
Distinguishing fantasy from reality is a tough job. Democrats think for example that winning a vote in Congress to bring the troops home from Iraq will stop the war. Unfortunately, the jihadis and Takfirs get a vote too. They don't appear to be part of a "Loyal Opposition" party. Look out if the Democrat's fantasy doesn't work out. It's a big bet. I wouldn't take it.
Why EVERYONE needs to see "alleged" My Space..... Sa1, naked nipple was posted! From what I got out of this, there are the ones not to go unpunished. They are the men who aren't making mother proud. They say "HOOAH" but are not making the sacrifice. Also the ones who extended their time, like Congress. He doesn't blame the cheating women, so much in writing, cartoons are something else.
The disturbed Vet's I've known don't always hit their targets. What is with what Wonkette reported? The incorrect image on local TV web site is already in other media. He could be on leave and who would recognize him? Mother is proud and wants to train more to have guns and keep us safe. I hear he's had the best internet training since he was a young boy, he's used several monikers? He needs his internet. Like a sociopath or psychopath he can be both charming and destructive. He is alot like his mother. Their family unit has it's own symbiotic twist.. just hearsay. It only matters to get the facts because he is a time bomb. Safety, well being and lives here are threatened.
Let's see now. This is a new twist. The Democrats are working to bring the soldiers home. But the people at home are afraid of the soldiers. Have I got that right?
There is hope for you, Don J.
Interesting that absolutely everyone must "support the troops". Well, I don't. I feel sorry for these poor kids, I wish they were home, and I am horrified at what is done to them. However, I do not support their naivety, ignorance or misguided zealotry in support of a greedy, power-hungry, narcissistic fool, aka, Bush. If they are/were excited at the prospect of fighting and hurting other people, that is just wrong and certainly not Christian. Usually, I believe, they just wanted to earn a little of the American dream, an education, and couldn't afford it so are willing to kill to earn their college and that also is wrong.
I have huge respect for the soldiers of WWII who fought the good fight against a monstrous foe. The Iraq war is stupid and misguided and has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents while doing nothing to help us here at home. Soldiers who participate are duped and no, I don't respect and support them.
"But the people at home are afraid of the soldiers. Have I got that right?"
No. I don't think so Don Jose. I think people are afraid of sociopaths with a gun (and practice). Being soldiers doesn't make them that way, it just gives them an outlet that they might get used to... and bring back home. Back in the 70's, there was no support for the troops yet I did my service proudly. My cadre at Fort Lewis were all fresh from the jungle and probably certifiable. Post tramatic stress is real and debilitating. It's one reason some of us want our troops home and preparing for a real threat not mentally rotting away in a pointless conflict that squanders what goodwill we had built up in the world.
Some of us have to travel internationally and don't get to bring our dragon skin, M16, helmet, and armoured vehicles. Know what I mean?
Now for some good news:
Rumor in the N-P newsroom is that Dr. Laura's column is no more.
She won't be missed.
I hope everyone will watch Monday's Memorial Day events at Fort Bragg which we can all follow live on the TV. That's the military home of the 82nd airborne, Special Forces, Deryk, and my son.
You can see the scary soldiers and their wives. I think you'll be surprised. Whatever you do don't protest against soldiers and the war on Memorial Day.
Gone...Ah, how we love the downfall of the mighty... How is the NP going to explain that...
One wonders if it was the call for those with morals to stop writing for the paper, or family issues. One can hope it is the first. But the pressures of being a celerities child can be tremendous, and I hope that it works out the best for the Slessinger family.
What will the old newspress reporters say if Dr. Laura has quit because of what happened to Editor Roberts?
This could be an awkward moment.
Remember to forgive is devine.
DonJon, Listen to sa1. Please. Not all soldiers are the same. I would like truth and accountability. That's all. I don't wish or love any one, family or brotherhood downfall. I found no word of Schlessinger in SBNP. Typical of their lack of journalism. Has anyone heard how she's handling her radio? One fan said, she's like Bush, she'll be back for more of the same. Her blog and webpage looks paralyzed.
