H/t NB reader PawpawN.
As noted here, MSNBC's John Ridley went off on Al Gore this morning, suggesting he should hug his kid rather than the planet, save his son, not ice caps. But NBC's "Today" offered up a more predictable MSM response, as the show sought to downplay the Gore incident by pointing to Republican politicians whose kids have caused trouble, while praising Chelsea Clinton as unusually mature.
Introducing the segment, Meredith Vieira shifted the spotlight from Gore's situation to the broader issues.
'TODAY' CO-HOST MEREDITH VIEIRA: And now to politicians and their children. It's tough being a parent, and as former Vice-Pesident Al Gore learned this week, it's even tougher when you're in the public eye and your child makes a big mistake.Aww.
NBC reporter John Yang, who narrated the segment, was also in an understanding mood.
YANG: The arrest of his son and namesake on drug charges is giving former Vice-President Al Gore a lesson that millions of parents have learned before.Cut to a clip of presidential historian Allan Lichtman, happy to let Al off the hook: "There are things you can control, and things you can't control in your own children's conduct." Roll footage of the Bush daughters, including the shot shown here of Jenna.
YANG: The saga of Al Gore III is just the latest example of politicians being embarrassed by their children, something that seems to be part of the political landscape. President Bush's twin daughters gained notoriety with citations for underage drinking.But there was a bright spot in Yang's tour of enfants terribles.Story Continues Below Ad ↓
YANG: Some seem to behave better than their parents. Chelsea Clinton seemed to literally hold her parents together at the height of her father's Monica Lewinsky scandal. For the most part, voters don't seem to hold politicians responsible for the sins of their children. Ronald Reagan's popularity didn't suffer when his daughter Patti Davis publicly denounced her parents as dysfunctional. [Note: as FR readers have reminded me, Chelsea had her own alcohol-related run-in, but "Today" chose to overlook it.]
As a clip rolled of Rudy Giuliani's first mayoral inaugural, where his then seven-year old son Andrew was a bit rambunctious, Lichtman observed: "We should judge politicans according to how well they serve the public interest, not necessarily how well they order and manage their own families."
That set Yang
up for one final, snide swipe at a Republican.
YANG: A thought that should come to some politicians as a great relief.Let's review. Al Gore III was arrested for speeding 100 MPH with pot and a variety of other drugs in his car. Yang equates that with the Bush girls drinking -- but not driving -- while underage, with Patti Davis making a statement about her parents, and with the harmless antics of a young boy. But it's all good in service of diluting Al's embarrassment in a sea of moral equivalence.
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Comments Policy
No Shame
July 6, 2007 - 07:37 ET by Blogger Guy00001The left has no shame. They are blatant with their bias.
I knew that the left would downplay Gore's son's incident, although the same hypocritical leftists were bouncing off the walls reporting Bush's daughter's incident.
Right, and all Bush's daugh
July 6, 2007 - 07:45 ET by motherbeltdelete
The Media continues to
July 6, 2007 - 07:43 ET by kathleenirishThe Media continues to be the hugest load of bollox on the planet. Algoracle should conduct one of his highly scientific studies on the subject. The smell of this story being cooked to fit the agenda must be warming the earth in some amazing ways! What the hell? Turn the Algoracle III into a sympathetic figure, go after the Bush twins (?) AND somehow sycophantically praise the Clintons once AGAIN? as that privileged gobshite drives his hybrid 100 mph on drugs... all in the same, crazy-wharped world of the Leftie Moonbat MSM, I guess. Nothing should surprise me anymore.
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
So Al Gore III's DUI charge i
July 8, 2007 - 13:32 ET by Cape ConservativeSo Al Gore III's DUI charge is the subject and it is equated with Jenna Bush sticking her tongue out???? Just how low can the MSM go!!!! Which "J" school produced this outstanding reporter?
Once again...somehow it always comes back to "it's Bush's fault"
Lovely Chelsea, holding her parents together...no picture of her falling down drunk in England??? That might have been a bit more on a par with the AGIII story!
