Well, seeing as his manager turned down the age old face on the Wheaties offer back in 2004 and now Kellogs dropped him looks like he's going to be the new face of "Beer and a bowl of Twinkies" cereal. The Dolly Madison Snack Co and Samuel Adams Brewery will be heading up production. Save the UPC codes and redeem them for paraphenelia. ;), no really, wink.
Really, this is another example of something I am fast to point out. How a mother/parent/ guardian is so quick to stick that "My Kid Is A Stellar blah blah" on their Christian fish mini vans and take credit for the childs accolades. Then...what? When they fall flat. Nothing, again. pfft, is that the word?
What if someone whipped out their cellphone camera at a frat party and caught a gang or other date rape or hazing crime? I wouldn't mind at all having that type of evidence in a criminal proceeding. But, that's just me.
in those instance im thinkin the phone might be better used to call 911!
Surely, you're not trying to make a correlation between the victimless crime of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and gang rape.
The photographer didn't turn the picture over to law enforcement in order to submit evidence -- they sold it to a UK tabloid to make a bunch of money -- quite possibly having a hit or two themselves, during the course of the evening. S/he wasn't some do-gooder Guardian Angel, they were a rat-fink betrayer, out to make a buck.
and that last is the part that sticks with me too. blech.
-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 15:43, 2009-02-04
Nope, my comment was directly related to the flood of camera pics, nanny cams and other surveillance that we are subjected to. And the way we react and behave in their presence regardless. This is a textbook example. Phelps has been mug shot for his dui in 2004, videotaped getting an obvious lapdance in a somewhat more obvious drunken frenzy while in Vegas recently and now passin the bong at this House party. He just doesn't seem to "get it". Dunno, maybe he's slow, literally.
imagine that life tho? is that the cost of following your dream to have to look at everyone you know and wonder will this person betray me? yeah, he prolly should be more careful but honestly anyone can do something like this these days and how can someone live much less go thru their turbulent twenties with that sort of microscopic lens pointed at them?
Imagine doing nothing for two years but eating, swimming, and sleeping, and then be suddenly "on vacation," rich, famous, and popular.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (Feb. 5) -- Michael Phelps was suspended from competition for three months by USA Swimming, the latest fallout from a photo that showed the Olympic great inhaling from a marijuana pipe.
The sport's national governing body also cut off its financial support to Phelps for the same three-month period, effective Thursday.
"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," the Colorado-based federation said in a statement.
"Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."
Phelps won a record eight gold medals in Beijing and returned to America as one of the world's most acclaimed athletes. Now he's enduring a wave of bad news in the wake of the photo, published Sunday by News of the World, a British tabloid.
Earlier Thursday, cereal and snack maker Kellogg Co. announced it wouldn't renew its sponsorship contract with Phelps, saying his behavior is "not consistent with the image of Kellogg." The swimmer appeared on the company's cereal boxes after his Olympic triumph.
Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment." He didn't dispute the authenticity of the photo, reportedly taken at a house party while Phelps was visiting Columbia, S.C., in November during an extended break from training.
The 23-year-old has resumed training in his hometown of Baltimore, but his plans to return to competitive swimming will have to be put on hold. Phelps had been planning to compete in early March at a Grand Prix meet in Austin, Texas.
Now, he won't be able to allowed to compete until early May, which would give him just over two months to get in some racing before July's world championships in Rome.
What if someone whipped out their cellphone camera at a frat party and caught a gang or other date rape or hazing crime? I wouldn't mind at all having that type of evidence in a criminal proceeding. But, that's just me.
in those instance im thinkin the phone might be better used to call 911!
Surely, you're not trying to make a correlation between the victimless crime of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and gang rape.
The photographer didn't turn the picture over to law enforcement in order to submit evidence -- they sold it to a UK tabloid to make a bunch of money -- quite possibly having a hit or two themselves, during the course of the evening. S/he wasn't some do-gooder Guardian Angel, they were a rat-fink betrayer, out to make a buck.
and that last is the part that sticks with me too. blech.
