Where Do Candidates Stand on Addiction Issues?
Where do Barack Obama and John McCain stand on issues related to alcoholism and drug addiction? Bob Curley of Join Together has examined the records of both candidates and has come to the conclusion that neither one is exactly a shining star in the drug-policy area, but both are at least aware of the issues.In his feature, "Obama and McCain: Where They Stand on Addiction Issues," Curley looks beyond the candidates' personal involvement with alcohol, tobacco and drugs to examine in detail their voting records and campaign promises regarding drug-related issues.
Both Obama and McCain are former smokers. Obama has admitted to using cocaine and marijuana in his youth. McCain has admitted being a heavy drinker when he was younger. McCain's wife Cindy (pictured) owns a large beer distributorship and has struggled in the past with prescription drug addiction.
As a result, both candidates are more aware than many about addiction issues, Curley says, and both have made alcohol and drug issues a part of their campaign platforms.
Read the Join Together Feature
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In 1994, Mrs. McCain admitted that she had solicited prescriptions for painkillers from physicians who worked for an international charity that she founded, the American Voluntary Medical Team. She then filled the prescriptions in the names of her staff.
Mrs. McCain was violating a position of trust by stealing from a charitable organization, using its money and medical expertise to fuel her drug use. Is this not morally more reprehensible than simply purchasing drugs illegally?
She was the privileged daughter of a prominent family and spouse of an important politician, a person who had her own position of prestige and power. Should she not be held at least as accountable for her actions as an uneducated inner-city drug user? After all, she could enter drug treatment at any time she chose, unlike many drug users who find themselves in prison.
I am a die-hard Democrat and, on the whole, think Cindy McCain is a clotheshanger with bad hair and a haughty attitude but I completely admire her honesty when talking about her former addiction issues. So what that she’s the daughter of privilege? An addict is an addict is an addict and it’s really irrelevant how she aquired her drug of choice. What’s is important is that she faced her demon, admitted it, got help and pressed forward with honesty and committment. And I still can’t believe I’m saying positive things about her!!!