General Discussion

I do feel sorry for her because I think she's got mental health issues and they're serious. I don't think what she did was "right" but I also don't think it was "normal." I have to wonder if she's suffering some kind of post-traumatic stress that causes her to act out in ways that don't make sense, or she's suffering a chemical imbalance--or both. I have to wonder if the only place she felt loved/validated was in the community, and if she didn't get much if any affection (and maybe some abuse--maybe not a bullwhip, but sexual abuse) when she was growing up.

If she were my kid, I'd be looking to try to get her some help, not going on CNN and making sure that her name will be on the 1000 Screwiest Stories of 2015~~! Her name and face are known around the world, she's going to have to get out the Miss Clairol and change her persona all up to be able to hide out for quite a while.

I just hope she doesn't kill herself. Sometimes when people's carefully crafted web of lies are pulled apart, that's what they do because they "just can't handle the truth" to grab a movie quote.

I'm not into praising her (though she did create a pretty good light-bright impression--she does have a good eye for detail) or excusing her, but I can't get all torch and pitchfork either. She's not well, she needs help. She's still young in the big arc of life, maybe she can ditch the need to lie, gather up and nurture her own self esteem, and do something worthwhile in the second act of her existence. Here's hoping, anyway.

In a weird way, just the contrast of her story and the "pool party beat down" one, happening so close together, have served to get people talking about the issues of privilege, assumption, etc. So there's one thing she did, even if it was unintentional!