Thursday, April 15, 2010

The PA Department of Labor's giant conflict of interest

"Why did the Deptartment of Labor decide to take no action against TLC or the Gosselins if things were as bad as Jodi and Kevin made it out to be?" has been the mantra of many people out there who are suspicious of Jodi and Kevin's claims. They justify the Department's investigation, which didn't even include so much as a home visit or any kind of fines for past violations, as proof Jodi and Kevin are lying.

The Kreider's allegations (which would be defamation if not true .... still waiting for a lawsuit by the Gosselins or TLC), as well as the Department of Labor signing off on what the Kreiders say they saw, are both possible. The reason? The Department of Labor has a conflict of interest in "investigating" TV/film productions.

To understand this, you must realize that film production is a lucrative industry that almost all states are trying desperately to attract. In recent decades as California has tightened child labor laws (rightly so and knowing full well it would cause some productions to leave the state), labor laws in general, and increased taxes, filmmakers have fled to other states (often Utah, or the South) and even countries (almost always Canada), to get a better deal, to be able to work longer hours, to save money. States now realize that Hollywood is no longer first on the list to shoot a movie. Any state is up for grabs with the right incentives.

Why is filming so great for a state? First, it creates jobs and revenue and cash flow. While an average crew may only consist of 100 people, there are 500 other locals behind those 100 people--from the corner restaurant that caters the meals every day, to all the people responsible for fees and permits for various locations, to the police officers who provide security and direct traffic. Production equals jobs and money, hands down. Jon and Kate brought some jobs to PA, although this isn't the main reason the state wants them.

Second, and the real reason PA loves Jon and Kate, is, "in theory," production brings good will to the state. People watch a good-looking couple from PA with cute kids living the simple life in a quiet American town and their opinion of PA goes up. People see cute pit stops like Crayola Factory and Dutch Wonderland, and tourism goes up. Even if Jon and Kate are fighting and the kids are grouchy and crying, the Strasbourg Railroad engineer still looks like he's having a great time, and people still want to visit him. In later years, people saw beautiful rural proprieties and sweeping land, and for cheap (try getting the McMansion in California for anything less than $6 million), which made PA seem like a great place to move to. Jon and Kate were nothing but good for PA's reputation.

Pennsylvania is no longer home to just a few small-time PBS productions. Blockbuster director
M. Night Shyamalan has brought millions and millions in revenue to the state throughout the past several years and is partly responsible for the huge upsurge in film production in PA. The film industry is a hot item right now for PA in a terrible economy. They have every reason to brush aside an investigation, to sweep things under the rug, and to continue to permit laws to be broken, bent and twisted so that productions can continue in their great state. They do not want to sabotage the good will they have with people like Shyamalan, Figure 8, and other filmmakers who often head to PA, by slapping them with fines, shutting them down, or passing laws that restrict them.

But doesn't this logic apply to any kind of industry the Department investigates? Don't they always have an interest in continuing any kind of operation without regulation? Actually, no. The film industry is unique. When the Department investigates mines, they have every incentive to come down hard on any violations. Mines with violations lead to cave ins and death. Death is not good for Pennsylvania. When the Department investigates a grocery store chain and finds health violations, they come down hard on those violations. Health violations cause salmonella. Salmonella is not good for Pennsylvania. But when the Department investigates a film production, there is every incentive to let them go scot free. Reality children are not going to die or get salmonella if they don't fine the production. They'll just continue to work long hours for no pay at the mercy of whoever, with most people never realizing. Only a few kids are hurt, but the rest of PA benefits. And if they fine, penalize, or otherwise punish them for any violations, that production may never come back to PA. In fact, Kate even openly expressed an interest in moving to North Carolina some time back on the show, perhaps because laws are even less strict there. If production laws are too tough in PA, filmmakers will flee PA just like they've fled California. Unfortunatly, production laws are state laws. State hopping for a better deal is not only expected, but it is a fact, a reality, it is what is happening in this industry right now.

What's the solution to this? We can only hope for some basic federal laws to protect all children and discourage state hopping. But at a minimum, an independent organization, such as SAG, should investigate film production violations. Not the state, which has a vested interest in overlooking such violations. And if you think a government organization has never been corrupt, misleading, or inadequate, Google Watergate sometime.

70 sediments (sic) from readers:

NancyB said...

ADMIN- This is an excellent explanation but very discouraging.

mommyinca said...

