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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Featured Galleries: April 21, 2007 Vigil story a fabrication By Robert Plain Ashland Daily Tidings Matthew Gemmell | For the Tidings Brandi Freeman offers her story of grief during a vigil held Thursday evening by SOU students in honor of the 32 students killed at Virginia Tech on April 16. Brandi Freeman, a candidate for Southern Oregon University student body president, admitted to concocting a story about having a cousin who was killed in the school shooting that left 33 people dead at Virginia Tech. With tears streaming down her face, Freeman spoke at an SOU vigil on Thursday about the pain of losing a relative in the Blacksburg, Va massacre earlier this week. But, the person she said was her cousin, Kayla Grow, was not among the 33 killed there, nor was anyone by that name injured in the school shooting. On Friday afternoon, Freeman admitted to making up the story to appeal to voters for the student body election next week. She also said she suffers from bipolar disorder. "Sometimes I make poor decisions and lie to cover up things and make myself look like a better person," she said on Friday afternoon. "I thought by making [the tragedy] personal I could get extra votes from people who were around." Before admitting to making up the story, Freeman said her cousin was living in Virginia under an assumed name because she was a member of the federal witness protection program. She later admitted this was not true. Freeman, a dean's list student and member of the student senate, said she will likely drop out of the student body elections because of her actions. "I don't think I can look at my friends," she said. Freeman said she was going to see her doctor because of the incident, and said she will resume taking medicine for her bipolar disorder. On her Facebook web page — a personal profile network for students — Freeman says she is an avid snowboarder with a wide array of interests. The page is dedicated to her election campaign, featuring her running mate, Austin Loreman, and urging students to vote for her. Freeman is well-regarded by some of the teachers and faculty at SOU. Janette Balko, who works in the School of Social Sciences, described her as being, "very sharp." The story behind the story : How Brandi Freeman's mythical story of her cousin's death at VTech almost made our front page. Read the story behind the story here . "She's very perceptive and wise" Balko said. "She has an understanding of society that is a little out of the ordinary for someone her age." Loreman said Friday he informed Freeman that he will be withdrawing, which terminates both of their candidacy at the current stage in the campaign. "I think it's better for everyone involved," said Loreman. "I was looking forward to serving my school in that way, but some things happen that you can't control." Jonathan Eldridge, vice president of student affairs at SOU, said he was surprised by the news that Freeman had lied. "If someone makes a choice like that" said Eldridge who like Freeman, spoke at Thursday's rally, "It is a sign there are a lot of issues going on for that person. It is easy to judge, but obviously, my first thought is a student like that may need some help." Eldridge said he was off campus Friday and couldn't comment on reaction among the student body. "We will work to sort out the facts and see what needs to be done in this specific situation." Staff writer Robert Plain can be reached at 482-3456 x. 226 or [email protected] . Current Comments: I find it sad to think that young, educated students are resorting to untruthful politics at such a young age.I hope actions are being taken to help this student and to ensure that no future presidential race at SOU becomes so controversial and ridden with lies. Julie Jones - Ashland, OR - April 21st, 1:47 PM Wow you really knocked this one out of the ballpark. I see an Edward Murrow award for investigative journalism. Are we really so small that this deserves such attention, even more than the vigil itself? It is indeed sad that what's her name made the story up, but even sadder that you are giving it front-page headline status. SOU's Student Body President has no influence on this community and your so-called "story" has zero news-value for your readers. How about a folo up on koodies at Helman? Mike - Talent - April 21st, 4:14 PM I am extremely disappointed that this story ended up on the front page of the Tidings today. Ms. Freeman made a mistake, but does the Tidings really need to sell more papers that badly? Communities need to be finding better ways to help and support people with disabilities like bipolar disorder, not publicizing their struggles on the front page. Colleen - Ashland, OR - April 21st, 6:12 PM I think the tidings have blown this whole situation way out of porportion. Did you guys ever consider the effect this would have on Freeman not only at SOU, but in our entire community? I would just like to remind the tidings of the