Another priceless transcript from Wuzzadem:
Judge Judy: Rather and Mapes
(Announcer as Mapes and Rather walk into courtroom)
“Ex-television producer Mary Mapes is suing her former boss, popular TV news anchor Dan Rather, for causing her to be fired from her job after she allegedly provided him with false documents that were used in a news story about President Bush. Dan says Mary knew the documents were phonies but never told him. He’s counter-suing for defamation of character.”
Judge Judy
Miss Mapes, until recently you worked for the defendant as a television producer for a news show. According to your complaint, you came into possession of some documents that were used as part of a news story for which the defendant was the reporter. Evidently there was some doubt as to the authenticity of these documents, and as a result you were fired from your job. You say that the defendant was every bit as responsible as you, but ultimately you were held responsible and he got off scot-free. You’re suing for lost wages and infliction of emotional distress.Mapes
Yes, your honor.Judge Judy
The defendant says that he was simply reporting a story using documents that said were genuine, that he had no idea there were any doubts about them, and that he basically showed up and read a script that had been written for him. He says that if anyone should have been fired it was you. Is that basically correct, sir?Rather
Your honor, in all my years as a journalist…Judge Judy
Just answer my question sir - is that basically correct?Rather
Yes, yes it is.Judge Judy
Good. Now, Miss Mapes, tell me about these documents.Mapes
Well, your honor, I had been working on this story for about five years, and I…Judge Judy
Five years? Why in the world would it take you five years to work on a news story?Mapes
Well, this wasn’t really a news story, it was more like a piece of investigative journalism.Judge Judy
I don’t care if you were building a skyscraper, how could it take you five years?Mapes
Well, I have to follow up on leads, develop sources…Judge Judy
Speak English, madame! Just tell me about these documents. Where did you get them?Mapes
Well, these were some memos that appeared to be very damaging to the President…Judge Judy
WHERE DID YOU GET THEM?Mapes
Oh, sorry. I received the memos from a source that…Judge Judy
I asked you to speak English. What is a “source?”
You’ll have read the rest at Wuzzadem. His articles are hysterical. :)
