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-   -   Poor ole Jeb (https://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=23279)

Rudey 09-11-2002 11:36 PM

I like Clinton. His brother was such a great honorable man. While in office he weakened our intelligence agencies as they were purely unnecessary. When getting ready to leave office, he gave pardons to anyone who sent funds to him, his wife, or his brother. And when he left they noticed a lot of incredibly expensive items stolen from the White House.

-Rudey
--And let's not forget the cigar incident. It takes a big man to "flavor" his Cubans.

valkyrie 09-12-2002 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lovelyivy84


I don't mean to attack you, and I do apologize if it's coming off that way. I'm just old and bitter, lol.

Thanks for saying that. :)

librasoul22 09-12-2002 07:54 AM

So much to quote, so little time! I am just going to have to summarize for now and come back later, I have to go to class soon.

Number one, valkyrie, you have raised some great points. Please don't feel like there is resentment towards YOU personally, it is not that way at all. It is just tiresome to see that people still feel that just because THEIR experience was that they had to walk 10 miles uphill in the snow to school everyday, yet THEY graduated, that it MUST be that way for everyone. Right? Wrong. And I am not directing that towards you at all, just trying to explain the attitude.

pbpck. Wow. All I have to say...just wow. You are SO blinded by the red white and blue. I suggest you do some major research into the history of "God's green Earth". You will find MANY regimes, dynasties, and nations that have been greater than ours. We have been the United States for around 300 years. Do you understand how young we are?? To call us the greatest is VERY presumptious, and VERY false.

Also? LOL. Because you TRULY believe that we are HELPING those who we are at war with. Wow. That last post just had me floored and I will have to address it in detail later.

And sorry, I forget the poster's name, but actually I went to a pretty average sized school. I DID get offered scholarships, Bright Futures in fact, but that was before the Jeb Bush era, so I didn't have to worry about it.

Lovelyivy hit the nail square on the head. If you are indeed so patriotic, then is it not hypocritical to attempt to deny someone a right guaranteed in the constitution (freedom of speech)? I mean really! I feel like we have McCarthy right here among us in GC, lol.

lionlove 09-12-2002 10:33 AM

lol, we have really gotten off topic here. Weren't we talking about Jeb's daughter?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pbpck

It saddens me deeply to see a US citizen state what you have just said. And who exactly do you believe is the greatest nation in the history of the world? How could you pledge the allegiance and sing the national anthem with this belief? I am not trying to attack you, but understand the rationale behind your thought process. Understand why you would question the greatness of your own country? Or is it just for argument's sake?

I will admit that the United States is a great country. It is hard to deny that and I never will. I just think it's ridiculous to think that in the history of mankind, it is possible to name one country as the greatest. There have been too many nations, empires, city states etc, many of whom were considered the greatest in their own time, to be able to name one as the greatest of all time.


BUT I believe DURING A TIME OF WAR, a TIME WHEN OUR COUNTRY'S CITIZENS SHOULD FIND SOLIDARITY IN OUR FIGHT FOR SAFETY FOR ALL CITIZENS AND FREEDOM IN OUR COUNTRY, we should support our president. LibraSoul defined traitor. And by her definition, I do believe that it would be traitorous to stand in opposition to your president in wartime. I will hold it my duty as a proud citizen of his country to support my country's leader in his fight to protect my life and my freedom and the life and freedom of those that I love. To his abilities, President Bush is doing the best he can to protect his nation's safety.

I have to respectfully disagree with you here. I don't believe it is my duty to stand behind my president in time of war if I don't believe in him. During WWII, Americans turned a blind eye to concentration camps and Japanese internment camps in the name of solidarity. Looking back now, there is a sense of regret for not speaking out against them. Since September 11, untold numbers of American citizens have been detained and denied the right to a fair trial. The TIPS program that was announced this past summer asked citizens to spy on each other and report suspicious behavior. There were similar programs in place in the Soviet Union and communist China that told people to report their neighbors for behavior that went against the state. As long as policies like these are being carried out, I will not stand in solidarity behind my president.

