IMO the underlying reason why we aren't currently living happily ever after in the USA (and really never have, or since well before the Bushwhacker Empire) is because the (currently) dominant media is ruled by small-minded scandalmongers. That is, there are at least many thousands if not millions of people CAPABLE of running this country (properly), but are self-disqualified due to their less-than-perfect pasts (or presents). Same is true in Britain and the world over. I believe even if someone is addicted to a reasonably mild drug like pot or alcohol, as long as they can demonstrate extraordinary functionality on the job, they should have equal opportunity at leadership. And it's the persnickety fusspot mentality (which is really only a mask for their jealous nothingness and/or vile, irrational hatred) that plays very strongly in all conspiracies/secret government, as I see it. Distractions are everything.

Here's something I wrote Christmas, '02 (slightly edited) about the Lewinsky nonsense:

To be sure, Clinton would have received a lot of flack for handling the issue the way I would've. He would've been called monstrously arrogant by the media, his political enemies and probably many or even most of his "allies." But I guarantee after some initial huffing and puffing, the whole thing would have blown over and he would have avoided the (toothless anyway) impeachment process. Instead of the infamous finger-waving speech (lie) he made, here is basically what he should have said:

"This matter can be summed up in one word. Actually, it's not a real word, but the word is NUNYA. Nunya bidness. What happens in my private life is something strictly among myself, my wife and daughter and my Maker and NO ONE else. There is absolutely no relation between my job performance and my personal life. I don't use drugs or drink to excess and I stay in good mental, emotional and spiritual condition. End of story. Questions? Comments?"

Anyhoot, never mind me. Please continue deferring to the LCD status quo. Have fun with your backward priorities (to whom it applies).

Need to add that, at least as a head of state, moderation is definitely the key; if any usage at all. That job simply requires too much thinking, acting, communicating to be stoned or tanked to any significant degree... Too bad Bush is (apparently) an alcoholic (again). I don't think he's demonstrating extraordinary functionality. True enough, with or without the booze, Bush is just .