The MSSM and the "It's everybody who does it" line
July 6, 2007 - 07:44 ET by Six String SpiffWhat a sack of crap. Gore's kid is a screw up. If I was Al Gore I wouldn't have run home either. Evidently the Goracle hasn't paid much attention to family issues if his kid was into drugs in the first place. There are ways to deter such behavior. Anyway; Why does the media always pull the "It's not just Democrats that do it." when a lefty's kid has a mix up with the law, but when a Republican has a the same issue, it's ENDLESS harping on the Republicans and not any mention of people on the left who have - oh I dunno KILLED people? bias? What bias? It's getting more transparent everyday. And Merideth is even MORE of a stupid tart than katie. Merideth makes Katie look like a professor.
They're all Bobbleheads! I
July 6, 2007 - 07:52 ET by kathleenirishThey're all Bobbleheads! I hate these dopey women of t.v. journalism!
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
Does anyone expect anything d
July 6, 2007 - 08:05 ET by Dad GummitDoes anyone expect anything different? After all, Jenna Bush tried to buy ...OMG! A Margarita! The bartender called 911!.. We all know Chelsae was a vestal virgin the entire time her daddy was in orifice. There was no negative press ever. The press pretended to have dignity and would say that the children should be left alone.
Furthermore.... What is becoming of Congressman Jefferson (D) from NOLA? Tom Delay (R) was drummed out of office for allegations of impropriety- with a constant barrage of negative headlined press, and Jefferson was caught with bribe money, and only a tiny fraction of the number of articles can be found on the matter, and they're buried in the back pages.
"If you don't read a newspaper, you are uninformed. If you do read a newspaper, you are mis-informed."-Mark Twain
Lighten up on the kid,Al Gore
July 6, 2007 - 08:59 ET by SemperrightLighten up on the kid,
Al Gore is his dad.
Who knows what anyone of us would ingest to numb that pain.
HA!
July 6, 2007 - 09:05 ET by MC RoveI know no one on our side has abused any chemical substance, legal or illegal, at all, ever, end of story, cross my heart, honest injun, scout's honor, kingdom come thy-will-be-done AMEN!
hey Al
July 6, 2007 - 07:51 ET by the mad poleI don't know what kind of Father Al is, but if his kid sees him enjoying himself on stage this weekend, junior will be hurt at a time he needs a hug and a swat on the butt. God doesn't give too many chances with kids.
Chelsea Clinton seemed to l
July 6, 2007 - 07:52 ET by motherbeltChelsea Clinton seemed to literally hold her parents together at the height of her father's Monica Lewinsky scandal.-
Excuse me, but how the he** does he know this? The picture of them walking to the helicopter to go to Martha's Vineyard with Chelsea between them? Like that wasn't a set-up shot of the family sticking together. Come on.
The whole point is that Democrats even have better children than Republicans.
Their bias is so ingrained that it just comes completely naturally.
I've never been to a Democr
July 6, 2007 - 08:07 ET by sarcasmoI've never been to a Democrat or Republican political convention, but after attending just ONE Libertarian Party convention in the early '90s, I've been continually asking the media to cover the kids of politics. I don't mean the kids of politicians, either, I mean the kids that are taken by their parents to various political conventions. Ideally, they'd even do it secretly, so the partisans don't know what's happening 'till after it's done (maybe journalist poses as babysitter?). I'm not in the least worried about the resulting article if the journalist is even halfway-honest about doing the job. Large-L Libertarians' kids were & are that-impressive to me, and I generally dislike most children. Of course, if the story's ever done, they'll no doubt try to do it WITHOUT bothering to cover the kids of Libertarians, Greens, etc. since that would require journalism...
JMR
Asking much of the media - &q
July 6, 2007 - 08:41 ET by FastEdAsking much of the media - ". . if the journalist is even halfway-honest . ." but you catch yourself with ". . that would require journalism..." I don't have any respect for any of the msm (Lsm) due mostly to their cowardly non-coverage of facts, and I don't want to get you started about their MIA concerning Libertarian coverage.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Doesn't it seem like a good
July 6, 2007 - 08:52 ET by sarcasmoDoesn't it seem like a good story, though?? Even the neutered version they'd want to do -- the one that desperately-tries to pretend Libertarians & Greens don't exist -- sounds VERY interesting to me. It woudn't be scientific, but I'd be fascinated to see how various kids from parents of various politics (who further self-selected by bringing their kids to a political convention) behave or misbehave. I've heard the major parties have actual daycare centers, which would be an ideal place for a journalist to work undercover. In '93, the Libertarians had no money for frills like that, so the older kids simply watched the younger ones and everything turned out just fine. I'm still remembering (and still trying to find) the story where the journalist interviewed prostitutes who'd serviced both "major" parties' conventions. Needless to say, the ladies didn't bother with the LP -- they know where the money's at, and they're in business for money, not principles.
