David Letterman

[LKellerIII]

From a personal standpoint, my opinion is colored by many years of having been a manager in an industry where the workforce was 85% female. My whole life revolved around getting dragged to sexual harrassment meetings, being lectured about proper conduct, no jokes, don't look at anyone for more than 1/4 second, etc. So when a prominent and powerful person feels free to trample all over the rules I was forced to live by it really gets my goat, be it Dave Letterman, Bill Clinton, or anyone else.

No offense, but boo-hoo, wah-wah! I also work in an agency that's over 50% women, and is also a workplace that's very politically correct in the politically correct Bay Area. A couple months ago, I told a well-dressed male co-worker that he was looking really sharp that day. Then it occurred to me that I would not have said that to a female co-worker, for fear of being accused of sexual harassment. A double-standard? Yeah, I guess so. It's too bad we have to be so careful about what we say or do these days. But it's a much better work environment for women and minorites than it used to be in the days when white males could say any crude, offensive, or racist thing they wanted without fear of the consequences.

It also occurred to me - if I was openly gay and made that remark to my male coworker, could it then be considered sexual harassment? If you think about this kind of stuff too much, your brain will explode. Just accept that its a new day, be careful what you say, and do your job

It's like needing to be careful what you say when you write email. Welcome to the 21st century.

Dave passed his sell-by date around the same time that Al Bundy jumped the shark. CBS has no doubt been reluctant to accept this because a)they have invested unbelievable gobs of money in the guy, and b)nobody knows what a better alternative would look like. If this incident forces them to face facts it is probably for the best.

I'm tired of Dave's act too, but don't confuse your opinions with those of the viewing public. Letterman's show is very popular these days, and is now even #1 in the coveting 18-49 demo.

This story (complete with the romps in the secret upstairs bedroom) will make one salacious Movie of the Week
feature (on NBC, no doubt!)

If NBC does that, it will only improve Letterman's ratings even more. His wife may be righteously angry, but all this publicity is just creating buzz for his show, and a bigger audience to see what he'll say or do next.

 

[Silkie]

Don't let the defendent or his lawyer throw you off the track. The only crime here was one of extortion. Legally there is only one person who has a chance at going to jail in all this.

Of course the accused will have his day(s) in court. It doesn't change the fact that we have had demonstrated for us the fact that nothing that went on was anything unusual for quite a few I am sure. It is the culture up there; what "personalities" do.

 

[benwolf]

uh huh...only "personalities" have sex outside marriage.

 

[Silkie]

uh huh...only "personalities" have sex outside marriage.

Go where you like with it. The whole thing is disgusting and not exactly mainstream.

 

[imhomerjay]

Given the stats on affairs and sexual harrassment, the idea that it's not "mainstream" is questionable and contingent on a rather narrow version of what is or isn't common behavior.

 

[Silkie]

It is part of the culture in general, and anymore it is not uncommon to see women getting treacherous in sexual harassment toward men as well as toward one another when jealous rages overtake them. It is nearly impossible for a hard working honest person to simply do his job.

 

[trusty]

It always amazes me a man of Letterman's fame, means and money can't find someone outside of the workplace have sex or a side relationship with.

Can't you guys see how ridiculous and stupid this whole thing is?

Lessee now...... You have this aging talk show host that would like to tie up some ratings while the other network transistions to the new kid on the block that isn't that great anyway. Why not prove to America that you've still "got it"?

So, you get a "producer" who goes to great lengths to "prepare" a package (complete with blackmail letter): a one-page "screenplay" that will "expose" the old guy of being a bit naughty (imagine that).

So, after three metings, the "producer" (who is supposed to be a little smarter that a five-year-old) is talked into acceptiing a CHECK for the payoff - a two-million-dollar CHECK that is designed to bounce - so the evil criminal "producer" will be caught having to go to the trouble of cashing it. Just how many extortionists accept CHECKs as blackmail payment? You think he would take Discover?

So, bring in this 138-year-old guy to prosecute the case (to attract the older demos) who "has a mind of his own", and you've got a pretty good show here. The whole comedy of errors (or maybe STUNT (OMG!didIsayThat?)) should keep a good sized audience for a couple of weeks at least. Oh, the material that is being created! Who cares if the writers go on strike again?