Solidarity is a wonderful concept. During WWII, people bought war bonds, rationed their food and did what they could to help the cause. It is the same spirit that we saw after 9/11 when people gave blood, donated money and delivered food to the rescue workers. That is the type of unity and spirit that makes me love my country so much. Turning a blind eye to injustices in government policy is not true solidarity and patriotism to me.

I would like to question what LibraSoul would do in dealing with terrorist acts as she stated that war is not a necessary evil. If our country abstained from any wars, I highly doubt that our country would maintain the level of international power and respect it has today.

Surprisingly enough, (at least the people who know me find it surprising) I am not against the war on terror. It was successful in toppling the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. I hope that in the future, we aid in rebuilding the nation so that another Taliban can not take over.

Corbin Dallas 09-12-2002 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by librasoul22
We have been the United States for around 300 years.
Am I missing something here? 226 years right?

librasoul22 09-12-2002 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pbpck
I will respond to you, lionlove and a quote by librasoul.

"And America is not the greatest nation ever" -LibraSoul:eek: Show me any other nation who would send relief to a country that they were at war with. Show me another country who shows the human compassion that we do, leading tolerance campaigns in a time of war.

WOW. This quote right here made my jaw drop when I first read it. Do you REALLY, TRULY, HONESTLY believe that this is true? What because you see on CNN that our military is dropping food rations over the nations we are at war with? Because you see our troops escort a few displaced natives? WOW.

Do you realize that every day, America bombs these nations? Do you realize how many of THEIR civilians have been killed because America is trying to "protect" them? Do you realize that things like Agent Orange actually occured? The argument you have presented here is far too naive for words. I am astounded.


Quote:

Show me another country who offers such economic mobility and opportunity.
Um...do you have a few hours? Because I can tell you right now that America is NOT the only nation with a strong economy. Again, naive.


Quote:

Show me any other country who allows it's citizens such freedom!
What you mean like freedom of speech? Freedom to offer a dissenting opinin right? Oh okay. Because I have noticed that some people have issues with that.


Quote:

We have become the international police and lender of the world.
I was NOT aware that this was something to brag about. In becoming the so-called "police" of the world, do you understand that we are TAKING AWAY someone else's freedom? Does this make sense to you? Especially since you think that freedom is one of the things that make THIS country great. Our role is not so much to POLICE as it is DOMINATE. And believe me, if we keep that up, we will have more enemies than we know what to do with.

Quote:

We are a young country who in current history has surpassed the economic thrust of any other country in so short a time. It saddens me deeply to see a US citizen state what you have just said. And who exactly do you believe is the greatest nation in the history of the world? How could you pledge the allegiance and sing the national anthem with this belief? I am not trying to attack you, but understand the rationale behind your thought process. Understand why you would question the greatness of your own country? Or is it just for argument's sake?
Trust me, when I argue for arguments sake, I tend to pick topics that a far more lighthearted.

Why would I question the greatness of my own country? Because it ain't all that great! Simple! This country was founded in such a horrible way. You never answered my question. Do you think Columbus discovered America? Do you believe in Thanksgiving with the "Indians" and the Pilgrims? If so, you are sadly mistaken. That is why this country isn't GREAT. Maybe you are sheltered and have never been exposed to injustice. Maybe you just don't realize what people who are not you have to go through every day.

Believe me I am grateful just like you to be living here. But as long as I have a right provided by YOUR beloved consititution, I am going to speak my mind. And from what I have learned about and lived through in this country, not much good will come out.


Quote:

I would like to question what LibraSoul would do in dealing with terrorist acts as she stated that war is not a necessary evil. If our country abstained from any wars, I highly doubt that our country would maintain the level of international power and respect it has today.
Well this is a whole 'nother topic. But I firmly believe that we would not have "terrorist attacks" if we did not bully other nations on a daily basis. I do think that something needs to be done about this particular attack. You can't erase it by saying woulda, coulda, shoulda. I do think that bin Laden and his cohorts need to be brought to justice. But if the United States wants to erase terrorism, then we need to stop messing with soverign, independent nations.