Admin~ So what do you think *we* can do? I'm assuming we're all from different states here. (Although I think there are a few of us from Ca.).

What can we all do collectively and individually to help not just the Gosselin children but any current and future children in reality TV that do not live in states with stringent laws?

Kath said...

Great article but I think PA's Labour Dept is showing extreme lack of foresight. When these kids grow up in a handful of years they will have every reason to sue the pants off their parents, the state, the country, and every adult who enabled their bondage and stole their childhoods. Many of us think they have it very bad, how much worse will it be when they grow up to verbalize the pain of these years? Ideally no child should be on reality tv, but to work them enough to produce 100 episodes a year, compromising every aspect of their childhoods and sacrificing all their private moments the way TLC has done should be criminal.

The hubris of the state, the production company, TLC and Jon and Kate astounds me.

Would it really be such a hardship to the film and tv industry to protect children in at least a basic manner? To protect their money, regulate their hours, make sure there are child advocates and teachers on set to some degree? How much would that cost? A few more thousand? And TLC pulls in 160 million a quarter? It amazes me that they have allowed one woman's pathology and one production company/network's greed dictate such extreme exploitation and isolation of 8 minor children.

Very shortsighted indeed.

Kath said...

Oh I wanted to add, how good will PA's reputation be in five years when the state is being sued by the Gosselin children for allowing filming that violated state laws on child nudity and for being the first state to sanction the filming of children's bowel movements for entertainment purposes?

Those will be a dubious distinctions they will soon be famous for.

linda from NS said...

I would love to see Jon get primary custody and then not allow those kids to be filmed at all. TLC/Kart would have a shit-fit

Katesucks said...

linda from NS said...
I would love to see Jon get primary custody and then not allow those kids to be filmed at all. TLC/Kart would have a shit-fit
___________
And I hope TLC is there to film it. You know how they love shit.

Irene S said...

Article is great. Yes, someone from the outside needs to oversee that does not have a vested interest. These are children whose privacy is violated need a voice.

disgusted in PA said...

In the local paper yesterday (The Morning Call), there was a story about a Northampton County, PA man being given a prison sentence for filming a 12-year old girl showering. Although I thought the sentence was inadequate (7-24 months)--why did he get jail time and TLC/Kate/Figure 8--get off scott free?
Why was it OK for them to film children showering, changing, and using the potty (YES, Kate--at YOUR home) and use those images for profit and entertainment?
Also, the Gosselin kids were allowed to roam about freely when contractors arrived to work on the home (Cara and Mady's room in the E-town house and in the new house, when they installed solar panels). I thought at the time it was dangerous to have little ones running around while construction projects were taking place. There seem to be little or no safety regulations regarding the filming of the children, either.

nanb said...

Paul Peterson has updated his site regarding the hearing in PA. Here is what he said, he also put up his opening remarks:

Victory. Sort Of.

Paul Petersen from Philadelphia 4/14/10

The public hearing into the true state of Pennsylvania's child labor laws arranged by our friend, Rep. Thomas Murt on behalf of the Republican Policy Committee went very well indeed today. An attentive panel of adult male Representatives from PA's House were on hand to listen and learn from Jodi and Kevin Kreider, Ms. Gloria Allred, Esq., a qualified child psychologist, Yours Truly…and (this is when you sound the horns), three representatives from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry who, to the surprise of everyone in the room, announced that they had arrived at a conclusion in the nineteen-month investigation into the working conditions on the five-year television series, "Jon & Kate + 8."

Don't get your hopes up. The officials of the Labor and Industry enforcement division…without visiting the actual workplace/home of the alleged violations of PA's existing child labor laws…actually discovered that TLC and the parents (that would be Jon and Kate) DID NOT HAVE THE WORK PERMITS REQUIRED BY PENNSYVANIA'S EXISTING LAW! GUILTY AS CHARGED.

And what is the cost for this massive five-year saga of child abuse and conscious deception?

No criminal charges. No fines. Just an agreement that TLC will now conform to the child labor laws in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth.

Oh, and the establishment of an irrevocable Coogan Trust consisting of 15% of the Gosselin children's computed gross income. 15% split eight ways.

Now, don't you feel better America? My formal statement is here on our Home Page. I wonder what I would have said had I known that an "official decision" had been reached three weeks ago?

Stay tuned.

digusted in PA said...

