Sunday, March 31, 2013

The United States Constitution Says Americans Are All "Equal." Then Why Not Gays?

     The United States Supreme Court heard arguments last week in cases involving two high profile laws that put the issue of same-sex marriage, front and center, before the nation. 

     Gay marriage is legal in 9 states - Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington plus the District of Columbia.  Homosexuals can also "tie the knot" in Canada, Argentina, South Africa, most of Mexico and in many countries on the European continent.  Unfortunately, in America, 38 states have anti-gay marriage laws or constitutional amendments banning the recognition of same-sex weddings.

     Now I have already written an indepth essay on equal rights for gays - (Equal Rights For All...Including Gay Boy Scouts, February 6, 2013) - but recently, I have been receiving many e-mails from readers of The Controversy asking why I have not re-visited the issue to focus primarily on same-sex marriage.

     As the highest court in the land ponders over California's Proposition 8 and the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, a new CBS News poll indicates that the majority of Americans now support a marriage between a man and man, and a woman and a woman.  Fifty-three percent of U.S. citizens think it should be legal for same-sex couples to marry, while 39% disagree with such a union.  Eight percent of Americans have no opinion.  Meanwhile, a whopping 73% of Americans under the age of 30 feel gays should have the right to get married.

     But polling the American public should not have any bearing on whether gays should be legally allowed to wed.  This is a matter of civil rights; and despite what the naysayers think...same-sex marriage IS a civil right for homosexuals.

     Our founding fathers - including such honorable men, who also became President of the United States - John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution"...stipulated most clearly in the U.S. Constitution...that "all men are created equal."  If that is to be true...then two men...or two women...should have the right to join together in a same-sex marriage.  Polls and public opinion should not even be part of the issue.



     If all Americans are supposed to be equal under the law, how can any American - who believes in the Constitution of this nation - be contradictory and say that gays should not enter in to a legal and binding marriage?

     Why should only one group of people - homosexuals - be disregarded as equal under the law?  It is preposterous and utterly absurd to think that "the law of the land" should be able to pick and choose as to who can marry and who can not.  Until gays are treated with the same equal rights as straight individuals then we are not doing justice to the writings of Madison, Jefferson, Adams and our other founding fathers who stated equality for all Americans.

     Same-sex marriage is inevitable in the United States...and rightfully so.  Otherwise, our country will appear to be supporting a prejudiced notion that not every American is created equal under the law.  And there is no reason whatsoever that any homosexual person should deserve anything less than the same equal rights as heterosexuals.

     Although there still remains bigots and people who are prejudiced against others because of their race, religion, ethnicity or for any other reason...for the most part...we - as a nation - have accepted people of color as equal, non-Christians as equal, and members of other minorities as equal.  So why not gays?

     Interracial marriages were frowned upon - and in many areas were illegal - not too long ago.  And it isn't that many years back...when "Negroes"...were slaves.  But thankfully, black Americans are now recognized, by most Americans, as equal.  After all, we twice elected an African-American to be our President.

     In the not too distant past, anti-semitism was rampant.  Today, for the most part - at least I want to believe - that Jewish Americans are equal.

     And although there are certain ignorant individuals who still make up the "haters" of the world...and who are hostile towards blacks, Jews, Hispanics and other Americans...and who never will recognize anybody different from themselves...as equal - the law states...that we are all equal.

     Blacks are not slaves...Jews are not being persecuted...and the rights of Americans are supposed to be applied to ALL Americans.  Then why not gays?

     The notion of marriage...and the ceremony and celebration that generally follows...may have been considered a tradition for only a man and a woman.  But it shouldn't be anymore.  If two consenting adults - whether a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman - want to create a permanent bond in a relationship of love...they should have the right to do so.

    
     If you are against same-sex marriage...what or who gives you the right to decide who can get married or who can not?  God created all of us in His own image, so says The Old Testament; and the United States Constitution proclaims that all of us are created equal.  Therefore, when God and the law of the land agree that Americans are all equal, then it seems to me that everyone in this country should be protected with the same rights and provided the same privileges.
 
     It's about time that gays and lesbians are totally equal - in every way - as all other Americans - including giving them the right to lawfully wed in a legal and binding marriage.  If we don't... then our Constitution becomes bogus.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.


Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.

Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

MY NANA AND PAPA SIDNEY ARE ALIVE AND WELL...AND LIVING IN HEAVEN!