Quote:

znteke, you were right. This is a one sided argument on this board. I am surprised though, how many liberal mided people there are on this board as I find that most greeks are rather conservative.
Well I guess that erased THAT stereotype didn't it? Funny how that works. And actually this is not a one sided argument. That is an oxymoron. Being that you and I have differing opinions...that is TWO...that makes it a TWO sided argument. Please, just because people disagree with you, don't get pouty.

UF_PikePC98 09-12-2002 11:47 AM

LADIES!!!!!


Settle down.....PLEASE!!!!


Get back to the topic at hand or start a new thread for this cat fight to continue in.

Dionysus 09-12-2002 12:07 PM

@ pbpck,
What is so evil about democrats that your dad said to never marry one?That is very extreme. IMO, democratics and republicans may have different views on some issues, but they are not from different planets or anything. :rolleyes:

Well actually I have a confession, my dad told me to never marry a republican. The reasons he gave me were not sufficient. I KNOW better not to judge a person because of their party affliation.

lovelyivy84 09-12-2002 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UF_PikePC98
LADIES!!!!!


Settle down.....PLEASE!!!!


Get back to the topic at hand or start a new thread for this cat fight to continue in.

I think that the discussion is going well. If you don't like it then skip the thread.

I am lol that you of all people would chastise others on GC for dang near any reason.:rolleyes:

librasoul22 09-12-2002 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lovelyivy84


I think that the discussion is going well. If you don't like it then skip the thread.

I am lol that you of all people would chastise others on GC for dang near any reason.:rolleyes:

Yeah, I lol at that too. I don't think the discussion is out of hand yet, althought it is pretty off topic, lol.

ON topic, Noelle might just be headed to jail after all. We will know after this weekend. And it was found to be CRACK cocaine btw, which anyone familiar with criminal justice will know carries a MUCH heavier sentence than coke.

She has spent 3 days in jail in the past for her drugs, but other than that, just rehab. I will keep y'all updated.

But I still wanna talk about the other stuff too, lol.

lovelyivy84 09-12-2002 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by librasoul22


Yeah, I lol at that too. I don't think the discussion is out of hand yet, althought it is pretty off topic, lol.

ON topic, Noelle might just be headed to jail after all. We will know after this weekend. And it was found to be CRACK cocaine btw, which anyone familiar with criminal justice will know carries a MUCH heavier sentence than coke.

She has spent 3 days in jail in the past for her drugs, but other than that, just rehab. I will keep y'all updated.

But I still wanna talk about the other stuff too, lol.

She was found with CRACK?

Oh boy, now we are getting into mandatory sentencing laws! She is now a part of the 3% of offenders who are not people of color who will be sentenced under these laws (Gee, I wonder if Jeb'll start campaigning for change in mandatory drug law now?). I will DEFINITELY be looking to see how this develops because if she gets a pass I would figure that people would SERIOUSLY start protesting this instead of just reading about it.

UF_PikePC98 09-12-2002 02:20 PM

Hey man, I'm trying to become a moderator, I'm acting like a referee that way I can show John I know how to squash a skirmish before it turns into an all out war....:D :D

KappaKittyCat 09-12-2002 02:25 PM

Y'know, I find this whole situation amusing (in my own little way). Here's why:

If I got caught with crack and I was guilty (i.e. it hadn't been planted on me or something like that), my parents would disown me and encourage the DA to send me to jail for the rest of my life. 'Course, the DA would have to dig me up first, 'cuz my momma would have killed me the moment she got her hands on me.

If my daddy was a public figure and I was in Noelle's situation, he'd sure as hell make a HUGE example out of me. None of this "Poor baby, let's find you some rehab." I'm talking punishment to the fullest extent of the law. And I think he'd be right to do it.

Now, that doesn't reflect my opinion of mandatory sentencing laws and alternative sentencing programs. I do, however, feel that when an official is elected to govern, he and his family should be law-abiding citizens or face the consequences, just like everybody else.

Munchkin03 09-12-2002 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lovelyivy84


She was found with CRACK?

Oh boy, now we are getting into mandatory sentencing laws! She is now a part of the 3% of offenders who are not people of color who will be sentenced under these laws (Gee, I wonder if Jeb'll start campaigning for change in mandatory drug law now?). .

