Mother of 'Dr. Laura' found slain in Beverly Hills

Associated Press ^ | 12-20-02 | JOHN ANTCZAK

[TopQuark]

I think people should be quick to listen, slow to speak.

Thanks. Now I know there are at least to of us who think this way.

[Chemnitz]

Yes. Maybe it's fun to jump all over someone we do not know personally, to make assumptions. However, it does not look when such comments are published.

Folks, before you jump to conclusions, I have made visits to several homes where people refused to open the door. They did not know me personally but they had a habit of rejecting all visitors, even the most benign (like me). It is commonly seen among the elderly.

[oldvike]

bump

[LadyDoc]

One should then say instead, "free will that wants to do something that others perceive as harm to itself

most of the time this is true. Alas, there are biochemical causes and spiritual causes and medical causes of irrationality that are NOT chosen by the will.

As JMHopkins wrote:

O the mind, mind has mountains; cliffs of fall
Frightful, sheer, no-man-fathomed.
Hold them cheap
May who ne'er hung there.

[TruthSlayer]

You are so right. My father was a hateful man. He drove my mother to her death when she was 79. He immediately (the day after her funeral) announced he was remarrying. One by one he drove each of his children and their families from his life in the most despicable way. He then spent the next seven years telling anyone who would listen that his rotten children had abandoned him because we wouldn't accept his new wife. We were ALL at his wedding but no one knew that. We hung in there until he had to do outrageous things to make us leave his life forever. There are people in our community who think we are rotten. There are some who know the truth.

God bless Dr. Laura. She will suffer and her mother would love it if she knew. I hope there is a special Hell for such people. I will have faith in Dr. Laura, not a crazy old biddy who couldn't even sustain a relationship with her neighbors, much less her children.

[Doctor Raoul]

One of the best memories I have of my father is how he helped my grandmother's best friend. Her brother was sick, also paranoid and wouldn't come into the house and lived in the back yard or on the street.

As Dad was an investigator, he knew the law and what he didn't know, he could find out. Ultimately, he was able to have the police take the guy to the hospital and get him treated. Once he was "normal", he arranged for a nursing home as he needed it and she was too elderly to care for him anyway.

Dad had his finances set up with a lawyer so that even if the sister, other relatives or my Dad passed away, the brother would never have to leave that facility. Part of his preparations included that he'd have a small allowance for whatever and signed him up with a lifetime subscription to a foreign languaage newspaper.

[doomtrooper99]

We should not judge Dr Laura. Who knows what drama took place between her and her mother. Who is at fault... We will never know that

[Valpal1]

Where do you suppose the elder Mrs. Schlessinger got the $$$ for her Beverly Hills condo?

I am truly sorry for Dr. Laura.

[Gracey]

I was always uncomfortable with her estrangement from her mother, however.

You sound about as cold a person as Dr. Laura's mother was towards her. Geez, I'm glad you're not MY mom. Bet you're perfect in every way.

[eddie willers]

Great story.
Sounds like a great dad, too.

[TopQuark]

Alas, there are biochemical causes and spiritual causes and medical causes of irrationality that are NOT chosen by the will.

See, Doc, that's where the problem lies: arn't ALL emotions just a but of electomagentic energy transmitted by neurons? Apart from issues related to the soul, everything, including one's will is biochemical (which includes medical, I presume).

Which is why I said, the issue you have touched is meta-medical; it is a subject of philosophy and theology.

[Commie Basher]

it's a career killer.

That well may be: in today's culture, nothing entertains people more then misfortune of those who made it.

It's the second half of an old tabloid cyclic storyline: Rags to Riches followed by Fall of the Mighty.

First the tabloids gush over Jennifer "J Lo" Lopez's struggle from the bario. Then they tear away at her for being an "out-of-control prima donna."

It's always the same story. Only the celeb names differ. Part of the price of fame.