     Do you believe in miracles?  The miracle I am writing about today has nothing to do with saving a person's life.  It has nothing to do with bringing peace to the United States and the entire world.  It's not a miracle of curing cancer...or AIDS...or any other tragic disease.  However - to me - it's a miracle that has given me a belief far beyond any divine acceptance that I have always had; and clearly a trust that angels are all around us.

     Today - March 28th - is my Nana Matilda's 117th birthday.  My Papa Sidney will be 119 this August 19th.

     I say today...IS...my Nana's 117th birthday...even though she supposedly passed away on April 24th, 1973 - nearly 40 years ago.

     But what does it mean to "pass away?"  Why do we refer to a person's death - at least as we know it - as "passing away?"  Why do we not - especially in the case of family and friends - say that a person has died?  Is it to be more polite...or more genteel?  Personally...I believe it means to "pass away" in to heaven...and I believe there is...life in heaven...as if heaven is another universe.

     Before some of you think I've gone off the deep end...or that you feel I'm completely nuts by what may be interpreted as far-fetched...let me please explain my reason for this essay.

     It was Sunday evening, January 26th, 2013...and I had enjoyed a genuinely wonderful day...something I had not truly experienced in a very long time. 

     I was visiting Dallas, Texas for a reason completely unrelated to this commentary.  That being said...being a Sunday...I had time to accomplish one of my lifelong "bucket list" goals.  And that was to tour Southfork Ranch - the legendary site where many of the exterior and some interior scenes were filmed for both the original and current television series, Dallas.

     As one of the biggest fans of the Dallas franchise...and somone who had the marvelous fortune of interviewing its star - the late great, Larry Hagman - it was a tremendous thrill for me to wander about the Southfork grounds and roam throughout the magnificent house that I had seen on television for so many years.

     I - along with about 20 other people - spent 45 minutes or so with a guide; and then for close to two and a half hours, I moseyed and meandered  - far and wide - inside and outside Southfork - as I envisioned myself following the footsteps of J.R., Bobby and the rest of the Ewing family - and as I pretended - for at least a moment or two - that I was a Ewing myself.

     I walked practically every inch of that majestic mansion and much of the land outdoors.  Later, I treated myself to a terrific Texas steak dinner.  It was a superbly special day.

     I had returned to my hotel accommodations to take a nap.  After all, it was a Sunday; and I was somewhat tired from my jubilant journey at Southfork - so a bit of a snooze was just what I had needed. 

     Upon awakening a few hours later that same night, I became panic stricken as I felt that something didn't seem right on my upper body.  For nearly four decades, I have worn a gold chain with a gold chai dangling from it. 

     For those of you who are not familiar with a chai, it is a symbol of the Jewish religion that represents "long life."  There have been various mystical numerological speculations - according to the traditional Jewish system of assigning numerical value to a word or phrase, called Gematria - that the letters of chai add up to 18.  For this reason, 18 is a spiritual number in Judaism; and - as a result - many Jews give gifts of money in multiples of 18.

     For me, however, the particular chai that I write about today is a 14 karat gold charm that my grandfather gave to my grandmother on their 50th wedding anniversary on November 17th, 1968.

     When I woke up from my evening slumber, I realized that the chain around my neck had broken.  My immediate concern - and the question I had for myself was - where was my chai?  It was nowhere to be found.  I checked my clothing.  I tore apart the bed - from the sheets to the blanket to inside the two pillows to every nook and cranny of that hotel room.  My chai was gone.  I was heartbroken.

     True, this is a materialistic item and some of you may say that I need not put that much value to something that does not have a pulse.  But my chai is a family heirloom...and besides that...I have personally treasured it for nearly 40 years.  I deeply cherish my chai, as it belonged to Nana and was given to her by Papa Sidney on their golden anniversary day.

     I'm not embarrassed to say that I was devastated by the absence of my chai.  Tears were streaming down my eyes, as I suffered the loss of this beloved piece of jewelry.

     I called my mom on the telephone and she tried to comfort and calm me, as I was distressed and anguished that my chai was lost.  Mom, though, did what she always does when one of her children has been hurt - she tries to make it all better.  

     We spent what seemed to be hours - although I think it was really perhaps only a tad more than one hour - tracing my steps in an effort to discover where the chai might have dropped off my body.  Mom was sad not only because I had lost the chai - which was her mother's - but she was more upset because what had been a perfect day for me was now ruined by the missing chai.  And unfortunately, in recent years, I haven't had too many happy days.  The one day that had been so awesome...had now become a day of despair. 