aspect of minimizing harm when it comes to covering the news. I understand that this is a story and you should have covered it, but the whole front page? Too much. HJ - Ashland, OR - April 21st, 7:22 PM Sounds as though her training in polotics is shaping into a fine form.Good luck and say hey to GW. rw - ashland - April 21st, 9:46 PM Brandi is a disgusting representation of the student body at SOU. As a former student I know this girl and I know the REAL Brandi. She is a pot head who makes up lies and steals, then blames it on her bipolar disorder. She stole $10k from a previous job for cripe's sake!! The supposed disorder is the same with or without her medication. Also, Janette Balko wouldn't know a 'sharp' person if they hit her in the face. Janette is a horrible gossip who would do anything to be involved. Ashley - Augusta, Maine - April 21st, 10:41 PM How deep do the lies go? - A 6th year undergrad may only borrow a max $46k of debt but she has $50k in her 3rd year? - Her testimony that her parents are in jail was also a lie? - Bipolar disorder can make her lie to the point of false tears? Wrong disorder! - She is an "avid snowboarder" yet parks in handicapped spaces? Reported complaints don't even begin to address the existing grievances against her. Freeman needs to be removed from our community NOW! Keep Ashland safe! PM - Ashland, OR - April 22nd, 3:23 AM Perhaps, like every other "public" person caught in an embarrassment recently, she should seek "rehab". That seems to be the cure-all of the day! Huh... - Ashland - April 22nd, 8:19 AM looks as if brandi is well on her way to a successful career in national politics...you go girl! gary - ashland, denial - April 22nd, 9:42 AM "Before admitting to making up the story, Freeman said her cousin was living in Virginia under an assumed name because she was a member of the federal witness protection program. She later admitted this was not true." Wow, that was wothmy 50 cents right there! Dave Brantner - Ashland, OR - April 22nd, 11:35 AM Brandi Freeman made a very unwise deceison when she made the statements that she did. I don't know anyone who would disagree with that, however, how much do you punish a young girl for that mistake. She has been forced to leave school. A school that she has worked hard for in the past and has worked very hard to maintain her schooling as well as working full time. Is there no compassion for someone who made a mistake and is truely sorry for that mistake? Does she need to be destroyed??Iprayno Jan Ekberg - Portland, Or - April 22nd, 12:42 PM How sad that someone would use a tragedy to make personal gains. A lie is a lie. Being "bi-polar" does not excuse that and is in fact offensive to those who have the disorder. Poor judgement, dishonesty, personal gain at the expense of others. Just what we need as a student body president. I am glad we found out before the election. CJ - Glendale OR - April 22nd, 1:56 PM Haaaaa Rove and Bush will be calling soon. What a great politician in the making - win no matter what the cost!! DT - Eugene, OR - April 22nd, 8:35 PM I do not think it's fair to blame Bipolar Disorder for the act of lying to cover things up or make one look good. BPD is a mood disorder and to me this sounds like low self esteem alone. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 5 years ago and admit at first I used it as an excuse for all my unfavorable actions. Once I realized this and worked on the real root to my behaviors, I felt more human and less "sick" or "victimized." It's a hard habit the break though, unless you can see it raw and clear. anonymous - Ashland, OR - April 22nd, 9:17 PM uh, sounds like a pathological liar. not really student body president material. marcy - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 12:25 AM Colleen- The Tidings is a business and yes, did need to sell more papers. I'd have more sympathy if Brandi actually had bi-polar disorder, but bi-polar disorder does not manifest this way. Jan Ekberg- Do yourself a favor and stop posting Brandi's defense all over the Internet. People can be authenticated by the typos they make and right now, there's no distinguishing you and Brandi (or her 'apology') on Oregon Live's coverage of this story. SC - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 8:41 AM Colleen, and HJ ....So is this how we grow our politicians? No wonder our whole government is so screwed up and corrupt. Give a pass, protect the feelings lets not hold her morally accountable. I think the only mistake she feels she made was in getting caught. She made this "news" herself by telling a lie in front of a crowd in order to use the tragedy of Va. to gain sympathy votes. That was calculated. Shame is preferable to embarrassment one relates to conscience the other image. C - Ashland - April 23rd, 9:48 AM She's a spoiled, manipulated little girl, in a society specifically constructed to nurture such individuals. Another triumph of modern feminism; a glaring testimony to the power of modern American female's sense of entitlement. Notice