-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 15:43, 2009-02-04
Nope, my comment was directly related to the flood of camera pics, nanny cams and other surveillance that we are subjected to. And the way we react and behave in their presence regardless. This is a textbook example. Phelps has been mug shot for his dui in 2004, videotaped getting an obvious lapdance in a somewhat more obvious drunken frenzy while in Vegas recently and now passin the bong at this House party. He just doesn't seem to "get it". Dunno, maybe he's slow, literally.
imagine that life tho? is that the cost of following your dream to have to look at everyone you know and wonder will this person betray me? yeah, he prolly should be more careful but honestly anyone can do something like this these days and how can someone live much less go thru their turbulent twenties with that sort of microscopic lens pointed at them?
I saw this. i can only shudder at the hows of this prosecution. Someone takes a cell phone pix of someone doing what looks to be smoking a bong with what looks to be an illegal substance. so, its after the fact, no bong in hand, no residue, no ping of a court mandated drug test, nothing but possible hearsay evidence from others at the party who would have to be offered immunity to testify. how the hell are they going to make that stick? and if this were simply a photo of joe schmoe from the football team would this sheriff have taken notice?
They can make it stick, because instead of being a conniving weasel about it, he did "the right" thing -- owned it, and apologized, and that's as good as a confession heard the world over.
uh huh and i am so glad that he didnt say that he inadvertantly smoked the bong, yanno? but did he confess to drug usage or to disappointing his fans?
This is the statement I saw written up in the press.
"I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement to the Associated Press. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me.
"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
I think its obvious that he did it and that hes owning it but id be surprised if he was actually convicted of this. I dont see any mention of drugs here tho we all know thats what he means. Taken literally, what can they convict him of? bad judgment and regrettable behavior? hell, weve all been guilty of that. lol. Even so, his statement was given (presumably) without any prior miranda warnings and the self incrimination aspect would, id assume, kick in?
The worse aspect of this, for me anyway, is the people whipping out their cell phones to take pictures to sell to the press to topple their newsworthy friends for their 20 pieces of silver. a pox on those folks. yuck.
What if someone whipped out their cellphone camera at a frat party and caught a gang or other date rape or hazing crime? I wouldn't mind at all having that type of evidence in a criminal proceeding. But, that's just me.
Surely, you're not trying to make a correlation between the victimless crime of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and gang rape.
The photographer didn't turn the picture over to law enforcement in order to submit evidence -- they sold it to a UK tabloid to make a bunch of money -- quite possibly having a hit or two themselves, during the course of the evening. S/he wasn't some do-gooder Guardian Angel, they were a rat-fink betrayer, out to make a buck.
-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 15:43, 2009-02-04
Nope, my comment was directly related to the flood of camera pics, nanny cams and other surveillance that we are subjected to. And the way we react and behave in their presence regardless. This is a textbook example. Phelps has been mug shot for his dui in 2004, videotaped getting an obvious lapdance in a somewhat more obvious drunken frenzy while in Vegas recently and now passin the bong at this House party. He just doesn't seem to "get it". Dunno, maybe he's slow, literally.
I saw this. i can only shudder at the hows of this prosecution. Someone takes a cell phone pix of someone doing what looks to be smoking a bong with what looks to be an illegal substance. so, its after the fact, no bong in hand, no residue, no ping of a court mandated drug test, nothing but possible hearsay evidence from others at the party who would have to be offered immunity to testify. how the hell are they going to make that stick? and if this were simply a photo of joe schmoe from the football team would this sheriff have taken notice?
They can make it stick, because instead of being a conniving weasel about it, he did "the right" thing -- owned it, and apologized, and that's as good as a confession heard the world over.
uh huh and i am so glad that he didnt say that he inadvertantly smoked the bong, yanno? but did he confess to drug usage or to disappointing his fans?
This is the statement I saw written up in the press.
"I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement to the Associated Press. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me.
"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
I think its obvious that he did it and that hes owning it but id be surprised if he was actually convicted of this. I dont see any mention of drugs here tho we all know thats what he means. Taken literally, what can they convict him of? bad judgment and regrettable behavior? hell, weve all been guilty of that. lol. Even so, his statement was given (presumably) without any prior miranda warnings and the self incrimination aspect would, id assume, kick in?
The worse aspect of this, for me anyway, is the people whipping out their cell phones to take pictures to sell to the press to topple their newsworthy friends for their 20 pieces of silver. a pox on those folks. yuck.
What if someone whipped out their cellphone camera at a frat party and caught a gang or other date rape or hazing crime? I wouldn't mind at all having that type of evidence in a criminal proceeding. But, that's just me.
Surely, you're not trying to make a correlation between the victimless crime of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and gang rape.
