A 'devastated' Leonard Cohen

[Tri-me]

I agree with you Lizzytysh. Here's to keeping optomistic and sending positive thoughts and energy.

[lizzytysh]

Back to what's of genuine concern to me.

What bothers me most, on Leonard's behalf, about all of this is that I don't feel his retirement money was really intended for him. Yes, he would have used some of it for sure. However, his lifestyle has long been a frugal one, and it wouldn't have leapt into a wholly new category, with him pursuing a plethora of interests, newly gained.

I feel that what has to be most painful for him in all of this is that he had every intention of ensuring that he left Lorca and Adam well-positioned in their lives. The children's mother, Suzanne, and his sister, Esther, too; probably Anjani, and his dear friend, Rebecca, as well. He has taken his responsibilities toward his children very seriously. He would not have spent $5 million between now and his death. However, he would leave in much greater peace knowing that a satisfactory amount, allowing for all contingencies, was willed to each of his loved ones. I have no doubt that he will be working very hard to again provide for them, as well as for himself.

Second to that, I feel that the depth of this betrayal of trust is paramount.

Third, I feel that he is concerned for his own contingencies in getting older and wanting to live without concern for earning money.

~ Elizabeth

[linda_lakeside]

Quote:
People are not stupid.

Oh, really ~ I believe it's the 7th-grade, reading level that the majority of newspapers are written on. [For Laurie's benefit, that is not to say that illiterate/semi-literate people are necessarily stupid.] This makes for easy absorption, without the necessity for much thought. The emotional level, would be even less. It's amazing what many people would take away from reading a headline and blurb such as those.

Yes, it's always been that way, and with regard to:
Quote:
"Only what you are saying about agressive non ethical marketing strategy, I agree (yes yes...) but for any product. Not just for magazines"

Headlines and blurbs don't just get to slide out from under that.

Macleans is just one publication among many that are carrying the story right now, and it's a Canadian publication. Traditionally thought of as a 'right wing' publication. I think that those that 'subscribe' to Macleans, won't be effected in the least by this story, as their opinions about Leonard were probably moulded long ago.

However, those that sympathize with Leonard, are smart enough, I believe to buy the magazine, despite the cover, and open the thing and read the article. It's a 'right wing' rag, sure, but I think that the average reader can sift the wheat from the chafe.

Also, I hate the fact that all of us support Leonard, but there's still room for petty bickering. I seems that no matter what the thread, these things just keep happening (yes, yes, I'm guilty also). Regardless of our own personal differences, I'd love to see this thread support Leonard. Period.

Linda.

[LaurieAK]

Thanks goodness we are responsible enough here, in this very public forum, not to speculate about things that are private and beyond our real knowledge of things: Like what LC was or was not planning to do with his retirement funds.

If that was to happen, I would feel sad to read such irresponsible and detailed speculation.

ciao,
L

[Tchocolatl]

Now I am Quote itself. Shoud I regard it as a reward for my exceptional contribution to that thread? I'll mule this over.

"I believe it's the 7th-grade, reading level that the majority of newspapers are written on."

Exactly what I say. This is the majority of newspapers that are writing at this level, therefore, who is stupid? The majority of newpapers. The facts, please stick to the facts.

They made a sort of tv show tonight with the question "should we put all our trust in another person" like, for example, Leonard Cohen did?

The psychiatrist said that we should think to take care of ourselves first, otherwise it is "bad" and that it has nothing to do with goodness. I agree entirely whit him but this was not the question. (That guy always does the same thing : when the subject is too stupidly dealed with, he manages to, let say "educate" people (or inform them ?) about basic useful things instead of slipping in non-sense with the rest of the gang. The rest of the gang often 'boo' him, 'cause they are hot in the debate, he does not care, he uses his personnage of kind of crasy psy to do what he wants.)

The two men said that this is a non sense to trust other people, the two women said that we should be able to trust other people. Nobody seems to care for the "entirely" and nobody has sharp argument. But ey! The show was going on.

I don't care anyway, 'cause for me I stick to my position : it is the person that misuses trust who is guilty not the person who trusts.

Now I am just not interested to look in the private lifes of anybody. This human drama is not mine, it was not meant to be public, and certainly not an entertainment, it is only rough times for all the people involved that I wish would have never happened to any of them. I second Tri-me with the good vib cleaning thing.

