One of you shared the link to this NY Times article about lawyers and addiction. We hope you will take a few minutes and read it. You’ll probably get more out of it than any AAMH CLE you attend. Real question–is this more or less of a problem in the legal profession in Nevada?
Some student loan debts are being wiped out because the lender doesn’t have a sufficient chain of title. [NY Times]
The RJ sued the coroner’s office over records. [RJ]
Here are some of former DA David Roger’s thoughts on the OJ Simpson verdict. [Fox5Vegas; LasVegasNow]
The subject of the NY Times story is tragic. But the article really doesn't discuss a real solution. Nor does it discuss the far-more-common cases where alcohol slowly destroys a lawyers life and family, but doesn't necessarily kill him or her.
The alcohol and drug recovery industry really has little effect on the problem. The addict or alcoholic requires much more than can be given in some sterile two-week or four-week inpatient stay. Overcoming the problem requires a profound paradigm shift in the subject. The subject's entire way of thinking about and reacting to life must be changed. Most addicts and alcoholics are unwilling to do that. But the ones who will take that leap are the ones who experience long-term and meaningful relief.
Guest
Anonymous
July 18, 2017 4:35 pm
I worked for a partner who I believe had an alcohol problem. I say believe because I rarely saw him drink and he didn't smell like alcohol and I don't think he was doing other drugs. However, there were plenty of times where he seemed drunk–slurred speech, missing work, etc. As time went on, it seemed like it got worse and he missed more work. I never really felt comfortable saying anything because he was my boss and I don't think any of his partners ever said anything–at least not that I know of. It definitely affected his work and our office though.
I also know of a solo practitioner who is LDS and started drinking as an adult when he would fly on business. He had no experience with how to drink and it quickly became a problem. There was no one there to stop him. His wife found out and it caused more problems for him, leading him to more drinking.
These are just two examples I'm aware of, but I'm not sure how you address the problem. I think there is the potential for it to be a bigger problem here because of the nature of Vegas, but I think a lot of it just stems from the stress of life and the law.
There is help out there. And it works if the alcoholic lawyer legitimately wants to make changes. But someone looking to put a band aid on the problem is probably going to have a difficult time. One can't continue to be an asshole and hope to stop drinking. The lawyers who put the problem behind them for good are the ones who make a real commitment to becoming better people.
Recently departed Mitch Cobeaga (RIP) was an excellent example someone who was a great lawyer with a hard core drinking problem. But he remained a great lawyer and also overcame his drinking problem by fully committing to a completely new lifestyle. And in doing so, he helped many others to improve their lives and overcome their own respective drinking problems. Mitch's story was actually quite amazing. And there are many many similar stories in the profession.
Guest
Anonymous
July 18, 2017 4:46 pm
My alcoholism predated my law school experience but it sure didn't help.
Guest
Anonymous
July 18, 2017 5:26 pm
The Nevada OJ Simpson case is a complete embarrassment. Roger is full of it when he says it was treated like any other robbery case. The sentence was ridiculous and the judge (who prohibited any questions during voir dire about the murder case) was looking for a tv show.
At the very least he's downplaying the political motivation. He was all over that thing like stink on tiny shit. He had a hotel room replica built in the RJC basement.
2:13 the genius of 11:44's comment was lost on you. It's a whole thing that the song lists a bunch of situations that are not actually ironic.
Guest
Anonymous
July 18, 2017 6:25 pm
Re: Drugs, alcohol and addiction.
Sure we believe in cureloms and Kolob, and eat green jello with carrot shavings, but I'm really grateful I was born Mormon. I've never once had a drop of alcohol and I never will. As a result, I never have to worry about the risk of alcoholism in my life. It is, and will always be, zero. Maybe I wouldn't have been an alcoholic if I had partaken, but I'm glad to have never found out.
No, you just were raised in a culture of win at all costs, ethics be damned. So good for you, no booze, but lie cheat and steal as long as you keep up appearances. And goddamn anybody who missteps in any way, the whole ward will silently shun them. But good for you.