I don't know exactly what Columba (Jeb's wife, the one who had customs problems not too long ago) is, but I have memories of G P Bush flaunting the "Republican of Color" angle. Maybe I'm confused. I forgot! They're "the little brown ones"! :rolleyes:

Anyway...CRACK? :eek: She didn't get THAT habit from Uncle Dubya, did she?

Dionysus 09-12-2002 04:57 PM

Haha! Our president's niece is a crackhead ho! :D

kdonline 09-12-2002 05:21 PM

Back on topic: Noelle Bush...

She has had a drug problem for many years - since she was a teenager - she's about 23 now? She was kicked out of a private high school here in Miami - yes, for drugs.

librasoul22 09-12-2002 05:34 PM

Corbin Dallas,

Regarding the 300 years thing. I was rounding up actually, I did do the math, lol.

As far as Noelle...what does this say about her upbringing? If her drug habit has been THAT problematic? This is an issue that I would *like* to see addressed, although I respect their privacy as a family also. Being the governor, though, Bush needs to step up. Forget his role as a political leader, he needs to get right with his FAMILY first.

And I think GW should speak up about it too. If anything they could turn it into some kind of anti-drug campaign or something, lol.

KappaKittyCat 09-12-2002 05:34 PM

I'm going to add to my earlier remarks the same thing I think about the whole Jenna Bush drinking situation.

If you're the close relative of a public figure, you yourself are a public figure. As such, you need to recognize that everybody is going to be watching you. If you screw up, you're going to have it rubbed in your face.

The media was kind enough to leave Chelsea Clinton alone for most of her tenure as "First Daughter." This is because she was underage. Once she turned 18, People did that huge spread on her. To quote James Carville, "Minor children of politicians are to be left alone. Adult children of politicians are fair game." Jenna and Noelle are both adults. They are public figures. Perhaps they do not want to be public figures. They had no say in it. But they are public figures nonetheless.

As for Noelle, she's had her chances for rehab, and she's blown them.

Corbin Dallas 09-12-2002 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by librasoul22
Corbin Dallas,

Regarding the 300 years thing. I was rounding up actually, I did do the math, lol.

I figured that, just felt like being a smartass :D

cash78mere 09-12-2002 05:57 PM

as a staunch democrat, i can't stand anything bush. jeb, george, george w....never liked any of the lot. but i do love my country. and i support it. i don't support everything, but i support the country. therefore, right now, i am behind george w. don't like him, but i support him. would never ever ever vote for him though. (i still think poor al gore got the bum's rush---but that's another topic!)

our country is great. and, in my opinion, the best. without a doubt. do i think it's perfect? geez no. perfection couldn't exist if there weren't things that are less than perfect.

as for noelle---send her to the slammer. she's had enough chances.

dekeguy 09-12-2002 06:39 PM

Just got in from lectures and caught up on this thread. Wow! I have been accused of having a rather dry sense of humor, but perhaps it is a bit too dry in that I think some might have missed it alltogether. Yes I am somewhat conservative, but I do think it is not only possible but necessary for all holders of differing opinions to be able to discuss these opinions with good will and a little humor thrown in now and again.
My comment about the "loyal opposition" was sourced from former Representative Lindy Boggs (D-La), a great lady whose liberal credentials are very well established. I believe Mrs. Boggs has always maintained that a responsible citizen has a choice in this country, loyalty to the nation and support for the administration or being part of the "Loyal Opposition" true to the nation but disagreeing with current policy and working for a change to policy while being a good citizen. I think she would also hold that part of being a good citizen is to seek change to that with which one disagrees while remaining loyal to the nation. I believe that this definition is very inclusive and if one isn't "loyal and 'for' the current policy" or "loyal and 'against' the current policy" (the key word here is loyal) then one must be awfully apathetic or, dare I think it, disloyal!
Since the legal definition of treason is very strict and my use of the term traitor in its context wasn't even close in fitting that definition I had hoped that the mild tounge-in-cheek nature of the comment would be recognized.
So, to recap this and my previous comment: I live in Virginia so I refrained from comment on Florida schools. I don't know Mr. Bush's daughter so I refrained from comment on what I considered a sad personal family matter. I have met Gov. Bush on several occasions, primarily socially, and I like the guy. In case you missed it, my comment about "yellow journalists" refers to a segment of media writers/editors/publishers who were active just over a hundred years ago. I believe the term pretty much died out of common useage rather a long time ago. Again, perhaps a bit too dry. Anyway, I suggest we lighten this up a little. Serious issues seem to come to consensus more easily when humor and good will triumph over P.C. and rancor.