how quickly all rush to express pity for the poor "sick" girl. If a male athlete had lied similarly, how much pity would these sensitive societial flowers show? Or would they do as always and simply scream and riot publicly for castration? Benjamin Studtmann - Olympia, WA - April 23rd, 9:52 AM She sounds like a classic Republican in the making.. She has admitted to concocting the story, but offered no apology. Try saying 'sorry', honey. People might have a little more sympathy. This is shameful behavior and a sad sign of the times. We can thank Republicans nationwide for making this type of behavior commonplace. Jon - Ashland - April 23rd, 10:13 AM Benjamin: Feminism is the idea that sexism should be abolished. For men as much as for women. It has nothing to do with a sense of entitlement beyond respect. As a student of SOU it is unfortunate that one of my classmates has used another's tragedy for personal gain. And it is her responsibility to own up to that disrespectful act. Your choice to blame a whole group of people for the poor actions of one who might be connected to that group is flagrant and rude. Amelia Gilruth - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 10:49 AM Shame on this incredibly manipulative girl and on our community for making this the front page. Please (Brandi), don't not blame BPD on the fact that you cleary are just a sad and very dishonest girl. Brandi you want to say sorry for using the victims in the VTech tragedy, to better your votes in your campaign? Then get your lying ass on a plane, and apologize to the entire student body at VTech in person. Don't be spineless, like our government. J ( [email protected] ) - Ashland,OR - April 23rd, 11:11 AM Here is a link to a statement from Brandi (it's in the comment section below the article. http://blog.oregonlive.com/nwheadlines/2007/04/ashland_vote_for_me_even_thoug.html She seems more defensive than sincere to me... Denise - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 11:16 AM I think it is absolutly disgusting for Brandi to have lied about VT. All of us who know Brandi know she has a long history of mental illness, drug addicted, lying, and several run ins with Ashland Police. I'm glad someone is finally showing the real face of Brandi. Ashley - Ashland Oregon - April 23rd, 11:31 AM This woman was in the wrong. However, while we're all so quick to point our fingers and yell, have we not all made mistakes? In a world full of such horror and evil, can we not focus on more important things, such as forgiveness and seeking understanding? It's easy -and understandable- to get mad at the situation, but why not focus on the real problem of someone so desperately in need of compassion? I know it's frusterating, but instead of ostracizing this woman, how about a bit of grace? K - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 11:38 AM She doesnt deserve grace. I am ashamed to have known Brandi. I think the paper should pull up police reports in Ashland and in Portland on her. Expose Brandi for the fraud she is. Maybe interview her "friends" you know what they would say? That Brandi lies about EVERYTHING, she steals, uses drugs, she manipulates everyone she knows, and for what? To gain popularity? You are disgusting Brandi Freeman. Ryan - Ashland Oregon - April 23rd, 11:51 AM Jon, who was the last president impeached for lying under oath? You are fooled if you buy into the Democrats good, Republicans bad argument. The is not a "party" issue, this is the sad, sensationalist story of a confused and immature girl and the pitiful attention the media is giving her. Mike - Talent - April 23rd, 12:02 PM what's wrong with being sexy? Mr. X - Mount Vernon - April 23rd, 12:09 PM This story would have been front page news if it was true so I don't understand how this is not a local issue that should be published. There were community members participating in the vigil. The SOU government works with our community. Defending these actions are not going to help this young lady in her future. She needs to take responsibility for her actions and understand that pulling stunts like this affects the community as a whole. I feel sorry for anyone who has real ties to this. Lucy - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 12:37 PM Mr. X, How can you restate such a FAMOUS quote w/o telling us where it's from? Only the best movie, EVER... Spinal Tap. This whole story is very disturbing and while she should be held accountable, is it really front page news? Someone - Not Ashland - April 23rd, 12:58 PM Where are the concerned citizens for Austin Loreman? Better yet, Austin, this is the perfect chance for the REAL sympathy vote. Brandi could be the best running partner you ever had. I say you should play up the fact that you got the shaft and people may vote for you regardless of your qualifications, past, experiences, or personality. Every politician's dream, right? Dave - Bend, OR - April 23rd, 1:17 PM I think it's interesting that many people are responding to this in terms of Brandi's political