Quote From: ashelizbthI don't expect people to believe me or every word I write. This IS, afterall- the Dr. Phil message board and most of you, with the exception of a couple of trolls, are here because you are fans of him and/or his show. Getting defensive is excpected.
I'm asking that those of you who have a brain in your head and know how to use it simply just take my words into consideration instead of immediately attacking me.
I have been Samantha's (the girl featured on today's show) best friend now for close to five years. Five years is a long time, and during those five years- I have seen the many ups and downs that has happened to Sam and her family. Things that were not mentioned on today's show. Things that were edited out of the program in order to attract viewers and get ratings. A lot happened backstage at Dr. Phil's studio both pre and post show. Things that were unprofessional and shady, but those are best reserved for another day.
Let's just say things aren't always as they seem. I'm simply here to give a little insight to the side of Samantha that wasn't shown today.
It was mentioned briefly on today's show that Sam had cancer, a bone cancer that nearly cost her her leg, and when I first met her years ago- she was still recovering, still getting her bearings from learning how to WALK again, and attempting to start college and live a normal life. As anyone who is a cancer survivor, or anyone who is currently fighting cancer can tell you- this is no easy task, made even more difficult by the looming thought of medical bills that need to be paid.
I'm happy to report that Sam is now cancer-free (obviously, but still- it makes me smile to say it) and graduated college last year with the degree she worked so hard for YEARS for. Through blood tests, x-rays, and constant checkups.
I have seen Sam go from job to job, attempting to make a living and put her degree to use, so the very thought that she isn't trying outlandish. Living in a very 'tourist' area of New Hampshire in the middle of winter, surrounded by mom and pop shops that are going out of business because of a failing economy- is anyone truly suprised she's having difficulty maintaining employment? That, and the weakened condition of her knee due to the cancer causes limitations on just how far she can travel for work and how far she can push herself.
Someone earler reccomended she work at a dough shop since Hampton is filled with them. Yes, that's possible for the short-term, but do you really think minimum wage is going to be enough? I doubt it.
I'm not saying Sam is blameless. She's been careless with money before, but haven't we all? I certainly have. I doubt there is a single person here pointing fingers at today's guests who haven't, at some point- purchased something they didn't need, something on impulse, etc. I'm just saying- the show was edited to make Sam look like she spends her money on frivilous things and hangs around her parents' house all the time- which isn't the case. She has been searching HIGH AND LOW for a decent job that will help her pay her own way, AND help pay her bills and loans, non-stop for the past two months.
Also keep in mind that Sam and Jonathan's father lost his job not too long ago. That's never easy for anyone, or anyone's family.
As far as Jonathan- I've known him just as long as Sam, and he too, is good kid who was portrayed in poor light.
As far as Dr. Phil's "move out, lose the phone, lose the car" mantra. How in the hell is someone supposed to get a job, save money, and better themselves without a roof over their head, a vehicle to GET to work, and a phone? Are you kidding me? It's 2009. It's time to get with it.
Ehhh, I'm getting carried away. I just wanted to express that there are two sides to every story. Unfortunately one side has producers, lawyers, and an editing crew to make his seem more legit.
This message is to say that I noticed a certain bias coming from Dr.Phil directed at the female on the show whos parents are over $100,000 in debt because of her and her brother.
Dr.Phil really laid into her for being dependant on her family but not her brother.
D
r.Phil aslo was very easy on the guy from the other family who in my opinion is just a deadbeat and a jerk.
I notice this all of the time from Dr.Phil, and it's one of the reasons that I have only once found a male therapist that really did me any good.
I understand that the family with two dependant children are in more financial trouble but, the mommy who likes to coddle her deadbeat used carsalesman wanna-be son is fascinating in the aspect that she would feel guilty in making her son get a job and be a responsible parent and that Dr.Phil did threaten throwing him out on the streets.
My parents threw me out on the streets at the age of 17 because I ran the gas bill up taking showers.
I never got the chance to help them pay the gas bill.I got thrown out because they had beer and cigarettes to buy, and two teenage boys to buy cars for and flip cash to for their dates.
I'm still very sensitive to the double standards and the empty threats that go to the males and the harsh realities for the females.
It's always easy to get the females to cry and so enetertaining to watch the males laugh off their jerk-off personalities.