JMR
Motherbelt, in my opinion or
July 6, 2007 - 08:28 ET by ForeverOnTheRightMotherbelt, in my opinion or at least one thing I have thought is, the reason the Clintons have not gotten divorced is Hillary's political ambitions. Even in today’s moral decline in this country, msm and hollywood’s fault, a divorce would still hurt her politically. An in tacked family to a politician is a picture of stability and respectability. A divorced politician does not look stable and we can’t help but wonder why are they divorced. I also think we still view divorced women differently than divorced men.
I think too, that if Hillary
July 6, 2007 - 12:08 ET by HypocriteHaterI think too, that if Hillary were to divorce Bill, she would lose the support of their very charitable friends to Bill since he's always been the more popular of the two. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!
This is completely outrageous
July 6, 2007 - 08:03 ET by jpatchThis is completely outrageous. When President Bush's daughters were "cited for underage drinking" (as opposed to being arrested for what, the 4th time for drug charges, like little Gore has been?) the story instantly turned toward George's battles with alcoholism as an adult...which of course was totally in bad taste, and actually was a non sequitur, considering that about 80% of kids, by the time they've actually turned 21, have had a drink, ILLEGALLY. Just another avenue to publically humiliate our President.
Honestly, we all knew that the MSM would find a way to spin this, but I think this is their most scripted, deliberate attempt yet to present Democrats in a good light while simultaneously bashing Republicans (alongside Mr. Elizabeth Edwards' call to Ann). And how in the world do they get off showing the picture of Bush's daughter sticking her tongue out? THIS IS ABOUT AL'S DRUG ADDICT SON!!!! NOT PRESIDENT BUSH!!!!
And they slip in a compliment for the Clintons. WOW. Seriously, it's like they had a war room meeting last night to get this story all put together. I'm a very tolerant person, and I understand what the word "hate" means, but these people that are lying and distorting information like this, they are traitors, and I hate them. They need to be stopped.
Jenna was big news for the
July 6, 2007 - 18:02 ET by Night WatchmanJenna was big news for the same reason Paris Hilton is, both good looking.
The rap on a then 22 year old Chelsea is totally bogus, from a gossip rag. So what if she got drunk.
Gore's kid will land on his feet after rehab.
I'm sure Jenna, Barb, and Chelsea will all do just fine.
I just liked it when Jenna st
July 6, 2007 - 18:15 ET by bigtimerI just liked it when Jenna stuck her tongue out at the leftist press...
Could of been worse...like her middle digit.
LOL....
BT, I love that shot, sh
July 6, 2007 - 19:23 ET by Night WatchmanBT,
I love that shot, shows what a fun gal she is.
I hear she's doing something for the UN in Central America.
Jenna works for UNICEF, to be
July 6, 2007 - 19:52 ET by Del DolemonteJenna works for UNICEF, to be exact. Her book about her work with UNICEF is coming out this fall, published by Harper Collins. First press run is 500,000 copies.
As for her sister Barbara Pierce Bush, who graduated from Yale, she spent her time after graduation working with AIDS patients in several African countries.
Meanwhile, Chelsea Clinton, who the press protected, got her Masters degree by simply parroting what her Dad did as President, and now has a 6 figure income job working for a hedge fund run by a prominent Democrat contributor who donated much denero to her Mom.
Thank you, Del. Good to know
July 6, 2007 - 20:04 ET by QueenMumThank you, Del. Good to know those "drunken Bush girls" have finally got their heads on straight, eh? ;) Too bad the MsM has no time to talk about them now.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
DelD - Thanks for the update.
July 8, 2007 - 13:40 ET by Cape ConservativeDelD - Thanks for the update. Of course, if one of the Bush daughters had been working for a large Republican contributor, we would have been reading about it on page 1, above the fold! But......no one reads a thing about Ms. C!