Wow, 15% split eight ways??? Each child should get 15%--they are individuals, not a single entity. So many people have made money from the sale of images of the private lives of these kids--they at least deserve a fair share of the pie for being exploited.
And, if Kate Gosselin wants to be a media "star"--let her do it on her own. I, for one, think that she should be banned from using the phrase "single mother of eight" if she wants have a career on her own. I can't turn on the TV lately without seeing her on some show doing the "poor me" act. (And yes, sheeple, I DID change the channel--and ultimately, turned the TV off).
All I can think is, Kate Gosselin must have a friend(s) high up in some network to get this much exposure and chances at "stardom" with no talent and no relatability.

*Sugar&Spice* said...

It wouldn't surprise me if TLC and the film company have binding/ gag contracts that the children cant touch until they are legal age. That means no speaking about the family and keep mum about everything. Its sicking that these children/props can be quite until TLC and Kate make millions off them. The only ones that are trying to help them are their family. Since their mother and father are so blind. They cant see the truth infront of them.

Such a sad story. Jodi and Kevin just want to help. They have been behind the camera to. The know what happened behind the scenes. They want the safety back for the kids. But if the camera is going to be back on once again. They are going to do more damage to those children. Instead of a reality show. Showing the kids running around playing its going to be more staged. People are going to tell these kids what to do and what to say.

I feel for these kids. Because later in life. Money or not. Emotionally they are going to have a hard life. They dont have a stable family, mother or father. To love them unconditionally. Who are they going to turn to when they are adult for advice? TLC? their mom and dad? Aunt Jodi and Kevin?

Yes I can see how this article explains that J/K have made some revenue for PA. But we also have had a few films made in PA also. Plus we are getting more grants for film companies to make more films in PA. We really don't need the gosselins and their monumental problems to help PA. I don't want my home state to be known as the gosselin state.

Katesucks said...

disgusted in PA said...
And, if Kate Gosselin wants to be a media "star"--let her do it on her own. I, for one, think that she should be banned from using the phrase "single mother of eight" if she wants have a career on her own. I can't turn on the TV lately without seeing her on some show doing the "poor me" act. (And yes, sheeple, I DID change the channel--and ultimately, turned the TV off).
---------------
And I think with EVERY interview and appearance she makes SHE should be gagged from talking about Jon! Or should I say, anybody that has her on their set should not be permitted to bring his 'name'up. The way that bitch acted on Leno last night when Leno said 'just what does Jon do?' and she got all cutesy and shrugged her shoulders. Bitch knows EXACTLY what Jon does...NOTHING because of her and the evil TLC PROHIBITING him from making a living.
I sure do hope Anthony List is taking copious and thorough notes and they start slamming back. Hard.
It's so infuriating.

LifeinOH said...

I'm with Mommyinca: What do we do to help? For so long I have felt as though nothing we have done has mattered. Public perception is changing. We need to build on the momentum of the hearing somehow. Ideas?

Anonymous said...

I just noticed how many red circles on the
kalendar are there and it's only just past the
1/2 way mark into the month of April 2010.
She's only been with the kids for five days
and absent 11 days consecutively ! They
are 5 &9 ! She has so much money it's all
an act she is thick! Literally & figuritively ! Kiki

Anonymous said...

I think this was a ruse. It obviously is not going anywhere. Jon and Kate are teflon. After all this and last night Jay Leno canonized Kate and totally trashed Jon. He even asked her if Jon had a job. Jay and the other guest trashed Jon repeatedly.
Lineberry Jackson Hettinghouse Indiana

SG said...

Just checking in to get emails to my BB.

Thanks Dee3, cherier and Frenchie for your comments in the last thread! ;)

there was a comment a few threads back about the amount the fines would have been had TLC paid. Was that figured out as PER CHILD? The fines would be times 8 right?

AuntieAnn said...

Part of the "deal" they struck with them:

4. The bureau may reopen this matter and initiate legal action under the CLL if it receives other information that other violations occurred on this show or other performances or if any information provided it by Figure 8 Films, TLC, DTS, the producers, the Gosselins, or any person acting on their behalf was inaccurate or untruthful.

As you say admin ...........waiting.

Unknown said...

I am new to this blog and have enjoyed reading all the posts. Excellent post by Admin. Living in the area of the Gosselins I had read comments about how nothing would come of this investigation because the Governor didn't want to lose the revenue. I couldn't understand that. I wondered how much revenue could be generated from a couple of people on the filming crew or an occasional photographer? I never thought about people wanting to come and visit some of the places they saw on TV. Of course there is no way to know how much of an impact it really had as far as tourists go. I do believe just the idea of money being generated was enough to make those in charge look the other way.

just.me said...