     I knew that if I had lost the chai at Southfork, I would never find it; and since it was after 10 o'clock at night, I'd have to wait until morning to contact anyone at the "Ewing Ranch."

     I placed a call to the steakhouse where I had eaten dinner.  The manager was a sweetheart of a young lady who empathized with me.  She searched high and low inside the restaurant and outside in the parking lot.  Meantime, I obtained a flashlight from the hotel office and I checked every crack and crevice of the rental car I had been driving while in Texas.  But nothing.

     I continued to rip apart the hotel room where I had been staying.  I began to rummage through every stitch of clothing in the closet and in the dresser drawers.  I crawled on the carpeting.  I even sifted through two trash cans of garbage.  But no chai.  I was crushed.

     Mom, though, had faith that I would still find the chai.  She seemed certain that it would be found - either in my hotel room, at Southfork, or at the restaurant.  Mom did everything humanly possible - as a mother would do...or at least as my mother would do - to give me hope that the chai would be located.  But as much as she tried, I was becoming more and more convinced that I would never see my chai...my Nana's chai...again.

     Throughout this entire ordeal, I had been praying to God to help me find my chai.  In addition, however...I was talking to Nana and Papa Sidney...and asking them to please help me to find my precious pendant.  Unbeknownst to me...Mom was doing the same thing.  She would converse with her parents via a beautifully framed photograph...and despite the fact that Nana and Papa Sidney could not verbally answer Mom...she - as I - believe that my grandparents could hear her.

     For the third...perhaps fourth...maybe fifth time...I stripped off every bit of bedding from the mattress in my hotel room.  I inspected the box spring.  I did everything I could do, as I searched for my chai.  It wasn't on the sheets, on the blanket, under the bedspread, in the pillowcases...it was nowhere.  My chai had disappeared forever.  So I had thought.

     But then...while on the phone with my mom...I felt something under my leg, as I was sitting on the bed.  I moved the sheet and - lo and behold - there was my chai.  And I can promise you that it was definitely not on that bed moments before.

     Now there are those of you who are going to think that I am clearly off my rocker and that I am ready for the booby hatch.  Others, I'm sure, will agree in the belief that I have...that my Nana found the chai - wherever it was that I lost it - and that she placed it on the bed in that hotel room. 

     As illogical as some of you may think - or as logical as I do think - my Nana put the chai on that bed.  I am one-hundred percent positive and totally confident that the chai was not on that bed - on top of that sheet - prior to the moment when I discovered it.  Simply put...Nana didn't want me to be consumed with misery for losing something so valuable to me.

     I have not discussed this matter with any rabbi or with any priest, minister or other clergyman...nor have I shared this story with anyone else other than my mom...until I published this commentary today - on my Nana's birthday.  But I want to believe in my heart that others feel as I do.

     There is a heaven...and there are angels who live there.  My Nana and Papa Sidney are two of those angels.  And the chai that I still wear...is the proof.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.


Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The United States Congress: Making Big Bucks For Little Work

     Why are some of our elected officials working less and vacationing more?  The Library Of Congress has documented that since the beginning of this year - 2013 - United States Senators and Members of the House of Representatives have been off...more days than they have worked.  No wonder nothing gets done in our nation's capital.  Well...perhaps nothing is too strong of a word...but certainly very little. 

     How can the President achieve goals that will help Americans to live happier, healthier and more successfully overall when the Senators and House Representatives - Democrats and Republicans alike - aren't even in Washington, D.C. enough days to accomplish what needs to be done?

     The current annual salary for rank-and-file Members of the House and Senate is $174,000; and they are earning money on days they do absolutely nothing at all.  Our politicians need to get back on the job. 

     Most Americans work at least 8 hours a day - and many...such as I - work 10, 12, 14 hours or more everyday - just to survive...and that's making nowhere near what the men and women of Congress get paid.  Yet our Senators and House Members are taking vacation after vacation - spending their fat paychecks as they play.

     Congress has already posted a "Gone Fishing" sign - (so to speak) - on the front door, as Capitol Hill is closed until a full week after Easter.  Come on!  Listen up John, Harry, Nancy, Mitch, Eric and the rest of you who we elected to serve our 50 states. 

     Each of your "Congressional club cronies" needs to get off his or her butt and do something productive, so that America doesn't become a "Humpty Dumpty" nation where "all the king's horses and all the king's men" won't be able to put the United States back together again.