Selective memory syndrome - s
July 6, 2007 - 08:09 ET by FastEdSelective memory syndrome - seems the cowards of the media forget that Ms. Clinton was a "hands-off" daughter, as far as the msm (Lsm) was concerned, but that attitude rapidly changed when Bush was elected. Hey, cowards - why don't you report the latest Ms. Clinton episode in London? or is she still "hands-off"? (Clintons have something on the members of the media) We remind, you ignore.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
I remember hearing about Lil'
July 6, 2007 - 08:11 ET by Dad GummitI remember hearing about Lil' Al getting popped with weed during Daddy's 2000 campaign. Of course, it was kept out of the media because it wouldn't have hurt Bush's chances of .... ah.... WINNING!
"If you don't read a newspaper, you are uninformed. If you do read a newspaper, you are mis-informed."-Mark Twain
A wise man once said: "N
July 6, 2007 - 08:45 ET by BeanManA wise man once said: "No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home."
I know this to be true. I am the father of a large family. I cannot relate the heart aches my children have caused just as I cannot relate the utter joy and bliss they have caused in my life either.
In my professional life there are ups and downs. The ups cause joy and the downs cause consternation however they are of no comparison to the pains and joys of being a father.
If I were, tomorrow, promoted to a position of prestige and importance in my professional career along with the associated boost in pay my joy would be great. However it would pales in contrast to the joy I feel when my 10 year old son strokes a line-drive double into left field, talk about wanting to strut around!!!
3 Sons are a heritage from th
July 6, 2007 - 08:50 ET by vrwc13Another Wise Man...
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127
I think I remember the litt
July 6, 2007 - 08:54 ET by charlietexasI think I remember the little clinton on the cover of the Enquirer, DRUNK. but thats ok, shes a product of a liberal.....and what happpened to the little carter off-spring?? Al need to go home.
here
July 6, 2007 - 09:00 ET by vrwc13here
I would drink too if Hillary
July 6, 2007 - 09:03 ET by SemperrightI would drink too if Hillary was my mother and Janet Reno was my father.
LOL!"The tree of liberty
July 6, 2007 - 09:10 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveLOL!
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
I think it is telling how the
July 6, 2007 - 09:07 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI think it is telling how the media is handling this and saying "well the Republicans do it too!" The moral equivalence is getting old.
As for Gore's son, he's 24 years old! I don't know about you guys, but once my kids reach 18 and leave home, they are on their own. If they choose to use drugs or get a DUI they'll get no sympathy from me unless they commit themselve to lving clean.
Maybe Gore III's behavior can be traced back to some failure(s) of his parents, but he's a grown man and can make his own decisions. I do think it should be reported in the news because he is the son of a prominent public figure, but I don't think it should be reported/compared to him being a minor that is still living under his parent's roof and in their care and supervision.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Wasn't Gore v. 3.0 like 20 wh
July 6, 2007 - 09:23 ET by jpatchWasn't Gore v.3.0 like 20 when he was arrested the first time for drug possesion? And then was arrested several times after that? Seems to me that not only does Al not have any control over his brood, but that he's a pretty miserable father also. His son probably partakes in this behavior to get the attention that his dad never gives him, and still doesn't.
And listen to some of you, speaking so callously about "he's a grown man...if he were my son I would let him rot in prison until he made a decision to clean up his life." Come on, you sound just like the cold-hearted, insensitive people that the liberals and the MSM make us out to be. If that were my son, this sh*t would have been stopped at arrest number 1. And if it continued, I would make sure that my son got help. It's not about saying, "you're a grown man now, deal with it..." It's about giving the kid tough love and giving him some attention. You all know that the kid isn't really a hardened criminal, he's just the son of the most obnoxious, narcissistic, greedy swindler on the planet...I'd be high 24/7 too!!!
But I wouldn't be driving no Prius, that's for SURE.
After my children leave home,
July 6, 2007 - 09:37 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveAfter my children leave home, they are on their own...especially if they disregard their upbringing and break the law. If my child does something like that at 20 and they don't live under my roof, what am I supposed to do about it? When does it become his own responsibility to account for his choices and actions? What kind of control do you think Al Gore should have over his grown children that don't live with him?
Are you saying that if I get caught with drugs at age 35 my father has an obligation to help straighten me out? I don't think so! That is insane. You are falling into the liberal mind-set that someone else is responsible for our own choices and actions. You show your love for your children by allowing them to be accountable for their choices and actions and suffereing the unpleasant consequences of their poor choices. I will stand by my children and give them the counsel support they need, but I will not make it my responsibility to 'fix' them.
