Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Arkansas Media Gunn's actions draw editorial rebuke
Posted by Max Brantley on Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 10:58 AM
The Northwest Arkansas Times editorialized today on a topic it reported last week — then-Circuit Judge Mary Ann Gunn's abusive treatment of a drug court defendant who didn't want to be on TV. Their work followed our initial disclosure of a transcript of the proceeding. (It's worth remembering the proceeding was observed by many other drug court defendants who no doubt took to heart the rough justice Gunn handed out that day to someone who resisted having her life spread on TV.)
It's a tough editorial. The newspaper remains supportive of sharing drug court with the community by TV as a way of highlighting the perils of drug abuse. I tend to believe the perils are clear enough and therapy is best done as a more private matter, but those are propositions on which reasonable people can differ. But what Gunn told regulators about her court procedures and what she did in practice and how she treated defendants are other matters. The editorial says it well in noting that Gunn had singled out an enemies' list — me; defense lawyer W.H. Taylor, who is seeking to prevent public use of court video, and Circuit Judge William Storey, who's insisted on proper maintenance of court records and procedure.
These men, she said, are a small group rushing to criticize her next venture, a private production of a TV show based on her drug court experience.It’s a safe bet that this “small group” is much larger now.
Taylor and Storey wouldn’t comment on this matter.
If they are indeed responsible for bringing this evidence to light, we thank them along with Brantley. They directed a brighter light in a darker, more secret corner than any televised drug court show ever did.
Drug court showed the public the travails of private people in their struggle against drug addiction. It did much good, we believe. However, Gunn’s actions were an abuse of both power and public trust.
Speaking of Mary Ann Gunn, Last Shot With Judge Gunn
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Comments (13)
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Wait, wait! What's happened to all the Washington County Courthouse wannabes?
They were here by the dozen when this first began. Now? Where are you now that your savior needs you? Oh my dears why hast thou forsake her?
It's worth mentioning that drug/alcohol addictions are highly coorelated with several things, including severe and persistent mental illness, suffering abuse/neglect/trauma in early childhood, surviving domestic violence and sexual assault, etc etc etc.
In other words, many many people use substances to escape and manage their pain. Turning them and their struggles for sobriety and wholeness into entertainment is just plain wrong.
-An LCSW
As luck has it I see Kateicl's comment just after getting off the phone with a Gunn drug court defendant who related release of confidential information by the judge in front of TV cameras. He also complained that he'd never known you could ask to opt out of TV. "When you've reached the point that you're in drug court, you've hit bottom," he said. "You don't need to be kicked when you're down." Defendants were aware of the judge's potential to go ballistic, as witnesses waiting for their cases to be called. He contended former Razorbacks got gentler treatment.
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>>He contended former Razorbacks got gentler treatment.<<
After watching the two episodes with former Razorback quarterback, Matt Jones, I thought her honor was gonna sweep the handsome young man off to her chambers for a private session or two. It was near shameful- her fawning and favoritism.
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Judge Gunn is way out in right field--is there such a thing?
Back when liquor was illegal, crime escalated.
Why don't lawmakers see the correlation?
Legal drugs would be cheaper--thus no profit for pushers--and safer. It's too simple. If rehab was readily available, many would choose it. The cost of fighting this futile war is astronomical, our prisons are overcrowded, and they cost more than education. If the Tea Party really wants to cut spending and raise money all they have to do is legalize drugs and tax them. After all the rich don't use drugs, do they?
A word of praise for Max is in order. You exposed the facts and forced the local media to retract their uncritical embrace of Gunn. I hope she and her TV show will in future be judged on the merits.
That transcript was devastating. I almost pity the fool that has Max Brantley and Warner Homer Taylor on their enemy list.
Too exciting!
"Last Shot with Judge Gunn" premieres Sep. 26th at noon on FOX 24 in NWA!
Of course, Trifecta's syndicating it. So "Last Shot" will no doubt open wide in similar first-tier markets nationwide in equally prime-time slots because who's NOT watching TV at noon?
Now get ready, my Razorbabies, because this could be an open door to fame and fortune for you or somebody you know.
They're looking for people with problems, people with stories to tell in unintelligible accents about Ozark degradation, dereliction, drug-dependency, down-and-outness -- yet with a TV-ready quality of spunk, hope and determination to forge ahead toward a brighter tomorrow -- with the ability to beg, plead for mercy and forgiveness and cry on cue!
Is that you? A loved one?
Here's their HOTLINE! 1-800-814-2180!
No, no. Seriously! Norma wouldn't steer you wrong. I'm here to help. Think of this as a screen test. Footage for your demo reel. The rest is up to you.
Hollywood, here you come!
Call today! 1-800-814-2180!
That number again? 1-800-814-2180!
Do it now!
1-800-814-2180!
I have known Mary Ann for years and she is famous for her temper, even when she was a practicing attorney. Given the fact that she was once married to W.H.'s former law partner, who also became a judge and then had to resign when he had a stroke, at which time Mary Ann bailed on him, W.H. must know her pretty well, and I would imagine he is taking this case pro bono. It all boils down to the inherent decadence of making poor unfortunate people who are in trouble with the law provide entertainment for the masses. It reeks of ancient Rome; Colonial Puritianism; hangings in the Old West. It is simply wrong for TV viewers to entertain themselves at the expense of others who are not as fortunate as they are.
Keep in mind that drug dealers are not eligible for Drug Court. The people who appeared were users--addicts-- who had made bad choices and screwed up their lives as a result. They were caught in possession of drugs--mostly methamphetamine. They are not hardened criminals; they are what I call F****Ps--people who just can't seem to get their lives together. It was--and is--wrong, wrong, wrong for Mary Ann Gunn to attempt to make herself a TV star and profit from the misfortune of these people.
Thanks, Max, for staying with this story.
"They're looking for people with problems, people with stories to tell in unintelligible accents about Ozark degradation, dereliction, drug-dependency, down-and-outness "
We already have that. It's called Winter's Bone (and its darn good too!)
Well, yes, Arkansasmediawatch. "Winter's Bone" was terrific. But it was no "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" in 3-D and neither is . . .
"Last Shot with Judge Gunn." It's unique in that it requires no talent, no script, no cinematography, no direction, no . . . let's get real. "Last Shot" requires nothing more than a pathological desperation for fifteen minutes of fame plus a heft-concealing black robe, a gavel, and meth or Xanax or what have you.
The thing is, "Last Shot" isn't being picked up for syndication as expected, despite hopes and hype from Gunn / Jones / Trifecta.
Hicks in hot water is hard to hawk. No names. No music. No sequins. No ad sales.
No go.
Hank Cohen already regrets. Happily, in Hollywood, survival means letting go and moving on!
Otherwise it's like dating a corpse: no matter WHAT you do they never get it up.
I hope Judge Gunn isn't reading this unless she's on anti-depressants because Hollywood can be a heartbreaker.
I'm just sayin', HOTLINE it quick, druggie Razorbabies and loved ones!
This window of opportunity is short!
1-800-814-2180!
Call now!
That number again?
1-800-814-2180!
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