    


     America has problems that desperately need to be solved and they're not going to get fixed when the 535 of you are globetrotting or roaming the countryside. 

     President Obama, Vice President Biden and the staff of The White House cannot do it all by themselves.  God knows they've tried, but you all must work as a team; and it can't be done when Congress is journeying, jetting and jaunting around the world.  So put down the TV remote and return to your offices in Washington.  The more our Senators and House Members recess for rest, relaxation and fun - the more our country suffers.

     It would be nice to have more time to tinker and tan, but I don't get more days off in three months than the amount I worked.  Do you?  Well...neither should Congress.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.


Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Not All Women Want To "Lean In" And Become The Boss

     Sheryl Sandberg - the chief operating officer of Facebook - is urging women to "lean in" when it comes to business.  Well...I am the first to agree that women deserve equality in the boardroom, on every level of management and in every form of leadership.  I disagree, however, that ALL women need to "lean in" as Ms. Sandberg has suggested in her new book, Lean In: Women, Work, And The Will To Lead

     Not every woman wants to be in a leadership position.  Not every woman wants to have a voice at the table - and I don't think anyone should criticize a woman who is happy - or at least content - with whatever position she holds...whether it be in business...or in life in general. 

     Quite frankly, the same goes for men.  Not all men want to be in charge.  Some men - in fact, probably most - don't want the added responsibilities and the extra stress that are involved with being one of the "big cheeses", so to speak, with a company.  And be it a man...or a woman...such a decision shouldn't make that individual any less of a person...or any less of an employee...because they are not as aggressive as the ones who are fighting to make it to the top.

     As to the issue of making more money and becoming wealthier because of being a high tier executive, I personally know several people who have never wanted to be anything more than "comfortable."  They don't want to be rich.

     One person, who I am acquainted with, recently told me that "money only makes for more problems."  I certainly don't agree with that - if you know how to spend it...how to invest it...and how to use it to better yourself and others in a philanthropic fashion.

     I am positive how helpful I could be...and would be...if I was a millionaire...or better yet...a billionaire.  But money and power are not good for all people.  And I prefer not to use the word power when discussing leadership and success - as power can, at times, be such a nasty word - and it doesn't take power - to be successful.

     Women - especially those who are mothers - are leaders in every family across the country.  The so called - "lady of the house" - can in many homes be the CEO...and is almost always...the chief operating officer of that household. 

     Usually...it's the mom - for the most part - who takes care of the children when they are sick and home from school.  Women who don't travel to business everyday are still very much a business person.  The woman in many homes keeps the household budget - for everything from grocery shopping to buying clothes for her kids - to even paying the monthly bills.

     The father may head to the office or to another place of work everyday, but the mother's job - in many cases - is just as tough and just as demanding as her male partner.

     In Sheryl Sandberg's book, she writes that, "The blunt truth is that men still run the world."  That may be true, but the "blunt truth" is...there are women - as there are some men - who just don't want to run the world.

     I think it's spectacular when a woman has a burning desire to be the chief executive officer or president of a company - or for that matter - a woman who yearns to be the chief executive officer and president of a country.

     Time magazine reports that only 17 heads of state out of 195 are women.   And women globally...only hold about 20 percent of all seats in legislative bodies. 

     In an interview with CBS News correspondent Norah O'Donnell, on the March 10th, 2013 edition of 60 Minutes, Sheryl Sandberg was asked if she is bothered that the United States has not yet elected a female president.  "Yes, it does," Ms. Sandberg said.  But when Norah asked, "Why wouldn't you... lean in...and run?"...Ms. Sandberg replied, "For me, I feel like I'm doing all the leaning in that I can do right now." 

     Frankly, I would have preferred Ms. Sandberg, a Democrat, to answer Norah's question by saying, "That's why we have Hillary Clinton."  Of course I hope the former Secretary of State, former U.S. Senator from New York and former First Lady will run again for the presidency and, although I'm a great supporter of

President Barack Obama, come 2016, it would thrill me to no end if Secretary Clinton is elected to become the 45th President of the United States of America.  But that's a commentary for another day.

     The idea that all women - or even some - are afraid to...speak up... and speak their mind in the boardroom...is a false assumption.  Not all women want to "lean in."  It's not a matter of fear.  Not every woman needs...or wants...to push that hard - nor should they have to if they don't want that kind of life.  And neither should the man, who may just feel that enough money is enough...instead of the person - male or female - who says, "No matter how much money I make...it'll never be enough."

