Messages By: inquisitive12

It's not often I'm compelled to respond to something I've viewed on television or read on message boards...this is one of the rareties.

I should preface my opinion with a statement of fact...I do not condone the criminal behavior of any adult taking advantage of a child!  However, this program presented some facts and skimmed over some vital points necessary for a complete picture of the issue at hand.

I watched and listened more carefully than usual...there was something about Janelle's situation and person that was unique to the standard comprehension and opinion of the issue.

Separating the letter of the law and moral consciousness, the presentation of Janelle's behavior linked with that of Debra Lafave is the apples & oranges comparison.

I live in Clearwater, FL and we were suffocated with ALL the details and film footage of the Lafave case.  In fact, it still comes to light from time to time.  Given the facts, Lafave was purposeful and driven in her pursuit of the 14 year old and has never displayed any signs of genuine remorse.  Her incessant smerks, aloofness, and 'I'm a celebrity' demeanor was disgusting.  At the time of sentencing, the "she's too pretty to go to prison" defense outraged the public.  The audacity of the statement still lingers.

I believe Janelle, had and has, a completely different mindset and that what has evolved is, in comparison to the Lafave and the Jason/gym teacher case, is an example of how ludicrous our judicial system can be.

Given some of the facts of her background and case, and hearing her explanations, gave pause to the evaluation of mindset.  Watching her eyes and body language as she spoke, convinced me she had not commited her crime with malice and is truly remorseful for her poor judgement.  Personally, I believe she has learned a very hard lesson as the result of her naivete.

To put things in perspective, there are a few factors to be considered.  Yes, she was 24 involved with a (16) year old.  But considering she was developmentally younger than her age and he was developmentally more advanced than his, puts a twist on how seriously either one would comprehend the results of their involvement. 

A board member made a snide remark about her virginity...when, instead, that should be taken into consideration as a commendable aspect of her prior morals and values.  I believe she truly fell in love with the young man but, through lack of life experience, never considered the repercussions.  In my estimation, the young man is just as responsible for the interaction as Janelle.  I couldn't help but notice that nothing was said to bring us up to date with his current status and lifestyle.

It would have been very intriguing if Dr. Phil had invited Debra Lafave to sit on the same stage with Janelle.  I would have much rather listened to him hammer her lack of judgement and dispicable behavior than direct his statements and opinions at Janelle and chit chat with Lafave's husband.

I'm cognizant of the severity of any adult disregard for morals, values, and laws that should protect our children.  However, I view the sentencing of Janelle to a lengthy prison term while the other two will not serve a single day, as a blatant and grave injustice!    

The thought of anyone allowing Jeremy even a moment of visitation is ludicrous and anyone involved, entertaining the idea, needs to stop and consider, not only Kaylee's physical jeopardy, but her emotional health as well.

As hysterical and fearful as she is in his presense, just the sight of him presents trauma.

Kaylee has already been effected to a degree that she'll never completely release from...why add more to the child's fear!?

Personally, I've never understood couples' interests in swinging.  I also don't feel that whatever floats someone else's boat is any of my business....as long as it doesn't effect the well-being of others.

My reason for taking a minute to write, is because Dr. Phil, you specifically stated, more than once, that you are about as non-judgmental as anyone can be.  Based on your ever-increasing wisecracks (for entertainment value?) this is not true. 

Twice in less than an hour, you jumped at the chance to make derogatory remarks at the expense of the Clinton name.  Obviously, you're aware this is an election year and since you're seen from time to time at the elbow of President Bush, there's no doubt what party you're rooting for.  Your snide comments were uncalled for and struck me as a lame attempt to instill a reinforced negative tidbit in the minds of your viewers against the Clinton name. 

I'm sure you'll laugh at this statement with another wisecrack, mental or otherwise, stating you don't have the power.......well, excuse me? where have you been all the years you've been attempting to influence the viewing public with your 'advice'; all the while striving for worldwide recognition and acknowledgment?

In the past several months I haven't followed your show as loyally as I used to.  I'm increasingly disappointed with it' s format and content.  It seems you've gone so Hollywood, you've lost perspective of what you achieved when your show first aired.  Quite frankly, it's reminiscent of how Jerry Springer's show evolved.  He began with a great, very informative program which later became nothing short of sensationalized nonsense.  At times, this season especially, it's as if you're not sure of whether you want to be Larry King, Jerry Springer, a reality show, or what.  The key question is whether or not you've sacrificed the real Dr. Phil for celebrity and ratings.  

P.S. There aren't enough categories in your 'Emote:' selections.  Not one of them reflects my current status which is: calm