Puff the magic dragon

[Jaded]

Oh no...how do we spin this?

[Ron]

Oh no...how do we spin this?

Why do you feel the need to spin it?

[Jaded]

It was weird...almost if the entire Republican consciousness was responding in some visceral howl to the news that their beloved President is a pothead. The force was so powerful it sort of channelled through me LOL.

[Vin DSL]

In everyone's worldview, isn't this a 'good' thing

Who knows? Maybe he didn't inhale either...

[Vin DSL]

Hahahaha! "Doug Weed"... Kind of ironic, no?

[Jaded]

Maybe it explains the missed Guard duty? But come on, didn't anyone learn anything from Nixon? First Linda, now Wead.

Now the latest from the White House surveillance recordings...

Secret Service: Yes, Mr. President?
Bush: Now what does this here button dugin?
SS: That issues the nuclear launch command sir.
Bush: Well which one's the scrambulator button sos I cain't be reecorded?

[mattsiegman]

I was always under the impression that is either illegal or higly immoral o record someone without telling them.

[Jaded]

Depends on the laws where a person lives. In some states recordings require the consent of both parties - in other states only one person needs to know. It is illegal to intercept a conversation without a warrent, if you are not party to the conversation.

And morality and law are two different things.

Personally, I think if you don't want your secrets to get out, don't share them.

Disclaimer: Check the laws in your state. Wiretapping (intercepting without the knowledge or consent of one or both parties - as required) is a serious offense. Don't take the risk.

[Vin DSL]

Depends on the laws where a person lives...

Yeah, exactly!

For instance, in Arizona, you can record a conversation as long as at least one person is aware they are being recorded. So, if I want to record a conversation with someone, without telling them, I could so legally because I know about it. However, someone else cannot legally record you and me talking, unless at least one of us knows about it.

LoL! Confusing, I know...

[mattsiegman]

I see.

Oh well, the article said that the guy was a church liaison or something. That doesn't speak highly of his church in my book.

I mean, if it was said in the confidence that it would not be discussed elsewhere I find it very morally inexcusable.

But what's done is done. As long as Bush isn't using it while in office I honestly see no problem. Everyone makes mistakes. He should chalk it up as a learning experience

[lokki]

I give him points for saying he didn't want kids to try it because the president did. He had no way of knowing the conversation would get out, so that's probably pretty honest.

Recording the conversations, whether legal or not, was unethical. Bush was consulting with a friend who should have known better, not meeting sereptitiously with a dealer or some other shady figure. He wasn't bein interrogated or scrutinized. It really sounds like Wead intended to make money off of his affiliation with Bush all along.

And I for one don't really care too much about casual use in someone's past, as long as it's not a problem and doesn't interfere with their ability to do their job (lots of caveats, but I think most of it's understood). I laughed about Clinton because he tried, as ever, to lie his way out of it. At least Bush said he'd just ignore the question, rather than try and spin it á là Clinton.

[JonathanB]

I give him points for saying he didn't want kids to try it because the president did. He had no way of knowing the conversation would get out, so that's probably pretty honest.

Points? I'd give him points if he would ANSWER such a question. (There's a concept, a politician actually answering a question).

How about, "Yes I did try smoking pot when I was in college, but I do regret it. I now know the damage marijuana and other drugs can do to people that use them, their families and society. We need to do everything we can to keep people from using illegal drugs. In my administration, to fight drug abuse, we plan to..."

THAT would deserve points.

[lokki]

Yes, that would be a better approach, but give credit where you can

But I haven't heard many cadidates actually own up to something 'wrong' and use the experience to teach others, or as an example of recovery from the situation. For example, any incident involving the Kennedy family...

[Vin DSL]

Hrm... I wonder... What difference does it make?

Really! After 4+ years in office, is there anyone that hasn't made up their mind about George Bush - anybody in the world?

[JonathanB]

After 4+ years in office, is there anyone that hasn't made up their mind about George Bush - anybody in the world?

You got that right. The man who said he wanted to be a uniter and not a divider has certainly has done quite a bit to polarize this country (not to mention the world).