Dr. Laura and The Ed

While racing with Randy Reynolds and his very, very bitchin' R 33 catamaran (more on that on Monday) in the Leukemia Cup here in Dago yesterday (we were first to finish), I had a chance chat up Dr. Laura Schlessinger who was down here racing her J/92. I said "Hey Dr. Laura, I'm Scot from Sailing Anarchy." With a big smile, she said "I really like Sailing Anarchy, I read it all the time." So I'm thinking that is great and I immediately asked her if we can do an Innerview with her, and she says "Of course."

We talked for a bit longer about sailing, talk radio, and I found her to be a very nice and engaging woman - I'll admit it - I was impressed.

So indeed we are going to interview her, but she also expressed reservations about being the target of some of the anarchists in the forum. I told her I would keep the bullshit attacks out of it, and I will. She's really not like anybody else in this sport (whether you like her or not) and does not have to put up with any nonsense. Have you seen her body guard? I'm not a fan of her radio work, but I did like her on a personal level, and this is a pretty rare chance to do something with her, so we will. And like most everything we do, it will be fun. Stay tuned.

05/06/06

Thanks, But No Thanks
Well, I tried. I thought doing an InnerView with Dr. Laura would be fairly compelling, but it is a seemingly an incompatible mix with her and certain members of our forums, who have been vocal (imagine that) in their unhappiness with either her or my request that they show some respect. Here is what she said:

I regret I must withdraw from the interview...I do regret it because I thought it would be a very interesting experience. I find you a straight-up guy, I'm glad we met. Perhaps we can sail together sometime. Thank you for your kind words - I do appreciate it. But even having you print a blurb brought the "types" out who are just vulgar and mean...that happens when there is anonymity...I am very up front about my opinions and never character assassinate as a way of making my point....and I'm never anonymous. It is a shame - because I frankly would have liked to talk "sailing" and "radio" to you...Be well.

In friendship,
Dr Laura Schlessinger

I am both pissed that some of you just can't help yourselves, and also ultimately okay with it. This is the community I have brought together, and for the most part, so be it. However, you can bet your asses that the herd has been thinned a bit by me, and I will continue to do so if needed. Even Anarchy needs an house cleaning now and then, and some of you just provided that incentive.

I personally think that despite her concerns, which I respect, she still could have and should have done the InnerView, but I imagine that we'll all live to see another day, with or without it. - Ed.

Photo by GTS Photos

05/09/06