    
If, as Sheryl Sandberg suggests, women are too reluctant to negotiate for higher salaries and other rewards in business...Ms. Sandberg is 100% correct that they shouldn't be.  Women should have no fears when asking a male employer why a man is making a higher salary performing the same tasks as she is doing.  Not only is it wrong for men to be paid more than women for the same work, but it's the law. 

     The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was signed by President Obama on January 29th, 2009.  It is named for an Alabama woman, who - at the end of a 19-year career as a supervisor in a tire factory -complained that she had been paid less than men.


     Sheryl Sandberg writes that "Fear is at the root of so many of the barriers that women face.  Fear of not being liked.  Fear of making the wrong choice.  Fear of drawing negative attention.  Fear of over-reaching.  Fear of being judged.  Fear of failure.   And the holy trinity of fears: the fear of being a bad mother/wife/daughter."

     Despite the fact that some men are not comfortable with a woman being a decision maker, no woman should be afraid of any of the above any more than a man who might experience the same fears.

     Let us create a scenario where a man is earning one million dollars - (to use a number) - to serve as executive vice president of a company.  But when the man quits his job...or is fired...a woman is hired to hold that exact same position and to do the exact same work, but for less money.  There is definitely something wrong with that picture.

     The woman should be paid the same figure of one million dollars.  And for those of you who say that the female executive may not have the same qualifications or credentials that the man had, then why would she have been tapped to take on the job?  If the organization's owner, CEO, president, board of directors or anyone else who is responsible for hiring...offers a woman the same job that was vacated by a man, then that should indicate that she is as qualified to take on the tasks of that job with the same excellence that her male predecessor had when he was first hired.  Therefore, if a company believes that the woman will be successful in her post, then by all means she should be paid the same salary as the man.

     I applaud Sheryl Sandberg for promoting that women should be as outspoken, as demanding, and as tough about getting what they want in business as much as men.  Women should rise to top corporate positions at the same rate as men.  There is no reason that people who are of the female gender are not as equal - in every sense of the word - as the male of our species. 

     But not all women want that.  Not all women want a career outside the home.  Ms. Sandberg writes that "A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies; and men ran half our homes."  I have no problem - in fact I would encourage those women who want it - (as I would those men who want it) - to be the leaders of half the Earth's nations and half the businesses in America or throughout the world.  And if their goal in life is to climb the corporate or political ladder then more power to them.  However, as for men running half our homes - how about an equal partnership with husbands and wives when it comes to all household responsibilities and all decisions in those homes?  And I mean truly an equal partnership.

     I know many, many married women who will say that they and their husbands jointly decide on most matters concerning their home and family... BUT...and there's always a BUT...if there is a disagreement, the man will generally get the vote that counts.  The world has changed from when only the man in a marriage had the final say.  In those days, a woman stayed at home to raise the kids, take care of the house and make dinner at 6 o'clock every evening.  And although there are still homes in this country where the mom does the cooking and the cleaning; and in many cases has a job outside the house too...women should never be considered subservient to their male counterparts. 

     In fairness to Sheryl Sandberg, she does write, "Make your partner a real partner."  Ms. Sandberg says that men need to "lean in" at home by being an equal partner in parenting and housework. 

     Naturally, all husbands and fathers should participate in an equal share of all responsibilities in the home, especially when it comes to parenting.  But the word "make" - in Ms. Sandberg's statement, "Make your partner a real partner" is unsettling to me.  True partners shouldn't have to "make" anyone do anything.  Today, in order for a family to succeed, both men and women need to help in the areas of child rearing, housekeeping and cooking the meals.  Although not all women (or men, for that matter) want that high-powered, high-pressured career - or to become the boss - many women need to take a job in addition to their work at home - even if it's one that pays minimum wage - just to help pay the bills.

     Women should not have any limits.  They should been given the same chances to achieve whatever it is they want.  If it's a woman's hope and desire to get married, have children and be a homemaker...so be it.  But if a woman wants to do those things and juggle a career as well - if she can successfully handle it - then she should have the right to do it all - and be given equal pay to the men who hold the same position.

     Towards the end of the 20th century, American women were realizing there was a lack of balance between themselves and the men of the nation - even when it came to performers on certain television shows.

     In 1993, at the conclusion of the third season of the now legendary crime drama series, Law & Order, network executives at NBC felt the show did not have enough female characters.  Warren Littlefield, who at the time was president of NBC Entertainment, reportedly told series creator and executive producer Dick Wolf that the Law & Order cast needed additional
female characters or else face cancellation.  Wolf realized, since there were only six leading characters on the show, that he was forced to fire two of his stars. 