Welcome, smitty!

Kath said...

How can minors have to adhere to gag orders in contracts they had nothing to do with? They are children and can't consent to contracts.

It is my sincere hope that Mady gets a lawyer and takes action against the lot of them and I can see her doing this at 15 or even sooner.

Wrong is wrong.

just.me said...

Again, Kate sits there on the Leno show (Thursday night) and says she races to the airport right after the results show and jets home, so she's only away from the kids for three days.

She's spouted that line everywhere, and no one ever questions her.

Teflon Kate. So far...

Paula said...

Kate has her script and she's sticking to it. It doesn't matter that she couldn't possibly be in PA, when she is sitting there in television studio in LA.

mama mia said...

With any luck enough people will write to Rep Murt with information on how the Gosselin kids were abused by the production. Imagine how screwed up those kids are only knowing strangers, lights, cameras and absentee parents. They are forced to adapt to all the unstableness around them and Kate keeps gushing about how great they are doing so. She is beyond clueless.

*Sugar&Spice* said...

2 Things I found today.

1. George lopez keep kate on DWTS blog. http://www.lopeztonight.com/keepkate/

2. Tony twitter. Ah lopez gave him laker tickets http://twitter.com/tonydovolani
@georgelopez dude I love watching your show! And thank you so much for the Lakers tickets !!!!!


Was this a pay off mr Lopez? This sickens me to death

NancyB said...

What needs to happen is that some Congressman needs to write the federal bill to include the things that ADMIN has posted and have it pass the House then to the Senate and then to Obama.
When my son was little we used to watch School House Rock a lot and I love their vido about "How a Bill Becomes a Law".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ

just.me said...

I see the keep Kate thing as being a joke. Go read/watch what George Lopez said. He is trying to be funny.

NancyB said...

Schmecky Girl-
I wrote that post about the fines and I did not do the math to include x 8--and you very well may be correct, but the way I read the law it was figured on per incident. Anyway, my figures were incorrect anyway because I went with 100 episodes and actually I looked it up last night and found Jon's video on Larry King from last Oct. and Jon said 154 episodes and that was before Karp did a few more shows, her Q & A, Morales show etc

dee3 said...

Kath~I'm positive you're correct. You are not allowed to enter into a legal contract unless you are of legal age.

Also, in regard to what you wrote about the short-sightedness.....hehe, I had a whole idea I was going to type here but now I'm flummoxed. Because I was going to write about how corporations take calculated risks when it comes to worrying about state inspections and when it comes to worrying about anyone suing them.

But that's the corporation (ie: Discovery/TLC) and when it comes to whether or not the Gosselin children, when they come of age, could sue the PA dept. of labor....I have NO clue.

So I can't apply my "calculated risk" theory/ideas to this. I'm just not sure about suing the govt., to be honest. Or what chance anyone would have of winning, if one CAN do this.

However, "disgusted in PA" wrote about the person getting jail time for filming a 12 year old in the shower. And I just can't help it...I just don't see how they can sweep the whole child filming of child nudity/going to the potty/being unsupervised with film crew.....under the carpet.
And if they DO...I'd really be interested to see how they manage to do this.

I could be way off the mark here. I mean, I could even, maybe, see pulling off the "no permits" thing, saying well, we thought it was a documentary...or some other BS. There are LOTS of ways to get around these things...on some sort of technicality. But the nudity/potty issue....I'm just having a hard time seeing how they could just make this go away. It's forever on video and the internet. It's a huge hot-button issue, esp. these days.

And...if all these other individuals get into big trouble doing what is essentially the same thing...could that not cause a problem? How can you put all these other people in jail but allow TLC do it...and totally get away with it?

dee3 said...

IN FACT...under WHAT circumstances are you allowed to film child nudity and children going to the potty...and have it be on TV, be on video, and posted on the internet?

Are there any specific rules regarding this? If there ARE, we could at least evaluate them to see if what TLC did does appear to fall into the category of what is NOT allowed.

Because...I do know that often, parents take photos of their children in the bathtub..and things like this. But I am quite SURE they are not allowed to post them on the internet...right?