Mormons are not exempt from addiction. Utah and Idaho have crazy high rates for use of pain killers and anti-depressants. Others OD on church involvement to the point that they don't see issues in their own family or work relationships. Not saying that all Mormons are bad, but they certainly have their own share of problems.
I am a mormon convert, and although I follow the general principles and the "bigger picture" of the gospel, i try not to get lost in the details and technicalities, because much of it is open to interpretation despite what certain church goers believe. I have noticed many do pretend to be holy and righteous but simply to keep appearances, when they do acts contrary to their beliefs. I will have to admit that the older i have gotten, the more jaded I have become the with church organization. the faith in general I like, but the culture and its bureaucracy i do not.
Being a religious hypocrite is not unique to the LDS. I'm not LDS, but have a lot of LDS friends and co-workers. The religion within which I was raised (Catholic then Episcopalian) had its share of individuals who were one way publicly and the other way privately. When you're raised where pre-marital sex is a forgivable sin but abortion gets you excommunicated and shunned by those in your small town who did the same thing but have done a good job of keeping it a secret, then there's something wrong with your church.
Guest
Anonymous
July 18, 2017 8:28 pm
To another subject we steer: Alcoholism among Mormons, is it a thing? Illicit drug abuse among Mormons, is that a thing?
Yes, they are things. As are: gambling addictions, domestic violence, divorce, voting Democrat, voting Republican, being gay, being straight, and working for Walmart. Shockingly enough, it turns out Mormons are people.
I don't think high school counted. Its kinda like the Mardi Gras or Carnival. You get all of your sins out before you mission (lent) and then proceed on as an upstanding member of The Church.
@ 3:53, that posting sounds a lot like the Amish tradition of Rumspringa.
Guest
Anonymous
July 18, 2017 11:19 pm
The negativity being lobbed at the Mormon Church and Mormons on this blog is always disheartening. I understand that some of the posts are made in jest (the fishing joke for example), but most are simply mean spirited and bordering on religious bigotry. These sweeping generalizations about any group shouldn't be tolerated, ever.
1:45 here. I've got plenty of Mormon bona fides (pioneer ancestors, returned missionary, married in the temple, served as EQ President, etc.) But let's not hide our heads in the sand, shall we? Mormons are people, with all the ugliness, pettiness, and failings that implies. Some are good people, trying to do good, failing sometimes, but are sincerely trying to improve themselves, their family, and the world. Some are assholes who keep up appearances. Some are assholes who don't bother trying to keep up appearances, but who claim the moniker for social or political reasons. Some are people who start out good and end up as assholes who steal millions of dollars of their clients' money. Some end up in prison. Some don't, but leave destruction and heartache in their wake.
And some become alcoholics, or addicted to drugs, gambling, or what have you. Some struggle with mental illness that, despite numerous blessings and much prayer, doesn't simply disappear so it can be mentioned in a conference talk. And some commit suicide. Some of those suicides might have been prevented.
If any of this is surprising to you, I highly suggest you open your eyes next Sunday and look around. Someone in your congregation is likely to have been sexually abused at the hands of a family member. LDS folks being what we are, that family member was likely also LDS. Someone, perhaps numerous someones, are currently abusing alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs. This isn't bigotry. It's simple observation.
Sure – but I don't think the issue is a simple observation that mormons have problems like everybody else. Rather, you can't deny the nastiness on this blog is amped up when anybody mentions anything about Mormons. Comments that would be totally socially unacceptable if you replace "Mormon" with another minority faith, like Jew or Muslim. That's all.
Is it possible that some of a particular group which shall remain unnamed to avoid offending delicate sensitivities are more likely to assume a holier than thou attitude than members of other groups? Not saying all of any group fits that profile, but a larger proportion of certain groups fit more than other groups.
The Mormon discussion began with one of your members claiming that he wasn't at a risk of becoming an alcoholic because of his religion. The responses were directed at that statement. There was no attempt to slander a religion – it was an effort to show that Mormons also have issues with addiction, even if it's not always in the form of alcohol.
People have addictions.
Mormons are people.
Hence, Mormons have addictions.
