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Dr. Laura denies criticizing military spouses

Radio talk show host “Dr. Laura” Schlessinger says her comments about the “whining” of military spouses and parents were taken out of context in a story published May 12 in the Salt Lake Tribune.

“I am so deeply sad and disappointed that this out-of-context comment appears to have caused hurt and pain to military spouses — people that I’ve spent so much time helping,” Schlessinger wrote in her blog at www.drlaura.com on Monday. “I am frustrated that people who haven’t heard my program would be misled as to my attitude and intent.”

The Tribune article described Schlessinger as being “tired of all the complaints she hears from military wives who say they’re lonely and overwhelmed.”

Schlessinger broadcast her daily radio program during a visit to Salt Lake City on May 11, and was interviewed just prior to the show.

Mike Paul, her spokesman, said she has received several dozen responses to the Tribune article, including some from military family members, and “all are positive. The message is, ‘We know who you are, and we know that’s not you,’ ” he said.

Schlessinger, whose son is a paratrooper stationed in the Middle East, states in her blog that she did talk about whining, but not in the same context. “I am a military mom. I whine to my husband every day about how scared I am for my son and how helpless I feel to protect his body and soul. However, I never whine to my son when he is able to call between missions.

“That, and only that, is my point. Of course military spouses endure fear and domestic burdens. Of course they often need emotional support and practical assistance. As I said to the reporter, and many times on my program, family services, clergy, family, friends, and the camaraderie of other military spouses are available outlets.

“However, burdening one’s warrior spouse with your fears, upsets, loneliness, etc., is a huge mistake as it demoralizes the warrior and thereby undermines their concentration while they are in life-death situations,” she wrote.

Paul noted that Schlessinger has been a long-time supporter of service members and their families, helping raise more than $500,000 for a fund in California for their benefit.

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