You know, El Capitan, you seem way too smart to simply buy the lame excuses of a colleague in defense of another. To say that Deryk's "alleged" website rantings were simply fantasy is -- wait for it -- fantasy.
If even a 10th of what we heard about site is true, the man's a dangerous sociopath. Look, I was in the service and saw lots of nasty things, much of it the name of "black humor." None of it, though, had any "jokes" about child rape, murder and the like.
Psychopaths exist, both inside the service and out. Just because it looks bad for Laura's boy doesn't mean your son is cut from the same cloth.
The truth is that what you're seeing here is schadenfreud -- taking delight in the misfortune of others. Most people who don't have a need to be abused by cynical harpies see "Dr." Laura as a malignant freak show. She's made millions off brow-beating the weak and the stupid, and a good number of people loathe her for it. And now that she's made herself into a "warrior's mom," folks just can't help being amused by her boy's trouble.
Is any of this particularly nice? No, but here's the thing you need to remember: it has nothing to do with your son and the guys he lives and dies with every day.
OK. That's a good comment Mr. Moreno. Very good comment.
I could disagree with your characterization of what Dr. Laura does--but I say, "different strokes for different folks." She seems to say things to listeners in a way that they find meaningful. That's clear. I have personally heard her say things that really needed to be said. I remember my wife who wouldn't get out of her car sometimes and not come into the house until the radio program was over. My wife obviously is a Mom who worries about her kids--and comes from a traditional background--(hah!) Sort of!
Dr. Laura is not a Guru and I don't see the comparison with Bush. I do know the other Laura should give him dancing lessons.
The judgement that Deryk is a sociopath is beyond my ken. I have not seen the unmentionables on his Myspace site described in the report. So I am reserving fina judgement for now. I do have an understanding of soldiers' doings on Myspace. So on this one issue, call me neutral. Innocent until proven guilty seems a good principle. And his doings on Myspace may have absolutely nothing to do with Dr. Laura.
You're certainly right that Deryk's troubles shouldn't stain the reputation of other soldiers no matter what he did on his website. 100% agreement there.
Seriously though, I am concerned, not about the fantasy issue, but that our kids are whacko for vampires, blood lust, haunted houses, and that Fred with long fingernails...whew!
"if Dr. Laura has quit because of what happened to Editor Roberts?" Don Jose, can you explain? I'm not so savvy. The Dr. Laura I know would never back down for that.
Remember the boy being tried as adult also? He's pleaded not quilty. Dr. Laura has to deal with more than our forgiving. If she or others continue any spin, it would get worse. Remember, reap what you sow and golden rule. Only the narcisstic believe it's all about them.
Thank you Mr Moreno for your reasoned point of view
There is a part of human nature that is fascinated by the dark side but from what I have read about these myspace pics they are something different
I don't know which is more disturbing to me- those who create such sick ideas or those who would justify them
Since when are these things even remotely acceptable or humorous in our culture?
I can understand supporting your friends and initially disbelief of their behaviors. Others are disgusted, some angry, some terrified and so on with Deryk. Their feelings are valid and they should be allowed to vent. Most of all when unsettling events occur. Repression creates monsters.
No one knows what the pentagon will do in the end. Anyone who saw Deryk's website when it was up won't think his friends links and all were faked. I don't know what others think are boys being boy soldiers. Limbaugh sees torture like college pranks. I wouldn't say Deryk was repulsive, sociopath is an appropriate term.
The school friend knows he has no business with a gun. They were courageous to say so. This experience would be horrible for them and they are forgotten. Cruel. It is lunacy to obsess over PhD Laura and forget victims. First help others to feel safe again.
This is one of the reasons the woman is sickening. She is self-centered and has like followers. Think about the people they hurt for once. Read what Deryk said about being a vampire. At last he gets that part.
Deryk doesn't represent all soldiers. Get over it and help the victims of the few bad ones.
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