It's a psychedelic experience this week, watching Cindy McCain out on the campaign trail, attacking the opponent's wife. In rally after rally she says, "I've always been proud of my country," a not so subtle jab at Michelle Obama's gaffe earlier about really being proud of America for the first time.
But Cindy McCain has one hell of a scandal in her past. In the mid-nineties she was addicted to prescription pain killers. Worse, she was stealing the drugs from the American Voluntary Medical Team, a third world relief organization she founded. Like most ridiculously rich people, she didn't have to go to jail for her crimes and was allowed to enter a rehab program rather than face criminal charges. The charity was shut down.
So when Cindy McCain says, "All I know is that I've always been proud of my country," take it with a grain of salt. She spent at least three years stoned out of her mind. It's impossible to know what she thought during that time. Was she really proud, or was she just hallucinating?
Cindy's addiction has been virtually ignored this election season. As a thought experiment, try to imagine what the reaction would be if Michelle Obama had a history with drug addiction? If Michelle Obama had stolen drugs meant for third world countries to support her own addiction?
Of course, we want to leave spouses out of politics. But if Cindy is out attacking Michelle people are going to start throwing rocks back at her glass house. She'd have to be high to think otherwise.
Some stories about Cindy's drug addiction:
Salon.com
The London Telegraph
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And why shouldn't she attack Michelle Obama? So far, Lil CindyLou- Who has been given a pass on anything she's wanted. it only makes since she believes she did nothing wrong or scandalous or illegal, since she's never been held accountable.
I have no sympathy for her and if she is willing to be catty and call attention nonsensical misstatements by Michelle then she should be able to take the scrutiny of her CRIMINAL history. That includes her drug addictions, her stealing drugs from a charity (doesn't get much worse than that folks!!) the fact that she practically stole another woman's husband... oh and by the way she plans to never release her tax returns - EVEN if she is first lady.
The double standard of the Repubs and the media is sickening and if she is willing to hurl verbal punches at another woman then anything she did and DOES is fair game as well
What did I hear about the pot calling the kettle black?
I was a little stunned by that last statement. It didn't stun me that this is what she thinks, but in this day and age to actually let it come out of her mouth, was beyond belief. What the devil did she mean by "traditional?"
Just because the competition is taking cheap shots and promoting irrelevant character assassination is no justification to do the same.
Wasn't like that when BJ Clinton fibbed about a hum job.
The right needs to get its story straight on this crap.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/6/14/101651/121
this was the diarist's conclusion:
"This "charitable" foundation looks like it is really a legal way of generating big tax deductions for Cindy while also keeping John safe from legal judgments, like the kind you get hit with from former wives who got kicked to the curb after you decided to trade up."
What is actually appalling is that what she did was punishable offense. Obtaining prescrioptions fraudulently, and fraud in the misuse of that foundation. For most AVERAGE Americans, we would ahve served prison time, and not received a "deferment" of the prosecution.
Cindy McCain needs to stay out of the character debate - she is out of her league and unarmed.
Signed,
Adult white male from a red state
Like Rush?
that help people get off drugs and return to society. And comment on the horrible system where addicts are jailed rather than treated...unless they are well connected and/or wealthy?
The press would do the rest of the dot connecting.
*This does not include Narconon, which is a $cientology front group and not related to Narcotics Anonymous in any way.
the republicans threw out the political rulebook regarding decency long ago and have repeatedly proven their willingness to say anything and do anything necessary to retain their death grip on america
the neocon pugs in d.c. play by "kill or be killed" rules while the dems just keep rolling over, capitulating and cowering in the corner at every confrontation --- THAT is the primary reason why we are where we are today in this (once great) nation that now stands on the verge of economic collapse while rich bushco cronies just keep getting richer
when bullies keep slugging away at everybody who gets in their way, there is only one response that will pierce their delusions of power and supremacy, and that is to let them know that you are more than willing and able to slug back and inflict damage if necessary
there comes a point in time when self-preservation and the survival instinct MUST kick in and that time is NOW
Mean-spirited politics is a cancer in this society. Nobody comes out untainted by wallowing in hurtful thoughts, speech and action. The Golden Rule should be plastered on large billboards around the country. Do not do to others what you may find hurtful if it is done to you!
If all candidates make a public vow to immediately denounce their own camp for any attacks that inflict collateral damage, perhaps there will be a restoration of civility and reduce voter's cynicism.
Also, I don't necessarily know if it benefits us to not have SOME level of "dirty" politics. If a candidate doesn't bring up the negatives of their rival, who is going to inform the public of that persons questionable character? The person with the questionable character? Well, that isn't going to happen. The press? No, not unless they don't want to. If I'm running against someone that I know did drugs or was accepting bribes or something, under your theory, I shouldn't say anything. The public then runs the risk of electing a public servant who may do drugs or takes bribes while in office. Negatives are just as big a part of getting to know the candidate as the positives are. The only thing I wish is that they concentrated on VALID negatives, i.e. ones that actually go to one's ability to do the job. Being a drug addict is a valid negative; the fact that your rival gives his wife a "fist-pump" is not. However, I've heard more about the fist-pump than the drug addict.
There is a limit to turning the other cheek. Besides the right wing nuts don't mean it in the literal sense. They hide behind the bible but they don't practice charitable compassionate discourse when they are trying to win. So neither should we.
We can't afford to lose this fight . So we have to be ready to fight the battle where ever they take it. If they get in the mud, we have to get in with them And it seems, John and Cindy Lou is comfortable in the mud.
That said, the McCains and the Repugs obviously don't agree. Not only that, but they use lies and innuendo to attack Michelle Obama. For that reason, ALL FACTS, again FACTS about Cindy McCain should be used. The idea of course is to have them treat their opponents as they would like to be treated.
Senator Obama should continue to stay above the fray and speak out against it. That is his wish and the role he should play. The rest of us should ensure the truth is told. The stakes are too high to give the Repugs any room at all. Considering how easily people are made to believe lies - particularly easier it seems when it's a black candidate - the truth must be told.
It's interesting that after graduating she got a job at little over $100K but received a 300% raise after her husband won public office.
I hope she keeps clomping up onto to stages and saying dumb crap. A lot more digging needs to be done. It might piss you off, but outside of you far-left loons most people actually are proud of their country and don't equate lack of pride with a prescription addiction.
If It grates on your nerves just wait till this election really gets going. Just like with these blogs, McCain can stay above the fray while us "bitter, bible thumping, gun toting, xenephobes, make sure we get the word out on billboards, talk radio and television. It's going to be fun. And Bigfoot isn't excused.
*******************Troll Alert*******************************
Many of the nuggets cited above have been thoroughly debunked. Be warned.
By the way, the troll calls Mrs. Obama "bigfoot". If I said Cindy McCain was "pulled a little tight", he/she would cry foul.
Also, we know what would happen if Michelle Obama had this in her past; Barack Obama would not be running for president. Period.