header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
December 25
1852 - Acton gold mine owner & California Gov. Henry Tifft Gage born in New York [story]
Henry Gage


You Know I'm Right | Commentary by Betty Arenson
| Friday, Oct 23, 2015

bettyarensonThe mainstream media didn’t fail to jump and quickly over-report on the latest antics of Lamar Odom. No doubt the salaciousness of the brothel component was a significant driving factor.

One enthralled mainstream media outlet was the L.A. Times. For at least three days in a row, the Times inked column after column. The overall disturbing factor was the instant excuses made on Odom’s behalf. His dad was a drug addict, his mom died when he was an adolescent, a cousin died in a car accident and his friend died as a result of drug use.

Odom is nothing more and nothing less than a gifted athlete who was blessed with rare talents. Unfortunately he wasn’t awarded matching common sense.

Odom had choices to make and had every resource available to choose wisely, but apparently fame, fortune and the disease of celebrity where “anything goes” was an easy road to travel.

He lived large with his arrests involving alcohol and violence, womanizing, fathering multiple children out of wedlock, freely using illegal drugs and getting suspended from one pro basketball team twice for his drug hook.

He garnered professional basketball contracts that provided him with multi-millions of dollars. Rather than being grateful, he squandered his blessings.

The point is, so many everyday people, with so little on their side, have experienced similar tragedies, and more. They lacked his vast resources, yet they managed to make positive choices and move forward.

There was no one making excuses for them; they suffered, struggled and moved forward in positive ways.

Odom continued the downward spiral, becoming entangled in the web of the Godforsaken Kardashian clan; celebrity, cameras and all. One report was that Odom was provided the presidential treatment and welcomed to the professional brothel on a Friday evening; by Tuesday morning he had run up a $75,000 tab. Some who supposedly were in the know and wanted to provide excuses claim Odom went to the cathouse to escape the celebrity.

The irony of Odom’s misadventure is that he lived in that depraved Kardashian lifestyle, then went to a brothel and apparently actually thought he was getting a change of venue.

Sympathy for a man with so much yet chose his destructive path is wasted emotion.

If the reports are to be believed, he is on his way to recovery. It’s a safe bet we have not heard the last of the antics of Lamar Odom.

 

Betty Arenson has lived in the SCV since 1968 and describes herself as a conservative who’s concerned about progressives’ politics and their impacts on the country, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She says she is unashamed to own a gun or a Bible, couldn’t care less about the color of the president’s skin, and demands that he uphold his oath to protect and follow the Constitution of the United States in its entirety.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

17 Comments

  1. I see what you did here…..”The irony of Odom’s misadventure is that he lived in that depraved Kardashian lifestyle, then went to a brothel and apparently actually thought he was getting a change of venue.”….not bad …lol

  2. Chet Mehra says:

    You really have no sympathy or compassion, sad example of a cold hearted human .

  3. Love it when people who haven’t left the SCV since 1968 feel able to comment on the lives of others.

  4. Gary says:

    Betty,

    While on many levels I feel sorry for the man (and anyone getting caught up with the K-clan) – on this rare occasion, you and I aren’t far apart.

    At some level personal responsibility trumps prior family misfortune, assuming mental competence. If there are overriding issues of mental illness or organic disease – all bets are off on condemning bad behavior and medical treatment should be the course.

    That aside, assuming competence, for society to work we’ve got to be responsible humans, acting responsibly on our on behalf and towards and for others.

    Lamar Odom did the spiral and apparently has hit bottom. Often the bottom is the fist step on the way up. Let’s hope the Kardashians don’t twist his head, further.

  5. Is this really Jim that wrote this piece?!

  6. I can try to find sympathy but for a man, who has children “older children at that” I have no sympathy. He needs to put on big boy pants and be a man.

    Before anyone uses the drugs made him do it aspect.

    Well I before I started my life as a husband and father, I too was a drug addict and knew even as a addict that I could not be with anyone until and only if I stopped that lifestyle. In order to not ruin anyone else’s life but my own.