As a result, actress S. Epatha Merkerson was brought in as the new squad leader, Lieutenant Anita Van Buren to replace Dann Florek as Captain Donald Cragen; and Jill Hennessy became a regular as Assistant District Attorney Claire Kincaid, thus eliminating the role for Richard Brooks as A.D.A. Paul Robinette. 

For several years after that, the Captain Cragen character remained with the Law & Order family as he was given a position at the Internal Affairs Bureau of the New York Police Department.  But Dann Florek only appeared in a recurring role until in 1999, when Captain Cragen returned weekly in the spin-off series, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, where Florek and Cragen can still be seen every Wednesday night on NBC.
The leading star on that show is another woman - the Emmy Award winning Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson. 

     Any company today that does not include women equally to men is going to be left out in the cold in the future; and is not going to succeed throughout the 21st century.  Time magazine says currently only slightly more than 4 percent of Fortune 500 companies are headed by women; and only 17 percent of females hold seats on the boards of all Fortune 500 businesses.

     Whether in real life or on television, the role of women in a leadership position may have grown some - but not nearly enough.  And for those women who want it...they need to be given the same opportunities...as men.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.


Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

WHO KILLED J.R. EWING? YOU JUST MAY BE SHOCKED AS TO WHO I THINK DID.

     Those of us who are die-hard fans of the original television series, Dallas, which aired on CBS from 1978 to 1991, know the answer to the biggest question ever asked in broadcasting history.  Who shot J.R.?  The answer, of course, was the scheming Kristin Shepard, played with style by Mary Crosby.



     On the March 4th, 2013 episode of the new Dallas series, airing on TNT every Monday night, we heard shots fired during a telephone conversation between J.R., brilliantly and magnificently portrayed by the late, great Larry Hagman - who unfortunately passed away on November 23rd, 2012 - and J.R.'s son, John Ross, played in awesome fashion by Josh Henderson.


     On the March 11th, 2013 episode, Kevin Page, who skillfully plays J.R.'s henchman, Bum, arrived at Southfork to bring items from J.R. to his brother, Bobby - wonderfully and superbly portrayed as always by Patrick Duffy - to John Ross, and to  Bobby's son, Christopher, played with excellence by Jesse Metcalfe.

     The Ewings are wanting and needing to find out how J.R. died and why the longtime oil tycoon was in Mexico, which is where J.R.'s body was discovered.  The Ewings had been told by police and other officials in America's southern neighbor that J.R. was a victim of a mugging, which Bum indicates is not correct.  Bum told Bobby, John Ross and Christopher that J.R. traveled to Mexico to find Christopher's "mother."  Christopher's mother?  Hmmm.  This is where the plot thickens and where I believe I may have figured out the answer to a new "Who Shot J.R.?" question - which really is - "Who Killed J.R.?

     Christopher's mother - the woman who, along with Bobby, adopted baby Christopher, and who raised him from infancy through early childhood - was Pamela Barnes Ewing, beautifully played by Victoria Principal.  Pam left Southfork and Victoria Principal left the Dallas series in 1987 after 9 seasons.  J.R. hated Pam because she was the sister of Cliff Barnes, impressively played by Ken Kercheval; and due to a longtime family feud between the Ewing and Barnes families, being a Barnes, J.R. never accepted Pam as part of the Ewing family.  Therefore, when Bum told Bobby, John Ross and Christopher that J.R. went to Mexico to find Christopher's "mother," did he mean his adopted mom, Pamela Barnes Ewing...or did he mean Christopher's biological mother, Kristin Shepard, who was Sue Ellen's sister?  Those of you who may not be one of the millions of Americans who have watched Dallas over the years may not know that Sue Ellen was at one time married to J.R. and she, perfectly and passionately portrayed by Linda Gray, is the mother of John Ross.

     Now it's always been assumed that Kristin died at the end of the fourth season of the original Dallas.  But let's all remember that this is television that we're talking about...and in Hollywood...anything can happen.  Dare we forget that an entire year's episodes was a dream of Pam's, when Bobby - who was thought to be dead - appeared alive and well and taking a shower

     True....there is no doubt that J.R. Ewing is dead because sadly, Larry Hagman has really passed on.  But allow me to take you back to early in the fourth season of the original Dallas.  Sue Ellen - who had been falsely accused of shooting J.R. - realized that her sister, Kristin was actually responsible for pulling the trigger.  The truth became known in a poolside conversation with Sue Ellen, Kristin and J.R.  But in a twist, Kristin revealed that she was pregnant with J.R.'s child.  Therefore, instead of pressing charges against Kristin for shooting him, J.R. ordered her out of Dallas and he agreed to send her money every month in order to live.

