Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

After reading through the news listings this evening, I saw the headline where Michael Phelps "Speaks Out".

What are your takes on this, fellow IW's?

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

You need another choice...
d. No, I think marijuana should be legalized and taxed.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

..and,
I don't care, other than I think he's an idiot.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Evidence he's human. Hopefully he'll deal responsibly with it. Hopefully the media will stop canonizing anyone who does anything admirable. Hopefully young folks will learn that some decisions have lifelong impacts.

*edit*

Lessee... suspended from the USA swimming team for 3 months, including no financial support. Dropped by Kellog as a sponsor... less support.

Fortunately for him, the rest of his sponsors are sticking around... for now. Hope he's putting it in the bank...

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

That would get my vote - yes weed might not be good for you, no we should not encourage it but strewth I wish the police would enforce corporate corruption and child abuse with the same zeal.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

In theory, if financial restitution is leglislated for all the harm prohibition has caused, Phelps could get quite a payday.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I second that motion.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Legalized, yes. Taxed only as much as rosemary, thyme, and sage. ;)

Little to no taxes would be collected when a few community gardens can provide pounds and pounds for free. It is so easy to grow. Pot's price is artificially inflated by the black market on an immense scale. Legalization would cause such a tremendous drop in prices, and many people scared to grow because of harsh penalties would take up the hobby. The legalized pot industry would be a niche one.

The industrial side of the plant, our great war hero HEMP, that's the money maker for our society after the fall of prohibition.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

We could make tremendous amounts of very good quality clothing with that plant. In a time of durable energy I'd say 'why not'.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I didn't know, and to be honest, didn't much care. He's human. So what?

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I don't understand it, as much as the rest of society, especially the media, embraces drugs and alcohol the way that it does, when we find out that some athlete does it and it turns into national controversy. Just because he's a role model, now everyone thinks all his young followers are more likely to do it, problem is, they probably already were.

But nope, don't care much about it, before or after everyone found out he did it.

P.S. - Liquor is better, comes in a much greater variety of flavors :P

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I don't know, he's from a land far far away, I never met the guy nor does he know about my existance. Whatever he does will not effect me in any other way. So should I care about him?

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

The option "I don't care what celebrities do with their own lives" was missing so I can't vote...

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

The great tragedy which keeps repeating itself in our society is alot of these these kids grow up, try pot, find out it's really somewhere between mostly harmless and fun.

Suddenly feeling betrayed by all those fabulous rolemodels: parents, teachers, government, ect. by finding out they are a bunch of liars/hypocrites at worst and complacently ignorant at best.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I just feel he's an idiot because I can't see how any high is greater than what he has already experienced in the Olympics. ..plus, to let your picture be taken...

What the heck did he think would happen..

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Yeah, I couldn't have said it better.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I don't think people care until the media pretends to, then we're back to this psuedo political correctness and we're convinced that reacting with shock and horror is the right thing to do - even though it is not. Most young people are liberal as a general rule, and since he is from that generation he mostl likely didn't think it would be such a fuss either. I wonder would the reaction be the same had he smoked a joint in Amsterdam.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Oh, come on. Pot's less dangerous than liquor. I'm with Chewie and ElfBane on this... not that it's a surprise or anything like that.

I didn't vote because there's no "mistake" to learn from here.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I didn't vote because the correct answer was not available
which is:

YES: and his sponsors have every right to care, He gets paid enough money to keep any of us comfortable for life and in return for that money he has an image to maintain. If he fails his end of the deal, he should have to give the money back.

Now if you ask if any single private individual cares....then I would vote, "Not Me" long as he doesnt do it in my house.

I will tell you his sponsors would also dump him if he was out in the headlines as a boozer and drunk driver too.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

"High on life" as it were? Oh please :P

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I don't really care if Phelps smokes a bong, but understandibly his sponsors might do.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Agreed with some of the others, its not that big a deal.

Although, i agree having his photo taken wasnt great, although it is possible he didnt know - in which case some (or at least one) of his 'friends' is a total jackass.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

<font color="plum">Do I personally care that Michael Phelps took a bong hit? No.