In entertainment, timing is everythng. Ya gotta keep the "scandal" inside the workplace so you could release it at the proper time. Can't you just see Letterman five months from now with a big grin on his face say, "You know, none of this was planned, don't you?"

Oh yeah.. this is definately a contender for someone's top ten list.

 

[dhett]

Don't let the defendent or his lawyer throw you off the track. The only crime here was one of extortion. Legally there is only one person who has a chance at going to jail in all this.

Going to jail? True. But should one or more of the women decide down the road that Letterman's advances were unwanted, even if the sex was consensual, this could get really, really messy. Sounds far-fetched, but from what I've read, that seems to be how the laws are written.

Worldwide Pants indeed!

 

[Stuart]

trusty,

Are you trying to imply this whole thing is made up? If it were a hoax, wouldn't that cause major problems and embarrassment to CBS?

If this is the case, I think even Paul Schaffer, and Dave's Mom would stop watching the show!

 

[sandiegoinexile]

This whole incident has the potential to be "What- If" to death. What if Paul or other band members knew something was going on that could of violated CBS Company Policy. But didn't say anything, out of loyalty to Dave. Same goes for Biff, Alan, & other behind the scenes employees. Now if this does go to trial. All the dirty laundry will be aired for everyone to see. And more than likely will force CBS Management to comment.

None of them work for CBS. They all work for Worldwide Pants. WP sells the show to CBS, which broadcasts it, sells ad time, and generates $$$$$$$$ of revenue. The only person who can "violate CBS Company Policy" is the blackmailer, since he WORKS for CBS.

 

[Skynet74]

I have a feeling the worst part of this for Dave is that his marriage is probably ruined. That is the thing that is bothering him most right now. Don't ya think?

 

[Prais]

That is hilarioua. You'd think he would have thought of that DURING "the act."

 

[Silkie]

I think let's not go to the old adage about what does or does not have a conscience or no conscience, or who does the thinking. There was a blackmail attempt, and that is the issue.

 

[Prais]

That may be YOUR issue, but I see a dishonest, not funny, filandering pig who gets blackmailed.

 

[Silkie]

Philandering pig gets blackmailed. Now let's wait and see who the blackmailer was going to share the money with.

 

[cspotrun]

don't get me wrong, i'm not defending blackmailing but....for a man who makes 3 or 4 times that much a year, i guess $2 million dollars was rather important to him, now he has lost his wife and his kid and the respect of a portion of his audience who still has any sense of morality. but he kept the $2 million dollars! now THAT'S a HIGH PRICE TO PAY.

 

[Skynet74]

don't get me wrong, i'm not defending blackmailing but....for a man who makes 3 or 4 times that much a year, i guess $2 million dollars was rather important to him, now he has lost his wife and his kid and the respect of a portion of his audience who still has any sense of morality. but he kept the $2 million dollars! now THAT'S a HIGH PRICE TO PAY.

He hasn't lost his wife and kid yet. She may forgive him. We'll have to wait and see what kind of woman she is. But unfortunately it does look like he was destined to lose $2 Million dollars somehow. Either from the extornisist or possibly from his future divorce. He should just keep a safe of 20,000 - One hundred dollar bills nearby ready to give someone at a moments notice.

 

[trusty]

Philandering pig gets blackmailed. Now let's wait and see who the blackmailer was going to share the money with.

Money? You mean the bogus CHECK? Sure, I'd really want a piece of that.


Talk about puttin' on the ritz.

 

[1069_KIFR]

From what I have heard he wasn't married at the time of this/these affairs. Although he was certainly was having a long term relationship with his now wife.

If Letterman were to be a guest on Jay Leno, I wonder if Jay would ask, "What would your Mother think of this?"

 

[trusty]

trusty,

Are you trying to imply this whole thing is made up? If it were a hoax, wouldn't that cause major problems and embarrassment to CBS?

If this is the case, I think even Paul Schaffer, and Dave's Mom would stop watching the show!

Nah. Probably real. But it sure smells like a hoax.

Whatever. And the whole thing is so stupid I don't mind taking liberties with the "story". (And in NO way amI talking about anyone's marriage relationship.) I mean, you've got more brains than to take a two-million dollar CHECK for payment, don't you?

"Sure, Dave, I'm gonna expose you if you don't give me the "money" that I want. but I guess I trust you enough to take a CHECK so I can go try to deposit it. No problem, Buddy."