The question is whether they would have less or more without religion. 11:25 AM's point was that because he adheres to the tenents, this particular addiction has been removed.
Inevitably, the definition of cult devolves to "What the Other believes." Unless you an atheist, your belief system is a cult as viewed by someone else. Guaranteed. Christianity? Ritual cannibals, the lot of them.
These RJ articles on public records requests with Maggie McLetchie giving quotes about her interpretation of the law are absolutely absurd. I mean, I shouldn't expect more from the Adelson News, but these are so one-sided it's pathetic. Every time they don't get everything they want in their muckraking efforts they write an article about it: CCSD, Henderson, the freaking Coroner's Office (yeah we all need to make sure they're doing their job – that's why you're asking you pathetic bottom feeders), NLV, Clark County, etc. All your decent reporters are gone. Your schtick is tired. Stop it. Also, I know a Mormon who got to third base in the 11th grade. Playa!
Guest
Anonymous
July 19, 2017 6:01 am
For all the Mormon haters, I am NOT Mormon, would not be Mormon – particularly as a woman, and as a teen/adult was involved with a Mormon and ran … fast … far … But as a mother, I almost regret that decision. I see so many young Mormons with values, with manners, with goals. I see a community that cares. Still don't believe in the celestial being or the garments or the baptizing of the dead … but I'm certainly not going to criticize a community that is trying to raise moral children into decent adults. At least they stick together and make an effort.
For all the _______ haters, I am NOT _______, would not be a________ – particularly as a woman, and as a teen/adult was involved with a ________ and ran … fast … far … (I Couldn't bring myself to insert another religious group)
The subject of the NY Times story is tragic. But the article really doesn't discuss a real solution. Nor does it discuss the far-more-common cases where alcohol slowly destroys a lawyers life and family, but doesn't necessarily kill him or her.
The alcohol and drug recovery industry really has little effect on the problem. The addict or alcoholic requires much more than can be given in some sterile two-week or four-week inpatient stay. Overcoming the problem requires a profound paradigm shift in the subject. The subject's entire way of thinking about and reacting to life must be changed. Most addicts and alcoholics are unwilling to do that. But the ones who will take that leap are the ones who experience long-term and meaningful relief.
I worked for a partner who I believe had an alcohol problem. I say believe because I rarely saw him drink and he didn't smell like alcohol and I don't think he was doing other drugs. However, there were plenty of times where he seemed drunk–slurred speech, missing work, etc. As time went on, it seemed like it got worse and he missed more work. I never really felt comfortable saying anything because he was my boss and I don't think any of his partners ever said anything–at least not that I know of. It definitely affected his work and our office though.
I also know of a solo practitioner who is LDS and started drinking as an adult when he would fly on business. He had no experience with how to drink and it quickly became a problem. There was no one there to stop him. His wife found out and it caused more problems for him, leading him to more drinking.
These are just two examples I'm aware of, but I'm not sure how you address the problem. I think there is the potential for it to be a bigger problem here because of the nature of Vegas, but I think a lot of it just stems from the stress of life and the law.
There is help out there. And it works if the alcoholic lawyer legitimately wants to make changes. But someone looking to put a band aid on the problem is probably going to have a difficult time. One can't continue to be an asshole and hope to stop drinking. The lawyers who put the problem behind them for good are the ones who make a real commitment to becoming better people.
Recently departed Mitch Cobeaga (RIP) was an excellent example someone who was a great lawyer with a hard core drinking problem. But he remained a great lawyer and also overcame his drinking problem by fully committing to a completely new lifestyle. And in doing so, he helped many others to improve their lives and overcome their own respective drinking problems. Mitch's story was actually quite amazing. And there are many many similar stories in the profession.
My alcoholism predated my law school experience but it sure didn't help.
The Nevada OJ Simpson case is a complete embarrassment. Roger is full of it when he says it was treated like any other robbery case. The sentence was ridiculous and the judge (who prohibited any questions during voir dire about the murder case) was looking for a tv show.
At the very least he's downplaying the political motivation. He was all over that thing like stink on tiny shit. He had a hotel room replica built in the RJC basement.