Do I think he should have given a little more thought about what he was about to do? Yes.

Why? Well, the corporate sponsorships are one thing. The possibility of being banned from future Olympics is another. But the biggest reason is the fact that Phelps IS a role-model for thousands of young people. He accepted this role when he accepted endorsements and allowed himself to be marketed that way. Whether you agree with the law or not, marinuana is illegal in the U.S. . So, as a role model and US citizen, Phelps should have refrained from smoking so he doesn't encourage others to try something that is illegal.

I never tried illegal drugs and think it is just a bad idea in general to do so. Each person has the right to make his or her own choice in the matter, but when you represent a larger ideal and have the ability to influence the actions of many others, you should conduct yourself with a little more restraint.</font>

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

i said the last one.

society should learn from this that even athletes like weed, so we should LEGALIZE IT!!!

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Actually it's not illegal in all 50 states.

Regardless, this is the kind of atitude which allows tyranny to rise and drives a stake in the heart of liberty. True lovers of freedom ought to be ashamed of prohibition and should speak out against it at every quarter.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Look out Phelps, it's the pigs! They come for you.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...T6buAD96A1JB80

30 days in jail for using the good blessed herb of the Earth, that's the real crime in this episode.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

<font color="plum">It has nothing to do with an attitude that promotes tyranny, <font color="orange">Chewbacca</font>. It is a simple statement of fact.

Marijuana is illegal in most of the 50 states (btw, where is it not illegal?). Just like driving over a certain speed is illegal in most 50 states. If you disagree with the law, then you can certainly speak out to change it. But until it is changed, it's a good idea not to break the law.

As for your concept of prohibition, most substances that are illegal are considered to have side effects that are harmful to the individual and/or others in society or both. That is why the gov't feels the need to make the use of those substances illegal. If you think you should have the freedom to ingest any substance you want, regardless of consequences to yourself or others, then the same logic applies to pharmaceutical drugs. There should be no restrictions on them either.

As always, your freedom to do what you want stops at the point where it interferes with my freedom to not be affected by the choice you make.</font>

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

This is a bad poll. Completely biased. There is no choice about people apathetic to him smoking marijuana.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Im my town they just legalized the use of medicinal marijuana.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

For 70+ years the government has had nothing but propaganda against Marijuana. Lies upon lies.

To trespass on a neighbor's freedom to enjoy a simple good herb, a fruit of the earth. Tyrany, there is no other word for it.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Chewie, sounds like you have a case of religious fervor there.
its a freakin plant. why are you so attached? That in and of it self sounds like a dependency problem.

:vulcan:

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

I voted the OMG option because I took it to be facetious. I've smoked MAYBE a whole ounce of pot in my entire life of 45 years. And done others things (speaking of which can anyone get me some LSD?). About 1/2 the people I know smoke pot. I could get it in 15 minutes if I wanted to. Probably about anyone can. Seems to me we could use the tax revenue a bit more than the bullshit fines involved if you're caught with marijuana.

And Cerek your side effects arguement...I'm sorry but thats almost laughable. No offense intended but they have been studying pot far longer than any drug approved by the FDA. Alcohol certainly has more harmful effects not only to the body but to the public in general(drunk driving, alcohol fueled "incidents", etc). Cigarettes ( the obvious). Gasoline fumes/carbon monoxide (carcinigans anyone?). Thousands upon thousands of products have side effects.

The witchhunt on Phelps and his friends is bullshit. Seriously, who cares? Now South Carolina prosecuters are charging them with a criminal offense which will go on their record. I would wager some of the very idiots pursuing the charges have smoked pot. And lets not forget the fact that they will have a hard time proving anything, because well we all know anything posted on the internet is true right? If so I'll buy myself a radar gun and a camera and get to work catching speeders on the interstate and posting it online. Hell I'll even make a disc and send it to the state troopers. I'm sure they'll get right on the ticket issueing.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

<font color="plum">Sure there is - it's called "democracy". If it were tyranny, then marijuana would be illegal everywhere for any reason. It is not. It has been declared illegal by our elected officials. You don't like their ideas, vote them out of office. Even though many people do smoke marijuana, it seems the majority is either "ok" with marijuana being illegal or don't care enough to worry about it. If the masses truly demanded change, then it's possible it could be legalized. Again, that defies your hysterical cry of "tyranny". (kinda like people demonizing Bush by calling him "Hitler" when Bush at his worst couldn't come close to the atrocities commited by Adolf - but don't let trivial facts get in the way of a good hysterical rant).