KSig RC 09-12-2002 06:51 PM

To my mind (and I'm a registered Republican), there is a world of difference between Jenna Bush's situation and that of Noelle.

Sometimes when looking at legal violations it has to be viewed through a non-polarized filter of what the "average person" has happen.

Jenna Bush: college freshman, drinks, has (really bad) fake ID . . .

none of this is shocking, or even abnormal. Illegal? Sure - but if I got caught with my fake ID drinking in a bar, they'd NEVER call the cops, but they did to her. She got out of it - I would have too, so would everyone else.

Noelle Bush: cocaine. Lots of it.

Crack cocaine. While in rehab.

This is NOT normal behavior for someone her age - there comes a time when you have to step out of your familial life and realize that the law is the law, and most likely she'll end up in jail.

Sucks - but that's life Jeb.

PS - no reason to idict his parenting skills, there's a lot more involved than just parenting when your child is a 'public figure' (as was put earlier) - we don't know much of the circumstances surrounding their family etc. It seems like petty partisan bickering to call him a bad father. Let's just leave it at bad politician, if that's how you feel.

He's not exactly Huey P. Long over here.

librasoul22 09-12-2002 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KSig RC
PS - no reason to idict his parenting skills, there's a lot more involved than just parenting when your child is a 'public figure' (as was put earlier) - we don't know much of the circumstances surrounding their family etc. It seems like petty partisan bickering to call him a bad father. Let's just leave it at bad politician, if that's how you feel.

He's not exactly Huey P. Long over here.

Actually I wasn't saying he was being a bad father, not at all. I was wondering what during her upbringing would cause her to turn to drugs. Jeb has not been such a public figure forever. I have no idea what kind of father he is, so it would be presumptuous of me to say he was bad. I was saying that, NOW as a father, he needs to step up because he is beginning to come under very close scrutiny for the actions of his daughter.

Didn't mean to be so vague about that.

dekeguy.... dry sense of humor or not, one does not have to support the president to be a good citizen. I am not sure about the context of the word "loyal" in all of that, so I won't even assume. Let's just agree to disagree about this one because I am not up for a debate on semantics. I do respect the way you articulated your posts in an intelligent and non-threatening way. You may be a bit conservative, but I always appreciate a southern gentlemen! :)

justamom 09-12-2002 07:50 PM

dekeguy- I had to go looking for you since I hadn't run into one of your posts lately. Lo and behold, KSig RC!

Good points all around and thought provoking on both sides of the discussion!

kdonline 09-12-2002 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by librasoul22


Actually I wasn't saying he was being a bad father, not at all. I was wondering what during her upbringing would cause her to turn to drugs. Jeb has not been such a public figure forever. I have no idea what kind of father he is


Jeb was born a public figure. His grandfather, Prescott Bush, was a senator. George had a lifetime of public service.

This is one of the downsides of becoming a public figure. As soon as you do anything to put yourself in the public light, you are a public figure.

When you run for office, you are subject to the same scrutiny, and unfortunately, your family is too.

Anyone who is considering a run for office - even your local city council - should realize this.

dekeguy 09-12-2002 10:12 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lionlove
[B]


I do find it incredibly offensive though when posters like pbpck and dekeguy say that if you don't agree with the Bush administrator you are an uneducated traitor. One of the things that I love about our country is our ability as citizens to voice opinions about our government. This can be done with ballots, letters, protests, and by many other forms. Maybe I misread the definition of "loyal opposition" but I got the impression that if you don't agree with the current administration (whoever they may be, not just Bush) then shut up and smile cause it is your patriotic duty to present a united front. As for showing interfraternal support for Bush, well, I don't necessarily agree with my own sisters sometimes. Why should I support a guy who isn't in my organization just because he is greek?

