Upcoming Congressional hearings and GAO investigation

[nimdA]

Thanks Guest!

Now folks at the very least it will provide us with some great documentation. I wouldn't get your hopes up for any legislation to abolish the industry. More than likely you will see an attempt to clean it up first via legislation.

That is providing any sort of legislation can be pushed through congress and signed into power by our moronic presidente. Though right about now I would think the GOP and Dictator Bush wouldn't mind some good publicity to distance themselves from the Romney scream.

This has some good promise behind it.

[Anonymous]

Cash Test Dummy I read your blog, I think the word  "mangina" is inappropriate and think you should change it.

[Nihilanthic]

I expect absolutely fucking nothing to come of this and the flash in the pan was this thread in all its glory.

[nimdA]

A minimal effort by the govt at this point would have an impact? Can hope right.

The Hearings are what I'm placing bets on.  You'll see.

The smart money bets with you.  Sen. George Miller will be a key figure in this, and if you've seen the Montana PBS special, you know he's been battling these programs for twenty years.  The GAO is very concerned at the moment and we can expect more than minimal effort.  Remember, the troubled teen industry and the Republicans have been entwined for ages.  Democrats control Congress now, Sen. Miller is in charge of his committee, and Psy's right, watch and be pleasantly surprised.  Expect some of us to be in D.C. during the hearing as more than observers.

See you there.

And when are the hearing dates?

[Anonymous]

Finally we get to meet! I am bringing a video camera so don't try any funny stuff ya hear?

[ZenAgent]

A minimal effort by the govt at this point would have an impact? Can hope right.

The Hearings are what I'm placing bets on.  You'll see.

The smart money bets with you.  Sen. George Miller will be a key figure in this, and if you've seen the Montana PBS special, you know he's been battling these programs for twenty years.  The GAO is very concerned at the moment and we can expect more than minimal effort.  Remember, the troubled teen industry and the Republicans have been entwined for ages.  Democrats control Congress now, Sen. Miller is in charge of his committee, and Psy's right, watch and be pleasantly surprised.  Expect some of us to be in D.C. during the hearing as more than observers.

See you there.

And when are the hearing dates?

Not definite, but the end of September.  Would you want to testify, dude?  I tried to PM you last night and Fornits went down or something.  I don't know if you've talked with Kat or not, but the lady from A START who helped us get our girl out of PV would be interested in corresponding and seeing where it could go.  No one knows the industry and the mindset of program counselors like you do, it would be invaluable testimony.  I doubt anyone's going to care why you left Three Springs, and you wouldn't have to name the place if you don't want to.  

Let me know, and I'll play middle-man if you want to do it and e-mail addresses can be swapped.

And everybody start e-mailing Michael Moore!   This could be a follow-up to Bowling For Columbine, since this industry is cashing in on the aftermath, duping parents who are terrified of the social stigma of having a crazed teen gunman coming from their home.  Kid skips school?  Oh, my God, preemptive strike!  Lock him up before he starts hoarding AK's and Glocks!

I know Moore is aware of the troubled teen industry, but there's never been a Congressional hearing before.  It would be a great film.

Tell him:  mike@michaelmoore.com

[psy]

I'm not so sure Michael Moore would be such a good idea.  No matter what he says, everybody on the right will attack the film.  Making a partisan issues out of this might not be the best idea.  Everybody on the right, who really need to see the film, won't, because of who is behind it.

[Froderik]

I'm not so sure Michael Moore would be such a good idea.  No matter what he says, everybody on the right will attack the film.  Making a partisan issues out of this might not be the best idea.  Everybody on the right, who really need to see the film, won't, because of who is behind it.

I agree; find a better platform (venue, director, w/e).

[ZenAgent]

I like the guy.

[Anonymous]

I think he's kind of pretty, in an ugly duckling papa bear kind of way. He's a realistic break from Paris Hilton. Sometimes we need that.

[psy]

I like the guy.

Well.  I like what he says much of the time, but at the same time, I know that a lot of people have a knee-jerk reaction against anything he says at all, and will take the opposite standpoint out of spite.  That would be bad.

[Froderik]

He's ok Zen.. I mean anyone who made that 9/11 movie can't be all bad... but I don't like how he came off to Pete Townsend when he (Pete) declined to let him use their song in his movie. From what I gathered of that, he behaved like a whiny bitch who didn't get a date on prom night.. Also his shitty, condescending attitude toward his underlings is anything but appealing...

[nimdA]

Is that chunky bastard going to buy his own drinks?

Zen I just need a general idea when the whole thing kicks off so I can make flight reservations and book a motel room.

[psy]

He's ok Zen.. I mean anyone who made that 9/11 movie can't be all bad... but I don't like how he came off to Pete Townsend when he (Pete) declined to let him use their song in his movie. From what I gathered of that, he behaved like a whiny bitch who didn't get a date on prom night.. Also his shitty, condescending attitude toward his underlings is anything but appealing...

When he was coming to GMU there was a big stink:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... Sep30.html

As I remember, after that happened, Moore said he was coming anyway to promote free speech, but later pulled out, whining about not getting paid 35k for a few minutes of his time.  35k for a speech... free speech.. ironic.  He ended up breaking his word (to get some publicity)...  He was portrayed by the campus newspaper as a whiny little bitch and he lost a lot of campus supporters...  Well.  in any case, he is a target you don't want to tie to an issue you care about.

[psy]

He's ok Zen.. I mean anyone who made that 9/11 movie can't be all bad... but I don't like how he came off to Pete Townsend when he (Pete) declined to let him use their song in his movie. From what I gathered of that, he behaved like a whiny bitch who didn't get a date on prom night.. Also his shitty, condescending attitude toward his underlings is anything but appealing...

In my opinion, the 9/11 movie didn't go nearly far enough.  There needed to be an actual investigation into the events of that day (somewhat along the lines of Loose Change).