As much as I dislike Al Gore and I don't agree with his agenda, I think he is handling this situation much like I would. You can't expect someone to drop their schedule and obligations because their adult kid screwed up. That kind of mollycoddling cannot lead to anything good IMO.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Great post Mean Gene.I felt t
July 6, 2007 - 09:50 ET by LeonGreat post Mean Gene.
I felt the same way when Bush got all that heat for his daughters. If they aren't in your home, and they're adults, what are you going to do?
You gotta cut the umbilical chord at some point.
BTW, it's funny to picture your father trying to straighten you out at 35! ha. :) Perfect example.
I thought I'd never say this
July 6, 2007 - 09:58 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI thought I'd never say this, but...
Leon, even though we are politically polar opposites, it is nice to know there is something we agree on...even if it is this one thing.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Well, Mean Gene,I think it's
July 6, 2007 - 10:03 ET by LeonWell, Mean Gene,
I think it's important to say what you said, because often times liberals take the full blame for the wussification/coddling of America's youth, but in reality, the problem is prevelant on both sides of the aisle. Americans need to wake up.
People need to man up and accept responsibility for their own actions. Now, if Al Gore's son was 11, it might be a different story, but at some point, Mommy and Daddy are no longer in charge of you. You make your own decisions, you accept the consequences.
I can't imagine messing up at work and expecting my parents to intervene. Haha. Man, that would be so pathetic. Telling my boss, "Uh, excuse for my one second, I have to see what my Dad thinks about this"
And hey, we've agreed on a couple things. Hopefully, this won't be the last thing, but if it is, it's been nice! :)
Leon, I agree with both o
July 6, 2007 - 13:01 ET by Conservative VoiceLeon, I agree with both of you. Gore has enough issues by himself, we don't need to add imaginary issues such as this one. His son is an adult. Some times, no matter how good the parent was, kids do dumb things. His son is an adult. Gore's responsibility is to love his son and to help him...not rescue him.
Though Leon your statement about people need to man up and accept responsibility...that's conservative talk :) You are absolutely right...we need to man up and accept personal responsibility; Katrina comes to mind of what happens when blame goes everywhere except where it belongs.
Gore's kid is 24? WTF. This i
July 6, 2007 - 13:07 ET by florida_chadGore's kid is 24? WTF. This is not Al Gore's problem anymore, the BOY is his own man and only he is responsible for his actions. There are plenty of real reasons to criticize Gore.
Mean Gene: It's not a matter
July 6, 2007 - 10:09 ET by QueenMumMean Gene: It's not a matter of mollycoddling. It's a matter of priorities. To some of us, our families are a top priority. Yeah, this isn't the first time Gore III has screwed up. And yes he's responsible for his actions and should pay whatever price anyone else must. But that doesn't negate the role his family should play in providing emotional and spiritual support.
But I suppose the Gores have the means to see to it that their son gets the appropriate help and support from the members of his family who aren't running around the world trying to convince people that God needs their help in keeping the planet in good working order. So, I guess that I agree that it's not necessary for Gore to put the well-being of his family above the well-being of the whole world at this moment in time.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
Personal accountability is so
July 8, 2007 - 13:55 ET by Cape ConservativePersonal accountability is something that should be taught and reinforced repeatedly over the years of childhood...not brought front and center at age 20 or 24!
A parent's job is to teach, to guide, to lead by example, to give children an opportunity to learn about God. By so doing, they will have a firm foundation on which to build their lives. Too many parents are of the "do as I say, not as I do" variety...and it shows. Children NEED mentors, rules, guidelines, boundaries and lots of LOVE!
PS If AG was my dad, I don't know how I'd handle it...what a pompous a$$!
The importance of parenting d
July 6, 2007 - 09:48 ET by buddycThe importance of parenting does not diminish with age. Gore's actions are a disgrace.
So if I get busted for drugs
July 6, 2007 - 09:59 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveSo if I get busted for drugs at age 35 my father has an obligation to straighten me out?
When does it become my responsibility?
What about my father? What if he screws up? His father is dead. What then?
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Gene...???
July 6, 2007 - 10:07 ET by LionKingSo, when do you stop being a parent? Just because a child becomes an adult does not mean that you have to stop being a parent. As an adult, they are responsible for their actions. If they falter, as a parent, I think we should still be there to help them. I would not stop loving them once they become an adult.
