Replies to '03/16 Cheerleader Scandal'

I'm not sure what you think you posted that was offensive, but I can understand the "enough is enough" feeling.  I'd also sworn off posting on this topic until I saw Dr. Phil was going to replay it.    

I don't have as big a problem with the Brandi supporters as some posters seem to think.  My concern has been that this show raised so much emotion in people, and those who only watched the show are making judgements without knowing about some important factors.   I think Brandi's dad was hoping this show would be a catalyst to propel Brandi towards a possible early release - what if a large number of viewers petitioned the Missouri governor?   People have the right to do that, but after learning about Stephanie I think they should also have the right to hear both sides of the story before they take a position.   

Maybe it's because I advocate for children in court, but I'm more concerned about the effect this show may someday have on Madison than Daniel's parents, siblings or Stephanie.  After all, they're adults who had the opportunity to know Daniel and form their own opinions of what kind of man he was.  This show has rung a bell that is almost impossible to silence, and while I don't profess to know the "truth", I do know that there is an awful lot more to this story than the show portrayed.   

I have a son and a daughter in their 20's, and I've thought long and hard about how I'd feel and react if they were Brandi or Daniel.  I'd want my daughter out of prison.  I'd want my son to rest in peace with his reputation intact.   

So for me, what this boils down to for me (and why I continue to post) is that I think what Brandi's parents are attempting to do is more likely to EXTEND her time in prison than shorten it, and I'm not sure they comprehend why.  In addition, by revictimized the victim (whatever posters think, that's how the parole board will view it) by blaming Daniel for his own death on the Dr. Phil show they are delaying their son's coping and healing process as well as their own. 

While Daniel's family may have appeared more agitated on the show, I suspect that if these accusations go away they'll resume their healing process.   One thing is for sure: This board and Dr. Phil's show is not the place for either family to try to talk about how they feel.