10:26: Anonymous speculation seems to be a trend here. If I had to guess, you're just jealous you didn't get a TV show.
I'm never sure what irony is, but it it ironic to anonymously complain about someone anonymously speculating?
10:54, for the win
10:54—It's like rain on your wedding day, or a free ride when you've already paid.
10:54 – I know that's the song, but neither of those are examples of irony.
2:13: That's pretty ironic. Don'tcha think?
One guy used to say that "the only thing that's ironic about that song is how much it sucks."
2:13 the genius of 11:44's comment was lost on you. It's a whole thing that the song lists a bunch of situations that are not actually ironic.
Re: Drugs, alcohol and addiction.
Sure we believe in cureloms and Kolob, and eat green jello with carrot shavings, but I'm really grateful I was born Mormon. I've never once had a drop of alcohol and I never will. As a result, I never have to worry about the risk of alcoholism in my life. It is, and will always be, zero. Maybe I wouldn't have been an alcoholic if I had partaken, but I'm glad to have never found out.
I like turtles.
No, you just were raised in a culture of win at all costs, ethics be damned. So good for you, no booze, but lie cheat and steal as long as you keep up appearances. And goddamn anybody who missteps in any way, the whole ward will silently shun them. But good for you.
Why do you always take two Mormons fishing? If only bring one, he'll drink all your beer.
Mormons are not exempt from addiction. Utah and Idaho have crazy high rates for use of pain killers and anti-depressants. Others OD on church involvement to the point that they don't see issues in their own family or work relationships. Not saying that all Mormons are bad, but they certainly have their own share of problems.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705288350/Utah-No-1-in-online-porn-subscriptions-report-says.html
All that means is that, as of 2009, Utahns hadn't discovered the 94% of the internet that consists of free porn. I mean, paid subscriptions? Really?
I am a mormon convert, and although I follow the general principles and the "bigger picture" of the gospel, i try not to get lost in the details and technicalities, because much of it is open to interpretation despite what certain church goers believe. I have noticed many do pretend to be holy and righteous but simply to keep appearances, when they do acts contrary to their beliefs. I will have to admit that the older i have gotten, the more jaded I have become the with church organization. the faith in general I like, but the culture and its bureaucracy i do not.
I didn't mind being a Mormon, but marrying one really put me off of the whole thing.
Yeah 11:50, that report hasn't held up. In fact, the most recent data shows Utah towards the bottom of consumption. I'm not saying mormons are better or worse than any other religion, but let's put this well-worn trope to bed.
https://virtuoussociety.com/2014/04/16/rethinking-mormons-and-porn-utah-40th-in-us-in-new-porn-data/
Being a religious hypocrite is not unique to the LDS. I'm not LDS, but have a lot of LDS friends and co-workers. The religion within which I was raised (Catholic then Episcopalian) had its share of individuals who were one way publicly and the other way privately. When you're raised where pre-marital sex is a forgivable sin but abortion gets you excommunicated and shunned by those in your small town who did the same thing but have done a good job of keeping it a secret, then there's something wrong with your church.
To another subject we steer: Alcoholism among Mormons, is it a thing? Illicit drug abuse among Mormons, is that a thing?
Yes, they are things. As are: gambling addictions, domestic violence, divorce, voting Democrat, voting Republican, being gay, being straight, and working for Walmart. Shockingly enough, it turns out Mormons are people.
then why do they have horns?
It's not just alcohol rules that they break. In high school we had a lot of "Mormon virgins"…………
I don't think high school counted. Its kinda like the Mardi Gras or Carnival. You get all of your sins out before you mission (lent) and then proceed on as an upstanding member of The Church.
@ 3:53, that posting sounds a lot like the Amish tradition of Rumspringa.
The negativity being lobbed at the Mormon Church and Mormons on this blog is always disheartening. I understand that some of the posts are made in jest (the fishing joke for example), but most are simply mean spirited and bordering on religious bigotry. These sweeping generalizations about any group shouldn't be tolerated, ever.