[btw, I do not think anyone said Al Gore was obligated to help his son...seems like it was implied that he should as in should want to.]
Well said, LionKing. A parent
July 6, 2007 - 10:14 ET by QueenMumWell said, LionKing. A parent is always a parent. This doesn't become clear until one's own children reach adulthood. Every parent can still remember the day their precious little ones came into the world. That memory is forever a part of a parent's heart.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
I will always be a parent, an
July 6, 2007 - 10:19 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI will always be a parent, and as I said in an earlier post I will offer my counsel and support, but my children will still have to own up and be accountable for themselves. But what else do you expect you can do for an adult child that chooses to go astray? I never said I would stop loving them.
Our children won't forever be helpless 'children' they grow up and become adults, responsible for themselves.
Again, I'm getting wiffs of liberalism (not the classical kind) in your sentiments on this subject. But I could be reading you wrong and you may be reading me wrong too.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Gene...rotflmao
July 6, 2007 - 10:25 ET by LionKingMe, liberal...that's hilarious. I wasn't attacking you. I agree...when kids become adults, they are responsible for their actions. All I said (meant) was that as parents, we should be willing to stand with our children and help if we can...of course, only if they are willing to accept it.
As for Al Gore III going astray...as I said yesterday in another post, I really hope for the best for him. He has grown up in a liberal bastion from HELL !!!
multi generational family
July 6, 2007 - 10:42 ET by vrwc13LionKing...we attend a church that is primarily homeschooling families and most have embarked upon the concept of developing a multi generational family. The concept is to reinforce family identity with your children, your children's children, etc. The concept includes courtship versus dating, creating a family business, and extending one's faith and commitments on and into future generations of the family.
Mean Gene,I understand about
July 6, 2007 - 10:56 ET by jpatchMean Gene,
I understand about being responsible for your own actions...but what I'm trying to say here is that in my opinion, Gore is partly, if not wholly responsible for his son's behavior. If you think about it, or if you believe, most times petty crimes, especially with drug abuse, are a result of emotional distress, and/or are a cry for help. Seems that Al has been neglecting his child for a while, and hasn't as of yet done anything to help his son, like being a good father, or being there with him. His behavior to me is a cry for help.
Speaking of 'kids' with drug problems...
What about Lindasy Lohan? Brittany Spears? Paris Hilton? Aren't all of these people in similar situations as Gore v.3.0? Spoiled, filthy rich 'children' (who are all really young adults) that can't control themselves for various reasons, but that obviously are in need of serious support from their families and friends, as well as rehabilitation facilities. Look at Chris Farley. The world lost a great person, and a hillarious comedic actor because no one in his life was strong enough to tell him that he had a problem, and that he needed help. Seems to me that leaving an 'adult' alone to deal with his/her problems only leads them down the road to destruction.
"I understand about be
July 6, 2007 - 12:45 ET by ckc1227"I understand about being responsible for your own actions...but what
I'm trying to say here is that in my opinion, Gore is partly, if not
wholly responsible for his son's behavior. "
Unless Al Gore supplied his son with these drugs, the only one responsible for his son's behavior is his son.
I think it has more to do wit
July 6, 2007 - 13:10 ET by Mean Gene Dr. Love"Gore is partly, if not wholly responsible for his son's behavior"
Does that mean that my parents are responsible (wholly or in part) for my brother's cheating on his wife and subsequent divorce? And if so, how do you account for the other 4 sons my parents raised that are in successful marriages (3 of which have already outlasted the duration of the failed marriage by a factor of 2)?
I think it has more to do with peer pressure, too much idle time on their hands, and too much disposable income/unearned money.
Did I ever say to abandon adult children and let them deal with their problems alone? No. I said I would offer counsel, support, and love. The ultimate choice belongs to the child (adult or not) whether they are going to straighten themselves out or not. Parents cannot do it for them or even expect to be able to.
Gore could send his son to rehab, but it won't do either of them a lick of good if his son doesn't choose on his own to change his lifestyle. Have you ever been forced or coerced into doing something you didn't want to do or that you weren't ready for or your heart wasn't in it? Force and coersion breed resentment and rebellion. Gore's son needs to straighten himself out. Family support can only do so much and it isn't a sure-fire safeguard against all the societal pitfalls by which one can be enticed.
