Liberal pain killers
I've been feeling pretty crappy the last few days and away from the computer, but I thought I would drop this little issue on the table.(D.,RI)Rep. Patrick Kennedy will enter rehab for addiction to prescription pain medication this evening after a highly publicized car crash near the Capitol.
Now, if you all remember, we just blogged about the Rush Limbaugh pain killer deal a few days ago. To refresh, Rush has battled an addiction to pain killers while dealing with complications from spinal surgery. He admitted his addiction and sought help. Unable to prove any criminal activity, the State Attorney made a deal with Rush and his attorney, Roy Black, to drop all charges and stop the investigation if Rush agreed to remain in rehab for 18 months.
My beef with this issue is how our press will respond. Across all major news sites (including FOX), headlines proclaimed Rush to be "arrested." Liberal blogs basked in their glory by making fun of Rush and his addiction. Wire stories abound about the criminal activity in the Rush case, not his addiction, not his rehab, nor about his clear victory in this case. Now one of their own is seeking help for a similar problem. How will the media react this time?
My bet is you'll see more talk of compassion for Rep. Kennedy's addiction. You'll see stories focus on how Rep. Kennedy is facing his problem head on and is using his addiction to teach others. There will be no talk of criminal activity. There will be no talk of hypocrisy. There will be no questions of Rep. Kennedy's ability to do his job, nor will there be anyone suggesting his resignation.
For the record, I admire anyone who faces their problems. I admire anyone who can admit they are wrong and seek to correct it. I applaud Rush and Patrick Kennedy if they are able to seek help and fix their addictions.
This is where a Real Republican differs from the other side. I can look at both Limbaugh and Kennedy and see their problems as similar and respect their problems just the same. I have compassion for both men because it's a cold-hearted reality that people have problems. And I can look at these two individuals and say congratulations, they're human. But Washington, the press, and many on the left cannot and will not do that. One pain addiction will always be called "criminal" while the other will be called "courageous."