And this 12 year old girl filmed in the shower....whether she gave consent for this or not (ie: did the guy film her without her knowing it) would be irrelevant because neither she nor the Gosselin children are legally old enough to give legal consent...right? I'm assuming filming a naked adult without her/his consent would be illegal...but these were children.

If children cannot give legal consent for this, are their PARENTS allowed to give consent, on their behalf?

If it WAS a documentary..and not actual "work"...would they then have been allowed to film the nudity/potty stuff?
AND have been able to put it on TV, on video and on the internet?

Does ANYONE happen to know if there is ANY way they could find a technicality to somehow make this have been legally okay?

And last...if it turns out that it clearly was illegal....could this cause a huge problem with all the other cases similar to this that were prosecuted....if the DO let TLC off the hook?

OK..I think that's all the questions I can think of. :D

Paula said...

Yes, the Lopez "Keep Kate" campaign is a joke.

btw, I found a very disturbing picture on Just Jared. It was taken last summer, but it shows a dead on of one of the girl's panties. She was sitting on the porch, in a dress, with her legs open.

AuntieAnn said...

dee 3 said,

IN FACT...under WHAT circumstances are you allowed to film child nudity and children going to the potty...and have it be on TV, be on video, and posted on the internet?

There is an article at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_pornography
somewhat relative to your question. The UK COPINE Scale is a good reference point. According to that, the videos of the pottie training, etc, would be classified as '# 1. Indicative' if that scale was adopted in the US.

I agree with you. I don't see how they can just sweep this under the rug.

Gosselin Kids all the way said...

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this but I was on the Amazon site looking at some of the reviews and this poster (who apparently works in the mental health field) started this thread which I found interesting re. Khate's mental state:

http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Please-Counseling-Therapy-Children/forum/Fx3NQXTP7NW5E3Z/Tx35EEV401762UH/1/ref=cm_cd_tp_ft_tft_tp?_encoding=UTF8&asin=0310318963

just.me said...

I read that review/post as well. The writer is right on target.

Has everyone reviewed and rated the reviews at:
Amazon
Borders
Barnes & Noble
Anywhere else?!

Just a friendly reminder!

Gosselin Kids all the way said...

I tried but since I live in Canada and my account is on www.amazon.ca, it doesn't let me comment on the .com site since I never purchased anything from there.

I was going to advise the advocates of the kids to visit this site for some insightful and intelligent discussions.

just.me said...

GKallthe way,

Your name is hard to abreviate!

Thanks for trying. You could try the book store sites, I don't know what their rules are.

I'm glad you're here!

Gosselin Kids all the way (or GKWay) said...

Thank you! I really like this site and I have a feeling that something big is going to happen. The tide has been going towards Kate's corner that I truly feel that due to the fact finding hearing by the PA lawmakers that they will do something (especially with all the great evidence that the wonderful bloggers have sent to them). Something has to give for these poor kids and I hope for a resolution in their favour.

just.me said...

GKWay,

Logic would indicate that you are correct in the tides turning (finally) against Khate. Thus far the woman has been truly teflon, though.

My guess is that she's gonna get even bigger for while. With the two new shows coming up, dwts, the book tour and speaking engagements/interviews, she'll wring the most out of this that can be had. I'm afraid her already insufferable ego is going to continue to grow.

Eventually, it WILL all catch up with her. I don't wish harm on anyone, but when that woman is finally brought back to reality, she's going to be broken and discover she doesn't have anyone who cares. I just hope the children will somehow escape her wrath.

Gosselin Kids all the way (or GKWay) said...

Someone on Preesi's site had mentioned a reporter that did an very detailed article of J&K back in 2009 and I thought I'd link it here It's very good and you can tell she did her research. Maybe it's time for her to do another follow up article.

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/jon_and_kate_gosselin/

This is Q&A with the reporter on how she researched for the above article.
http://blogs.phillymag.com/news/2009/02/27/jon-and-kate-behind-the-philadelphia-magazine-story/

just.me said...

Thanks for posting the links. Interesting.

So, other than Khate's book signing event in Santa Monica at five, what's she been going today?

Anyone know?

Gosselin Kids all the way (or GKWay) said...

I found Jessica Remo's website and she is a freelance writer. I wonder if we should all send her an email to ask her to do a follow up story on the whole PA lawmakers, child labour laws regarding reality TV.

http://www.jessicaremo.com/jessicaremo.com/HOME.html

just.me said...