I know many strong families that have done everything in their power to help their children succeed. They have been largely successful in preparing their children to be well adjusted adults...and there is still a child here and there that choose to disregard everything they learned in their upbringing...even in my own family.
Imperfect children are not an indication of bad parenting.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
I would agree under any other
July 6, 2007 - 15:42 ET by jpatchI would agree under any other circumstance, but when it comes to drugs, or alcohol, you can't just leave it alone, and say, "work it out." that's how people die. This has happened now like 4 times, and the guy is still only 24. But hey, if Al Gore is fine having a son thats a drug addict criminal, fine by me, I dislike Al Gore very much. I'm just saying, you can't pretend like this doesn't have anything to do with Al. . It does. This has happened in the past when the kid was 20. Whatever, 18 means you're an adult, so at that point, you're cast off into the alleys of life in you're addicted to drugs? "Well, I'd love to help my son, but he's 18, and he's got to handle his drug problems himself." Wow. that's revolutionary parenting.
You can lead a horse to water
July 6, 2007 - 15:54 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveYou can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
...and before you start, I understand that Gore's son isn't a horse ;-)
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Very true!!
July 8, 2007 - 13:58 ET by Cape ConservativeVery true!!
Vieira is a mother for hells
July 6, 2007 - 09:46 ET by buddycVieira is a mother for hells sake. What is wrong with her? Is she so lost to idealogy that she is willing to sacrifice the goal of good parenting to idealogy?
I believe a vital quality of any politician is how good of a father or mother they are. Normally I would say Al Gore's problems with his kids is personal but it is NBC (what a piece of crap network) that wants to publicize it. Without a shred of doubt they are the DNC network.
Al Gore should be with his son and he should interrupt his concert tour. This shows chracter flaws in Gore that many voters saw in 2000. He is a deeply flawed person and not fit to lead this country. Not even the all powerful media can make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
The answer
July 6, 2007 - 10:07 ET by cvgbuckeyeThere are all types of good and bad stories about kids, not different than adults. Regardless, we must try our best to set their direction at the youth side of life.
Our Church is located on the South Ohio River side of Cincinnati. We are (not including Cincinnati) a small community of suburbs with about 250,000 population. Each Sunday we have nearly 3,000 in attendance in our Church. 5 or 6 years ago we started having quite a youth movement. About a year ago we built a new, 7 million dollar, new Church specifically for the youth. It is a seperate building but still on our campus. They have their own Pastors (3 of them), their own worship services and multiple functions. They now have nearly 500 attendees and we are not sure how long it will be before they outgrow the new facility. We have made Chistianity cool; there IS nothing wrong with that and the youth in the community have responded. There are activities, for the youth there, 7 days a week, 16 hours a day.
As we move about the community, we see groups of our kids at various events and activities. I TELL YOU NOW THAT OUR KIDS ABSOLUTELY STAND OUT BY THE LADYLIKE AND GENTLEMANLIKE WAY THAT THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES. It is truly amazing.
Do we have some young people that have had and are having issues. You bet that we probably do but I will put my money on our kids ANY DAY, as a whole, to set the example for the community.
Am I saying that having Jesus Christ in one's life makes the difference, no matter your age? What do you think?
As predicted, here comes the
July 6, 2007 - 09:59 ET by QueenMumAs predicted, here comes the spin.
As I recall, the Bush twins were poor examples for their underage drinking. Whereas, Gore III is simply a victim of the growing problem of prescription drug abuse.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
"Well, see, they do it t
July 6, 2007 - 10:34 ET by HadEnough"Well, see, they do it too"
What losers.
QM - Yup! Spin Spin SpinNow
July 8, 2007 - 14:04 ET by Cape ConservativeQM - Yup! Spin Spin Spin
Now, if possible, they will find a way to blame the entire drug abuse problem on college campuses on GWB! Not the liberal atmosphere or professors...it has to be Bush's fault!
The poor "victims" - parents, clean out your medicine chests is the command - all anyone would find in mine are vitamins or bandaids!
CC: I for one am still p.o.'d
July 8, 2007 - 17:20 ET by QueenMumCC: I for one am still p.o.'d about certain cold and sinus medicines being taken off drugstore shelves because of the meth problem. And recently I heard that someone is trying to put baking soda in the same category - since it's used in the "manufacture" of crack. Ridiculous.