  7. RDub says:

    Betty’s columns are a regular read of mine. Who doesn’t want to start their day by reading an old bigot and her conservative fairy tales? The sad fact for her is that this town, state and country are becoming more liberal by the day. She once told me she would be phsyically sick if our President won reelection. I smiled and walked away.

    Lamar has his problems and hasn’t made good decisions yes. But who are she to judge him?

    The only column on here worse is Messina and his weekly confused dribble.

  8. Brad James says:

    So now Betty jumps on the story after criticizing main stream media. Oh the Irony.

  9. Wendy Mason says:

    Fame and fortune have nothing to do with being broken. It happens to people of all ages, genders, and economic levels. Shame on you for casting such strong judgment and contempt for a man you do not know and a family who has done you no harm. Why not use your literary skills on something positive and uplifting?

  10. Lamar Odom has taught us that the best way to reunite with your estranged wife is to get high on herbal viagra and nearly die at a whore house. Who knew?

  11. It never ceases to amaze me of the venomous statements spewed on situations that are often not in the control of the subject. I don’t believe Lamar called the media. Lamar definitely has issues. And we must not be so quick to judge what we don’t know. And yes, I find it so incredible that his life has become the reality sitcom for all to see. He needs someone with sincere empathy, compassion and patience who isn’t interested in putting their hands on his wallet but helping him connect with his soul. Until you have dealt with an individual you love who is suffering from more than one addiction, I don’t believe you can be a great judge looking outside from Awesometown where none of his life problems ever exist . . .

  12. Please shut your decrepit piehole, and stick to stories you copy and paste. You are a cold hearted and sick woman.

  13. John Gilbert says:

    Poor Lamar….getting sucked back into the Kardashians….

  14. Evita Antwi says:

    I will have to do my research to see if she has ever written about the drug problem in the SCV, or is it just because this is all over the news? Has she written about the sex activities in the SCV, or is it just because this is in the news?
    What Lamar is going through is no different then what everyday people struggle with. We should not judge him nor anyone else who has had or is currently battling an addiction if we’ve never been in those shoes. We don’t know what goes on in his everyday life, or his deep down rooted issues. We should not criticize him nor his wife’s family for what we see on public display. That’s like making judgement on you from your public displays which are your articles. Are your articles what make you who you are, or are you more than what you write?