Good idea, but since she's freelance she's probably hoping to be hired. However, if we sent emails it might inspire her to take on the project because it IS a hot topic.

Have you written her?

dee3 said...

Trying to catch up on the latest in the media.
One from the Arizona Republic:

Apr. 16, 2010 03:49 PM
USA TODAY

Reality mom Kate Gosselin opened up to Access Hollywood's Billy Bush about a family tragedy that she has spoken very little about.

She revealed that she and ex-husband Jon Gosselin were actually supposed to have septuplets, but the seventh baby, a girl, did not survive. In her book, I Just Want You To Know, Gosselin wrote letters to each of her eight children, and in her letter to sextuplet Alexis, she mentions the baby that died.

She wrote, "As you know, our seventh baby now lives in heaven with Jesus and went there when she was very tiny."

She told Bush that she's only mentioned the baby once or twice over the years.

"I didn't spend time maybe grieving or dealing with the fact that there was a seventh baby. ... It makes you wonder like, who would this baby have been? Alexis still asks about her and so I wanted to kind of include that in her letter."

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

My understanding is that the seventh baby died early on in the pregnancy, called vanishing twin syndrome. Where the embroyo is smaller and doesn't look good and eventually the body absorbs it. There would be no way to know if it were a girl early on. I am not in any way discounting grief you feel when this happens, but I think it's so absurd that Kate has decided this baby was a girl. Of course it was!

just.me said...

What? I've heard Khate mention the seventh "baby" numerous times over the years. This isn't new or shocking.

What is shocking is that Alexis still talks about it? What DOES she tell her children? Yikes!

And, of course it's ridiculous that Khate just knew it was a girl. As far as mourning? You have to be a real person with real emotions to truly feel a loss. Khate's only dismay is that there were ONLY six children to sell, instead of seven, for that pregnancy.

koopdedoo said...

Admin, I am LOL'ing at the last line of post..."Google Watergate." I think I just aged a generation in that statement! (I was 12 when Nixon resigned)

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Haha Google watergate. Well that was in direct response to the sheeple saying stuff like, but it's the Department! It's the government! Of course the investigation was thorough and complete it's the DOL!

Are they SERIOUS??? Government isn't corrupt?

just.me said...

koop, we must be about the same age!

dee3 said...

And the end of the "Why we hate Jon and Kate" by the QMI agency:

10. Jon and Kate illustrate everything that’s wrong with American culture right now: Lowest Common Denominator Disease.

The country in which ‘any man can become president’ has encouraged an environment in which any idiot can be in the spotlight long enough to show off his or her lack of breeding, lack of education, lack of discretion and general lack of taste or discernment. Somewhere in America right now, a child is thinking, “I could have three sets of quadruplets, and then I’ll get my own TV show.” In a land where the president had to fight to get health care for the general populace, Jon and Kate are heroes. Go figure.

One through 9 are funny but I think #10 is right on the money (in a dark-comedy way)

Administrator said:

"Are they SERIOUS??? Government isn't corrupt?"

Not in the idyllic world of the fans of "Jon and Kate plus 8", who saw the happy, happy family with the happy, happy children. And where the good guys wear white and the bad guys wear black...or Ed Hardy Tees. And Prince Charming NEVER cheats even if his wife, Sleeping Beauty, told him to take a hike and tossed him out of her boudoir and made him sleep in the evil forest. And the tiny, naked cherubs dance around in sheer glee and go to the potty on the enchanted driveway.

just.me said...

dee,

GREAT post!

IATK said...

I watched many of the Watergate hearings on TV and it was mesmerizing to say the least. You would listen to the testimonies as the story unfolded and always with the thought of how could this possibly have happened, how stupid it was to burglarize in the first place and how did they bungle the break-in so badly, and how did so many high officials become entangled in such an idiotic corrupt scheme. And it wasn't the break-in at the Watergate that was so bad (although it was bad enough) as it was the great lengths that they went to to cover up the crime. Yes, lie upon lie upon lie was uttered until finally, the lies did them in. At least that's my recollection. Eventually, the truth does prevail.

dee3 said...

IATK...you must be about my age...I remember watching the Watergate hearings too...and I was in college (so I must have been 18-22, somewhere in there)...early 70's, right? I remember watching them during the summer, living in an apt. with room-mates and working a summer job until the next semester started.

Hehe...did you ever think we'd get this old? :D

IATK said...