I say lets have the gov'ment pay a drug company to manufacture the crack and the meth, pass it out to anyone who wants it, put the users in a "unknown, secure location" and wait till they all kill themselves. Problem solved and I can then get my Sudafed without having to show I.D.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
Afternoon Queen...After readi
July 8, 2007 - 14:09 ET by bigtimerAfternoon Queen...
After reading your link...Patrick Kennedy comes to mind ...
LOL!
Don't Forget Howard Dean's Son
July 6, 2007 - 10:38 ET by SkepticalOneRemember when Howard Dean's son was cited (but not arrested) for stealing beer and champagne from a country club. The Democrat mantra of "it's a personal issue" allowed the elder Dean to ignore the whole episode with the media's blessing. http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/06/20/dean.son/ Dean did manage to at least go home and take care of the "Problem" But, Gore seems to have too many irons in the global warming fire to go and do much with his son. Kids of privilege get in trouble often (Paris anyone?) but the press try to give a pass to their friends.
Rehab for Little Al
July 6, 2007 - 10:42 ET by FranksamYoungore has been to rehab once or twice already. Will Hillarycare pay for a rich boy's rehab? Will wealthy families like Gore's be able to get 'better rehab' than poor people? Will we allow Muslims to work in a tax-supported health care system, and would Youngore and his daddy be comfortable with Al Qaeda trained doctors helping Youngore with his drug problem?
All this fuss 'bout Junior Go
July 6, 2007 - 10:57 ET by fenderteleAll this fuss 'bout Junior Gore makes me kinda wonder how Noelle Bush's rehab is going?
Do you really care?
July 6, 2007 - 11:03 ET by GalvanicDo you really care? She's been out of rehab since 2003.
Nah...I don't really care see
July 6, 2007 - 11:27 ET by fenderteleNah...I don't really care seeing as Noelle Bush wasn't in any type of public office where she may have been making crucial decisions or setting public policy.
Which makes me kinda wonder...did Cheif Justice William Rehnquist ever go to rehab for his secret addiction to prescription drugs?
Did Kennedy?
July 6, 2007 - 11:35 ET by vrwc13Did Kennedy?
Be sure to scroll down the the chart 2/3rds down.
Did Nixon?
July 6, 2007 - 12:28 ET by fenderteleDid Nixon?
Clinton?
July 6, 2007 - 12:44 ET by vrwc13Clinton?
Sorry v--When you start refer
July 6, 2007 - 13:00 ET by fenderteleSorry v--
When you start referencing webpages from total religious whackjobs, you lose all credibility.
Hey fender, where's you sense
July 6, 2007 - 13:04 ET by vrwc13Hey fender, where's you sense of humor? Got that site from a good source. ) :
Here's a good source for ever
July 6, 2007 - 13:28 ET by fenderteleHere's a good source for everyone here.
fender...what law did Bush violate?
July 6, 2007 - 13:40 ET by LionKingNice little link. What law did Bush break?
Clinton was impeached for perjury. (He was also disbarred.) If we really wanted to dig, I am sure we could find he was involved in the deaths of Vince Foster and Ron Brown. I am sure we could also find he was a rapist.
I find your little link hypocritical also...the investigation did not waste Clinton's time, he wasted his time with interns and other extra-marital affairs.
His inaction with terrorism during his terms and his compliancy with North Korean's nuclear ambition has enabled worldwide threats.
Hey LionKing-Just keep drinki
July 6, 2007 - 13:46 ET by fenderteleHey LionKing-
Just keep drinkin' the Kool-Aid, baby--you're almost there!
fender..way to answer the question
July 6, 2007 - 13:51 ET by LionKingfender, you are such a typical liberal troll. At the beginning of my post I asked you a simple question...I try to keep it simple for you bozos.
I'll try again...What LAW did President Bush violate?
He broke the law by disappoin
July 6, 2007 - 13:56 ET by Sergeant ROCKHe broke the law by disappointing this troll.
Here's a simple answer -- FIS
July 6, 2007 - 14:05 ET by fenderteleHere's a simple answer -- FISA.
I'll play along, fender
July 6, 2007 - 14:09 ET by LionKingHow and when did President Bush violate the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978?
[2 part question]
fender...crickets chirping
July 6, 2007 - 14:22 ET by LionKing<crickets chirping...>
You mean this FISA?:Without
July 6, 2007 - 14:10 ET by MightyMouthYou mean this FISA?:<