Posted on 05/05/2006 2:05:21 PM PDT by wcdukenfield
Patrick Kennedy & Double Standards 05/05 04:37 PM
I don't wish anyone ill, except our nation's enemies. It's a good thing that Patrick Kennedy is going back into rehab. But I am very angry.
For nearly three years we witnessed the persecution of Rush Limbaugh, who became addicted to painkillers resulting from back and neck problems. We witnessed leaks by prosecutors who spread lies about him being involved in money laundering, drug rings, and doctor shopping. But the media happily repeated them. Some mocked him.
Rush got help. He has been clean for years. And in most cases, when someone becomes addicted to prescription drugs for the first time, the matter is eventually dropped. Most jurisdictions have set up drug courts for this very purpose. But that didn't stop the state prosecutor in Palm Beach County from spending hundreds of thousands of tax dollars pursuing Rush.
Early on, prosecutors claimed they had evidence of over ten felonies. They demanded that Rush plead guilty to some felony—any felony. He refused, always insisting on his innocence. So, they leaked more lies to the media, hoping to intimidate him. They seized his medical records. They gave his medical records to the media. The media took those records and turned them into graphics for television. Reporters and commentators were studying his prescriptions, discussing both the kinds and amount of medicine he had taken. They were beside themselves with glee. Newsweek, AP and the Palm Beach Post, Rush's local paper, were especially vicious, serving as lap-dogs for the prosecutors.
In court, Rush fought these people every step of the way—all the way to the Florida Supreme Court. He spent millions of dollars defending himself—despite the fact that he had been a first-time abuser, went to rehab, and was clean. And then last October, the lead prosecutor sauntered into court and in response to questioning told the judge—we have no evidence that Rush Limbaugh has committed any crime! None.
So, I am very angry. You will hear commentator after commentator speaking sympathetically about Patrick Kennedy and his addiction to painkillers. You will hear people say that he is addicted, he has a serious health problem, he deserves to be praised for his forthrightness today, and we should leave him alone. And many of these commentators will be the same people who were giddy in their ceaseless attacks on Rush.
I am angry at the double standard, where liberals are regularly treated one way and conservatives another. I am also glad Patrick Kennedy won't be abused as Rush was. But you can be sure that the next conservative with a problem won't be treated like Kennedy.
But there are some aspects to the Kennedy matter that require answers. If Patrick Kennedy, who is not a first offender, is addicted to painkillers, from where did he get them? And there are news reports that he had been drinking earlier at a Capitol Hill bar and alcohol was later smelled on his breath. So, why was the officer on the scene prevented by more senior police officers from performing a routine sobriety test?
I truly wish Patrick Kennedy well. But you bet I'm angry.
DITTO!
F. Lee Levin on the case.
Since Rush has a driver, I don't see much of a comparison. Kennedy drove under the influence, something that we as citizens would pay for for years. These people just don't realize that they work for us anymore.
Thanks. This was my first thought on the subject, too.
I'll see your DITTO and raise you a BUMP
Ambien and Phenergan are NOT pain killers, so what pain meds is he addicted to? Jack Daniels?
Rush is more powerful and threatening than Kennedy. Oh yeah, and he's a republican.
>>So, why was the officer on the scene prevented by more senior police officers from performing a routine sobriety test? <<
BINGO! That's the question that is not being pursued, it seems.
I'm still laughing.
Who knew what and when? ...as the Libs will proceed. Take comfort in the internet, talk radio, Fox News and other sources are uncovering the left wing one day at a time. One day there will be no more Kennedy's lying, breaking laws, and getting the "pass" from the media. Notice, even though it is biased, the networks have to report something, whereas they did not used to have to.
Do taxpayers have to pay for Kennedy's rehab tab?
Mark eloquently conveys what we're all feeling about this blatant double standard.
The truth will come out. The Kennedy's will never stop lying. My opinion, they are just a bunch of low life that want you to believe they are better. They can think again, money and power does not make one better.
Today Rush took the high road and said he hopes Patrick Kennedy can get help.
Patrick Kennedy has a pathetic role model. Can you imagine having Ted Kennedy for a father? And far worse would be watching him slug around the house. Just disgusting.
Of course...all the money in his bank came from us.
this pissant Kennedy relative may have power in MASS, but in DC?
I don't get it. Is the DC police the New Orleans PD?
How long before Cynthia McKinney calls a press conference to announce that she's attending anger management class?
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