The photographer didn't turn the picture over to law enforcement in order to submit evidence -- they sold it to a UK tabloid to make a bunch of money -- quite possibly having a hit or two themselves, during the course of the evening. S/he wasn't some do-gooder Guardian Angel, they were a rat-fink betrayer, out to make a buck.
I saw this. i can only shudder at the hows of this prosecution. Someone takes a cell phone pix of someone doing what looks to be smoking a bong with what looks to be an illegal substance. so, its after the fact, no bong in hand, no residue, no ping of a court mandated drug test, nothing but possible hearsay evidence from others at the party who would have to be offered immunity to testify. how the hell are they going to make that stick? and if this were simply a photo of joe schmoe from the football team would this sheriff have taken notice?
They can make it stick, because instead of being a conniving weasel about it, he did "the right" thing -- owned it, and apologized, and that's as good as a confession heard the world over.
uh huh and i am so glad that he didnt say that he inadvertantly smoked the bong, yanno? but did he confess to drug usage or to disappointing his fans?
This is the statement I saw written up in the press.
"I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement to the Associated Press. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me.
"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
I think its obvious that he did it and that hes owning it but id be surprised if he was actually convicted of this. I dont see any mention of drugs here tho we all know thats what he means. Taken literally, what can they convict him of? bad judgment and regrettable behavior? hell, weve all been guilty of that. lol. Even so, his statement was given (presumably) without any prior miranda warnings and the self incrimination aspect would, id assume, kick in?
The worse aspect of this, for me anyway, is the people whipping out their cell phones to take pictures to sell to the press to topple their newsworthy friends for their 20 pieces of silver. a pox on those folks. yuck.
What if someone whipped out their cellphone camera at a frat party and caught a gang or other date rape or hazing crime? I wouldn't mind at all having that type of evidence in a criminal proceeding. But, that's just me.
I saw this. i can only shudder at the hows of this prosecution. Someone takes a cell phone pix of someone doing what looks to be smoking a bong with what looks to be an illegal substance. so, its after the fact, no bong in hand, no residue, no ping of a court mandated drug test, nothing but possible hearsay evidence from others at the party who would have to be offered immunity to testify. how the hell are they going to make that stick? and if this were simply a photo of joe schmoe from the football team would this sheriff have taken notice?
They can make it stick, because instead of being a conniving weasel about it, he did "the right" thing -- owned it, and apologized, and that's as good as a confession heard the world over.
uh huh and i am so glad that he didnt say that he inadvertantly smoked the bong, yanno? but did he confess to drug usage or to disappointing his fans?
This is the statement I saw written up in the press.
"I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement to the Associated Press. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me.
"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
I think its obvious that he did it and that hes owning it but id be surprised if he was actually convicted of this. I dont see any mention of drugs here tho we all know thats what he means. Taken literally, what can they convict him of? bad judgment and regrettable behavior? hell, weve all been guilty of that. lol. Even so, his statement was given (presumably) without any prior miranda warnings and the self incrimination aspect would, id assume, kick in?
The worse aspect of this, for me anyway, is the people whipping out their cell phones to take pictures to sell to the press to topple their newsworthy friends for their 20 pieces of silver. a pox on those folks. yuck.
Apparently not. Seems the sheriff has heard your plea, and wants to lock him up,
I saw this. i can only shudder at the hows of this prosecution. Someone takes a cell phone pix of someone doing what looks to be smoking a bong with what looks to be an illegal substance. so, its after the fact, no bong in hand, no residue, no ping of a court mandated drug test, nothing but possible hearsay evidence from others at the party who would have to be offered immunity to testify. how the hell are they going to make that stick? and if this were simply a photo of joe schmoe from the football team would this sheriff have taken notice?
They can make it stick, because instead of being a conniving weasel about it, he did "the right" thing -- owned it, and apologized, and that's as good as a confession heard the world over.
Apparently not. Seems the sheriff has heard your plea, and wants to lock him up,
I saw this. i can only shudder at the hows of this prosecution. Someone takes a cell phone pix of someone doing what looks to be smoking a bong with what looks to be an illegal substance. so, its after the fact, no bong in hand, no residue, no ping of a court mandated drug test, nothing but possible hearsay evidence from others at the party who would have to be offered immunity to testify. how the hell are they going to make that stick? and if this were simply a photo of joe schmoe from the football team would this sheriff have taken notice?