[LadyDoc]

"Apart from issues related to the soul, everything, including one's will is biochemical (which includes medical, I presume). "

Yup. And the manipulation of people via drugs in the future is a frightening subject. And then you have Robotmen, and genetically engineered people. Just put the word Transhuman in Google and you'll see a lot of utopian stuff that is very frightening.

Some non fiction writers discussing these problems are Fukuyama and Rifken. But much of what is going on is so far not well discussed, except in glowing praise by the liberal press who rarely see problems.

Or just read: The Thantos Syndrome, by Walker Percy
Friday, by Robert Heinlein
or any or the Underpeople stories of Cordwainer smith.

[Tax Government]

I have always marvelled at Dr. Laura's ability to make an instant judgment about other people's hard problems. Often, her attitude is: "Hurry up and get to the point," or "Of COURSE you should do XXX, and you're an IDIOT for not realized this on your own." Whenever I hear her respond these ways, I change stations.

[ventana]

Dr. Laura is king of the hill everyday dispensing some pretty tough medicine, a lot of which I agree with. However, having placed herself in that position, she must be above reproach, or she loses credibility. I think she could have handled this differently. You must disagree. The fact that you have to get personal with me is more revealing about you then me. V's wife.

[ventana]

That is the very definition of a stand up guy. V's wife.

[Steve Eisenberg]

I think she could have handled this differently.

Undoubtedly. And every one of those other ways would perhaps have also been wrong. This is such a sad situation, period. Maybe one day a fair biography of this woman will be written. But we today simply do not have the information to judge Laura Schlessinger, and it is sickening to think that, in addition to her mother's murder, she will be tormented by tabloids which will make up poisonous lies.

[GreenHornet]

Recently, Tom Daschle stated the the "shrill" rehetoric coming from conservative talkers like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity were directly responsible for an increase in threats against himself and other Democrats.

I can't help but think back to all of the shrill rhetoric, demonization, and character assasination directed at Dr. Laura by the left a couple of years ago. The left went crazy when she stated that, based on her religious beliefs, she felt that homosexuality is morally wrong.

Perhaps someone who has been harboring a grudge against Dr. Laura finally decided to act on the hatred instilled in them as a result of the unrelenting campaign waged against her by the gay community, and their sympathizers on the left. Maybe this person thought they could "get even" with Dr. Laura by taking out a member of her family. I wonder if Tom Daschle would think this theory has any merit. Somehow, I don't think so.

[realdoc]

It appears you are intent on making excuses for what is more likely inexcusable behavior.

First, while there is a "tendency" for paranoia among the elderly, nothing in what I have read indicates that "Dr Laura's" mother was paranoid; in fact there is evidence to the contrary. Secondly, there is something interesting about the timing of the "Dr Laura" and her mother's parting of ways (after reported business conflicts).

Furthermore, your reference to "rights" is offensive. What, if anything, do you really know about the treatment of those who are mentally ill? Are you suggesting that "Dr Laura's" mother was mentally ill? Where's the proof of that! In your blind support for "Dr Laura" you apparently project your own issues into your statements.

I am amazed that you use the term 'normal' people. What exactly is your definition of 'normal?'

If you are a doc (psychologist?) your statements certainly concern me. I hope you are not treating anyone. Finally, consider reviewing your state's code of ethics - you probably don't understand their application.

"Dr Laura's" lack of relationship with her mother is appolling.

[LadyDoc]

Furthermore, your reference to "rights" is offensive. What, if anything, do you really know about the treatment of those who are mentally ill? Are you suggesting that "Dr Laura's" mother was mentally ill? Where's the proof of that!

The reason I use mentally ill is that this lady had no relationship with anyone. Such isolation is not normal. She didn't say hi to her neighbors? she didn't go to Senior center? She didn't shop? She alienated not only Dr. Laura but all other relatives? This is not normal. Maybe she was just nasty, but her fighting with everyone suggests she was paranoid.