     At the end of Season 4, Kristin returned to Southfork, but was found drowned in the ranch swimming pool.  We...the audience... had been told that Kristin had overdosed on drugs and in her intoxicated stuper, she fell, hit her head and went over the balcony railing, thus landing in the pool below.  After Kristin's supposed death, it was revealed that the baby boy that had been born to her earlier was the adopted son of Bobby and Pam.  And, of course, that child...is Christopher.  But Kristin's husband, Jeff Faraday, played by Art Hindle, claimed that Kristin had told him that she had miscarried the child that she had conceived with J.R., and the child she gave birth to...was Jeff's.  But we never did learn the absolute truth about Kristin's baby - and in the spirit of Hollywood - if Christopher truly is the biological son of J.R. and Kristin then when Bum says to Christopher in the March 11th, 2013 episode of the new Dallas that J.R. went to Mexico to find his "mother," he could have been referring to Kristin and not Pam.  As far as Kristin actually drowing in the Southfork swimming pool, it is quite possible - as anything is possible in the world of television - that Kristin never died in that pool.  After all...this is show-biz!

     Now some of you are thinking that this is too complicated and too complex - even for Dallas - and I can hear many of you saying, "Gary, you've really flipped your lid this time, as this could never happen in real life.  You're nuts!"

     Hey gang...let me clue you in on something...this is NOT real life.  This is television.  And in television - anything can happen.  AN--Y--THING!!!

     At the funeral of J.R. - in the March 11th, 2013 episode - Christopher stated that he was not a "blood Ewing" since he had been adopted by Bobby and Pam.  And therefore, not being a REAL Ewing is something that John Ross has thrown in Christopher's face on more than one occasion in both the first and second seasons of the new Dallas.

     So why couldn't the truth finally come out in 2013 that Christopher Ewing's biological mother was really Kristin Shepard; and that his biological father was indeed...J.R. Ewing - which would make Christopher...a "blood Ewing."

     Suppose J.R. found Kristin in Mexico?  Suppose, after all these years, Kristin still hated J.R. enough to kill him?  She shot him in 1980, but - as we all know - J.R. survived the two bullets that pierced his body.  Suppose this time...Kristin shot J.R. again - and this time - she succeeded with her plan to put an end to the life of the man she despised so much?

     Yes, we all know who shot J.R. on March 21st, 1980.  But could that same character - Kristin Shepard - be the one who not only shot him 33 years ago...but shot him again on March 4th, 2013...and this time killing him?

     Of course, I don't know for certain how J.R. Ewing died - whether he was murdered...whether he was killed accidentally...or whether he committed suicide.  Yes, it's possible - that for whatever mysterious reason - J.R. took his own life.  But no matter how J.R. met his tragic death, I and the millions of other fans throughout the United States and around the world will miss J.R. Ewing and the terrific actor who brought this evil, but charming and loving character to the screen for more than three decades.

     All that being said, people everywhere on the planet Earth waited an entire spring and summer back in 1980 before learning on November 21st of that year that it was Kristin Shepard who shot J.R.  And now...the answer to the question - "Who killed J.R.?" - may just be the same.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.


Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A Stupid Policy May Have Caused The Death Of An Elderly Woman When A Nurse At A California Retirement Home Refused To Perform CPR

      A 911 telephone dispatcher did everything she possibly could do, as she pleaded over and over and over again with a so-called "nurse" at a Bakersfield, California retirement home to get the health care professional to perform CPR on an elderly woman, who had collapsed and stopped breathing.  "We can't do CPR at this facility," the employee of Glenwood Gardens told the dispatcher.  As a result...on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013...87-year old Lorraine Bayless...died.

     Why did the nurse refuse to do CPR?  The independent retirement facility apparently has a policy that does not permit its staff members to provide medical care.  Officials at Glenwood Gardens was, at first, defending its employee, who was later identified by a corporate official as a nurse, but that she was hired as the facility's Resident Services Director.  Glenwood Gardens had originally stated that the nurse followed the procedures that she had been instructed to do.  But on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013, Brookdale Senior Living, which owns Glenwood Gardens, issued a new statement saying the employee had "misinterpreted the company's guidelines and was on voluntary leave while the case is investigated."  It sure sounds as if the lawyers have gotten involved.