In brief: Linda Chavez, Bernark Kerik - replaced by Michael Chertoff- ("I'll never eat Brownie(s) again")
The GOP survived.
im gonna hope that in this world the final choices dont come down to a choice between the incompetent and the slippery slimey folks.
I was listening tonight to one of the talking heads describing Daschle as "one of the good guys" and then proceeded to list all of the slimey nasty money grubbing things hes done in recent years. If that represents one of the good guys, im really scared to hear who the bad guys are.
Where is Diogenes when ya need him?
What troubles me more than the tax...er..oversight...(suspend disbelief here) is the sense of entitlement that led up to that oversight.
Thus far since Obamas taken office we have the investigation of Richardson donor conflict stuff. We have Geithners tax...er...oversight, Daschle's tax problem, Killefers tax problem.
Im thinking maybe we need to vet the entire congress for tax oversights.
So, the thinking is that Daschle had the oomph and the clout to get health care legislation. Thats prolly why companies like United Health paid him some big bucks to advise them. Too much taint there and we prolly dont know the half of it.
Then there is the rich man who donated that car and driver to the tune of 255K over a 3 year period. All i can do is shake my head here and mutter wtf? I guess when you have a car and driver and a million dollars a year thrown at you by some nice guy who, golly gee prolly doesnt want anything in return for those right actions, things like gilded toilet seats and corporate jets on the public dole prolly dont cause an eye blink.
all of this makes me physically ill. what is the matter with people?
And oh yeah the guy who gave him the car and the million bucks a year? It seems that Daschle tried to get him a job in the new obama govt. Obama nixed that today tho. Imagine the embarrassment for obama had he done so and later it came to light that he gifted Daschle with these goodies?
These people are supposed to be our employees. Instead we have allowed them to elevate themselves to privilege far beyond what any ordinary American will ever see in their lifetime. And what entitles them to this privilege? There is no line here for me between this kind of entitled corruption and the entitled corruption of these corporate thieves who have robbed the american public for the last decade.
I say throw them all out. Every last woman and man who participates in that kind of crap should go and then maybe we can get some legislation that reflects the will of the american people and not the global corporation.
Editorial
The Travails of Tom Daschle
Published: February 2, 2009
Update Appended
When President Obama nominated former Senator Tom Daschle to be his secretary of health and human services, it seemed to be a good choice. Mr. Daschle, as the co-author of a book on health care reform, knew a lot about one of the presidents signature issues. As a former Senate majority leader, he also knew a lot about guiding controversial bills through Congress, where he remains liked and respected by former colleagues.
Unfortunately, new facts have come to light involving his failure to pay substantial taxes that were owed and his sizable income from health-related companies while he worked in the private sector that call into question his suitability for the job. We believe that Mr. Daschle ought to step aside and let the president choose a less-blemished successor.
Mr. Daschles tax shortfall is particularly troubling because it comes on the heels of another nominees failure to pay taxes due. We were not pleased when the presidents Treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner, admitted that he had failed to pay tens of thousands of dollars in federal self-employment taxes while working for the International Monetary Fund despite having signed paperwork acknowledging the obligation.
Now we are confronted with an even larger lapse by Mr. Daschle, who failed to pay $128,000 in taxes, primarily for personal use of a car and driver provided to him by a private equity firm for which he consulted. Although the firm headed by a major Democratic donor had not issued a form 1099 for the value of the car service, Mr. Daschle said he became concerned last June that he might owe taxes on it and instructed his accountant to investigate. Neither was concerned enough to actually pay the taxes.
Only after the Obama transition team flagged unrelated tax issues that would require filing amended returns did Mr. Daschle and his accountant address the need to report the personal use value of the car service more than $255,000 over three years as income. Only after he had been chosen to be the health secretary did Mr. Daschle tell the transition team about the unpaid taxes. He paid some $140,000 in back taxes and interest on Jan. 2 to settle several tax problems and he acknowledges owing more.
In both the Geithner and Daschle cases, the failure to pay taxes is attributed to unintentional oversights. But Mr. Daschle is one oversight case too many. The American tax system depends heavily on voluntary compliance. It would send a terrible message to the public if we ignore the failure of yet another high-level nominee to comply with the tax laws.
