It is wrong to laugh at someone's obvious mental illness, and yet...

This is kind of funny, in a sad, there-but-for-the-grace-of-God sort of way

Judge tosses out restraining order against Letterman

(AP) A state judge has lifted a restraining order granted to a Santa Fe woman who accused talk-show host David Letterman of using coded words to show that he wanted to marry her and train her as his co-host...

Nestler appeared in court without a lawyer and represented herself.

Responding to a question from the judge, Nestler said she had no proof of the allegations she had made against Letterman.

She also said that if Letterman or any of his representatives came near her, "I will break their legs" and establish proof of her allegations.

Nestler said after the court hearing that "I have achieved my purpose. The public knows that this man cannot come near me."

She also said that her comment about breaking legs "is not a threat."

"I appealed to the court for a restraining order to keep this man away from me, but now that's been denied me," she said. "He has access to me. He can actually come for me or send people. He has many accomplices. I know this sounds crazy. I was crazy to have listened to him in the beginning."

If this doesn't end up inspiring an episode of "Law and Order: CI" I'll be greatly disappointed.

She used to stand on the lawn and yell that there were people across the road setting up giant batteries to spy on her and monitor her movements. Her husband would have to go out there and lead her gently back to the house.

It was very sad - but it was also somewhat comical. I'm bi-polar myself and know I've done some pretty wacky things in the past. Life is absurd and sometimes things are both tragic and kind of amusing.

It was very hard not laughing when my grandmother first got Alzheimer's. We obviously weren't laughing at her illness, it was some things she said and did.

I feel bad for this woman and it's too bad that she can't get the help she needs so that Letterman stops sending her coded messages.

a restraining order.

You know the one where Letterman is saying "marry me, Oprah," but is pretty clearly implying that he means "marry me, crazy lady from New Mexico."

The seriousness with which the judge took the complaint may be judged by the fact that it was a restraining order making sure Letterman stayed at least three feet away from her. Possibly he was papering over her legal rights while giving her a chance to get some professional help.

I don't think a celebrity would have trouble, but a restraining order is serious business, it could keep you from getting some jobs, and possibly affect your credit.
Sounds like this judge is making a joke out of the law. Even insurance companies check your record for stuff like this.

house and leaving borderline threatening messages (she's my uncle's ex, although he doesn't live here... and don't worry, we've already contacted the police), yes, I'm going to laugh.