********

If you are going to be terribly offended please do me the favor of re-reading my post and its follow ups. I think you will find that I have not called anyone an uneducated traitor. What I have done is:
express my personal opinion that I like Gov Bush and sympathize with his family disappointment, which is really none of my business other than to wish him well in a difficult private situation;
point out that I think that as our moderators are consistently and often times reminding us we should extend courtesy, not necessarily approval, agreement, or admiration, but courtesy to fellow Greeks we should extend this courtesy to the President who is after all a real undergraduate initiate Greek and chapter president, not just an honorary;
and that as we do seem to be in a shooting war with some rather unpleasant types who have murdered nearly three thousand innocent bystander Americans and a considerable number of innocent victims from other lands who were caught in the various blast effects, it occurs to me that Mrs. Boggs' definition of Loyal Opposition seems very appropriate to our current situatipn.
As I pointed out in my follow-up, I thought my slightly tounge-in-cheek comment about being loyal and for the administration, loyal and opposed to the administration, or a traitor would have been obviously seen for what it was, a bit of lightening up a very serious issue while expressing my opinion.
That was your point I believe? The bit about voicing opinions? Anyway, I did not say anything about "shut up and smile". I personally would appreciate it if all Americans would present a united front as I would hate to see our troops who are now engaged, and those who might yet be, not supported by the American people. But that is my personal hope. Now, to be very clear on this point, being a loyal American, united with other Americans, resolved to win this war on terrorism and in support of our troops and presenting a united front does not imply lock step approval of any particular administration's policies. There is plenty of room for disagreement and working to change policy through the ballot box and the forum of public opinion, so long as one's activities do not encourage or give aid and comfort to the enemy. Well, thats my opinion. I hope you are not terribly offended by it and I hope that we can agree on much if not all of what I have tried to express. It is, however, my opinion and I must stand by it. Please do consider how much we can agree on?

librasoul22 09-12-2002 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kdonline



Jeb was born a public figure. His grandfather, Prescott Bush, was a senator. George had a lifetime of public service.

This is one of the downsides of becoming a public figure. As soon as you do anything to put yourself in the public light, you are a public figure.

When you run for office, you are subject to the same scrutiny, and unfortunately, your family is too.

Anyone who is considering a run for office - even your local city council - should realize this.

Good point. I meant he was never in such a powerful position where he was thrust into the spotlight... but you are absolutely right.

DeltAlum 09-12-2002 11:52 PM

Here are a couple of opinions. They are just that. They are mine. They are not necessarily facts. I think they're correct, or they wouldn't be my opinions. Follow that? OK.

If George Bush The First had fully prosecuted the first Mid-East war, Sadam would not be a problem to us now. He would almost certainly be dead or in prison. Certainly, he would be out of power.

If the Bush girls in question are guilty of nothing else, they're guilty of being dumb. They're in the public eye. Jena in particular. If you're going to do something illegal -- don't do it in public. At least if you're the presidents daughter. Yes, that's a double standard. I don't know if it's fair. But when your dad becomes a politician, that's the way it is. They know it. Shoud Noelle go to jail? That's for a court to decide, not me.

There isn't much a parent can do, whether they're the governor or not, to keep their children off of drugs. I think we're pretty good parents, but our middle daughter got into drugs -- fairly heavily. We hated it, we fought it, but it still happened. No problems whatsoever with the other two. Any adict will tell you that they are the best con-persons in the world. My experience tells me it would be difficult not to have suspicions that your children are on drugs, but there really is often not much you can do about it. Thankfully, our daughter realized, before it was too late, what harm she was doing to herself and came to us to ask if we would pay for rehab. It was the happiest money I've ever spent. She never go caught. Getting caught multiple times may be worse than dumb -- on several levels.