Mr. Daschles financial ties to major players in the health care industry may prove to be even more troublesome as health reform efforts proceed. Like many former power players in Washington, Mr. Daschle cashed in on his political savvy and influence to earn $5 million in recent years, including more than $2 million from Alston & Bird, a law and lobbying firm; more than $2 million from the private equity firm, InterMedia Advisors, which provided the car and driver; and hundreds of thousands of dollars for speeches to interest groups, including those representing health insurance plans, medical equipment distributors and pharmacy boards.
Although Mr. Daschle was not a registered lobbyist, he offered policy advice to the UnitedHealth Group, a huge insurance conglomerate. He was also a trustee of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, on whose behalf he voiced opposition to a federal loan for a freight rail line near the clinics headquarters in Rochester, Minn. The loan was subsequently denied by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Mr. Daschle is another in a long line of politicians who move cozily between government and industry. We dont know that his industry ties would influence his judgments on health issues, but they could potentially throw a cloud over health care reform. Mr. Daschle could clear the atmosphere by withdrawing his name.
Update:February 3, 2009After this editorial was published, Tom Daschle did the right thing for himself and more important for the Obama administration and withdrew his name from nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. He may have been propelled to do so by the news that Nancy Killefer, who was appointed by Mr. Obama to the newly created position of White House chief performance officer, had also withdrawn citing her own tax troubles. The withdrawal of Ms. Killefer had left a lot of people, including us, scratching their heads and wondering what had become of President Obama's high ethical standards. It should not be hard for the new president to find high-quality appointees to both of these posts. Before he names them, he might have his team do a little more thorough scrubbing of their tax returns. Americans have the right to know that their appointed leaders pay their full share of taxes.
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." *************************************************
This is the exact same statement he issued (except he was "I'm 18 years old") after the drunk driving arrest subsequent to the 2004 Olympics. Alcohol, pot, in 2012 will he "up it" to Tina, how about heroin for fun. Someone I know actually tried the well, it all comes down to reforming marijuana laws doesn't it? No, it damn well does not. While these bad behaviors (if for nothing other than the bodys concern) are very unusual for serious athletes, he is screaming for attention. He breaks laws, says he's sorry and moves on. Sounds like he has a future in politics, not the pool. Jackass.
"Not in a manner people have come to expect" of him? How about a law abiding one, double jackass.
A sad irony is that the "partying" that was caught on film was at the University of South Carolina. They lost 7 co-eds to a deadly fire just over a year or so ago because they were too f*cked up to know the vacation house was on fire. Yeah, he should be a better example than he is. Damn right. I'll never eat Wheaties again. If it were a woman she would have been rocked or locked up by now. Him? Probably in town for the Super Bowl.Or Super Bong.
Apparently not. Seems the sheriff has heard your plea, and wants to lock him up, so I guess between him, and Daschle, all is once again "right" with the world.
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." *************************************************
This is the exact same statement he issued (except he was "I'm 18 years old") after the drunk driving arrest subsequent to the 2004 Olympics. Alcohol, pot, in 2012 will he "up it" to Tina, how about heroin for fun. Someone I know actually tried the well, it all comes down to reforming marijuana laws doesn't it? No, it damn well does not. While these bad behaviors (if for nothing other than the bodys concern) are very unusual for serious athletes, he is screaming for attention. He breaks laws, says he's sorry and moves on. Sounds like he has a future in politics, not the pool. Jackass.
"Not in a manner people have come to expect" of him? How about a law abiding one, double jackass.
A sad irony is that the "partying" that was caught on film was at the University of South Carolina. They lost 7 co-eds to a deadly fire just over a year or so ago because they were too f*cked up to know the vacation house was on fire. Yeah, he should be a better example than he is. Damn right. I'll never eat Wheaties again. If it were a woman she would have been rocked or locked up by now. Him? Probably in town for the Super Bowl.Or Super Bong.
"Over 83 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once." (And that's from a government survey...)
-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 14:49, 2009-02-01
Add to that 82 million 999,999 are NOT Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer in history. They did not walk away with a million dollar medal bonus, numerous million dollar contracts and a chance in a few years to continue his medalizing(?). Does the fact that so many people DO IT make it legal? Nope. He's a grown man and actions should have consequences. We have entered an era where actions and consequences are no longer inherently cojoined.
An example, it's okay to evade taxes if your Daschel or Geithner and "make good" in time.