I'm just happy that he is OK.

[Ali]

I would just like to say I am thinking of Leonard, but hopefully with all the inner wisdom he has he can withdraw indomitable supplies of strength from inside,because all of us who love him have drawn upon his wisdom in songs and poetry for years, to support ourselves in times of inner crisis and turmoil. I wish I could say or do something more.

[Perth]

Laurie.
Free advice:
Shut up.
You're sounding very silly and immature.

[linda_lakeside]

Unlike yourself, Perth, who is always compassionate, reasonable, insightful, loving and gentle, right? Nice to see you out and about again. I'll watch where I step. Oops. See? Human fraility just got me as well. I best shut up.

Linda.

[Perth]

Your name Laurie now luv, or just enjoying the Lizzytysh baiting?

Unlike yourself, Perth, who is always compassionate, reasonable, insightful, loving and gentle, right?

I've never claimed any of the above qualities....but, you want to credit me with them - go right ahead toots.

Nice to see you out and about again.

Thanks.
pm for my email addy, wouldn't want you to pine.

I best shut up.

Good idea.
Doncha just love a woman that knows her place.

[linda_lakeside]

Your name Laurie now luv, or just enjoying the Lizzytysh baiting?

I thought it was more along the lines of "Perth baiting". Any and all of which would have no place in this thread, given my already stated opinion. So, as it pleases you so much, I'll say it just one more time - get ready - "I best shut up".

Linda.

[linda_lakeside]

I would just like to say I am thinking of Leonard, but hopefully with all the inner wisdom he has he can withdraw indomitable supplies of strength from inside,because all of us who love him have drawn upon his wisdom in songs and poetry for years, to support ourselves in times of inner crisis and turmoil. I wish I could say or do something more.

So true. We have all turned to Leonard's music during our personal upheavals. I think Leonard has the strength to pull himself thru this one.

Linda.

[LaurieAK]

the guy behind the curtain wrote:

Laurie.
Free advice:
Shut up.
You're sounding very silly and immature.

No. Just tired of the nonsense, which happens to go against the status quo. No worries mate, I've made my point.

Someone mentioned, freedom of speech in this country (usa), some of us have freedom of thought processes once in awhile, too. That is my only lapse in judgement. Call it immature if you wish, you're entitled.

Salut!

Here's to Leonard's speedy recovery (of$). And hoping he does not have to endure any more detailed fantasies of his Will being posted on the internet.

As you was,
L

[HolyTerror]

And I quote (though I don't know how to use this quoting function properly yet):

"call me naive, but considering that he is just one and we are so many...
there should be some smart ideas, if only we got hold of them. (?)"

I don't know the first thing about the US tax laws, but if there is something feasible that we can do then yes, there are possibilities. I'm skeptical about these "organisations" you speak of-with such a large international fan base accumulating donations to help him, we would need countless lawyers ourselves to establish one. Also, everyone participating would have to agree upon a plan. I'm talking thousands, if not millions of his fans. In the effort to raise funds for him, we could well end up in a similar situation as Leonard himself. However the benefit concert idea sounds good, but again, the money issue and legalities yet again. It sounds good, maybe somebody out there wise to these matters would care to comment...?

As for emailing/writing Leonard, that is certainly do-able. At the very least we could offer our support. Does anybody have his agent's address or anything we can contact him by?

[linda_lakeside]

I think our moderator (Jarkko) has already spoken with Leonard and passed our best wishes to him.

I don't know that Leonard is the kind of person who would even want people organizing what could be considered a 'charity' event for him. He seems to like to keep to himself. However, I believe his management's address is in these pages somewhere.

Linda.

[margaret]

Thanks to Jarkko and Anne for bringing the full article and relevant facts as told by Leonard himself to the magazine reporter.

I am very sorry that quiet negotiations were not continued to try and salvage something from this betrayal of trust. As things are now it seems unlikely to be able to replace what was lost, and having to become involved in more legal arguements will only be throwing more money away with little chance of regaining anything except more lawyers bills.

It's very sad that Leonard should be under such pressure now when he had hoped to take things easier. As for his family, Adam and Lorca are now adult enough and bright enough to lead independant lives, as he did, and not have to rely on their father for support. It is just so tragic that he himself has lost so much. I hope things can be settled as far as they can be, and as quickly as possible.

Margaret