<font color="white">LoA</font> - if you go back and re-read my post, you might notice I mentioned several other drugs besides marijuana. Most of the side-effects I referred to are associated with those. That doesn't mean marijuana is completely innocent. Research has shown that it marijuana does affect short term memory. There have been other side effects associated with prolonged use, but I haven't read the research recently enough to remember what they are.

I also never said marijuana was any worse than cigarettes or alcohol. I'll readily admit the effects from these two substances can be far more damaging (immediately with alcohol and long term with tobacco) and it is hypocritical that these two substances remain legal. Which means supporters of marijuana need to take democratic steps to get the laws changed.

My original point still stands, however. Whether you agree or disagree with the law, the fact remains that it is AGAINST the law to smoke marijuana (not that it really slows anybody down who wants it). So, if you're going to smoke marijuana, then you have to accept the consequences of your actions if you get caught.</font>

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

They just said on the news yesterday that it is (or may be) linked to cancer of the nuts.
Maybe Phelps is trying to loose his to give him an edge?

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Without joining an argument of whether or not Marijuana is good or bad, the fact is that in most places its illegal and considered a bad thing.

I have always felt no sympathy towards people like Phelps who do the wrong thing, sure people make mistakes, but I believe when you are paid endorsements and extremely large wages like he is, you must sacrifice some freedoms in order to keep them.
If a football player who earns 800k a year makes a scene in a bar and has a fight, I think they should be punished, just like everyone else, your job is to please/entertain the public, if it wasn't for them, you couldn't afford your solid gold toilet seats and fancy cars :P

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

It's currently illegal. Whether it should be or not is another issue, although perhaps all it will take is a couple of high-profile cases to sway things. However, there have been many higher-profile people busted for pot over the years, so I hold no high hopes for that.

The SC Sheriff, however, appears to be going *WAY* out of his way to make this an issue. I suspect that he's going *SO* far with arresting and interviewing people that he's going to follow that guy who prosecuted the Duke Lacrosse team...right out of office.

Folks being arrested are being grilled not about what they've done, but almost exclusively about Phelps. If that's not approaching a witch hunt, I've got property in Salem Mass for sale...

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

It's Religion 101 or rather 1:11.

http://bible.cc/genesis/1-11.htm


Speaking of problems, your problem in the post is acting like some kind of know-it-all internet psycho-analyst. It shows your narcisistic tendency imo. Basically, Your a jerk.

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

So the history of prohibition back to 1937 is based on fair principles and the application of democracy? You'll testify to that?

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

<font color="plum">Prohibition was overturned. So, yes, that sounds like democracy in action.

Several drugs have been declared illegal for various reasons and all of these drugs have been proven to have different negative effects on the people who use them - some more serious than others.

If you disagree with a law in this country, you can speak out against it and start a movement to get it changed. There is a process in place for changing laws that people don't like - and it is NOT left up to the idiosyncratic whims of a supreme ruler. So, like it or not, the fact that marijuana is illegal is NOT the result of tyranny.</font>

Re: Poll: Does anybody care about Michael Phelps and his bong?
 

Well, what it really comes down to, marijuana may be seen by a lot of people as harmless in comparison to a lot of other substances that normally get abused, but it's still a drug that is illegal.

It has nothing to do with tyranny or the whole 'well, this shouldn't happen cause they've done it too'. I agree with LoA, access to it is really rather simple and more than a fair share of people I know also do it. Should it be sidestepped because of that? No, cause it's a lame reason. And it probably is safe to assume that these same people that use it themselves are busting Phelps for it.

It's not tyranny, it's hypocrisy.