Dee, that sounds about right. I was home for about a year after the birth of my daughter and this happened to coincide with my extended maternity leave, so in between diapers and feedings I was taking in as much as possible. It was a real life soap opera.

Haha, the age thing is funny because I know my body is aging but I feel much younger in my mind. I'll take every birthday I can get at this point. lol

IATK said...

Gosselin Kids all the way (or GKWay) said...
I found Jessica Remo's website and she is a freelance writer. I wonder if we should all send her an email to ask her to do a follow up story on the whole PA lawmakers, child labour laws regarding reality TV.

http://www.jessicaremo.com/jessicaremo.com/HOME.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~

I read this article some time back but just re-read it again. It's an excellent piece on how this story began and evolved if anyone want's some background information.

dee3 said...

"I'll take every birthday I can get at this point."

IATK~

I see it the exact same way. Why Kate horrifies me so much probably. I live my life in gratitude. To me, it's a huge factor in being happy.

Plus, like me, you seem to have been interested in the world, world events, politics since a young age. I also find that being interested in everything makes me happy...keeps my mind busy, keeps me connected to the world. Also causes me to have watched people all my life. One of the reasons Kate fascinates me from the objective angle of observing a real narcissist.

Excellent example of how you can have so many material things...and even fame...and still not be happy. Those are not the things that will make you happy. But if you don't live your life in gratitude...and you have NO gratitude...nothing will ever make you happy. (ie: Kate)
She'll never be happy if she can't learn to appreciate things and be grateful for what she does have.

Carolina Gal said...