1:45 here. I've got plenty of Mormon bona fides (pioneer ancestors, returned missionary, married in the temple, served as EQ President, etc.) But let's not hide our heads in the sand, shall we? Mormons are people, with all the ugliness, pettiness, and failings that implies. Some are good people, trying to do good, failing sometimes, but are sincerely trying to improve themselves, their family, and the world. Some are assholes who keep up appearances. Some are assholes who don't bother trying to keep up appearances, but who claim the moniker for social or political reasons. Some are people who start out good and end up as assholes who steal millions of dollars of their clients' money. Some end up in prison. Some don't, but leave destruction and heartache in their wake.
And some become alcoholics, or addicted to drugs, gambling, or what have you. Some struggle with mental illness that, despite numerous blessings and much prayer, doesn't simply disappear so it can be mentioned in a conference talk. And some commit suicide. Some of those suicides might have been prevented.
If any of this is surprising to you, I highly suggest you open your eyes next Sunday and look around. Someone in your congregation is likely to have been sexually abused at the hands of a family member. LDS folks being what we are, that family member was likely also LDS. Someone, perhaps numerous someones, are currently abusing alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs. This isn't bigotry. It's simple observation.
Sure – but I don't think the issue is a simple observation that mormons have problems like everybody else. Rather, you can't deny the nastiness on this blog is amped up when anybody mentions anything about Mormons. Comments that would be totally socially unacceptable if you replace "Mormon" with another minority faith, like Jew or Muslim. That's all.
Is it possible that some of a particular group which shall remain unnamed to avoid offending delicate sensitivities are more likely to assume a holier than thou attitude than members of other groups? Not saying all of any group fits that profile, but a larger proportion of certain groups fit more than other groups.
The Mormon discussion began with one of your members claiming that he wasn't at a risk of becoming an alcoholic because of his religion. The responses were directed at that statement. There was no attempt to slander a religion – it was an effort to show that Mormons also have issues with addiction, even if it's not always in the form of alcohol.
People have addictions.
Mormons are people.
Hence, Mormons have addictions.
The question is whether they would have less or more without religion. 11:25 AM's point was that because he adheres to the tenents, this particular addiction has been removed.
LDS is not a religion. It is a cult.
Inevitably, the definition of cult devolves to "What the Other believes." Unless you an atheist, your belief system is a cult as viewed by someone else. Guaranteed. Christianity? Ritual cannibals, the lot of them.
* Judaism or Muslim.
* Judaism or Islam
*Baconhaters or goatfuckers. Feel better now?
Do you do yoga with baby goats?
Not a member of PETA or SPCA or SPEW, but what happens to the yoga goats when they get older?
They get curried or jerk'd.
These RJ articles on public records requests with Maggie McLetchie giving quotes about her interpretation of the law are absolutely absurd. I mean, I shouldn't expect more from the Adelson News, but these are so one-sided it's pathetic. Every time they don't get everything they want in their muckraking efforts they write an article about it: CCSD, Henderson, the freaking Coroner's Office (yeah we all need to make sure they're doing their job – that's why you're asking you pathetic bottom feeders), NLV, Clark County, etc. All your decent reporters are gone. Your schtick is tired. Stop it. Also, I know a Mormon who got to third base in the 11th grade. Playa!
For all the Mormon haters, I am NOT Mormon, would not be Mormon – particularly as a woman, and as a teen/adult was involved with a Mormon and ran … fast … far … But as a mother, I almost regret that decision. I see so many young Mormons with values, with manners, with goals. I see a community that cares. Still don't believe in the celestial being or the garments or the baptizing of the dead … but I'm certainly not going to criticize a community that is trying to raise moral children into decent adults. At least they stick together and make an effort.
For all the _______ haters, I am NOT _______, would not be a________ – particularly as a woman, and as a teen/adult was involved with a ________ and ran … fast … far … (I Couldn't bring myself to insert another religious group)
I'll just leave this here:
http://www.exmormon.org/tract2.htm
Dear 5:40,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsmyzC4AkFQ
Love ya!
@810, it's because he's a white male. It's a dream church for those guys. I was just a breeder.