affiliation. Here, people are sure she's a Republican, but here (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1821231/posts) people are sure she's a Democrat! Why is everyone so eager to throw some kind of spin on her horrible actions? I wouldn't even call them politically motivated because, as someone put it, how much sway does SOU's student body president hold? It's all very disappointing. bryan - ashland, or - April 23rd, 1:44 PM Jan E- "A school that she has worked hard for in the past and has worked very hard to maintain her schooling as well as working full time." - Yes, of course!! The ends always justify the means. No need to have any concern or "compassion" 32 dead, 29 injured, hundreds of family members lives thrown into who knows what kind of disarray. Just as long as she made a good impression, that is what REALLY counts. You never get a second chance right? Good thing Ms. Freeman won't be getting one. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 2:13 PM **Where are the concerned citizens for Austin Loreman?** You mean Austin "The Facilitator" Loreman? According to his MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/illakai), he packs a semi-automatic and wears a bullet proof vest. Some alternative. CS - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 2:18 PM Two more things Jan E- 1. How do you define "compassion"? 2. I firmly believe that Brandi is NOT experiencing retributive justice, even though that might be the cure for her pathological lying. If retributive justice were employed, I might agree that her life is being destroyed. But, in that case wouldn't the punishment just be fitting the crime? Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 2:23 PM I love how quickly a de jure definition of feminism, and how its power-hungry sense of entitlement has nothing to do with this, was provided us immediately after my comment. This is done in the hopes that by repeating de jure we won't notice how glaringly inconsistent it is with de facto. Benjamin Studtmann - Olympia, WA - April 23rd, 2:35 PM I hope when she commits dramatic on-line <a href+"http://encyclopediadramatica.com/index.php/Deleting_your_LiveJournal">Internet Suicide</a> her current lover milks and masturbates her exit note for all its worth. Even better, I hope said lover is male -- then we can all enjoy the hypocritical shock and outrage from the irony-free. Benjamin Studtmann - Olympia, WA - April 23rd, 2:39 PM "The Facilitator's", aka Austin Loreman's,real MySpace is set to private, http://www.myspace.com/illakai is just a place for he and his "homies" to advertise what girl they have sexualized for the month. It is called the "Breezy of the Month". Wow guys, you all make me proud to go to SOU. But I do support diversity, even though I don't understand the hip-hop/sex/gangsta culture or why it is so attractive to white upper middle class males. You're in college now Austin, no need to "front" buddy. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 2:44 PM To those who think the stories should not have run or received front page space.... 1. There are around 5000 people (the student body pop. of SOU) who might have been affected by the Tidings not fact checking or following up on their story. Especially if Ms. Freeman's lie had had its intended effect of garnering her more votes. This is not a "trivial" population. 2. If you don't want to hear about the bad things that happen in your own town, go back to your hovel and pull the wool down tight. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 3:10 PM *why it is so attractive to white upper middle class males* It ain't easy growin' up in the 775. CS - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 3:12 PM Brandi Freeman is a young Hillary Clinton, a pathological liar and actress who will do anything or say anything just to get a vote. I bet that Hillary displayed the same behavior when she was just starting out, but her lies must have been a little more clever and not as easy to invalidate. Brandi also has the blame game down-blame it on bi-polar or something else and win forgiveness. She will make a great liberal Democratic politician as she follows in Hillary's footsteps. AR - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 3:13 PM But it is easy to rip off Will Ferrell movies. CS - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 3:14 PM Is it ironic that Brandi Freeman is (or was!) majoring in Criminology Justice at SOU?!! Mike - Ashland - April 23rd, 3:24 PM I was born in NV (775). Oh, and Spring Creek, Austin's home town? Here are some stats... The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.06% White, 0.21% African American, 1.57% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 2.28% from other races, and 2.