     Back on February 26th, dispatcher Tracey Halvorson continued to urge the nurse to start CPR, but all throughout the 7-minute and 16-second phone call, the nurse responded with negative replies.  The heroic and courageous Halvorson made every effort to persuade the nurse to help the dying woman.  "I understand if your boss is telling you, you can't do it," the dispatcher said, "but, as a human being...you know.  Is there anybody that's willing to help this lady and not let her die?" Halvorson asked."  "Not at this time," the nurse answered.  Dispatcher Halvorson continued..."Is there a gardener?  Any staff...anyone who doesn't work for you?  Anywhere?  Can we flag someone down in the street and get them to help this lady?  Can we flag a stranger down?  I bet a stranger would help her."

     When the nurse remained unable or unwilling to cooperate - for whatever the reasons - 911 dispatcher Halvorson told the nurse, "Okay, I'll walk you through it all.  We...EMS...take the liability for this.  I'm happy to help you.  This is EMS protocol."  But still...the nurse would not comply.

     An ambulance arrived several minutes later and rushed Lorraine Bayless to Mercy Southwest Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.  A statement was released by the Glenwood Gardens retirement home, which indicated that a "thorough internal review of the matter" would be conducted.

     Much more than a "thorough internal review" needs to be done.  Someone died because of a stupid, stupid policy.  People just can't let other people die when there is even the slightest possibility of saving a person's life.  Unless a patient has expressly written that no measures be taken, what gives anyone the right to just let them die?  Reportedly, there was no "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order; and therefore...everything possible should have been done to help Lorraine Bayless to live.

     There are those of you who may be thinking - because I have read such comments in other published reports - that performing CPR on a fragile, elderly individual is too dangerous and could bring more harm or perhaps kill the person.  According to at least one paramedic, who has performed CPR hundreds of times - and mostly...according to his published statement...on people over the age of 60 - only one person's rib - in the paramedic's entire career - had been broken as a result of CPR...and actually...doctors believed the patient's bone was fractured during the automobile accident that injured her and not because of CPR.  All that being said...there is always a risk of temporary bone damage.  But death...well, that's permanent.

     When a person is injured...and needs help - at least someone in the United States of America - a citizen is not obligated by Good Samaritan Laws to do first aid in most states, unless it's part of a job description.  Legally, a "good samaritan" refers to someone who provides emergency aid on a voluntary basis and...according to most Good Samaritan Laws...the individual giving the aid owes the injured or ill person a duty of being reasonably careful.  Laws also state that where an unconscious victim cannot respond, a good samaritan can help on the grounds of "implied consent."

     In the case at Glenwood Gardens, the 911 dispatcher - on a recorded line - clearly stated that she and her organization would take full responsibility if the retirement home nurse would perform CPR.  Not only was the Glenwood Gardens employee protected by a California Good Samaritan Law, but she was being directly told by an EMS official that her assistance was critical in saving the life of the woman in need and that she would not be held responsible for any liability.
    
     What happpened at Glenwood Gardens is wrong in so many ways.  It was morally reprehensible.  I am not only shocked, but appalled that another human being - especially someone employed in the health care industry and who is paid to help people - would totally disregard the outright begging from a 911 operator to start CPR and, therefore, the possibility of saving another person's life.  From a human point of view, I would feel obligated to perform CPR.  I don't care if I lost my job because my boss told me not to do it.  This was a matter of life and death and the Glenwood Gardens nurse needed to do what the EMS dispatcher instructed her to do...as I would have done...as I'm sure others would have done.  There should have been no question about it.  It's a no-brainer.

     Dispatcher Halvorson was willing to guide the nurse through the CPR procedure - that is, if for some reason she didn't know how to properly do what was being asked of her.  Anyone can learn how to perform CPR.  Children learn.  Whatever assistance the nurse could have done would have been of more help than nothing at all.  A life could have been saved...but instead...there's sadness...and there are tears.

     Someone's mother... someone's grandmother...had no chance to survive because of the stupidity of a disgraceful policy that needs changing.  I certainly hope that Glenwood Gardens...and other retirement facilities that may have similar policies...will revise their thinking...and next time a 911 dispatcher advises that CPR be performed...it will result in happiness and smiles...for a life that will be saved.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.


Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.