Finally, as regards opposing a presidents policies. That's why we have a multi-party system. That's what the entire concept of checks and ballances and, yes, the loyal opposition is about. It's one of the important lessons we learned from our British roots. Presidents are human and can be as wrong as anyone else. They can get bad advice. War does not change that equation. Consider Vietnam. If a large part of a generation (mine) had not expressed (sometimes inappropriately, but that's beside the point) their displeasure, that could have gone on much longer with a much greater loss of life. For what? In the end, the outcome probably wouldn't haven been different. With history as its judge, it would appear that the majority of the Vietnamese people didn't feel very strongly one way or another about how we thought they should run their government. They simply wanted to live their lives. I also think it's important to remember that Vietnam crossed the terms of four presidents -- two Republican, two Democrats. (Before anyone takes issue, it's pretty well documented that the first "advisors" were sent by Eisenhower) In my opinion (there's that word again), "America, Love it or Leave It" is a dangerous concept when used in the context of not being allowed to express opposing viewpoints.

So, now you have my opinions. For whatever they're worth. But shouldn't all opinions be equal? And at least respected?


And now for the small print disclaimer. The author does not consider himself either Republic or Democrat/Liberal or Conservative. Since "Vote 18" was passed in time for the 1968 election, he has probably voted for an equal number of Republican and Democratic presidential candidates -- including one Bush. The reason he offers "opinions" here is that over the years, he has learned that neither his or anyone else's ideas are totally correct. Over and out.

Peaches-n-Cream 09-13-2002 02:52 AM

Everyone here has raised interesting points. The issue here is the criminalization of a medical problem called drug addiction. This young woman needs help. She comes from a wealthy, prominent family and yet she still uses drugs. I think it demonstrates how powerful a grip drugs can have on an addict's life. I mean if a woman who is the neice and granddaughter of two US President and the daughter of a governor cannot recover, what does that say about the treatment of addiction in the less fortunate members of society?

DeltAlum 09-13-2002 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cream
I think it demonstrates how powerful a grip drugs can have on an addict's life. I mean if a woman who is the neice and granddaughter of two US President and the daughter of a governor cannot recover, what does that say about the treatment of addiction in the less fortunate members of society?
Perhaps the most important point made so far.

And because of the way the presidential election was handled in Florida, I'm not a Jeb Bush fan at the moment. But, as a father who had a child with an addiction, I feel for him as a man. They tell you, during the rehab period, that parents should not feel guilty about their children becoming drug users. That's absolutely true -- but it's also impossible at least to some extent.

You just can't help wonder if there wasn't one more little thing you might have done to prevent it.

Usually, there isn't. But you still wonder.

KappaKittyCat 09-13-2002 12:09 PM

Excellent point, Cream. We've criminalized diseases because our society cannot accept their societal roots.

It's safe to say that Noelle Bush has made some poor choices. If she was expelled from high school for her drug problems, it's also probably safe to say that the key choices, the ones that could have averted this entire situation, occurred a long time ago. The issue is that now she cannot disentangle herself from the web of addiction in which she is caught. The woman is ill.

It's my understanding that Miss Bush has violated the conditions of her rehab. In my opinion, it's time to ask whether she wants to get better. If she wants to get better, then she's going to have to go through some tough times, but I think that a continued rehab attempt is the answer. If she doesn't care whether she keeps doing drugs and is just sorry that she was caught, then I think that prison is in order. But that's just my outsider's view.

Alternative sentencing programs can work. The mother of one of my friends is a social worker employed by the state of Wisconsin. She (a DDD!) works with alternative sentencing programs for drug offenders. The programs work; those who go through the rehab have a much lower percentage of repeat offences. I am very much in favour of these programs. Drug addiction is a disease that creeps up on its victims. One or two bad choices can have massive repercussions years down the road, as Miss Bush is demonstrating right now.

Not to spark a huge racial debate, but... the program in Wisconsin of which I speak is only open to those who have not been convicted of violent crimes. They'll take possession, possesion with intent, dealing, even petty larceny. But anything like armed robbery, aggravated assault, or battery will disqualify an offender. The program is currently being blasted in the press because the percentage of minorities enrolled in the program is not proportionate to the percentage of minorities in Wisconsin's prisons. The problem is that if you're a minority in a Wisconsin prison, chances are good that you were convicted of some sort of violent offence. The proportion of minority nonviolent offenders in the prisons to minorities in the program are pretty close.