mama mia said...
With any luck enough people will write to Rep Murt with information on how the Gosselin kids were abused by the production.
~~~
Perhaps because I didn't 'introduce' myself last evening when I posted, either you didn't read the post, you didn't care, or you didn't believe me. I DID write to Rep. Murt thanking him for holding the hearing and hopefully, doing something to enact legislation for Pa. as it pertains to the entertainment industry, inparticular the reality venue, and also J&K+8. Also in that email, I shared 3 scenes from shows that I felt many of us were disturbed by...Colin at the bed store being 'unimpacted', Leah (or Alexis) being kicked on the steps of the new house by Mady and Joel being put on the laundry room floor when sick. I sent my email at 2:30 pm yesterday and he called me at 4ish pm yesterday. In addition to thanking me for backing the legislation, he said that as a father of 3 young children, it was very painful for him to read the incidents I described. He asked if I thought of anymore incidents, would I please call him either on his cell phone or his office phone or send him another email and let him know about them. I didn't call him, I chose to email him a few more links and scenes, such as Gumgate, Watergate, filming Good Housekeeping cover in winter clothes in 93 deg. heat and a couple that show the children alone w/the cameraman. For that last one, I sent him a link to when Kate was cleaning the frig in the new house and Joel was yelling for her to come 'wipe' his bottom. There are scenes showing the kids upstairs by themselves, obviously w/the cameraman. I also sent him one link to that showed the lighting that was installed in the old home. I didn't send these till very late today. I know he hasn't read it yet, because I requested a read receipt. Hopefully he snuck out of the office a bit early since it was Fri. and he will read it Monday...

He also shared w/me that he is taking further testimony to present to the Labor and Industry Board (who did the investigation and 'let' TLC off the hook) who as of right now, are not being very cooperative.

Hopefully, he will keep that enthusiasm going, to convince the Labor board to open up the case and revisit whether TLC should be fined, etc.

Thanks for listening. I hope I might be able to post here again in the future. I can't stand that woman, but didn't want to get 'too' into that w/Rep. Murt, for fear he'd think I (we) were just a bunch of catty females!

IATK said...

Dee, I agree. Although Kate says she wants to be on the world stage, she seems to live in a very small space that revolves around herself. I almost feel like she's afraid to break out of her self-imposed bubble because she might have to face the real truth. And I have to say, if she ever did dare go through a self-examination and self-realization process, it would require extensive work and determination on her part and a lot of professional counseling to guide her. But, she wants what she wants and even eight children aren't going to stand in her way. She and her fans can make all the excuses they want, but it's obvious where her priorities are. If you fill your plate with enough activities and just keep talking, you don't have time to stop and think and analyze if you're moving in the right direction. JMO

fade2black said...

Excellent, Carolina Gal! I'm sure you're right in taking an objective approach - it's very hard sometimes for me to pull the claws in regarding this woman, but it's necessary if we want to be taken seriously.

dee3 said...

Carolina Gal~

I think it's really fantastic that you've had so much input with Rep. Murt. Do you live in PA? I did send him a thank-you e-mail but did not include my phone number....but I don't live in his state, so I didn't even think to include that.
Kudos to you, though, for what you've done to help. I just want you to know that I really admire and appreciate it.

NancyB said...

Carolina Gal -
I did read your post yesterday with great interest! I did not see your post at Preesi's so I posted it there. Keep posting here and updating us please. I sent a letter to Murt after reading your post.

Fed up... said...

Here is an article I came across on the 'net today. It was written back in Sept'09 but has as much relevance today as it did last fall. It's nice to know that some article writers (not sure if he's a journalist or not) are brave enough to challenge this side of the story. Too bad I didn't read the article back then. I wonder if it's too late to give him props with a good comment? I was especially shocked to hear that at least eleven reality show contestants have committed suicide after apearing on reality programs. Not to state that this will happen in the future (perish the thought) but just flirting with a minute possibility should be enough for those near and dear to the children to keep the strong fight for their right to privacy.
Adults can make their own minds about airing their private lives, children should be sheltered from the public eye until they are old enough to make up their own minds.

http://celebrities.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_cost_of_jon_and_kate_plus_8

Lauren said...

Admin - Your post was mentioned during the WWDB radio show this morning. The hosts said your post about the PA investigation hit the nail on the head. Good job.
I hope you feel better! :o) It's a little early so the words aren't flowing too easily.

Carolina Girl said...

NancyB - thanks for posting at Preesi's. I have signed up there, but cannot post.

Dee3 - Nope, I live in Charlotte. Perhaps mine was one of the first he received or something in 3 of the scenes I described hit a sensitive note w/him. He repeated several times on the phone it was "painful" to read. As I said, he closed the conversation w/asking me to forward any other unsettling scenes if I think of them. I forwarded him about 3 or 4 clips yesterday and a description of a few more scenes that I couldn't find vids of.

GoPoshGo said...

"Reality children are not going to die or get salmonella if they don't fine the production."

They will if Kate's serving up her under-grilled, bloody chicken again.... Sadly, the Gosselin kids are not even safe from salmonella.

Carolina Girl said...

NancyB - thanks for posting at Preesi's. I have signed up there, but cannot post.

Dee3 - Nope, I live in Charlotte. Perhaps mine was one of the first he received or something in 3 of the scenes I described hit a sensitive note w/him. He repeated several times on the phone it was "painful" to read. As I said, he closed the conversation w/asking me to forward any other unsettling scenes if I think of them. I forwarded him about 3 or 4 clips yesterday and a description of a few more scenes that I couldn't find vids of.

NancyB said...

Carolina Gal -
I did read your post yesterday with great interest! I did not see your post at Preesi's so I posted it there. Keep posting here and updating us please. I sent a letter to Murt after reading your post.

susan said...

Excellent, Carolina Gal! I'm sure you're right in taking an objective approach - it's very hard sometimes for me to pull the claws in regarding this woman, but it's necessary if we want to be taken seriously.

dee3 said...

"I'll take every birthday I can get at this point."

IATK~

I see it the exact same way. Why Kate horrifies me so much probably. I live my life in gratitude. To me, it's a huge factor in being happy.

Plus, like me, you seem to have been interested in the world, world events, politics since a young age. I also find that being interested in everything makes me happy...keeps my mind busy, keeps me connected to the world. Also causes me to have watched people all my life. One of the reasons Kate fascinates me from the objective angle of observing a real narcissist.

Excellent example of how you can have so many material things...and even fame...and still not be happy. Those are not the things that will make you happy. But if you don't live your life in gratitude...and you have NO gratitude...nothing will ever make you happy. (ie: Kate)
She'll never be happy if she can't learn to appreciate things and be grateful for what she does have.

DeKonstruction Zlogger said...

Article is great. Yes, someone from the outside needs to oversee that does not have a vested interest. These are children whose privacy is violated need a voice.

just.me said...

koop, we must be about the same age!

Gosselin Kids all the way (or said...

I found Jessica Remo's website and she is a freelance writer. I wonder if we should all send her an email to ask her to do a follow up story on the whole PA lawmakers, child labour laws regarding reality TV.

http://www.jessicaremo.com/jessicaremo.com/HOME.html

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