Here ya go:
Daschle Withdraws Over Tax Problems
By JENNIFER LOVEN
AP
WASHINGTON (Feb. 3) - Tom Daschle withdrew Tuesday as President Barack Obama's nominee to be health and human services secretary, dealing potential blows to both speedy health care reform and Obama's hopes for a smooth start in the White House.
-------------- All better now. Except, of course, we won't have Dashle's talents in the administration, but maybe he's been sufficiently "punished" now.
There will be NO lobbyist in the new administration, unless they want you there. It's okay to on, and on, and on. I've always said smoke away, after it's legal. And for gawds sake nobody defends driving under the influence. Really, are motor and judgement skills affected in both cases or not? He's just reckless and a really crappy role model. Like it or not, he's a role model. We all are to someone. I'm sorry I made such an effort to watch him this past summer. His Vegas stunts, bong hitting, drunk driving doesn't sit right with me. It shouldn't. He's an embarrassment to the Olympics and athletes in general. All that by the age of 23.
*I've always said smoke away, after it's legal.
*Does the fact that so many people DO IT make it legal? Nope.
Do laws establish morality?
He's a grown man and actions should have consequences. We have entered an era where actions and consequences are no longer inherently cojoined.
I'm sure he would have had "consequences" if he'd been engaging in this activity in the presence of a police officer, rather in the presumed privacy of a dorm room/"home," and although possession of marijuana has been decriminalized in many states, I've little doubt he would have faced the legal penalty there of six months in jail, and/or a $1,000 fine.
Interestingly, SC also has a law against sodomy -- not a misdemeanor, like possession of marijuana, but rather a felony punishable by up to FIVE YEARS in prison, and a $500 fine.
Apparently, SC thinks two men engaging in sex (although it applies to women, too) is a far more heinous crime than is smoking pot, so I guess for Michael Phelps' sake, we should be glad he just smoked some weed, and isn't gay, instead.
"Have sex with another man after it's legal..."
My point is --IMO, not all laws are "just" or "right." Those medals in his possession were not given to him because of his morality, good, bad, or indifferent -- they were earned by his prowess in the pool. He underwent countless drug tests before competing in the Olympics, and passed all with flying colors. I just don't see how this act diminishes or tarnishes one many months prior, or your retroactive viewing of the astounding several days long event which was "Michael Phelps, US swimmer in the 2008 Summer Olympics." I'm sorry (sincerely) you aren't able to appreciate his feat because of this subsequent occurrence; the bottom line is, he didn't use performance enhancing drugs (or any drugs) prior to those swims, and he didn't cheat with equipment, like cork in a baseball bat, or something.
Reasonable Assumption: Tax Evasion and that pesky lien on her home as a result of same said charges.
But really, in her words, it's the current environment that makes it necessary that she withdraw. NOT the fact that she's a freaking cheat. It's no longer a coincidence, it's a raging epidemic.
Two in one day. And this is not the doings of the gop, this is the democratic party unraveling. This is a damned shame.
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." *************************************************
This is the exact same statement he issued (except he was "I'm 18 years old") after the drunk driving arrest subsequent to the 2004 Olympics. Alcohol, pot, in 2012 will he "up it" to Tina, how about heroin for fun. Someone I know actually tried the well, it all comes down to reforming marijuana laws doesn't it? No, it damn well does not. While these bad behaviors (if for nothing other than the bodys concern) are very unusual for serious athletes, he is screaming for attention. He breaks laws, says he's sorry and moves on. Sounds like he has a future in politics, not the pool. Jackass.
"Not in a manner people have come to expect" of him? How about a law abiding one, double jackass.
A sad irony is that the "partying" that was caught on film was at the University of South Carolina. They lost 7 co-eds to a deadly fire just over a year or so ago because they were too f*cked up to know the vacation house was on fire. Yeah, he should be a better example than he is. Damn right. I'll never eat Wheaties again. If it were a woman she would have been rocked or locked up by now. Him? Probably in town for the Super Bowl.Or Super Bong.
"Over 83 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once." (And that's from a government survey...)
-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 14:49, 2009-02-01
Add to that 82 million 999,999 are NOT Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer in history. They did not walk away with a million dollar medal bonus, numerous million dollar contracts and a chance in a few years to continue his medalizing(?). Does the fact that so many people DO IT make it legal? Nope. He's a grown man and actions should have consequences. We have entered an era where actions and consequences are no longer inherently cojoined.