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.54% of the population. The median income for household in the CDP was $60,109, and the median income for a family was $61,650. About 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 3:25 PM I want to express my support for my son, Austin Loreman. I know he was excited and very serious about the prospect of working in SOU's government. He has always supported & loved his school which is why he strongly felt that he should take his name out of the election. Austin's loyalty & enthusiasm would have been an asset to SOU students. I am not sure why it is necessary for people to be posting their negative comments when the article in question was about Brandi and he isn't running now. Reta Loreman - Spring Creek, NV - April 23rd, 3:51 PM Reta Loreman- The comments posted about your son on this page are negative per se. No one is claiming that he was connected with the actions of Ms. Freeman. But, in case you haven't checked the crime rates in this town, or been here, there is about as much need for a bulletproof vest and gun to be (or claim to be) toted here as a need for Ms. Freeman to try and lie her way out of her story now. If he supports the school, great. But last time I checked, SOU's mascot was not a Thug, but a Hawk. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:07 PM Brandi has embarrased this whole valley. She has a lot of apologizing to do! Has Brandi bothered to apologize to the victim's family that she tried to claim as her family?? You can not excuse her pathetic behavior. You also cannot tell me that her text message was meant simply as a good bye. I know that many people contacted the police because they were worried about her well-being. If it was meant as a "good bye, I'm leaving town" she should have said so. liz - medford, or - April 23rd, 4:13 PM Nobody did this to her but herself. If her bi-polar condition is so bad, maybe she should start taking some medication for it. It's never excusable to try and gain personally from such a horrific incident. I don't care if her parents are incarcerated, she's bi-polar, and how horrible her life is, it doesn't excuse her opening her FAT mouth and being as stupid as she was. She should just leave town and hopefully she doesn't move to a new town and try and gain from their tradgedies. Amanda Hairston - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:18 PM This is not a sweet young thing who made a mistake. This is an adult who made a conscious decision to try and manipulate an audience for her own personal gain. She is a disgrace and SOU should boot her out. kathleen - ashland - April 23rd, 4:27 PM To the person who commented about my so called myspace page, read and know what you are talking about before you comment. Its not even my page and the comment is representing the fact that I paint an "S" on my chest for every home SOU basketball game....it was the blended into a 50cent lyric. And what does my taste of music have to do with any of this. I'm not involved in this "story", if you don't like me for a personal reason that's fine, but keep it to yourself. What happened was horrible and it leaves a sour taste in everyones mouth. Instead of focusing on this "story" people should remember the real story, the massacre at Virginia Tech, what Brandi said is horrible but do we re Austin - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:29 PM *The comments posted about your son on this page are negative per se.* Typo. The comments posted about your son on this page are NOT negative per se. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:42 PM Brandi shouldn't have lied, but at the same time, everyone is making a bigger deal out of this than it really is. Shouldn't we be more concerned about the libraries or the war in Iraq? Some of you talk as if this is the worst thing to happen to Ashland ever. Kim - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:53 PM Austin - I have nothing personal against you. If you read my comments carefully, I stated I don't understand the hip-hop/sex/gangsta culture and the appeal it has among a certain demographic in our society. And if you took issue with my comment about not desiring that type of image portrayed or represented in the governing body of the public institution we both attend, I don't think I can help you. As far as remembering the real story, I argue that is exactly what we are doing. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:55 PM Vote Brandi's Cousin SOU Student body President for 07/08! Gerald - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 4:56 PM cont. Personally, engaging in dialogue about the actions of Ms. Freeman reminds me of just how important the lives that were lost and almost capitalized on for personal gain really were. They should not be allowed be abused in such a way. If it was your name that was thrown about in such a ill-mannered way, I would be doing the same thing. Ms. Freeman provided an example of the importance of not allowing the names of those who were lost to be disgraced. Brian - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 5:02 PM *I'm not involved in this "story"* This is a story about poor decision making connected to one about gun violence. Whether you wrote the piece or not, I would argue it's a poor decision to advertise you're