Also, to KSig RC, I was not suggesting that Jenna and Noelle Bush are at all in the same boat. Jenna is behaving like any college student. Noelle is ill. What they do have in common is the fact that both of them are public figures just by virtue of their parents' and grandparents' positions. They need to be aware that they are being watched carefully and that their actions reflect on their family.

My other question is this. Obviously Noelle's family is wealthy, so she can be sent to a ritzy private rehab clinic. How on earth did she get her hands on any drug, let alone crack, while in this facility? I mean, I can see swiping some Percoset or Valium, but crack? That's not the sort of thing that rehab clinics keep on hand.

librasoul22 09-13-2002 01:25 PM

Okay, here's the latest article abuot Noelle from the Tallahassee Democrat. We have pretty much discussed most of it, but it goes into a bit more detail...

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/4055536.htm

James 09-13-2002 01:51 PM

Parents should feel partly responsible . . . not necessarily guilty.

Keep in mind that there are many functional addicts.

Also there are many people with addictive personalities that exhibit a lot of the behaviors of the addict: Small mindedness, vindictiveness, intolerance, deception, but don't actually have a curent chemical addiction.

Many of them post here on GC. Just review the post histories and you will read some of them.




Quote:

Originally posted by DeltAlum

Perhaps the most important point made so far.

And because of the way the presidential election was handled in Florida, I'm not a Jeb Bush fan at the moment. But, as a father who had a child with an addiction, I feel for him as a man. They tell you, during the rehab period, that parents should not feel guilty about their children becoming drug users. That's absolutely true -- but it's also impossible at least to some extent.

You just can't help wonder if there wasn't one more little thing you might have done to prevent it.

Usually, there isn't. But you still wonder.


The1calledTKE 10-17-2002 11:43 AM

Once again it pays to be the governor's daughter and the Presidents niece, she just got only 10 days of prison for the crack she was caught with while on probabtion. Most people would get alot more time than that.

librasoul22 10-17-2002 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by zntke711
Once again it pays to be the governor's daughter and the Presidents niece, she just got only 10 days of prison for the crack she was caught with while on probabtion. Most people would get alot more time than that.
:rolleyes:

Don't get me started (again, lol).

kdonline 10-17-2002 12:12 PM

Granted, Jeb is running for reelection... but..

How come he, Columba, or her 2 brothers were not there in court today?

They've never appeared at any of her trial dates.

Sure, one of her aunts (Jeb's sister) was there in court, but how close are they? The aunt lives in Maryland...it's like, they went down the family tree & said, "Okay, who has a free day to go to court with Noelle?"

I do not understand this family. IMO, I think they are deserting her - it seems they gave up on her long ago.

The1calledTKE 10-17-2002 12:23 PM

It goes to show that politics are more important than family. People allready think that Bush uses his influence, if he actually went to court it might make him look worse. He might look compasionate to. The education problem and his niece are making it tough on him that why he is in a dead heat with a guy that he should be killing. Granted I am a democrat and wouldn't mind seeing him leaving office, I do think Jeb is a good guy and is the better of the Bush brothers.

madmax 10-17-2002 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zntke711
It goes to show that politics are more important than family. People allready think that Bush uses his influence, if he actually went to court it might make him look worse. He might look compasionate to. The education problem and his niece are making it tough on him that why he is in a dead heat with a guy that he should be killing. Granted I am a democrat and wouldn't mind seeing him leaving office, I do think Jeb is a good guy and is the better of the Bush brothers.
Hey zke711.

Where was Ted Kennedy a few months ago when one of the Kennedy cousins was conficted of murder?

Where was Al Gore last month when his son was busted for DUI while speeding?

The1calledTKE 10-17-2002 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by madmax


Hey zke711.

Where was Ted Kennedy a few months ago when his nephew was conficted of murder?

Where was Al Gore last month when his son was busted for DUI while speeding?


Never claimed it only happened in the Republican party.

Kevin 10-17-2002 07:53 PM

Actually I seem to remember several instances where Gore's daughters had run-ins with the law... Something about DUI's and such... This was back when he was VP though.. Can't remember specifics.

I went to HS where several politicians kids went... I remember them being some of the most messed up kids. One of former Governor Walters' kids shot himself in our HS parking lot.

I'd imagine it's a pretty widespread phenomenon.


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