Michael Phelps took a few hits from a bong while out partying with friends and this is
news? Really? Washington Post news (as opposed to Inside Hollywood or People magazine news)?
The international financial system is crumbling. Tens of thousands are losing their jobs by the week. Wars rage around the globe while oceans warm, acid rains, and poverty spreads, but forget all that: a famous athlete smoked pot!
Hoping to preserve his endorsement stream, Phelps has released a statement acknowledging his "bad judgment" and "regrettable behavior."
His only regret should be missing the chance to tell everyone to chill out and grow up. He might also have mentioned the antiquated marijuana laws nobody takes seriously (except the tens of thousands whose lives are being squandered in prison as we speak), and that marijuana never gave anyone an edge in sports -- unless you consider pizza-eating a sport (well, maybe snowboarding).
In cases like this, there is nothing to be ashamed of but shame itself.
Imagine how much better recent history might be if Bill Clinton, rather than denying his dalliance, had simply said, "My sex life is none of your business. We're trying to run a country here. Get serious or get the hell out of this news conference."
Still, the tide seems to be turning.
Last year, Max Mosley, the 68 year-old British head of Formula One racing was caught up in a sex scandal when News of the World published photos of him having sex with prostitutes. Rather than resigning from public life and slinking away in shame, he challenged them in court, accusing the paper of concocting false stories and invading his privacy by publishing the photos. In July, he won the case, resulting in NOTW having to pay well over a million dollars in fines and legal costs.
On the other side of the ledger, we've got Senators Larry Craig and David Vitter, both rabid opponents of gay rights and stalwart supporters of so-called traditional marriage who have refused to resign after being caught up in prostitution scandals. Unconventional sex is no reason to resign from politics, but blatant hypocrisy is.
In any case, when it comes to marijuana, we'll have to agree with Andrew Sullivan on this one. It's way past time for our culture to grow up. Legalize it already! Sell it along with single-malt scotch, fine Cuban cigars, Lucky Strikes, and all the other poisons adults are free to use, collect the tax revenues and turn our attention to serious matters.