carrying a semi-automatic weapon and wearing a vest. Especially if you want to be a credible campus leader. The music isn't the point. You cannot simultaneously be anti-gun violence and ask people to remember the "real story" while at the same time glorifying a lifestyle which revels in it. CS - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 5:46 PM Don't you have anything better to do than to waste your time tearing down a person. I hope God judges you all for judging her! megs - ashland,or - April 23rd, 6:10 PM And I hope "God" judges you for judging us for judging brandi for using EXTREME lack of judgement. Hey megs, can't we all just judge along? Judge...er....uh.... - Ashland, OR - April 23rd, 6:16 PM Austin~ I think you meant to add a question mark to, 'And what does my taste of music have to do with any of this.' Not sure how that works as a statement. Punctuation a plus - ashland - April 23rd, 6:38 PM Wow, I can't believe this is front page news..... I think there must be better fabrications being made up by much higher ranking politicians, but with this kind of publicity I think Brandi should consider a career in politics. If only you could find a way to capitalize on this controversy. What might be a better story is how SOU handled the situation. By the look of the events SOU may have violated Brandi�s rights as a student. I hope she is looking for a good lawyer. DM - Ashland - April 23rd, 7:44 PM I check the Ashland paper from time to time. Imagine my disappointment as an SOU graduate to see that a candidate for student body president used to tragedy at VT for personal gain. Surely she must have realized her lies would be uncovered. Didn't she take a minute to think how this would reflect on SOU? As an alumnus, I find her actions vile. This story may be the only thing that people outside Oregon ever hear about SOU, and what a horrible impression they'll come away with. 2003 SOU Alumnus - SF, CA - April 23rd, 8:10 PM I check the Ashland paper from time to time. Imagine my disappointment as an SOU graduate to see that a candidate for student body president used the tragedy at VT for personal gain. Surely she must have realized her lies would be uncovered. Didn't she take a minute to think how this would reflect on SOU? As an alumnus, I find her actions vile. This story may be the only thing that people outside Oregon ever hear about SOU, and I shudder to think what a horrible impression has been made. 2003 SOU Alumnus - SF, CA - April 23rd, 8:12 PM Hey Tidings, see you fixed the mistake I pointed out, think I could get paid? :D Bill Hendrickson - Ashland, Or - April 23rd, 8:30 PM That comment she made in that blog was, er, interesting. I do, of course, have an understanding with those who are bipolar. I do have to say, back in high school I dated a fellow who was bipolar so I know that sometimes when people who are bipolar go off their meds, sometimes their thinking is totally out of this world and things like this do happen. However, the problem is, is that while I agree the media doesn't need to make a huge deal of this like they are, she certainly is not helping herself with comments such as that. While I understand her frustration, bipolar or not, she's needs to perhaps show a bit more humility in her apologies. And punctuation a plus, here's a sen - - April 23rd, 8:36 PM To those judging Austin for his affiliation with the illa kai site: Anyone who knows these kids know that the illa kai myspace page is a complete joke. They arent "fronting", theyre simpling having a little fun. I dont know why this was even brought up here. It is in no way relevant to the news story. And Speaking of not needing to front, Brian... Cant anyone have any harmless fun these days? the chosen one - ashland, or - April 23rd, 8:38 PM Seriously- this story is about Brandi - not her running mate. Any one who can excuse her behavior or overlook it is just as bad as she is. Imagine that it was your daughter who was killed- and now you have journalists calling because some chick is claiming your daughter as a relative to get votes for some stupid election?!?! Liz - medford, or - April 23rd, 9:06 PM I'm just as God made me sir Mr. X - Mount Vernon - April 23rd, 9:22 PM She is a Terrible person and gives SOU a bad name. I hope she never comes back to Ashland!!!!! go to hell Brandi - Ashland - April 23rd, 10:47 PM SOC/SOSC/SOU -- a glorified high school with all the typical accouterments ... always has been ... thanks for the trip down memory lane, Brandi Phil Wilson - Ashland, OR - April 24th, 6:27 AM Wow, some pretty cut-throad comments. What are you trying to do push her over the edge? Isn't this what caused the shooting in the first place, people bullying, teasing, and bad talking someone to the point that they loose it. If you think this girl is not feeling the sting from all of this, you are very wrong. I certainly hope as a parent my child never makes such an awful mistake!kinda brings it home, what if it was your family member a brother, sister! Cyberbullying alive and well at SOU. Rhonda - Vancouver, WA - April 24th, 8:11 AM Brandi's acting was a thing to behold. I mean, coming up with the tears as she fabricated the lies is amazing. Sort of reminds me of Hillary Clinton as she fabricates the accent of the week as she panders for votes. When talking to a black audience, she tries (in vain) to sound like a black woman, when in New York, she tries to sound like a New Yorker. In Hillary, Brandi has a great mentor to teach her how to act and to lie as she grovels for votes. AR - Ashland, OR - April 24th, 8:52 AM *Cant anyone have any harmless fun these days?