Thinking Beyond the Alec Baldwin Phone Call

I needed some time to ponder the whole Alec Baldwin phone call - custody drama before I talked about it. I am one of those people who likes to think before they speak.

The now infamous Alec Baldwin phone call was upsetting to hear. The 'name calling' seems to be the issue at hand, at first glance (or listen rather). If I had a cell phone as a preteen I probably would have been left similar messages. My step dad always said he was 'going to straighten my ___ out' but that just meant I was in for a long lecture, and I knew it. I may have even had my T.V set removed for a short time depending on what I did. Yes it did straighten me out! Did I dread my father coming home from work that day, because I knew he was going to yell? Yes. If my mother had not been there, I would have been a constant nervous wreck. I can imagine how this little girl felt.

He admits he was wrong, but I do think people are overlooking the point of this whole Alec Baldwin phone call situation. It goes deeper than Alec Baldwin yelling and speaking harshly to his child. The problem is his supposed authority on the subject of custody, and 'parental alienation syndrome'. I am shocked about the fact that he is being such a hypocrite. With the back and forth accusations during the divorce / custody case, he simply gave Kim Basinger ammunition to use in the court hearing on May 5th, 2007. If he were truly concerned for the well being of the child, he went about this the wrong way. Or, he showed his true colors. That is up to the courts to decide. Has the phone call given her the upper hand?

Everyone loses their temper, some more then others obviously.. Some people lack the sensor that should be in their brain, the one that tells you to chill out. I have a good sensor. I know many people who don't. Alec Baldwin appears to be one of those who lacks self control That is what anger management is for. I don't think Alec Baldwin should be strung up by the toes for the phone call. I do think we are missing the point. He put a kink in his agenda, you know, the agenda to inform us all on the messed up child custody court system is. It appears that his book is just a way of showing us all how he was 'victimized' by the system, and how the courts favor mothers when it comes to custody. I can't see how he could possibly advise parents on custody.

For years there has been an ongoing custody battle following the divorce of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. If his goal as a parent was to insure he does everything in " the best interest of the child' I don't think he would have said anything other than..."Hey Ireland we should talk. Please call me back, I love you." in his phone call. End of story. He put the child in the middle. I think Ireland hearing that her mother does not care about what she does (as he states is his 'opinion') is more hurtful than being called a little pig. And that is my opinion.

Back to the book I mentioned earlier, Alec Baldwin is writing a book on the child custody process in California. It is supposed to be published by St. Martins press, and last I heard was to do come out this summer (2007). He claims he is dealing with "Parental Alienation Syndrome". In short, it is the brainwashing of a child against the non- custodial parent. Well, well, could you think of a better spokesperson for this issue? I am sure I could name about 10 offhand. (I am well read on the subject of child custody.) If the best interest of the child was and is his intent, then he just handed her the ball in this game!

After all the smoke clears, and when the radio stations stop playing experts of the whole "You are a little pig" Alec Baldwin phone call, take a moment to think about the real situation behind all of this. A father is angry because he feels his daughter is avoiding him. He is irate with the ex wife, and he lets the daughter know it. That is rule #1 to avoid in a custody battle. Don't put the kids in the middle. Sure we get angry at the exes (those of us in situations like this) but you need to know when to shut up!

If Alec Baldwin claims Kim Basinger is unstable, or whatever he maybe claiming, was it wise to 'stoop to her level'? We really don't know where this child should belong. This custody battle with Kim and Alex has been going on for years. If she were as bad a mother as he claims, then why on earth would he lose his cool? Perhaps he has a problem controlling himself? Perhaps this is the real issue at hand. If he had been in control of himself, he would not have let his anger take over. Perhaps Alec Baldwin is using his high celebrity profile to manipulate the public into believing his is a victim. When he is really not the best parent for a child to live with.

Venting to his child may have sent him back to square one in this custody battle. By loosing control he gave Kim Basinger a 'pass go and collect $200'. Could this be another chapter in his book? What not to do in a divorce custody battle?

What we really should be concerned with is, and I agree with Alec Baldwin on this point, the issues in the child custody system. Like Alec Baldwin once said in an interview years ago, in response to Kim Basinger's film being released at the same time as his... "Let the best man win". Or woman. For the sake of the child.

Find Resources and Information on Child Custody and Divorce for Women on my Blog.