An example, it's okay to evade taxes if your Daschel or Geithner and "make good" in time.
Here ya go:
Daschle Withdraws Over Tax Problems
By JENNIFER LOVEN
AP
WASHINGTON (Feb. 3) - Tom Daschle withdrew Tuesday as President Barack Obama's nominee to be health and human services secretary, dealing potential blows to both speedy health care reform and Obama's hopes for a smooth start in the White House.
-------------- All better now. Except, of course, we won't have Dashle's talents in the administration, but maybe he's been sufficiently "punished" now.
There will be NO lobbyist in the new administration, unless they want you there. It's okay to on, and on, and on. I've always said smoke away, after it's legal. And for gawds sake nobody defends driving under the influence. Really, are motor and judgement skills affected in both cases or not? He's just reckless and a really crappy role model. Like it or not, he's a role model. We all are to someone. I'm sorry I made such an effort to watch him this past summer. His Vegas stunts, bong hitting, drunk driving doesn't sit right with me. It shouldn't. He's an embarrassment to the Olympics and athletes in general. All that by the age of 23.
*I've always said smoke away, after it's legal.
*Does the fact that so many people DO IT make it legal? Nope.
Do laws establish morality?
He's a grown man and actions should have consequences. We have entered an era where actions and consequences are no longer inherently cojoined.
I'm sure he would have had "consequences" if he'd been engaging in this activity in the presence of a police officer, rather in the presumed privacy of a dorm room/"home," and although possession of marijuana has been decriminalized in many states, I've little doubt he would have faced the legal penalty there of six months in jail, and/or a $1,000 fine.
Interestingly, SC also has a law against sodomy -- not a misdemeanor, like possession of marijuana, but rather a felony punishable by up to FIVE YEARS in prison, and a $500 fine.
Apparently, SC thinks two men engaging in sex (although it applies to women, too) is a far more heinous crime than is smoking pot, so I guess for Michael Phelps' sake, we should be glad he just smoked some weed, and isn't gay, instead.
"Have sex with another man after it's legal..."
My point is --IMO, not all laws are "just" or "right." Those medals in his possession were not given to him because of his morality, good, bad, or indifferent -- they were earned by his prowess in the pool. He underwent countless drug tests before competing in the Olympics, and passed all with flying colors. I just don't see how this act diminishes or tarnishes one many months prior, or your retroactive viewing of the astounding several days long event which was "Michael Phelps, US swimmer in the 2008 Summer Olympics." I'm sorry (sincerely) you aren't able to appreciate his feat because of this subsequent occurrence; the bottom line is, he didn't use performance enhancing drugs (or any drugs) prior to those swims, and he didn't cheat with equipment, like cork in a baseball bat, or something.
BoxDog wrote: unless they want you there. It's okay to on, and on, and on. I've always said smoke away, after it's legal. And for gawds sake nobody defends driving under the influence. Really, are motor and judgement skills affected in both cases or not? He's just reckless and a really crappy role model. Like it or not, he's a role model. We all are to someone. I'm sorry I made such an effort to watch him this past summer. His Vegas stunts, bong hitting, drunk driving doesn't sit right with me. It shouldn't. He's an embarrassment to the Olympics and athletes in general. All that by the age of 23.
I certainly wouldnt condone bangin on da bong. its foolish and certainly puts all that hes accomplished at risk. which sort of makes ya wonder why he does it? Hes young and obviously immature and making some very bad choices. Having that sort of fame at such a young age must do all sorts of things to self perception. Not that this is an excuse. Its the rare kid tho that doesnt or hasnt tried pot or drinking. As a parent of people that age its a huge fear for me not the trying pot but the getting caught up in the wasteland of drug usage. Thus far ive been lucky and this hasnt been an issue but i also know that this could change at any moment. But I cant judge him or anyone else who makes this mistake. I made that same mistake when I was in my teens. Nope I wasnt a role model but perhaps when we shoot for those high achievements its the goal and not the assumed responsibility that we willingly take on. Expecting kids to deal with that sort of instant fame and to be a role model may be more than they are emotionally prepared to do. Im more comfortable with hoping that people around him will rally and help him steer his future in a better direction Remember the Charles Barkley ads for Nike?
I got in here for a few fleeting moments last night, (by going through LWET, and then my master account with Sparklit, and clicking this board) and posted a lengthy reply to your last post on this thread, which promptly vanished. I wanted to test run the board before I tried again. My intention was to remove the "test" post if it showed up, and reply, but unfortunately, I was unable to get back here at all, after that.
