Well by now most of you have probably heard about David Letterman’s current faux pas. He came on his show last friday and admitted that he had had sexual relationships with more than one female co-worker over the years. These “relationships” took place before his marriage to his present wife, Regina Lasko, earlier this year; however, Dave has been in a relationship with Regina for over 20 years. Dave announced this situation due to the fact that a producer for the show 48 hours, Joe Halderman, allegedly attempted to blackmail David Letterman for $2 million dollars regarding the situation. Joe lived with one of Dave’s female staffers until recently.
When David announced details on the show about the alledged blackmail attempt (which he reported to the authorities) David was applauded by some supporters as “being manly”; or, being proactive and taking the reins in the attempt to spin the public’s perception of the whole sordid situation. I personally dont find it manly to sleep with co-workers casually and then make a joke out of it for public consumption on television.
There are some people who are “standing by their Letterman” no matter what. When I hear them talking it makes me wonder what their personal values are…and I also wonder about the individuals that they are in a relationship are thinking. Hmmm…if my significant other thinks it is ok for David Letterman to cheat in his relationship and sleep with his co-workers…then what is my significant other doing when I am not around…that is the kind of thoughts that would be running through my mind if my significant other was speaking out in support of David’s bad behavior.
Another thing, while David has spoken in jest about such matters…he has that smirk on his face (in my opinion)…which just doesn’t sit well with me. It makes me think he is callous in his treatment of others or worse…that he is loving all of the chaos that this mess is causing and is giving him more attention and ratings than he could have hoped for. Either way, I don’t like watching his cheesy grin while he devalues his relationship with Regina or those other woman by turning it into some kind of “hip” monologue to “entertain” people with.
There is some concern that all of the jokes that David (and others) are cracking in public is going to create a backlash for David and his image. I say, are you serious? Ok, so none of the women he had relationships with on his staff are complaining. Still, some women’s organizations are complaining about his attitude toward women in the workplace. Ok, so his wife has not made a public statement about her feelings on the situation. Ok, some really big stars and supporters are saying …yeah well, David is the man, because he confronted the issue through his television show. David has done plenty of bashing of other men, who were in similiar positions as him regarding inappropriate or immoral sexual behavior over the years.
I just want to say that I don’t find any of this a laughing matter…it really rather offends me that he is cracking jokes about such a serious situation; one that is causing hurt for so many people. For those who are spiritually minded, this is a huge concern as it goes against most religious guidelines for proper or appropriate behavior; in fact, it is considered a sin by many.
Maybe David thinks this is the appropriate way to address the situation by laughing at it. Hmmm…or maybe not. Maybe he is attempting to put a spin on the damage or as they say, he is doing damage control. Except…really, for a man who waited so many years to remarry…to have a young son…wouldn’t you think he would be concerned about how this is affecting those closest to him? I have heard him apologize to his staff, and acknowledge that his actions have deeply hurt his wife Regina. I heard him say that if one is responsible for causing that kind of hurt that they need to repair the damage. It is easier said than done.
Ok Dave…I am going to speak your language and give you some free advice. Here are the top 10 ten reasons that you, David Letterman, need to stop laughing and making jokes about your actions in this situation.
Reason #10
People might think you would do it all over again-because you thanked your staff for standing by you when you got “yourself” into something stupid! Hello…you got alot of people into something stupid.
Reason #9
You could lose your job over the situation.
Reason #8
You could lose viewers in the long run (even though the immediate numbers are up).
Reason #7
You could lose sponsors for the show-which in turn could cause you to lose your job.
Reason #6
You could have damaged marriages & family relationships for the people on your staff.
Reason #5
You have given your child plenty of counseling material for years to come-plus ammunition for school bullies to taunt your young son Harry…he may not always respect you, like you appear to have respected your father.
Reason #4
You have given your wife reason to doubt and mistrust your actions with present & future staff-this may have destroyed the trustibility in your marriage-costing you companionship, love, support, and half of your financial legacy.
Reason #3
You have damaged your relationship with your wife & mother of your only child-yes you were not married but you were in a relationship with her during the time of this alledged behavior.
Reason #2
You look like an insensitive jerk by laughing at a situation that affects thousands & thousands of your viewer’s marriages and relationships each and every day.
Reason #1
The other half of the story isn’t out yet…and there will be more information to come out. The more you laugh now the more there could be to explain later…to the public, to those you have personal relationships with and to the authorities in a court room. Your name will not just be known for your comedic skills and talents…it will be forever associated with sex, scandal, back room relationships…and negative publicity. Your so called friends and supporters will distance themselves from you quicker than quick if the publicity takes a negative turn. Oh and by the way, it just isn’t funny David Letterman!
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Rainy, I think this post is one of your best efforts yet as a blogger. It showcases your passion, your ability to think things through, your own sense of humor and your value system. Oh, and it also does a masterful job of illustrating what a schmuck Letterman was/is.
Good job, gf.
Hugs,
Connie Baum
http://motherconniesez.blogspot.com
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