How To Redeem a Bad Childhood (Dr. Laura Schlessinger Tells Her Story )

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | 04/11/2006 | Dr. Laura Schlessinger

[pollyannaish]

You know, I felt that way at first. What I came to realize is that in this day and age, people know in their gut what they should do, but because of the garbage they hear day in and day out no longer trust it. Therefore, they call her to "get permission" to do the right thing, even though part of them doesn't want to.

On several occasions I have heard her completely back off and be gentle with people who have honest to goodness complicated issues. That changed my perspective and made me realize just how hard people are looking for someone to say "standards are important."

[misterrob]

I listened to her plenty enough to draw my opinion. I'm not the only one out there who shares it either.

If her style works for you, so be it.

[b9]

Dr. Laura is my kind of "hug or a hatpin" friend, dispensing what's usually most needed.

[yldstrk]

I completely understand, Laura. My parents suffered thru WWII and were strange also. I had to think my way out of it too. WWII left a lot of folks scarred forever, don't dare think otherwise.

[Cheburashka]

I see she waited until her parents died and weren't able to tell their side of the story before she released this.
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The way you phrase this implies that she should have told her story before they died. Of course then she would be criticized for attacking them in last few years of their lives and making them (more?) miserable then. At least now they cannot be humiliated by her.

I don't think she made the right choice in writing about them like this. She apparently still is carrying grievances about her childhood. She must be about sixty. My advice, if she ever were to ask me, would be that it is time to let this go.

[Cecily]

I agree. She is just plain mean, and I believe she hates women, or holds them in contempt as a general rule. That said, anyone dumb enough to call her after all this time deserves whatever nastiness she dishes out.

I think she has been estranged from her sister for some time too.

[Hildy]

Why do you say that?

[truthkeeper]

I've read that as well. Her sister's name is Cindy, and I believe she is also a therapist. Interesting.

[b9]

Being a post script to her book Bad Childhood, Good Life, this writing is an attempt to help her readers.

It's for those who need it. The rest will never understand.

[Stone Mountain]

The way you phrase this implies that she should have told her story before they died. Of course then she would be criticized for attacking them in last few years of their lives and making them (more?) miserable then. At least now they cannot be humiliated by her.

That may be, but I have a fundamental prooblem with people making allegations against others who are in no position to defend themselves or refute anything she says, particularly allegations such as these where there is obviously more to the stories than Dr. Laura is recounting. The way she orchestrated it, she is able to get all of her dirty laundry out there in public at a time when nobody is around to provide any balance. Lots of people have issues with their parents. I've been around long enough to know that there are at least two sides to every story, but they way this was done, we'll only get to hear her side. I think her parents (not that I know them or anything) would rather have had the chance to put their side out there rather than to have ben slandered without a chance to defend themselves after they died.

I don't think she made the right choice in writing about them like this. She apparently still is carrying grievances about her childhood. She must be about sixty. My advice, if she ever were to ask me, would be that it is time to let this go.

Definitely true. And the ironic thing is that if a caller to her show told this exact story, that's exactly the information Dr. Laura would provide...

[Cecily]

It would be interesting if sister Cindy wrote a book. Maybe she will if she thinks Laura has slandered her parents.

[Stone Mountain]

Didn't know she had a sister - now if SHE writes a book, I might read it... : )

[bboop]

Yes, it does seem to be bringing out the bashers. One wonders why. I think she is reaching an amazing number of people through her terrible childhood -- which many of us have, to some degree or another. More power to her.

[Cecily]

Can you imagine being Deryk Schlessinger (why isn't his surname "Bishop," by the way?) and having know-it-all, controlling Laura for a mama? He dropped out of college and joined the Army Rangers last year. See ya, Mama!

Good luck to whoever he marries. Mama-in-law looks to be quite a trial.

[afraidfortherepublic]

I am not a Dr. Laura basher. In fact, I always enjoyed her show when it was on the air around here.

However, this account is very revealing, and I am shocked at how much "poor little me" and "it's not my fault" sentiment is revealed here.

She does need therapy, and it is a shame she didn't get it when her parents were still alive. It may not have made any difference, tough.

[Kimmers]

Agreed....I learned a few things from her...

When I read this I could not help but think of my good friend. She grew up with and alcoholic abusive mom and really has no relationship with her and really does not care if she ever hears from her again. She really tried to have a relationship with her as an adult but her mom was very nasty to be around. It may have had something to do with the clear liquid her mom was drinking out of the Evian bottle.

[machogirl]

the callers knew what they were in for, no one forced them to call, maybe what they needed was "tough love"

[apackof2]

Because she is a cold, judgemental holly roller. Parts of her message are dead on but the superiority attitude turns people off.

Hmmm let me see SHE is cold and judgmental but YOU calling her that isn't?

[apackof2]

I agree. She is just plain mean, and I believe she hates women, or holds them in contempt as a general rule. That said, anyone dumb enough to call her after all this time deserves whatever nastiness she dishes out.

WOW reread your post and see if it doesn't fit what you are accusing Dr. Laura of

[Cecily]

Making the observation that someone is generally mean to women, and that women who call up said someone knowing full well they are probably going to be abused aren't too bright or self-respecting, is not the same as being mean myself. I believe women should have far more self-respect than to subject themselves to the venom of Laura Schlessinger, especially given her very checkered and troubled past, and considering that we all know by now what she is going to say on any given topic.