- From last night’s program:
Well, Soledad was back filling in – and it was indeed a full hour, particularly for being live at 11:00 PM ET.
First item up: Will Hillary be ‘damaged’ by the attacks levied on her at Tuesday’s debate? Or by her responses? John King questioned Gloria Borger and James Carville about it. I can’t help but think that Mr. Carville is just not the most objective analyst when it comes to anything “Clinton-related”. There were descriptors used from Gloria Borger that you haven’t seen much when characterizing the Hill – “stern”, “head mistress”, “annoyed”, “glaring” – in direct contrast to the “congeniality” phrasings used after prior debates. But – IMHO – the attacks on issues of honesty and trustworthiness, as well as electability, will just be intensifying and I assume that “Team Clinton” is well prepared!
So Scientology is starting to creep into some evangelical Christian churches, huh? Hmmm ... clever marketing ploy on the part of the Scientologists. And a likely target – as my personal experience has taught me that some (emphasize some) ‘evangelicals’ are THE most hypocritical people you’ll ever find. As is the cult of Scientology. As are a number of other formal religions, but that’s a topic for another day and time.
I was as surprised as anyone about the Madrid bombing verdicts. So I’m glad that Jeff Toobin and Peter Bergen provided some additional perspective. I had forgotten that the main perpetrators had killed themselves, so most of those on trial were peripheral participants. And there were some hefty sentences given, although they only equate to 40 years in jail. I know it’s Spanish law, but that makes no sense! What bothers me, though, is that the ‘mastermind’ was acquitted. Thankfully there was already a conviction in Italy for his involvement in this tragedy.
As for the child (under 13?? – wow) who admitted to playing with matches that ended up starting the Buckweed fire, I’m kind of torn as to whether I think he should be prosecuted. If he’s been in any kind of previous ‘trouble’ – maybe a few years in a juvenile detention center would be useful, in some way. But regardless, this is California, and it’s a 100% sure bet that his parents are facing serious (emphasize serious) civil liability in this situation. There will be lawsuits for years to come.
And my outrage for today follows: any adult – especially one in a position of “trust” (teacher, minister, etc.) – who engages in any form of sexual activity with a child – should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And anyone who “covers up” for another person guilty of this – should be equally prosecuted. In the related story, I have next-to-zero sympathy for Oprah about anything – least of all the allegations of abuse from her school in Africa. She defended the actions of the staff when various concerns about “discipline” were being first voiced by parents – I notice that’s no longer being mentioned. Maybe she should have paid a little less attention to the peripheral ‘amenities’ offered and a little more attention to the staff recruitment screening process!
I normally don’t comment on the individual “Heroes” segments, but last night’s is an exception, as I’ve written about the ‘cause’ before. It was a brief bio of Kate Roberts, founder of YouthAids, a global education and AIDS prevention initiative of Population Services International. PSI uses media, pop culture, music, theatre and sports to reach millions of young people in more than 60 countries with life-saving messages, products, services and care. Part of their mission is to create a paradigm within youth to “make it cool to care”. I hope that YouthAids is recognized at the upcoming “Heroes” tribute!
At least I can end with few ‘lighter’ positive topics – “Yes, Gary (Tuchman), it IS difficult to follow up a bouncing eye” ... especially on Halloween ... :-)
And – OT alert - don’t miss Stephen Colbert on Tim Russert’s interview show this Saturday – see pic below for details:
Oh – and note to Jon Friedman at MarketWatch – regarding Stephen Colbert’s recent spotlight – lighten up, man – it’s satire ... and just a friendly FYI - I suspect that Maureen Dowd and Tim Russert are “in on the joke” ... ;-)
Update # 1: Booooo - hissss - The South Carolina Democratic Party just announced that they will NOT be allowing Stephen Colbert on the SC ballot!!! I sense a "write-in" campaign starting!! I'll definitely be watching TCR tonight for reaction!!! ;-)
Thanks for visiting - updates posted as needed - have a terrific day!
1 comment:
I've always admired Oprah but I'm appalled by this story and my level of admiration for Oprah has certainly been lowered due to the way she handled or I should say mishandled these allegations.
Reuters is reporting an arrest has been made against the employee at Oprah's school.Here is a blurb from that article:
"JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African police said on Friday they had arrested a former dormitory employee at Oprah Winfrey's leadership academy for girls on charges of abuse, including indecent acts.
At least seven alleged victims have submitted statements about the woman, police said.
"A former dormitory employee (27) has been arrested yesterday by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on several charges of abuse," a statement from police spokesman Superintendent Lungelo Dlamini read.
"Several charges including alleged assault, indecent assault, crimen injuria and soliciting girls under age to perform indecent acts are being investigated against her. At least seven victims have already submitted statements."
Post a Comment