* Don't be shocked when a potential future employer Googles your name and "harmless fun" involving guns and bullet proof vests pops up. The world is a big place and everyone gets judged. Deal with it. CS - Ashland, OR - April 24th, 9:21 AM *Hands CS the cookie he so desperately wanted for his posts* TheCookieMan - ashland, or - April 24th, 9:53 AM This wasn't some harmless lie or some stupid mistake. Who in the world makes a mistake by claiming part of a horrible tragedy to get votes at some stupid university? Push her over the edge- she's already off- how else could she even come up with such a lie. as a parent- I would be horrified and trust me, she would be flying her sorry little but over to virginia to personally apologize to the victim's REAL family and everyone else. I expect my daughter to make mistakes, but honesty is a must. liz - medford, or - April 24th, 11:04 AM NEWS FLASH/JUST IN!: Brandi admits "I'm not bi polar, just a nappy headed ho." Imus - Ashland, OR - April 24th, 1:05 PM Brandi has a problem, let's hope she figures out how to be in community. Despite the stone-throwers (no doubt hypocritical) condemnations, she is going no where. She will be in community somewhere. She doesn't reflect SOU. All those who need to bash SOU can get some therapy to deal with their own inadequacies. She wasn't elected, she withdrew; her true self was revealed. Also those who need to bash Hilary, could do better to look at the real detrimental lies of G W Bush, a disgrace to YALE J Frank - Ashland - April 24th, 1:38 PM Liz, why don't you study this: http://www.dailytidings.com/2007/0424/stories/0424valleybully.php Rhonda - Vancouver, WA - April 24th, 1:39 PM CYberbullying?No one is forced to or has to read any of this. rw - ashland - April 24th, 3:31 PM And I also believe Ms Freeman is an adult. Unless adulthood is inconvenient, in which case we simply blame the stress and the medication. It's the new American way. CS - Ashland, OR - April 24th, 4:25 PM Come on people!! Oh poor girl has been "forced" to leave the school hasn�t she suffered enough? Ha NO she hasn�t!!! What about the family of the REAL victim she USED the name of the get ATTENTION!! Give me a break!! She deserves all she gets!! And to hide behind a �disorder� WOW!! I would love to see the papers that state that she has are real disorder! K - Ashland - April 24th, 4:33 PM She should be expelled from SOU. Colby - Ashland, OR - April 24th, 5:04 PM Well, girls aren't really accountable are they? I mean, really really accountable. You know, really really really accountable? snowball - nextdoortoyou, OR - April 24th, 6:54 PM You people are all as sick as Ms. Freeman. Just reading a random sampling of comments disgusted me. Have at each other... you deserve it. You can have it - Ashland OR - April 25th, 8:16 AM This story reminds me of the movie "Election," and the crazy bitch even looks a little like Reece Witherspoon! grumpy old man - jax - April 25th, 8:39 AM ...just read Brandi's letter of "apology" to "The Siskiyou" where she blames that paper for ruining her life (???), the media for "leaking information", and says that saying she is sorry should be enough. Sorry is just a word, Brandi, and if your selfish lie had gone undiscovered, you would not be the least bit sorry. Even now, you are obviously just mad, not sorry. This lie was not "a mistake," but a truly horrible thing to do. dave c. - ashland , or - April 25th, 10:35 AM i'd still let her take me out to dinner. mr. mister - ashland - April 25th, 3:17 PM Wow, so many people ready to cast stones. People like Ashley and others who get so much enjoyment from the suffering of someone they state has mental illness are the ones to be pitied. Shame on all of you! And calling her a b---- is really mature! JJ-Ashland native - Ashland - April 25th, 4:50 PM Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. When people are in hyper-manic states they can often have delusions and behave in a way that is completely uncharacteristic for them. I think it is appropriate to suspend judgment and recognize that this young woman is dealing with a lot more than we can see. She needs help, and compassion. Cara - Talent - April 25th, 10:30 PM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising: Debt Help Inkjet Printers Payday Loans Free Ringtones Debt Consolidation Security Systems Debt Relief New Hampshire Primary Advertisement: Copyright © 2007 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved. Del.icio.us