The Duh List

Attorneys for James Holmes admitted their client committed the mass shooting last July at an Aurora Colorado movie theater, claiming he was "in the throes of a psychotic episode." As revelations go, this one is going to have to find its way pretty close to the bottom of the "really?" list. This is the first time his lawyers have been so explicit about his responsibility for the July 20 shooting that left twelve people dead and another seventy shot or injured. The motion filed by those attorneys reads, in part: "The evidence revealed thus far in the case supports the defense's position that Mr. Holmes suffers from a severe mental illness and was in the throes of a psychotic episode when he committed the acts that resulted in the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained by moviegoers on July 20, 2012." Evidence also supports that the friends, families and survivors of that psychotic episode continue to suffer through their own emotional episode. Additionally, his lawyers objected to the judge's previous ruling that would have had their client in a harness, chained to the floor. "Other than the nature of the charges in this case, there is no evidence that Mr. Holmes presents a danger to the safety of the courtroom or a flight risk of any kind." Other than that one psychotic episode. That was like a whole year ago. Sheesh.
Meanwhile, over the Rocky Mountains and out to the coast we go for competition on that "duh" list. Kenny Ortega, director of Michael Jackson's comeback tour testified in court about his star: "I thought there was something emotional going on, deeply emotional, and something physical going on. He seemed fragile." Did you ever take a look at Michael Jackson? There just might have been something emotional going on inside, but I think we can all get behind that whole "fragile" notion. It might have something to do with the notion to call that last series of concerts "This Is It." When they say Michael was looking bad, they don't mean it in a Martin Scorsese way.  They mean it in a Judy Garland is taking way too many diet pills way.
So what can we take away from today's lessons? Reality is subjective and we can all be glad that our lives don't take us anywhere near the edges of common sense. Like the suggestion that the crew of Asiana flight 214 used questionable judgement when they delayed the order to evacuate the crashed plane by ninety seconds. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have a winner!