Alec Baldwin's infamous call

I'm not much of an Alec Baldwin fan. Oh, he's a good actor, but something about him just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's the air of smugness that emanates from him - or maybe I'm just transferring my distaste at some of the characters he's portrayed onto the actor. Anyway, I'm no Baldwin apologist. By now I'm sure many of you out there have heard the infamous message he left on his 11-year old daughter's voicemail. I think he was totally out of line to speak to his daughter in such a manner. I think he probably needs counseling of some sort to help him deal with his rage. His bitter divorce from Kim Basinger and the resultant custody case show why God said that divorce "covers one's garments with violence" (Mal. 2:16). Alec Baldwin was way out of line.

I do, however, understand the frustration underlying the voice message. To quote a passage from Martha Brockenbrough's article in defense of Alec Baldwin ,

"I lost my cool when my child didn't use a napkin, but at least I get to see her every day. Baldwin doesn't, and this apparently wasn't the first scheduled call she missed. How devastating for a parent who does not have custody to not be able to count even on phone calls.

I know if I were in his situation, I would be crushed and frustrated, and very likely to lash out. I suspect I'd be furious with my ex, and I'd be mortally wounded by the apparent indifference of my child. I'd also want to go to wherever she was to explain how much she was hurting me."


Yes, you handled the situation poorly Alec, but... I understand. I don't think I'd do what you did, but... I understand. I don't condone it, but... I understand.

Unfortunately, I understand all too well.