  15. Denise Bock says:

    Jerry, Betty is a dear friend of our family… She is not a bit– … Smh

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Dec 19, 2025
There's no better way to celebrate the season than with toys, treats, and rollercoasters. My annual Foster Youth Holiday Party is one of the most special traditions we do each year
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025
I'm overjoyed to share that as of this week, several Altadena residents have moved back into their newly-rebuilt homes in time for the holidays.
Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025
As we wrap up this incredible year with JCI Santa Clarita, my heart is truly overflowing with gratitude. This chapter has shown up in such wonderful ways, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve created together.
Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025
It’s hard to believe that our city will turn 38-years-old as of Monday, Dec. 15.
Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025
As we wrap up another year, I find myself reflecting on how extraordinary and eventful 2025 has been for our city.
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025
Today, my team and I set out to four different sites across the Fifth District for our 8th Annual Day of Giving.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Fostering Youth Independence’s recent Charlie Brown Holiday party was attended by dozens of local foster youth and their volunteer Allies.
Fostering Youth Independence Hosts Holiday PJ Party
The National Weather Service as issued the following alerts for the Santa Clarita Valley. Flood Watch until Dec. 26, 4 p.m. PST, High Wind Warning until Dec. 25, 3 p.m. PST.
NWS Issues Flood Watch for SCV Through Friday
1852 - Acton gold mine owner & California Gov. Henry Tifft Gage born in New York [story]
Henry Gage
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is urging residents to remain vigilant as a powerful storm system moves through Los Angeles County, bringing periods of heavy rain and rapidly changing conditions.
Barger Urges Residents to Stay Alert, Follow Evacuation Orders
Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.
CHP Makes Multiple Arrests Made in Statewide Organized Retail Theft Investigation
The California State Transportation Agency today announced a new joint effort by two of its departments, the Department of Motor Vehicles and California Highway Patrol, to curb excessive speeding and prevent deadly crashes.
Pilot Program to Crack Down on Extreme Speeding
The city of Santa Clarita invites the community to heat up the holiday season at the Holiday Spice Salsa Edition on Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Canyon Country Community Center, located at 18410 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Dec. 27: Holiday Spice Salsa Edition at Canyon Country Community Center
1965 - Signal newspaper owner Scott Newhall shows up for a duel (of words) with rival Canyon Country newspaper publisher Art Evans, who no-shows and folds his paper soon after [story]
headline
As winter storms enter Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control urges pet owners to take necessary precautions in light of the significant storms expected to last for five days.
DACC Urges Pet Owners to Prioritize Safety Ahead of Storm
Brayden Miner scored 31 points and Rylan Starr had 24 as The Master's University men's basketball team crushed Bethesda University 145-59 The MacArthur Center.
Season’s Best Offensive Performance Leads TMU Over Bethesda
From surprise Santa arrivals to stacks of gifts waiting for young hands, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley delivered holiday cheer on a large scale this season, reaching hundreds of children and teens throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including Clubhouses in Canyon Country, Newhall, Val Verde and Castaic.
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley Spreads Holiday Cheer
Princess Cruises, headquartered in Santa Clarita, embraced a cherished maritime tradition in a uniquely festive way, celebrating a symbolic christening of its Rose Parade float with a ceremonial break of a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila.
Princess Cruises Christens Star Princess Tournament of Roses Float
The Golden Globes have ushered in awards season with the announcement of the 2026 nominees across 28 categories. Among this year’s contenders is Pixar’s "Elio," which earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Animated.
CalArtian-Directed ‘Elio’ Nominated for 2026 Golden Globe
The National Weather Service has issued a "Hazardous Weather" warning for the Santa Clarita Valley and Southern California.
NWS Issues Flood, High Wind Warnings for SCV, Southland
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help locating at-Risk missing person Drew Barrick Russell.
LASD Asks for Help Locating Missing Santa Clarita Man
1997 - Five bodies found during grading of Northlake development in Castaic; determined to be Jenkins graveyard [story]
reburial
Old Town Newhall Public Library will host "Spice Travels," Friday, Jan. 2, 9:15-9:30 a.m. at 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Jan. 2: Explore Global Cuisine with ‘Spice Travels ‘ at Newhall Library
The California Highway Patrol encourages the public to “brake” the habit of speeding this holiday season. The CHP will launch a Holiday Enforcement Period starting at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25.
Dec. 24-25: CHP Launches Holiday Enforcement Period
Volunteers are needed to help clear brush and restore the tread from the existing lower Gates and Twister trails 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 27.
Dec. 27: Volunteers Needed for SCV Trail Users Workday
Join InfluenceHER's "Redefining Happiness, a Candid Conversation for the Modern Woman," 4-6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16 at the Venue Valencia.
Jan. 16: InfluenceHER- Redefining Happiness, A Candid Conversation for the Modern Woman
The Santa Clarita Public Library system has announced that all library branches will close at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, and remain closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas.
Santa Clarita Public Library Holiday Hours
Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in water resource-related fields are invited to apply for the 2026/27 ACWA Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship, offered by the Association of California Water Agencies in partnership with SCV Water. Applications are now being accepted through March 1, 2026.
SCV Water Announces 2026/27 ACWA Edward G. ‘Jerry’ Gladbach Scholarship
Chloe Auble scored a career-high 40 points and Allie Miller came a rebound away from her first career triple-double as The Master's University Women's Basketball team defeated the Bethesda Lion Angels 125-24 in the MacArthur Center.
Lady Mustangs Break Scoring Records in Win
SCVNews.com