Nice to know it showed up, and that I eked by, though. :)
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." *************************************************
This is the exact same statement he issued (except he was "I'm 18 years old") after the drunk driving arrest subsequent to the 2004 Olympics. Alcohol, pot, in 2012 will he "up it" to Tina, how about heroin for fun. Someone I know actually tried the well, it all comes down to reforming marijuana laws doesn't it? No, it damn well does not. While these bad behaviors (if for nothing other than the bodys concern) are very unusual for serious athletes, he is screaming for attention. He breaks laws, says he's sorry and moves on. Sounds like he has a future in politics, not the pool. Jackass.
"Not in a manner people have come to expect" of him? How about a law abiding one, double jackass.
A sad irony is that the "partying" that was caught on film was at the University of South Carolina. They lost 7 co-eds to a deadly fire just over a year or so ago because they were too f*cked up to know the vacation house was on fire. Yeah, he should be a better example than he is. Damn right. I'll never eat Wheaties again. If it were a woman she would have been rocked or locked up by now. Him? Probably in town for the Super Bowl.Or Super Bong.
"Over 83 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once." (And that's from a government survey...)
-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 14:49, 2009-02-01
Add to that 82 million 999,999 are NOT Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer in history. They did not walk away with a million dollar medal bonus, numerous million dollar contracts and a chance in a few years to continue his medalizing(?). Does the fact that so many people DO IT make it legal? Nope. He's a grown man and actions should have consequences. We have entered an era where actions and consequences are no longer inherently cojoined. An example, it's okay to evade taxes if your Daschel or Geithner and "make good" in time. There will be NO lobbyist in the new administration, unless they want you there. It's okay to on, and on, and on. I've always said smoke away, after it's legal. And for gawds sake nobody defends driving under the influence. Really, are motor and judgement skills affected in both cases or not? He's just reckless and a really crappy role model. Like it or not, he's a role model. We all are to someone. I'm sorry I made such an effort to watch him this past summer. His Vegas stunts, bong hitting, drunk driving doesn't sit right with me. It shouldn't. He's an embarrassment to the Olympics and athletes in general. All that by the age of 23.
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." *************************************************
This is the exact same statement he issued (except he was "I'm 18 years old") after the drunk driving arrest subsequent to the 2004 Olympics. Alcohol, pot, in 2012 will he "up it" to Tina, how about heroin for fun. Someone I know actually tried the well, it all comes down to reforming marijuana laws doesn't it? No, it damn well does not. While these bad behaviors (if for nothing other than the bodys concern) are very unusual for serious athletes, he is screaming for attention. He breaks laws, says he's sorry and moves on. Sounds like he has a future in politics, not the pool. Jackass.
"Not in a manner people have come to expect" of him? How about a law abiding one, double jackass.
A sad irony is that the "partying" that was caught on film was at the University of South Carolina. They lost 7 co-eds to a deadly fire just over a year or so ago because they were too f*cked up to know the vacation house was on fire. Yeah, he should be a better example than he is. Damn right. I'll never eat Wheaties again. If it were a woman she would have been rocked or locked up by now. Him? Probably in town for the Super Bowl.Or Super Bong.
"Over 83 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once." (And that's from a government survey...)
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again." *************************************************
This is the exact same statement he issued (except he was "I'm 18 years old") after the drunk driving arrest subsequent to the 2004 Olympics. Alcohol, pot, in 2012 will he "up it" to Tina, how about heroin for fun. Someone I know actually tried the well, it all comes down to reforming marijuana laws doesn't it? No, it damn well does not. While these bad behaviors (if for nothing other than the bodys concern) are very unusual for serious athletes, he is screaming for attention. He breaks laws, says he's sorry and moves on. Sounds like he has a future in politics, not the pool. Jackass.
"Not in a manner people have come to expect" of him? How about a law abiding one, double jackass.
A sad irony is that the "partying" that was caught on film was at the University of South Carolina. They lost 7 co-eds to a deadly fire just over a year or so ago because they were too f*cked up to know the vacation house was on fire. Yeah, he should be a better example than he is. Damn right. I'll never eat Wheaties again. If it were a woman she would have been rocked or locked up by now. Him? Probably in town for the Super Bowl.Or Super Bong.
